Why chase after Fortune 500 companies ... and major league direct marketers ... when you can find more copywriting clients than you can ever hope to handle right in your back yard – local companies your competitors don’t even know about!
Dear Copywriter:
In the early 1900s, Reverend Russell Conwell earned $5 million by giving the same speech, which he titled "Acres of Diamonds," more than 6,000 times to audiences across the country.
His speech told the story of a farmer who sold his farm so he could travel overseas searching for diamonds. After a lifetime of searching, he returned home penniless, having never found treasure.
In the meantime, the man who purchased the farm noticed one day a sparkle in the stream running through the property. He waded into the water and found – a diamond!
Turns out, the farm was sitting on one of the world’s largest diamond mines, which made the new owner rich beyond the dreams of avarice.
The point of Conwell’s speech: you can find a fortune literally in your own backyard, if you just take the time to look for it.
The reverend concluded his talk by telling listeners: “Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas. They are in your own backyard if you but dig for them.”
Conwell didn’t intend for his famous speech to become business advice for freelance copywriters … but as it turns out, his message is true for us, just the same.
Only in this case, the “Acres of Diamonds” in your own backyard is the wealth of copywriting opportunities that await you when you write for nearby small businesses – local companies in your town, city, state, or region.
Why bang your head against the wall?
Most copywriters I talk with – beginners and experienced alike – are obsessively focused on landing what they consider the “diamond clients” of the copywriting industry.
These "dream clients" include Fortune 500 corporations and the “big league” direct marketers like Boardroom, Phillips, Nightingale-Conant, and Agora.
But the problem with pursuing those “dream clients” is that every other freelance copywriter in the world is going after them too!
Today many of the Fortune 500 companies work primarily with large advertising agencies – and if you work with them through their agency instead of directly, your fees and deadlines will be cut in half.
The big-league direct marketers are already locked into regular relationships with the top freelance copywriters ... and your chances of getting them to hire you instead of Clayton Makepeace or David Deutsch are slim at best.
Yes, it’s true that some of the large direct marketers – especially those outside of publishing -- hire other freelance copywriters.
But again, you are competing with almost every other freelancer out there, because they all want to write long-copy promos for nutritional supplements, business opportunity marketers, investments, health, and other national companies.
As a result, these big league clients are bombarded with mailings, e-mails, phone calls, and resumes from freelance copywriters practically begging them for work – creating a lopsided supply-and-demand scenario.
In this buyer’s market, the clients can pick and choose among dozens of copywriters ... call the shots ... and set the fees and terms.
Trying to stand out in this crowd – and get paid top dollar, let alone get an assignment – can often feel like banging your head against the wall or begging, right?
Acres of diamonds – right in your backyard!
However, there is an easier way – indeed, some say a more dignified way -- to become a busy and successful six-figure freelance copywriter....
It’s copywriting for small local companies that are off the radar of 99.99% of the freelance copywriters looking for work.
In our 109-page e-book, Copywriting for the Small Business Market: How to Find the “Acres of Diamonds” in Your Own Back Yard, Wade Shilts and I show you how easy it is to make big bucks from small business clients.
In it, you will discover:
- How to find "acres of diamonds" – great freelance copywriting clients – right in your own back yard. Page 6.
- 3 steps to making your small business copywriting clients love you -- and see you as a trusted expert advisor. Page 81.
- Cold calling may not work with giant corporations. But here’s how you can use cold-calling to unearth local copywriting prospects – many of whom actually pick up their own phone. Page 42.
- The 3 most difficult entrepreneurial client types to work with ... and how to handle each. Page 82.
- Why there is very little competition – and no shortage of copywriting clients for you – in your local small business market. Page 8.
- Surviving – even thriving – in a recession as a freelance copywriter working for small and midsize companies. Page 84.
- 19 tips for finding and reaching new potential small business copywriting clients. Page 43.
- Increase your freelance income 10% to 25% a year or more by offering marketing consultation services to your copywriting clients. Page 86.
- Do small business copywriting clients always have smaller budgets than big corporations? The answer may surprise you. Page 9.
- How to become THE recognized source for marketing information and expertise in your local area. Page 88.
- How to get new business leads at the local grocery store. It works! Page 45.
- Making the transition from freelance copywriter and marketing consultant to full-service marketing services firm. Is it for you? Page 90.
