Pam Foster
AWAI Member Since: 2005
Age: 49 - Really!
What’s your current occupation?
Freelance Copywriter and Sales Catalyst
What’s your former occupation?
Staff Copywriter for various companies
What was the first project you landed?
I’ve been writing marketing copy for about 26 years. My first job was at a local TV station writing commercials for everything from restaurants and car dealerships to clothing and furniture stores.
What are your current projects?
Mainly B2B Web content, newsletters/e-newsletters, direct-marketing campaigns, brochures, video scripts, and product launches. Even though I’m focused on Web content, my clients often ask me to write other materials for them as well.
What has been your proudest copywriting moment?
July 2006 – I FINALLY made the leap into full-time freelance copywriting after decades of being in the corporate cubicle world. I’m proud that I’ve been able to sustain a steady stream of work and income. In fact, I’ll make more money this year than I ever did as a staff employee! I couldn’t have done it without AWAI’s resources and encouragement.
What’s your favorite niche to write for?
Web content focused on lead generation. This includes home pages, landing pages and e-newsletters
What is your income goal for this year?
$120,000+
What’s your writing routine?
I often start by writing a Creative Brief (or reading one created by my client). This outlines the entire scope of the project including the key benefit messages and desired outcome. Then I sit in my quiet office and develop headline options or work on an outline. My clients usually choose one headline, and then I write all the other copy. I pretty much work from 8:30 a.m. until about 4 p.m. on weekdays, but this can vary because I have a lot of flexibility for my family.
Please give us an example of how your life has changed since becoming a copywriter.
I have so much more peace and time to think. I didn’t realize how distracting the cubicle environment was until I left it behind. Now I can work silently at home and choose when I want to attend networking events to interact with peers and prospects. I love the balance of networking, attending client meetings, and spending productive time at home. It’s fantastic!
What success tip would you like to share with your fellow writers?
Network, network, network. This is the key to my success as a freelancer. You can’t stay home and wait for people to call! Don’t be shy – just get out there. Be friendly and genuinely interested in other people. Have a short description of your business ready, but first ask what other people do, because everyone loves to talk about themselves. Once they talk about their businesses, you can often find an “IN” to see where you might help them as a copywriter or gain a lead for copywriting work.
Referrals are HUGE. As an active AWAI member, I first built a solid foundation by studying the AWAI Master’s Program and other great learning tools. Then I went to Bootcamp, attended workshops, and got to know some very well-connected people... and now they’re referring clients to me! Nothing can replace the power and fun of networking.
Finally, have a Website – even if it’s simple – so prospects can see samples of your work.
When did you realize you were living the copywriter’s life?
When I visited my former corporate employer recently for a meeting. (I still write for them.) They were going through some staff changes and workload issues, and the stress level was extremely high. I felt so relieved to be able to walk away after the meeting. I love helping them, but I also love having the freedom to leave and go home to write. That’s my definition of the ideal copywriter’s life!
