Freelance Copywriter 101 – Persuasive Copy

Anyone and write copy and call themselves a freelance copywriter but being able to put together persuasive copy is the secret to becoming a good copywriter. The sole purpose of your copy is to guide your readers to the goal…a conversion. In order for this to happen each element of your copy must persuade the reader to move on to the next element.
Freelance Copywriter Guidelines for Persuasive Copy
Use these guidelines to expand your ability as a freelance copywriter to write good, thought provoking, and persuasive copy.
#1 – Focus On The Reader – Engage the reader early with a promise using your headline and first few paragraphs. Tell them what is in it for them early and often. Never allow your reader to wonder why they are bothering to read your copy.
#2 – Compelling Ideas – Each and every part of your copy should have a compelling main idea as well as a main purpose that supports the over all promise. Try not to ramble and stay focused.
#3 – Be Specific – As a freelance copywriter a piece of copy is not the time to hint at veiled mysteries, keep it specific using facts. Never use unsupported statements or you’ll find your reader’s “what a bunch of crap” detector will start blaring.
#4 – Credibility – Write in an authoritative manner, quote experts in the field, and use testimonials to build credibility. As a freelance copywriter chances are that you are not an expert in every market that you write it, but you have to sound like you are.
#5 – Back to Basics – Once you have established your credibility get back to the most important part of your copy…the reader. Reinforce what is in it for them and restate the reason that they started reading in the first place.
#6 – The Offer – As a freelance copywriter it doesn’t matter what you are selling you have to present it to the reader and ask them to buy it. Bold and firm go a lot farther with a reader than weak and wimpy.
#7 – Take it Full Circle – Sum up everything that you have promised and proven to your reader. Show them how you have fulfilled your promise and ask for the sale again.
Be a Powerful Successful Freelance Copywriter
Use the guidelines that I have given you in every piece of copy that you write and you can’t go wrong. Use your powers of persuasion and your abilities as a freelance copywriter will amaze your clients and you might even surprise yourself.