- 6 key advantages of writing copy for small business clients. Page 11.
- 8 rules for effective networking at local business functions and community events. You’ll connect with potential clients – without discomfort or embarrassment. Page 49.
- 7 types of potential copywriting clients you can find within the small business market – and how to work for each. Page 13.
- 8 best places in your town or community to get leads and contacts for potential copywriting assignments. Page 52.
- The #1 method for getting local companies to hire you as their copywriter. Nothing beats it. Page 16.
- 4 quick and easy ways to prospect for small business copywriting clients on the Internet. You don’t even need a web site or blog. Page 55.
- Convince small business owners you are a copywriting expert by writing marketing articles for publications they read. Page 57.
- The shocking truth about making gobs of money writing for small Internet businesses. Page 18.
- Gain visibility in your community by giving talks at these events and venues. Page 58.
- Best franchise clients to write for. Plus: the franchise clients you want to avoid at all costs. Page 19.
- 5 best places locally to advertise your business. They’re dirt-cheap – and they can generate new business while building a ton of goodwill. Page 59.
- 7 ways to reach the decision-maker when marketing your freelance copywriting services to small business. Page 21.
- A proven 4-step process for turning leads into copywriting assignments. Page 60.
- Big corporations are migrating from paper to online. But small businesses still use good old-fashioned brochures … and you can make good old-fashioned money writing them. Page 25.
- 10 easy and affordable ways to keep in touch with your local copywriting clients and prospects all year long – for peanuts. Page 62 .
- How to make money writing newspaper ads ... free-standing inserts ... point-of-sale fliers ... displays ... posters ... signage. Page 26.
- How to build stronger, deeper relationships with your local small business copywriting clients. Page 63.
- Help small businesses generate much-needed sales leads by writing power-packed direct mail letters and postcards. Page 27.
- Setting and getting handsome copywriting fees when dealing with local small business clients. Page 66.
- Get monthly copywriting gigs – and a steady stream of recurring revenues – by writing customer newsletters for your small business clients. Page 28.
- There are only 3 situations in which you should reduce your fees to get a copywriting assignment. Do you know when? Page 68.
- Copywriting assignments you can get from independent professionals ... financial advisors ... Internet marketers ... restaurants ... small manufacturers ... software publishers ... and more. Page 29.
- Why you should never be the low-priced vendor in freelance copywriting – or any other service – when working with small business clients ... even when they pressure you to lower your fees. Page 69.
- How to ensure a steady stream of repeat assignments from every small business client you write copy for. Page 31.
- How to determine the client’s budget for copywriting – before you give your price quotation. Page 71.
- Increase the dollar amount of your average copywriting assignment from small businesses with "up selling." Page 34.
- Want to know what other freelance copywriters in your city or region are charging? Here’s how to find out. Page 73.
- 9 steps to finding "diamonds" – lucrative small business copywriting clients -- in your own back yard. Page 36.
- 10 ways to satisfy your small business copywriting clients so they give you lucrative repeat business, testimonials, and referrals. Page 78.
- 4 questions you should ask to determine whether a small company is a good fit for your freelance copywriting services. Page 37.
- The one thing you NEVER want to do when you send a small business copywriting client your bill. Page 79.
- Checklists for: finding new clients … the first interview with a new client ... keeping clients happy … getting paid on time. Starts on page 93.
- Plus: 28 organizations, trade groups, and conferences for networking ... 15 copywriting and marketing gurus you should read ... 14 essential web sites for marketers. Starts on page 102.
Act now and save $30
Copywriters have paid me as much as $2,000 or more to coach them in their writing careers ... and have told me they’ve made back that investment several times over from my advice.
I don’t do much coaching anymore. But if you could hire me on an hourly basis, the fee is $500, with a 10-hour minimum -- $5,000 -- payable in advance.
But it won’t cost you $5,000 ... $2,000 ... or even $200 to get my advice on breaking into the small business market as a freelance copywriter.
That’s because the cover price of Copywriting for the Small Business Market is $69.
But order today and you pay only $39 – a savings of $30 – LESS than I charge for just 5 minutes of my time.
And that’s what it costs you only if my advice works for you.
If it doesn’t, the cost is zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Because now you can…
Use it risk-free for 90 days
That’s right.
If, after reviewing Copywriting for the Small Business Market, you don’t earn at least 10X what you paid for my e-book with your very first copywriting assignment from a new small business client….
