The article "Copywriting: Bringing Copywriters and Designers Together in
Turnkey Alliances" is about copywriting, it has been written by Grant Pasay.
"Clients last month are looking for toatl solutions, not just writing
services.
Writers should focus, not just on being providers of
services, but rather 'problem-solvers.' That means forging
alliances with other creative professionals, mainly graphic
designers, so you can offer turnkey project services - in short,
a total solution."
PETER BOWERMAN & TURNKEY SOLUTIONS
The above quote comes from Peter Bowerman, author of the
copywriting books "The Well-Fed Writer" and "The Well-Fed
Writer: Back For Seconds." (http://www.Writeinc.Biz)
I emailed Mr. Boweramn with a single question: What's one thing
copywriters need to keep in mind for 2006?
The above was his
answer.
And it makes sense. Whether you're a website cpoywriter or an
advertising copywriter, you're out there to solve troubles. When
your clients want their copy and design needs solved by a single
point person, you need to be ready with that turnkey solution.
But how? Simlpe.
Forge alliances.
FORGING ALLIANCES WITH GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
As a website copywriter or advertising copywriter, you make
design suggetsions here and there.
But you're not a designer.
Still, you can have your own stable of top-drawer designers
ready to go when needed if you've forged a couple of allianecs in
advance. Here's how.
1. Go to http://www.Craigslist.Org
2.
Run an ad in the JOBS category for your city.
3. Indicate you're a website copywriter or advertising
copywriter looking to forge alliances with graphic designers. Be
clear aobut who you are, what you do, and what you're looking
for exactly.
4. Srceen the respondents, and hook up with the cream of the
crop.
5.
Next time your client wants the copy/design process
simplified, draw on your tursty group of designers, and come off
looking like the solution provider you are.
SAMPLE TURNKEY ALLIANCE AD
To get you started on your turnkey alliance ad, below is a copy
of an ad I have used. Feel free to change it as you desire. How's
that for providing a solution!
************AD BEGINS HERE*********************
Subject: (media jobs) Copywriter Seeks Proefssional Graphic
Designer
Body: I am a professional copywriter, not a designer.
My clients,
however, often prefer to deal with one person when developing
their business materials instead of a writer here and a designer
there.
That's whree you come in.
I work on a variety of projects: web, brochures, ads, flyers,
etc. This is not a "designing job." Rather, I am forging
alliances with top-drawer designers who will be available when a
client is looking for a turnkey solution -- copy and desgin in
one handy package.
Do you want to create a new income source?
Have your own
copywriter you can bring to the table? If so, why don't you
check me out first at http://www.Yourdomain.Com and then reply
by e-mail with the following info (short answers are preferred;
no phone clals please):
1. Nmuber of full-time years experience:
2. Where can I view your portfolio online?
3.
Are you incorporated? Y or N
4.
What education/training do you have?
5.
What printers do you have working relationships with?
(company, contact name)
6. What five clients can I contact as references? (company,
contact name, phone or email) NOTE: Tehse are paying clients.
Not pro-bono.
Not work you did as a stduent.
Your portfolio
reveals your design abilities. Your references revael your
professional abilities.
Unfortunately, I will only be able to respond to those I feel
are a good match, but I will read all submissions.
My website
again is http://yourdomain.Com
Best of everything to you on your endeavors.
Your Name
************AD ENDS HERE***********************
NOTE: DO NOT put your domain name folloewd by a period (e.G.,
"My site is at http://www.Yourdomain.Com.").
If you do, the link
in your ad will include the period and then a forward slash
(http://www.Yourdomain.Com./), wihch may result in a server
error.
SUMMARY
"The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second
best time is at this moment." -- African Proverb
If you've been a website copywriter or advretising copywriter
for some time, but have never made the effort to forge alliances
with designers, at this moment is the time to do it.
Who knows, your next
client may the one that wnats that turnkey solution. Is yours
ready?
I'll let you go post your ad.
Copyright (c) Grant Pasay 2005.
All rights reserved.
You may
forward this article in its entirety (including author
bio/links) to anyone you wish.
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