It’s not a secret. I haven’t posted anything on here since Oct 10, 2011. That’s 82 days ago! So as a full-time copywriter why have I neglected my own blog? I’m glad you asked. Sit back and I’ll tell you what’s been going through my head and why I decided to revive this blog for 2012.
I started blogging in 2007 as a hobby. But in 2010 I got serious and decided to blog once a week on two different blogs. I did just that for several months. Then in May 2011 I left my job as an insurance agent and started a freelance copywriting business.
I quickly realized the going rate for blog posts was a lot lower than other types of writing (i.e. email newsletters, website copy, brochure copy, landing pages, etc.). So I focused more on other types of copywriting and let blogging go by the wayside…especially my own. I couldn’t justify spending time writing my own blog when I could just as easily write for a client and get paid.
You might say, “Well, doesn’t your blog help you get clients?”
Not exactly.
Honestly, I can’t recall one instance where a client hired me after reading my blog. Granted, I don’t receive a lot of traffic to this site but even if I did I’m not sure my target market would be spending time reading “copywriting blogs.”
In my experience the business owners who pay good money for copywriting don’t have the time to read blogs about copywriting and hire a copywriter. You know who I think is more interested in reading a blog written by a freelance copywriter?
Yep…you guessed it – other freelance copywriters.
This led to my decision not to abandon this blog but instead to change directions. Is that OK? I find myself answering questions on an almost weekly basis (mostly via email and Google chat) that relate to the business side of freelance copywriting…and those questions aren’t coming from my clients (their questions are usually “How much?” and “When can have it done?”).
So I’m curious…who are you? Why are you reading this blog? Let me know by leaving a short comment below.
About Josh Monen
Josh is a direct response copywriter and marketing strategist who makes a living by achieving remarkable results for his clients. His unique understanding of human psychology and marketing principles make him a valuable asset to the clients he serves.
Hi.
Today I discover your blog and the timing is perfect. Yesterday I was fired from an ad agency and I was down until I found this. It’s true what you said, I have to make it happen, I have to work to improve and reach those on the 5% of best copywriters.
A lot of your posts gave me strength I needed. Please don’t stop posting and if you have advices for those copywriters (like me) who just lost their job, I will be glad.
Hi Carla,
Thank you for your kind words. It’s comments like these that give me the strength to keep posting on here. Hearing your story has motivated me to continue this blog (even if I am up to my eyeballs in writing blogs for clients!). I have 4 deadlines this week but I plan to post on here ASAP. Email me at [email protected] if you have any specific questions I could answer for you.
Keep your head up!
I am the website builder and editor for Christine’s Country Corner.com. I am also very much interested in copywriting so I can enhance the open rate of linked facebook posts and emailed newsletters from the website. I also want to start another online business, Get Up Off Your Assets.com, which will be a self empowerment site, and I need to learn writing skills.
So, yes, I seek the experts in this field.
Sorry I missed your class today.
Gary
Hi Gary,
It’s great to meet another local writer. I’m glad to hear you’re willing to learn the art and science of copywriting. It’s a skill that really can make a tangible difference in your business (both online and offline). Are there any specific questions about copywriting that you’d like to see answered on this blog?
Hello Joshua Monen,
I found your site today and have found your posts extremely helpful because they are based on your experience. They answer my questions.
I am a budding copywriter evaluating the viability of copywriting as a full-time opportunity down the road and what it takes to get there. Right now I’m trying to determine which markets I could wiggle into a niche.
Hi Laura, thanks for your comment. I’m glad you’ve found these posts helpful.
And I’m always looking for new post ideas. So is there anything you’d like me to cover that I haven’t already?
Hi!
I accidently find your blog, while I was searching some data about headlines and legendary copywriters like Claude Hopkins and Eugene Schwartz.
I have my own blogs but I don`t post as much as I did in the past. Other writing sites take more time and bring more money. I was curious why you did the same as I did and I see it is for the same reasons. You made a good point here – get to know more about your readers. If you don`t mind, I will also share a similar post like yours on my blog. I want to know who my readers are. This is the only way to know, which one of my blogs should I continue writing and improove and which one abandon. I don`t have time to write two or three blogs, because I still have my every day job and I make money writing.
It is nice to know you and I will come back to read some more of your interesting articles. I like your writing, because you share your own oppinions and not generalize.
Read you soon. katja