© CTC Publishing

21 Simple Steps to Starting and Running a Six-Figure Copywriting Business

Sitting at home in front of your PC for a few hours a day, you can generate the six-figure income you need to be financially secure ...and live in the style to which you have become accustomed ... starting in 90 days.

Dear Reader:

The writer's life is a great life....

Sitting at home in your robe and slippers in front of your PC.

A steaming mug of fresh coffee at your elbow.

The dog curled under the desk at your feet.

Getting paid to do nothing but read, think - and write.

No suit and tie to wear. No commute. No boss. No more endless meetings.

(Instead, you work with clients all over the country by phone and Internet.)

But did you know it's not only possible - but very much within your grasp - to earn as much as $100,000 a year or more while living the writer's life as a freelance copywriter?

Even better, there's no college degree, no course requirements, and no writing or marketing experience required.

Yet every day, I get calls and e-mails from folks who want to get started in freelance copywriting, but are having a hard time getting things off the ground.

The reason isn't lack of talent or ambition.

Rather, they simply are overwhelmed by all the information and advice out there on copywriting and the copywriting business.

That's why my colleague James Palmer and I have created a program to help you cut through the clutter - get started as a freelance copywriter today - and rapidly build toward a six-figure annual income from your freelance copywriting.

Introducing....

21 Steps to Becoming a
Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter:
Your Guide to Earning $100,000+ a Year

In 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter, we break the process of starting and running a successful freelance copywriting business into 21 sequential, easy-to-follow steps.

Just follow these simple steps and our clear instructions for completing each in order ... starting with steps 1, 2, and 3 ... and within 90 days, you will have your first copywriting client and project and be well on your way to success in your new copywriting career - guaranteed or you pay us nothing!

Who am I to guide you?

I've been a copywriter for 3 decades, and full-time freelancer since February 1982. More important, I earn over $600,000 a year as a freelance writer.

That doesn't make me the richest and most successful copywriter out there. But folks agree that I am hardly a slacker.

I tell you this not to brag. But to let you know that I am well qualified to be your guide to getting started in freelance copywriting - and show you how to make a very handsome living putting words on the screen. Regardless of your age, experience, education, and background....

Too much competition?

"But aren't there already too many copywriters out there today?" you might be asking.

Well, yes and no.

"Yes" in that there are more copywriters today than when I started freelancing full-time in 1982.

"No" in that - even with so many copywriters out there - the demand for copywriting services continues to outweigh the supply.

It's odd that people are so concerned about competition in copywriting.

After all there are thousands of accountants ... engineers ... lawyers ... and doctors ... gas stations ... home remodelers ... .electricians ... plumbers ... chiropractors.

Yet people still go into those fields and earn good money doing so.

My advice: Don't worry about the competition in copywriting.

There is certainly more than enough work out there to keep you busy all year long.

And in my e-book, 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter, successful freelancer James Palmer and I show you how to get all the clients and business you need.

Get started right away

21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter is a complete blueprint for getting started as a copywriter ... and earning a six-figure income sitting at your PC happily clicking away at the keyboard.

What makes this program unique is that, instead of overloading you with a mountain of advice, it lays out 21 clear, practical steps that - when followed in sequence - are guaranteed to start or jump-start your copywriting career.

In it, you will discover:

  • My fool-proof 21-step plan for launching your freelance copywriting business within 90 days. Page 4.
  • 4 ways to get more prospects to read and respond to your blog. Page 56.
  • Are you a good enough writer to make a living as a freelance copywriter? How to know for sure. Page 10.
  • Load your web site with these simple devices that turn visitors into sales leads. Page 57.
  • The 5 characteristics that almost all successful copywriters share. Page 11.
  • 6 tips for writing and publishing a free client newsletter online. Page 60.
  • 4 ways to master the art of copywriting at home without going back to college. Page 13.
  • How to find a "copywriting coach" who can jump-start your career. Page 14.
  • Tips for setting up a great home office for your new copywriting business. Page 65.
  • 12 free e-newsletters and blogs every freelance copywriter should read. Page 15.
  • Choosing a corporate structure for your freelance copywriting business. Page 71.
  • 4 copywriting books you absolutely must have on your bookshelf. Page 18.
  • 5 ways to meet potential clients through networking. Page 74.
  • How to reach the magic $400 a day earnings level that leads to a six-figure freelance income. Page 19.
  • Promote your copywriting business by giving talks and seminars. Page 75.
  • Should you be a specialist or a generalist? The answer may surprise you. Page 22.
  • Social networking for copywriters: a beginner's guide. Page 76.
  • How to set your yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily objectives. Page 24.
  • Promote your freelance copywriting business by writing articles for trade publications. Page 78.
  • How to double your personal productivity and earnings. Page 26.
  • Getting inquiries with a lead-generating sales letter. Page 81.
  • 5 proven methods for earning thousands of dollars even when you are not writing copy. Page 28.
  • 6 ways to establish quick credibility with your potential clients. Page 83.
  • 4 ways to build a portfolio that gets potential clients to hire you. Page 30.
  • Marketing your freelance copywriting services with e-mail. Page 86.
  • Creating your "copywriting information kit." Page 32.
  • Turn leads into sales with planned follow-up. Page 88.
  • What works best for charging clients - by the project or by the hour? Page 35.
  • 4 tips for ensuring client satisfaction with your copywriting service. Page 91.
  • 9 ways to reel in new clients by offering a "bait piece." Page 37.
  • How to get repeat business and referrals. Page 94.
  • Generating sales leads with free PR and advertising. Page 97.
  • How to build your freelance copywriting web site. Plus: The 7 pages you absolutely must have on your site. Starts on page 41.
  • 9 ways to build your six-figure freelance copywriting practice. Page 103.
  • Create a neat little "widget" that attracts visitors to your site like bees to flowers. Page 47.
  • Setting up your freelance copywriter's blog. Page 48.
  • How to set your web site built without learning HTML, Front Page, or Dream Weaver. Page 49.
  • 4 steps to optimizing your web site for search engines. Page 54.
  • Plus: copywriting coaches ... sample copywriting information kit ... my fee schedule ... model query letters ... press releases ... books ... periodicals ... e-zines ... web sites ... blogs ... organizations ... starts on page 111.

