THE FINANCIAL CRISIS. THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY FOR FREELANCE COPYWRITERS?

Threat or opportunity for freelance

Copywriters?

THE FINANCIAL CRISIS.

There’s no way of getting around it,

we are living in tough times. The

recession has taken its toll on every

working individual over the last few

years. Apparently times are changing

and the average freelancer is lucky to

keep his or her head above water.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. It would be misleading to say that

there aren’t any upsides. The domino effect of the recession has lead

every company to have a good hard look at their budgets and staff.

Larger businesses have ‘streamlined’ their teams meaning the humble

freelancer gets a look in. I think we have all had a few enquiries from

these larger clients who are looking to outsource as opposed to have

permanent team members.

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Although a great temporary boost, it isn’t a long-term answer. We

are all riding the storm out and taking shelter in the knowledge

that it will move on and better times will come to the rescue of

freelancers’ bank accounts. These less than certain times are an

interesting way of weeding out the less dedicated and forcing us

freelance copywriters to take some time to see our trade and

expertise for what it really is.

We can all be better, we can all tackle new

areas of specialty or network a little harder. If

you want to survive right now, there’s basically

no excuse for not doing so.



COMPLETE THE OMINOUS ‘TO-DO’ LIST

● Spruce up the LinkedIn profile

● Create those awesomely original and

creative promo materials

● Do my taxes

Every copywriter has one. Yes you have your daily

snippets but there’s always the master of all to-do lists

lurking in the background.

Let’s face it, these neglected areas and long forgotten

tasks can now get the time and effort they merit. I

know the work is still coming in but I find if I have one

lazy week it’s a struggle to get back to my previous

form. Keep up your copywriting and problem solving

stamina.



STEP UP YOUR MARKETING

Letting folk know you are still open for business is pretty

essential. Like I said, everyone is struggling so set yourself

apart. You don’t need a monster budget to market yourself

successfully. Utilize social media, blog until your fingers

bleed and be smarter.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS FREE. SIMPLE.Yep, it’s free, plentiful and invaluable if used well. When it comes to

social media, I firmly believe it’s best to do a few well rather than

having a bash at the lot and doing them badly. I favor Twitter for

staying in the loop, sourcing projects and reminding folk I’m still on

the go.



Think outside the box, perhaps try channels like Vine. Not

typically associated with the world of copy, Vine is an

inventive way to gain a following and appeal to the very

industries and creatives that are more likely to take

advantage of the outsourcing resurgence.

BLOG AND BE HONEST

Chronicle your freelancing experiences. Blog

about your honest routines, struggles and reach

out to the community of freelancers out there.

Now’s the time to position yourself as an

unflinching expert and keen observer of the

industry’s status. Potential clients will remember

you for it.



BE A STICKLER FOR QUALITY

It might sound silly but we all know that we’re guilty of

working to less than our full capabilities from time to time. No

more.

Be consistent and you set the bar higher for every copywriter out there too. The recession has had more than a financial

impact, the quality and versatility of the copywriting industry is suffering as a result. Copywriting is commonly the first

thing to be trimmed from the project budget so give your fellow creatives something to stand behind.

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Offer a range of content from topical items to

handy tips, present yourself as an authority. Tackle

subjects with a broader relevance so you get more

than just fellow copywriters interested in your stuff.

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PASTURES NEW

Times will change and so will your schedule. Keep calm, focused and remain a pro. Content creation isn’t going

anywhere, clients will always need it and if anything its value is more readily recognized now than it was five years

ago. Be smart and make better business decisions. It may seem obvious but take pride in your status as a

freelancer and preserve the industry. Financially there’s a heap of things you can get busy with while you weather

out the storm. Tutor, mentor or consult. The key is broadening your expertise and shouting a little louder.

Things may be a bit wobbly UK-wise, but not every economy is

struggling in the same way. Seek clients outside Britain. A heap of

my clients are based in the US and have no reservations with my

UK location. Time difference takes a little flexibility but contact is a

doddle with Skype and Google Hangout.

Freelancers rarely take advantage of their freedom and privilege

in picking their own clients so take this time to indulge. Work with

clients you can start forming long-term relationships with. On the

whole, the creative climate over there is structured much the same

with copywriters being regularly outsourced so be there, ready

and online.

….AND STOP PANICKING!



DON’T:● Offer discounts

● Be bitter

● Bitch about your lack of work publicly

What’s your experience of the financial crisis? Is it a threat or, actually, an opportunity? Give us your

thoughts below. Oh, and also, have you ever thought of becoming a GUEST WRITER for us

(just like Nic above)? Go to ‘Contact’ and let us know what you have in mind. We’d love to hear from

you!


Chances are the recession will make you a

better writer and a damn good freelancer.

Value is something constantly overlooked:

the value of clients, of our own work and of

the copywriting industry as a whole. The

‘financial crisis’ is an insight into what true

value means, and costs, to the freelance

copywriter.


THANK YOU

www.beacopywriter.org

Economy & Finance

THE FINANCIAL CRISIS. THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY FOR FREELANCE COPYWRITERS?