From The Golden Thread Mailbag …
Finding Clients in Your Niche
Hi Pat,
I’m just starting out as a copywriter. I’ve decided on alternative health for my target market, and I need to write a business plan so I can get my business set up to succeed. One of the things I need to do is develop a customer profile. Another is to do market research. Should I consider only businesses in my geographic location? What are your recommendations?
Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth,
Congratulations on deciding what niche you would like to write for. That’s an important step. Now you can begin to search out businesses in that niche. It’s really very simple.
You want to write for established direct-mail companies in the alternative health niche … that’s the profile for your business plan. At this early stage of your career, it doesn’t need to be any more complicated. You don’t need to get into complex demographics that could exclude any potential clients.
I’m willing to bet you have an existing interest in this field. If I’m right, get yourself on the mailing lists of the companies you’re familiar with (if you aren’t on them already). They want nothing more than to send you mail, and they’ll rent your name to other DM health companies that’ll do the same. AWAI also has a program called “Secrets of Writing for the Health Market” that you might want to look into. It includes a comprehensive list of DM companies in the alternative health field.
Don’t worry about geography. One of the nice things about being a freelance copywriter is that you can write copy for clients who are located anywhere.
If, while you’re working on your business plan, more questions pop up about the exact steps you need to take in order to get your business off the ground, you may want to pick up “Business in a Box,” which covers everything you need to know to become a successful freelancer.
Hello Pat,
I just wanted to share a quick success story.
I sent out an email – based on one of Bob Bly’s sample marketing letters from the Complete Selling-Yourself program – to a potential corporate client whom I had never met. I was planning on following up with a phone call, but within 5 days they replied with an email saying they would like to call me and set up an appointment to meet and talk about some work.
This is the most effective letter that I’ve ever used. I’m really amazed at how well it works.
Thanks for the help, Bob and AWAI!
Becky B.
Hello Becky,
Congratulations. I hope this turns into your first paying client. Let us know what happens!
That’s it for this week. Thanks to one and all. And keep those emails coming!
Pat
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