Or you are not 100% satisfied for any reason ... or for no reason at all ... just let me know within 90 days.
We’ll refund your $39 payment in full. And you can keep the e-book free with my compliments. That way, you risk nothing.
One more thing....
Copywriters who write for big-name clients and giant corporations often tell me they feel like a cog in a machine – anonymous, unappreciated, and with no loyalty from their clients.
On the other hand, when you do good work for small business clients, you become “their” copywriter.
They don’t jump around from copywriter to copywriter, looking for a lower price -- or pitting your copy against your competitors in constant tests.
Small business clients favor their copywriter with loyalty, great communication, a warm working relationship, steady work, frequent referrals, and fair – even generous – pay.
So, what are you waiting for?
To order Copywriting for the Small Business Market on a 90-day risk-free trial basis, click below now:
Sincerely,
Bob Bly
P.S. Order Copywriting for the Small Business Market today and you get a FREE 57-page Bonus Report, Secrets of Successful Lead Generation (list price: $29).
Almost every small business copywriting client you get will want you to help them generate more leads.
With this report in hand, you’ll have the tools you need to get your small business clients more leads than they need … and earn their undying gratitude when you do.
In this report, you’ll learn:
- 5 ways to capture the e-mail addresses of web site visitors – page 51.
- The 5-step Motivating Sequence for writing powerful lead-generation copy – page 12.
- Double the sales leads your copy generates with the "bait piece" strategy – page 36.
- 50 proven lead-generating tips and tactics – page 16.
- 31 ideas to generate more inquiries from your ads – page 6.
- The ultimate secret to writing a winning Yellow Pages ad – page 20.
- How to fill your trade show booth with eager prospects – page 23.
- Use the Silver Rule of marketing to get more qualified sales leads – page 3.
To order Copywriting for the Small Business Market ... and get your FREE Bonus Report ... click below now:
A copywriter for more than a quarter of a century, Bob has written promotions for over 100 clients including Phillips, Agora, KCI, 21st Century, Weiss Research, EBI Medical Systems, Sony, IBM, AT&T, Grumman, Crain Communications, McGraw-Hill, Intuit, and AlliedSignal.
Bob is the author of 70 books including The Copywriter’s Handbook (Henry Holt) and Business-to-Business Direct Marketing (NTC Business Books). He has published more than 100 articles in such publications as Successful Meetings, Direct, Business Marketing, Writer ’s Digest, and Amtrak Express.
Bob’s writing awards include a Gold Echo from the Direct Marketing Association, an IMMY from the Information Industry Association, two Southstar Awards, an American Corporate Identity Award of Excellence, and the Standard of Excellence award from the Web Marketing Association. He has also taught marketing at New York University.
Mr. Bly has appeared as a guest on dozens of TV and radio shows including The Advertising Show, Bernard Meltzer, CNBC, and CBS Hard Copy. He has been featured in major media ranging from the LA Times and Nation’s Business to the New York Post and the National Enquirer. He was a featured speaker at the 2006 annual conference of the National Speakers Association.
After years of writing winning online copy that made his clients rich, Bob decided recently to launch his own Internet marketing business. In creating the “Internet Marketing Retirement Plan” in collaboration with Fred Gleeck, Bob took his online business from zero products – and zero income – to over $4,000 a week in net revenues. He did it in less than 6 months, and now is on target to make over $220,000 in annual online sales working just 20 minutes a week!
What they say about Bob Bly's copy and counsel
“I started down this road of copywriting for direct marketers by purchasing your book. Since then I have made about $50,000 in copywriting fees. I feel a debt of gratitude toward you!”
--Ray Edwards
“"I went to Amazon.com and got a copy of Secrets of a Freelance Writer. Wow! ... I loved it! Packed with info. The book had a 'readability' about it that took away all my fears, put me at ease, and made me feel that I wasn't treading on foreign soil. I kept saying to myself, 'I can do that, I can do that!”
- Ronald J. Rich
“Your books served as a complete reference when I started my own freelance writing business a year and half ago. By following the advice you laid out, I quickly reached goals that I had set for year three of my business within the first year. My philosophy is, if you've written it or recommended it, I want to read it.”
- Carla Jahnson
“I own a copy of The Copywriter's Handbook, which is priceless. Thank you for making this information available to those of us on a shoestring.”
