Getting Started

You are not the only one who is starting a freelance career. People are trying to increase their income by taking on freelance work. Freelancing is how most of the laid off copywriter are getting by while they are out of a job. You have to start off right to beat out the competition.

Finding Clients

For new freelancers, small businesses that can’t afford an ad agency retainer are a great source for that first job. Even in a stable economy these companies are a great resource.

A seasoned freelance may want to begin to re-contact and try to connect with businesses that did not have work for you a year ago. The situation may have changed. You are at an advantage simply because you have contacted them in the past.

Create Writing Samples

You have to have writing samples to get work as a freelance copywriter. If you are just starting out, create a few spec ads or rewrite a news article.

You will not get work based on your pretty logo or letterhead. Clear, concise writing samples are what you have to have in order to get work.

Portfolio Preparation

Always have a portfolio prepared and on hand. Every potential client is going to want to see samples of your work. Send them to your website, email the portfolio, or fax it.

Just be sure to have your portfolio ready before you make customer contact. Be prepared and yu will get more clients.

Do Not Change Your Rates

It is hard to set your rates. It is hard to know whether to charge by the hour, job, or to offer both options. Do not lower your rates because the economy is off. Offer specials or one time discounts. This way, you help your clients with strained budgets and have a way to go back to your old rates when things turn around and not have to explain yourself to your clients.

Contracts

No contract, no work. Never start work without a signed contract in hand. 99% of clients will pay on time, but you never know which one is going to fall into the 1% category.

Deadbeat Clients

The economy is not an excuse for a client to skip out on payment. Do not let yourself think that paying you should be at the bottom a a clients list or an option they can ignore.

You lived up to your part, now they must live up to theirs.

Remember, this situation can be very temporary. You may get called back to work at any time. Freelancing can be a good way to get a boot in the door at a new agency when the economy starts up again.

If you intend to keep on freelancing, now is a good time to get new clients and establish long term relationships.

©2009 PsPrint Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Typically, a letterhead is created along with envelopes, business cards and other company forms. Consider presentation when designing letterheads. Should the letterhead be formal or informal? A formal design might suggest tradition, longevity in the marketplace or heritage. An informal design comes across as more cutting edge, playful or modern.

In a traditional design, symmetry seems to dominate. Elements are centered on the page or envelope. On the other hand, a more contemporary design may use an asymmetrical layout. Type may be set left or right with a strong vertical feeling. No matter what your approach, simplicity is the name of the game.
Your next consideration should be color. Graphics, type and even paper stock should be factored in when deciding on color. Paper choice can add depth and texture to your design solution. I like to consult my printer for suggestions on paper. They are experts and can help you with questions of availability and price.
When arranging your graphics and information elements always remember to leave enough room for the letter’s message.

Last, always design a second sheet. This is what will be used if the letter is long and needs additional pages. Second sheets are much nicer than using a blank sheet. They should, at the very least include the address line. Just in case the second sheet gets separated from the first page of the letter. My favorite solution to the second sheet challenge is to use the logo as a watermark. I usually make the logo large and screen it back. You logo artwork should be no more than 15 percent opacity to assure readability of the type that will be printed over it. These second sheets also work very well to print other documents on such as proposals or reports.

Your letterhead, envelope, biz card and whatever other forms you design should keep a uniform look throughout. Tune in again to read about designing envelopes.

©2009 PsPrint Blog. All Rights Reserved.