How to Land a Spot On Your Dream Client’s Hot List of “Go To” Web Writers
Imagine reading the email that landed AWAI as a client.
Or listening in on a phone call as someone pitches me on a web project that I simply can’t turn down.
How valuable would that be for you and your web writing business?
You could take what those web writers did, and use it to secure your own dream clients.
Well today I’m going to take you behind the lines into my world …
And let you see exactly how four web writers landed spots on AWAI’s hot list of go-to copywriters, using four different techniques.
First up, meet Henry …
“Have you ever thought about marketing Money-Making Websites to a younger audience? I’d like to put together a test campaign for you on Facebook.”
Hot List Technique #1: Come up with a new idea.
The key with this technique is to give the potential client an idea tied to a project you can take on for them. “Interested in my idea? Here’s what I’ll do to make it happen for you.”
Henry Bingaman sent me the Facebook idea after attending AWAI’s Web Copy Intensive in February. During the event I had given away a spec challenge for Nick Usborne’s Money-Making Websites program.
Even though we gave away over 50 other specs that day, it was clear that my biggest challenge at the time was successfully launching Nick’s program.
Henry figured tying himself to the launch was his best shot at getting his foot in the door with AWAI, and pitching me a new marketing idea was a great way to stand out above everyone else.
He was right …
Because even though the test didn’t produce gangbuster results, he was able to demonstrate his writing ability, creativity, and ability to meet deadlines during the project.
I’ve since sent Henry quite a few more paying assignments for AWAI, as well as a referral for a project most AWAIers would consider THE client to land.
But I’ll let Henry give you the scoop on that one himself in a future issue.
Because next I’d like to introduce you to Sid …
“Your new blog will receive a lot more traffic and get more activity if you make these few tiny adjustments.”
Hot List Technique #2: Improve something already in place.
Sid Smith was one of our blog-off finalists. His blog entries demonstrated his writing talent and knowledge of the industry, but it was the extra effort after the competition that really got my attention.
Even though he wasn’t chosen by the readers as the winner of the competition, afterwards he gave me a list of things I could do to the AWAI blogging platform to improve it.
That extra “selfless effort” opened the door to writing articles for AWAI. And his success there has since opened the door to larger copywriting and marketing projects, which are now getting underway.
Next up, Pam …
“I know you really want to get the new AWAI website up and running. What can I do to help you?”
Hot List Technique #3: Remind clients of their goals.
You probably already know Pam Foster from The Web Copywriter’s Clear Path to Profits, the “gotta have it” 7-step plan that ensures success with every web client from day one.
Pam Foster is notorious for brilliant follow-up, but she gets me with this one every time. Whenever we meet she gets me to share my most important goals with her. And then she turns around and uses them to land more projects.
I can’t even tell you how many times Pam has single handedly been responsible for checking items off my to-do list over the past several years. And right now she’s in position to be the point person for the new AWAI website we’re working on.
And finally, meet Roy …
“I have two article ideas based on personal experience that tie in with Nick Usborne's "Money-Making Websites" product. Here's a brief description of each article -- please let me know if you'd be interested in me writing them for inclusion in an issue of Wealthy Web Writer.”
Hot List Technique #4: Make life easier.
Making sure you get the best information from Wealthy Web Writer is both my highest priority, and one of the things I love most about my job. But co-managing AWAI with Katie and running our online marketing program means my schedule is often bursting at the seams.
Roy Furr saw that as an opportunity and offered to “take some of the weight off” by writing a few issues for me. What’s more, he made it a no-brainer proposition by actually giving me the outline for the article and demonstrating his writing skills in the rest of his email.
Of course Henry, Sid, Pam and Roy are just four of my “go to” web writers. I have more copy needs than anyone can handle, and am always interested in finding more talented web writers.
As is every other web marketer I talk to …
There are thousands of potential clients out there who would greatly appreciate someone like you to come in and give them a new way to market; improve their current marketing; help them achieve their goals; or simply make their life easier.
Hopefully by now you’re deep into Jay White’s Autoresponder Apprentice program, and will be landing clients next week by writing an autoresponder series for them.
That is hands down easiest way to get your foot in the door with any potential client.
But once you land them, you’ll want to make sure they call you first for any other copy they need written too.
Following up with clients will be one of your keys to success in this business. And while your fellow web writers may simply go with, “hey there, I’m just following up to see if you have any work for me,” I want you to show your clients that you are more than just another writer looking for more work.
I want them to place you at the top of their own hot list, as the web writer they need to call first.
So get out there and make someone’s day – while landing a new client at the same time!
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“I was thrilled to find I’d broken the $20K mark with minimal effort, but more than that it was incredibly satisfying to know I’d earned that money independently - using only my mind and a computer.”
If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to be.
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Rebecca—I’m impressed...
I get significant benefit and insight from every article you write! And I can’t say enough for AWAI for establishing a business that I believe is becoming a national asset. And yes, I am deeply involved in Jay White’s Autoresponder program. In fact, I am seriously considering using it as my beginning launching point in my copywriting business as I continue working on other B2B niches.
Thanks again for the excellent insight from your articles.
KB Johnson
KB Johnson-Ohio – August 5, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Rebecca, Thank you for these wonderful, insightful, teaching articles for beginners...including the "to spec,..." article asking Nick Usborne great questions for beginning copywriters. I love and am v-e-r-y grateful for all of AWAI's support products. Thank you, Patricia del Valle
Patricia del Valle – August 12, 2009 at 4:41 pm