#109: My Checklist for Getting Your B2B Copywriting Business Off the Ground Successfully

If you’re struggling to get your B2B / commercial writing business off the ground, this episode is for you.

I detail my seven steps for launching a successful freelance writing or copywriting business quickly and more safely.

The notes that follow are a very basic, unedited summary of the show. There’s a lot more detail in the audio version. You can listen to the show using the audio player below. Or you can subscribe to this podcast series in iTunes.

Step 1: Decide on your positioning.

  • What you do
  • For whom
  • What makes you different
  • Why that difference matters

The four dimensions to consider when thinking about potential target markets:

#1: Your background, experience, passions, skills and talents

#2: Your network

#3: Do they need to explain and market their products or services?

#4: Would you enjoy the people you’d be working with and the topics you’d be writing about?

Step 2: Write your website copy.

You need the following pages:

  • Home
  • Why Me
  • Services
  • Samples
  • Bio
  • Contact Me

Step 3: Get your website LIVE!

  • Consider using a website builder to start (such as Squarespace)
  • Remember: This will be your FIRST iteration; it won’t be perfect!

Step 4: Update your LinkedIn profile using your new web copy

  • Gives you more credibility as you start prospecting
  • Gives you more practice on how to talk about yourself and what you do
  • Tons of prospective clients search LinkedIn looking for freelancers to hire. But don’t use it as a crutch. You still have to prospect!

Step 5: Tap your network

  • 30% or more of the time your first client will come from this group
  • More than likely this first client will be someone who knows someone
  • Use email and phone to contact them

Step 6: Make a list of 10 cold and random prospects in your target market

  • Target them with a warm email
  • Don’t try to create a large list before you start prospecting
  • Do this in groups of 10

Step 7: Create another list of 10 cold and random prospects in your target market.

  • Rinse and repeat
  • You’ll get the hang of it quickly

Final Tip: Having trouble deciding on your target market/niche?

  • Start somewhere
  • The path will become clear once you start taking action
  • Focus on stair-stepping your way to success, not on a windfall

 


Biz Launcher 2.0

 

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