Getting Clients from Other Copywriters

One astute reader of my copywriting guide noticed that in the guide, I mention the possibility of getting copywriting clients from other copywriters without actually explaining how. Today, I answer that question.

When a Copywriting Business Grows...

When a copywriter grows his or her business it often gets to the point where the incoming prospects are just too plentiful. Thus, successful copywriters can pick and choose which prospects become clients. However, doing so leads to a negative consequence: lost leads, meaning lost money.

While such a consequence seems unavoidable, it truly isn't. Copywriters can team up to create a win-win situation.

How Copywriting Joint Ventures Work

Let's say I'm a successful copywriter with too many clients to handle. You, on the other hand, are just beginning your copywriting career, spending the majority of your time searching for leads.

A copywriting joint venture would work through the outsourcing of clients by the busy copywriter to the less busy copywriter. In this way, the busy copywriter does not lose potential clients due to time restraints and the less busy copywriter gets clients he wouldn't get otherwise.

What I was getting at in the guide was that you could contact successful copywriters, making the above pitch. I've done this myself with good results at the outset of my career.

Let's look at the details a la Damon Verial style:

• Who: Copywriters who are busy and love money. Most successful copywriters are busy to the point of not being able to take on new clients. Most successful copywriters also love money. Thus, such a segment of the copywriting population is not hidden. However, some copywriters (myself included, by the way) do not outsource work. There are some good reasons for not outsourcing work, one of which is the lack of trust in the ability of new copywriters. So, do not be discouraged if a copywriter rejects your offer out of principle. I personally do not outsource work simply because I want my clients to know they are getting what they pay for -- namely, a copywriter who knows how to write to a male audience.
• What: Offering a business deal. This is somewhat like B2B copywriting, but easier. Think about it: Your prospect does not need to do anything yet can increase her salary. This is the definition of a classic win-win situation.
• Where: Start by contacting copywriters you know personally. If you do not know any copywriters, start googling copywriters in your niche. Use the "get a quote" page on their site or their email address to make contact.
• Why: You can learn while you earn. The experienced copywriter will usually give you some decent suggestions on writing copy and dealing with clients. When I first did this, my "overseer" gave me some great negotiating tips for landing my first big client.
• How: Just send an email or give them a call. I crafted a email that really was copy. I used the email as a direct response message to get the experienced copywriters to work with me. This works great and also shows the successful copywriter he can relax, as you have already demonstrated your copywriting skills.

My Copywriting Template

Below, I am going to give you my personal email template I sent to copywriters when I first started out. You are free to reuse this or edit it to suit your needs in your path to gaining clients:

Dear XXX,

I can tell by your internet presence (website + where you come up in Google rankings) that you are, in all likelihood, a successful copywriter.

If I am not mistaken, then, you probably are not as thrilled as you used to be to get an email from a new client asking for copy. You are probably overbooked with clients as it is.

Fortunately, I am not writing to you to add to your load. I am actually writing to you to lighten your load.

Here is what I want to do for you:

-          Alleviate your workload, freeing up time for you

-          Increase your earnings, with no extra work

-          Impress your clients, with high conversions

To get down to business, I am just starting out my copywriting career. I do not yet have a steady flow of clients, but am looking to grow my business.

If you would consider subcontracting me or referring to me the clients whom you cannot take on, I will give you a considerable portion of the revenue from the project.

I know my stuff, and will not disappoint your clients (I have a M.S. in consumer psychology, a B.S. in statistics, and have completed the AWAI Accelerated Course for Copywriters).

Please contact me at your convenience at this email address or through my website.

Sincerely,

Your Name