- Mary Klaebul, Memphis, TN
“I own Secrets of a Freelance Writer: How to Make $85,000 a Year and The Copywriter's Handbook. Both are great. You did a great job of getting to the nitty gritty. I admire and respect what you have done.”
- Derek A. Chilcoat
“FYI, you started me off with your tape series on freelance copywriting, and I'm an avid reader of yours.”
- Scott T. Smith, Bozeman, MT
“Having read two of your books, Secrets of a Freelance Writer and The Copywriter's Handbook, I am now taking the leap. If not for the strong encouragement of your books, I might not have jumped. Thanks again for the road map that your books offered."
- Eddie Adelman
“I am a great fan and avid reader of your books. When I first started out in this copywriting business nearly ten years ago, your Secrets of a Freelance Writer was my bible (it's so dog-eared, some of the pages are coming apart). You continue to be a great source of inspiration and education.”
- John M. Mora, Plainfield, IL
“Thank you for all the books you've written over the years -- I have enjoyed many of them, and profited from what I've learned. I've been reading Become a Recognized Authority in Your Field this past month -- it's helping me really do the things I've always wanted to do.”
- Michael Knowles
“I read Write More, Sell More a few years ago and loved it.”
- Steve Slaunwhite
“The first time I read your book Secrets of a Freelance Writer I laughed at the fact of picturing myself as a business writer. The second time I read it, I made over $1,000 in a week. I'm laughing for a much better reason now.”
- Grady Smith
“I loved your book The Copywriter's Handbook. It has sincerely helped me in my business and is worth every penny I spent on it!”
- Brian Maquire, Portland, OR
“Had I not discovered your Secrets of a Freelance Writer and The Copywriter's Handbook, I would still be a frustrated, unfulfilled hack. Thank you for saving me from that! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with the rest of us and allowing us to take a piece of the pie. I already love this new career that I never would have discovered without your guidance. Thanks.”
- Elizabeth Hanes
“I wanted to thank you for The Copywriter's Handbook and Secrets of a Freelance Writer. Both books are informative and inspirational.”
- Ken Harrison
“I have read your books Selling Your Services and The Six Figure Consultant and I really appreciate the wealth of knowledge you have shared in both of these publications.”
- Leah Beth Mills, Farmingville, NY
“Thanks a million for my life!”
- Alan Zoldan
“Your books The Copywriter’s Handbook and Secrets of a Freelance Writer helped me start work as a freelancer. I can't tell you how many times those books saved my skin and got me confidently through unfamiliar materials. I am very grateful for your expertise and generosity.”
- Lorraine Thompson
“One of the best copywriters in the business.”
-Michael Meanwell, author, The Wealthy Writer
“Bob Bly is one of the most successful copywriters in the world. I've used his services and purchased a lot of his materials -- and always profited from both.”
-Bob Serling, President, Idea Quotient
“Considered one of the best copywriters in the country.”
-David E. Wright, President, International Speakers Network
“There's no better copywriter than Robert W. Bly, the man I call the 'King of Copy.' He can teach you more about the art and science of marketing than anyone I know.”
-Richard Dean Starr
“20 years ago, when Bob Bly starting teaching copywriting, the field was deeply shrouded in mystery. Now, thanks to Bob, learning copywriting, though still a tricky proposition, is much easier.”
-Ken McCarthy
“For over 25 years, Bob Bly has set the gold standard in results-oriented business-to-business writing.”
-Roger C. Parker, author, Looking Good in Print
“When it comes to educating his fellow copywriters and marketers, Bob Bly is the master.”
--Dianna Huff
“Bly Rules!”
— Murray Raphel, Raphel Marketing
“Mr. Copy.”
— Markus Allen, Publisher
“There is no greater authority on business-to-business direct response copywriting then Bob Bly. What impresses me most about Bob Bly is his knack for making things clear and simple.”
-Scott Miller
“Bob Bly is among the most accomplished self-employed copywriters in recent years.”
- Steve Slaunwhite
“Bob Bly is probably the best business-to-business, high tech, industrial, direct marketing copywriter in the country.”
- John Clausen
“Perhaps the most famous copywriter of them all.”
- The Writer
“[A] freelance writing dynamo...."
- Writer's Digest
“One of the great copywriters in the direct marketing industry....”
