Effective cold canvassing?

[HireMeToWrite]

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I am a freelance copywriter I posted a thread about 4 months ago in the “starting a small business” section.

At the time I was trying to get a website together DIY style and trying to find clients for my copywriting services. My website is http://www.hiremetowrite.com.au, I’m not thrilled with my website but it’s okay.

My main way of finding clients so far has been a scatter-gun approach, emailing around web/marketing/advertising agencies to let them know about my service.

I have managed to get some clients this way. Though not always immediate, people who said they would keep me in mind have ended up using my service.

At first I was offering general copywriting services, but I most recently decided to specialise in just writing website copy for small to medium businesses.

I’ve purchased some business postcards and business cards, which I have ready to distribute and I am wondering what the best way to distribute them might be? I have a few different things in mind..walking into agencies to introduce myself, doing mail-outs, or dropping material into cafes (not sure what the rule about marketing material and cafes is)?

My feeling is that walking into agencies might be the most effective way to get the word out and get clients, although it would be the most time consuming. What could I do to make my efforts in this approach as effective as possible?

Does anybody have any general tips on how to best go about cold canvassing potential clients, or specifically how to best go about walk-in introductions?

Thanks, Daniela

[createdevelop]

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We have quite a thick file of contractors for our marketing agency. We keep almost all the mail we get sent, because a) it is good to see what people are putting out and b) you never know what a client might want. If you were to send me some info on copywriting, we would keep it.

If you are looking for a good way to increase your client base, then absolutely you need more people to see how good you are as a copywriter. The three main avenues I would suggest are;

Blogging:-Write about things that will interest your audience, show off your technical expertise, get other bloggers involved. All this will add up to good traffic to your website.

Write for publications:- There are plenty of magazines out there that will take your writing and publish it.

Send out regular marketing updates.

[The Copy Chick]

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Hi Daniela,

Good on you for taking the initiative. I think a mail-out with your post-cards is probably a great way to get your name out there and attract interest in the right market (calling in personally may not achieve much more than posting if you’re only getting as far as the reception desk).

If you’re considering narrowing your niche to website copy, then you really need to rework the copy on your own site to sell your skills and abilities in this area, as well as working in some strong SEO keywords to help your target audience find you.

I’ll also echo createdevelop with their suggestion of blogging. I found this to be really helpful when building up my own business and I’ve also done guest blogs for other businesses (such as web developers) to help build my exposure. I then fed my blogs through my social media channels and by following a lot of design agencies, web developers, and other related companies, many of these have followed back and been able to read my work (and find my website).

In fact, the bulk of my online queries have come through my FB, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.

Another avenue you might want to consider is joining a local business group. There’s generally all kinds of businesses who might not know your services exist and the idea is everyone supports and refers each other. This is another good way to start getting your name (and your work) recognised.

I also tried sending my details to many local agencies when I started, which resulted in very little response. I’ve found I’ve had far more success with my online strategies, one of which has very recently led to being contacted by a design agency with the view to ongoing, regular work (not my first such offer either, but the one that has been the most workable).

Good luck with your endeavours. It can take a little time to get your name out there, but with persistence, you’ll get there.

[Canex Graphic Designs]

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Hi Daniela,

Where abouts are you located?
Feel free to send me some of your business cards/flyers for me to hang on to and provide to my clients when they need your services

Nelson

[Author]

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