Copywriting services for small businesses.

[Yes]

Hey guys. I'm thinking about opening up my own freelance copywriting business, specializing in copy for other small businesses. This includes brochures, mailers, sales letters, etc., but all priced inexpensively to cater to the frugal budgets of new businesses, and designed to create a powerful first impression in the eyes of prospective clients.

Do you think that most small businesses would be willing to invest money in any documentation they need written? Or do you believe that most small businesses would rather save the money and put it towards something else, opting to write their own documentation even though they acknowledge that it might be sub-par.

I'm trying to determine if there's a market for these services, or if most small business owners would have no problem overlooking their copy, at least initially.

[Gunslingergirl]

I think some small businesses would and some wouldn't. What you need to do is educate small business owners about why they need your services. If you can prove to them that spending money with you will free them up to do other things and help them increase their profits, you'll most likely have a winner.

In my opinion, and this may be because I'm a marketer and a writer, many small businesses try to skimp on their copywriting when they really shouldn't. A lot of people think they are good writers, but far fewer actually are. If you can show these people what a benefit good, professional writing can bring to their business, you should be able to convince at least some small business owners to take the plunge.

[Yes]

Originally Posted by Gunslingergirl

I think some small businesses would and some wouldn't. What you need to do is educate small business owners about why they need your services. If you can prove to them that spending money with you will free them up to do other things and help them increase their profits, you'll most likely have a winner.

In my opinion, and this may be because I'm a marketer and a writer, many small businesses try to skimp on their copywriting when they really shouldn't. A lot of people think they are good writers, but far fewer actually are. If you can show these people what a benefit good, professional writing can bring to their business, you should be able to convince at least some small business owners to take the plunge.

Thanks for the input.

I'm sure I could copywrite for businesses of all sizes, but I'm trying to "position" myself in the market. Small businesses may not be the best idea, based on the small amount of research I've done. Like you said, people think they can do it themselves, and are willing to skimp even if they realize a professional would be better.

I need to find some solid, convincing evidence.

[cbscreative]

Like Kristine, I am also both a writer and marketer, and I agree that some will and some won't when it comes to hiring a pro. What you may want to do is reconsider your pricing approach, but that decision will also require you to be able to deliver the goods.

If you can write persuasive copy that increases the profits of your client, then go above average on pricing. I am often amazed at how cheap many writers are willing to work for. I make no attempts to compete against the average price of these services, but instead, focus on the value of the service when done correctly.

In fact, I even tell my clients how cheaply they can get this type of work done for and quote prices that are considerably higher. But I also help them realize that a cheap deal that does nothing is no deal at all. I am not hurting at all for work either. I don't say this to boast, I say this so you might realize that you can do better, and let all the low price/no value crowd fight over the crumbs that fall from the table.

[KarenB]

Hello Yes!

I think there is a huge market for your services. Sometimes it's a matter of convincing folks that they need your services. They may not even know that they do.

I have to agree with Kristine. Some small business owners will be actively seeking someone just like you and some will be trying to avoid any extra costs "at all costs."

I also agree with Steve in terms of not underpricing your services simply to accomodate others' limited budgets. That could send out the message that you undervalue your own work. Sometimes that can be just as ineffective as overpricing.

My personal experience has shown that yes, small business owners are definitely willing to pay for effective materials, especially when they find that their own methods of marketing aren't working.

Karen

[TwilightPics]

Yes, do it! There is a HUGE market for this. When we were small and starting out the MOST frustrating part of building a website was waiting days for the business owner to give us the copy that they wanted to put on their site. When they finally did, more often then not, it was extremely short, boring and poorly written. Not to mention chalk full of spelling errors.

Most business owners won't admit it, but they do need help with this service. As KarenB said it's just a matter of convincing them they need it. It also helps to have a natural gift for writing copy; some have it, some don’t.

After about a year of putting up with this we finally hired our own in house copywriter. She calls the business owners office and interviews them, just like a newspaper would, finding out the details of their business. She knows what pages need to be filled, and how to fill them, it’s worked out better than we could have imagined.

Good luck!

-Jrock

[rknuppel]

I'm one of those new small business owners 'on the bubble'. I feel like I'm bright enough to write my own stuff - yet I realize that writing is NOT my natural talent. I guess I would just need to be convinced that a copywriter is worth the money. Maybe offering up 1 free writing or something just to capture the small business attention on what you can do. Being a fairly new business - i'm concentrating on keeping costs quite low. But if someone offered up a great service for the right price - it's always worth it.

[eborg9]

I just had Erin use one of my web updates as an example .
There is a big difference from what I though was "ok", to what really looks good.
I think she will post it soon.

It's worth it.