- Ruth Stevens, author, The DMA Lead Generation Handbook
“...[a] copywriting giant...”
-Freelance Writer's Report
“Bob Bly is a human machine who has been outputting high-grade direct marketing copy for decades. I've read a few of his numerous books and have learned much from this pro.”
- Larry Chase, Web Digest For Marketers
“Renowned direct marketing practitioner and prolific author Bob Bly [is] nationally recognized for his control-beating copy. [He] knows how to write for results.”
-Kansas City Direct Marketing Association
“Bob Bly is in the upper echelon of direct mail and email copywriters and he's an all-around direct marketing guru. In addition to hundreds of successful campaigns for technology clients, Bly has authored or co-authored more then 50 books.”
-Bruce Hadley, softwareceo.com
“Bly is probably one of the world's most famous and experienced copywriters. He is also a noted authority on the creation of online copy and online trends.”
-The Compulsive Reader
“Bob Bly is a world-class copywriter.”
-Paul Hartunian
“I've known Bob for a long time. His stuff is terrific.”
-Johne Forde, Copywriter's Roundtable
“Bob Bly [is] a prolific advertising genius.”
-Joe Vitale, "Mr. Fire"
“I just wanted to thank you again for the excellent work you did for us. You are the man and I can’t tell you how much I admired your approach and service. Although I’ve never worked with a copywriter before, I think you set the standard pretty high. I look forward to working with you again. You certainly have my vote for the next round!”
—DP Jovine, Tycoon Research
“Great job – I’m always amazed at how you can boil the complex down into simple terms. It flows very well.”
—Kyle Hodgens, Capital Financial Media
“Thank you for the copy. I see why you’re the expert. It’s so simple, it’s brilliant.”
—Sau Hyoung Pak, Big Machine
“The radio spots are very well done. I am very impressed with your work and copywriting expertise. We will be making the changes to the print ad as you suggested. In the future we may work with you to design a totally new print ad. Again, I’d like to say I’m impressed with your services. You were prompt, informative, and definitely know your stuff. We will be recommending you to others and doing repeat business.”
—Joshua Andrews, Health Solutions, LLC
“When people get to the promotion, the promotion has a good conversion rate. In one test, it actually had a 14% conversion to sale ... can’t ask for much better than that.”
—David Galland, Casey Research
“I loved the ad! I don’t see any reason for revision so I have already put through a check request for the balance I owe you on the ad. We are very excited about this one. I can’t wait to see how it does. Thanks so much!”
—Alice Wessendorf, Agora Health Book
“I show off the work that we did on lead generation for negotiation – as well as the conversion program from HMCL – as big successes.”
—Paul Szymanski, Harvard Business School Publishing
“Thank you for being very instrumental on making the launch of the wealth management book such a resounding success. It was so successful that we had to request more copies.”
—Ingrid Boney, II
“Thanks, Bob! You are awesome to work with.”
—Matt Morsa, Stock Secrets, Inc.
“I’ve spoken to a thousand copywriters over the years and Bob Bly is the best. He knows what he’s doing.”
—Joe Culotta, Natural Medicine Co. “I am happy to report to you that your piece out-produced the 4 other packages we tested against it. I want to talk to you about another project....”
—Nick Roumi, Pacific Coast Funding
“This is an outstanding letter. Really nice work!”
—Paul Szymanski, Harvard Business School Publishing
“Like the package ... the tone ... I think it’s excellent.”
—Bill Caskey, Caskey Sales Achievement
“We are very pleased with your copy approach because your copy seems to speak to the neurologist better than the copy in previous promotions. Moreover, your copy presses the sell better and more effectively. I really value your direct marketing copy capabilities and I’m thrilled to have you working with MedLink.”
—Jim Chacona, MedLink
“Just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the hard work and energy you’ve poured into the Sinatra product package. You are a joy to work with.”
—Gail Diggs, Phillips Health
“Thanks again ... you did a great job.”
—Caleb Cherry, Capital Financial Media
“You are a genius! I rarely love copy this much from the get-go. You hit it on the head!”
—Sara Pond, Nightingale-Conant
“The original ad insert of ‘Wall Street’s Loss is Your Gain’ continues to kick butt – pulls 12 to 15 subscriptions a week. Not bad for a $500 investment made 5 months ago.”
—Charles Mizrahi, Stealth Stocks