Writing With Purpose

In all honesty, not everyone is cut out to be a good freelance copywriter. It takes much more than the ability to tell a good story, or even put it down on paper. It takes specific talents to be a good writer, especially when you are selling your end product to a client.

7 Traits of a Good Freelance Copywriter

1. Ideas
2. Organization
3. Voice
4. Word Choice
5. Sentence Fluency
6. Conventions
7. Presentation

Ideas

Most of the time, copywriters will get the foundation of their ideas from the buyer. He/she needs copy that will promote their product, service, or information on the Internet. In the simplest of terms, freelance copywriters specialize in advertising products, services, or ideals.

However, there will be times that the freelance writer is called upon to continuously write about the same subject over and over again. Some writers will actually spin the same article 100 times, with special software, to provide many articles on the same subject.

However, I do not recommend this tactic, nor do I use it. If the search engines figure out that spinning is being practiced, the site will be classified as spam, and the client will lose his/her Internet presence. So, it is up the copywriter to come up with fresh and new ideas, even when it seems like every creative bone in the body has turned to mush.

Organization

Good organization is an essential trait for the freelance writer. For example, it is important to grab the attention of the reader in the first few sentences. The idea is to make sure he/she wants to read further information.

But, in freelancing, organization also means using the keywords effectively in the first sentence or two. Plus, it is helpful to break the material down in bit size pieces. Readers are more likely to stick with the material if it is separated by bullet points, subheadings, and other tactics that make the material easier to understand quickly.

Voice

In writing, every author has a different voice. How I write is different than how another freelancer may approach the same exact topic. I have my own voice. To be the best freelance copywriter I can be, I need to be true to that voice. I can change that voice, if I must. But, my repeat clients like my relaxed style of ‘talking’ to the reader and not just sounding like I am trying to write a term paper.

As a writer, you will also have your own voice. Be true to the style that makes you most comfortable. You will have clients that come to you because they prefer how you write. Once you figure out your voice, you will be surprised. You will recognize your writing, even if the buyer takes your work and puts their own pseudonym on the writing. You will recognize it as your own.

Word Choice

Word choice in freelance copywriting can be a challenge. The words you use will largely depend on the client. Of course, if you are writing for a doctor, the words will be vastly differently than if you are promoting high end lingerie. However, you need to be careful not to use the same words too often. Frequently, when I write an article or a blog, I will proof it and realize I have used a particular word or phrase too often. I need to go back and change it.

Also, you do not want to talk down to the reader; but, you do not want to sound like an encyclopedia either. If you use too many big words, it just makes the material sound ’stuck up’. What you write needs to be comfortable for the average reader, unless you are writing for a specific audience like doctors.

Either way, change up your words and exercise your vocabulary. If you get stuck, this is the time to get out that thesaurus you need to keep handy.

Sentence Fluency

Sentence fluency is pretty simple and straightforward. Vary your sentences. You will want to use sentences that are wordy and seem to carry the entire paragraph. You will need medium-sized sentences and short ones too. Long sentences are usually over 15 words in length; medium are five to ten; short may only be one or two-for dramatic effect-even if it is not technically grammatically correct it is still okay on occasion.

Conventions

Proper conventions are a must. If you do not spell correctly, use proper grammar, and implement the necessary punctuation, it might be time to consider starting some other kind of business. If you want to get paid to be a professional writer, you must have the most basic of writing skills to start with, at the very least, and grow from there.

Presentation

Finally, what does your end product look like? Does it look like professional writing? Will it be easy for the Internet visitor to read and understand. Are the paragraphs a few sentences, rather than half a page? Do subheadings and bullet points emphasize the important ideas expressed in the writing? In other words, you may be a good writer; but, unless it looks good to the reader, they may never stop to see what you have to say.

Have or Have Not

Do you have the 7 traits of a good freelance copywriter. If you want help or would like to learn how to become a better copywriter, contact me for more information.

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