Praise for Bob Bly's marketing
and business advice

"You are awesome! I will always come to you first for the products that I need. You have class, integrity, brilliance, naturally gifted, and you are second to none! I am impressed with and appreciate your prompt response."
--Adella Pugh

"Once in a blue moon, you get the chance to meet a living legend, one of the great men who has shaped his chosen field. In my unending pursuit of powerful marketing, I came face-to-face with just such a man. Robert Bly is America's Top Copywriter and a genius marketer. He's authored over 70 books for McGraw Hill and others, and gets paid more per word than nearly every author in America. Like all great men, he is a teacher and mentor extraordinaire. He freely shares the secrets of turning marketing into money."
--Dick Larkin

"Bob, your stuff is always so good that even though I'm retired now, I have to read it!"
--Gary Bencivenga

"You are someone I've grown to admire greatly. You share your knowledge with and encourage people in achieving their dreams, trying new things, and learning tricks of the trade. It's a rare 'guru' in our world today who is thoughtful and kind enough to help up and comers find the path to success. In my opinion, you are the very best. I'm grateful to you."
--Linda Capriotti

"After considering a number of high-level marketing professionals and reflecting on the matter for several weeks, I made the decision to ask Bob Bly to share the stage with me for my Twin Keys to Wealth-Building Conference. The reason I chose Bob is because I am convinced that he can deliver more tangible value to conference attendees than any other marketing or Internet expert on the planet."
--Robert Ringer, best-selling author

"I love your e-mails. Read every single one of them as they come in."
--Dr. Paul Hartunian

"I have huge admiration for your work. You're one of the few guys out there selling real information -- and selling it at a reasonable price! I think what you're doing is head and shoulders above others."
--Mark Joyner

"I receive so many e-mail offers -- too many -- but Bob always delivers a product worth having. The marketplace for writing and marketing products has become over-hyped; in that environment it's reaffirming to see that Bob continues to stand for a level of quality that matters -- and happily, at a price that works. "
--Peg Prideaux

"Thank you for sending out your e-mail newsletter. There hasn't been a single issue you've sent out that I didn't learn something."
--Len Bailey

"I have bought a lot of your info products. The price is the most reasonable of what anyone is asking for their info products, especially considering the information is more to the point and more valuable than 99.99% of what is out there on the Internet."
--Christine Loff

Act now and save $20

21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter is nothing less than a proven plan - a clear and practical guide - for turning your years of accumulated wisdom and knowledge into a lucrative freelance copywriting business.

And it's not your typical flimsy, superficial report. 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter: Your Guide to Earning $100,000+ a Year is big, weighing in at a meaty 145 pages, because it tells you - step by step - exactly what you must do to earn a six-figure freelance writing income!

Now, down to brass tacks: What will it cost you to learn my freelance copywriting secrets?

Well, what would you willingly pay me to learn the secrets of generating two thousand dollars a week or more in freelance writing fees?

Other aspiring copywriters have paid $2,000 or more to have me coach them - something I almost never do these days.

However, it won't cost you $2,000 ... or $200 ... or even $100 to have me guide you on starting and building a six-figure freelance copywriting business.

The cover price of 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter: Your Guide to Earning $100,000+ a Year is a very reasonable $49 - and that's what it will be selling for later this year.

But for a limited time only, it's your for just $29 ... a $20 savings off the list price ... less than I charge for just 5 minutes of my time!

And that's your investment only if you agree with me 100% that 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter has indeed given you the "keys to the kingdom" of becoming a successful six-figure copywriter.

If it doesn't, then it won't cost you a penny. Here's why....

Our 100% iron-clad
guarantee of satisfaction

I totally guarantee your satisfaction with my e-book, 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter.

If you are unhappy for any reason ... or for no reason at all ... just let me know within 90 days.

I'll give you a full and prompt refund. And you can keep the e-book with my compliments.

That way, you risk nothing.

But I urge you to hurry.

This special LOW PRICE of only $29 (a $20 discount off the $49 cover price) is for a limited time only.

And once it expires, it may never be repeated again.

You might be mulling it over. But don't.

You're going to want to make money as a freelance copywriter sooner or later.

It's one of the fastest, easiest, and surest ways to quickly make six figures a year - all from your writing - without holding a regular 9 to 5 job.

So I urge you to take a look at 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter: Your Guide to Earning $100,000+ a Year now.

As soon as you order, we'll deliver it in minutes via the Internet ... so you can get started right away.

If you don't like it, we'll give you a refund ... so reviewing my freelance copywriting manual costs you nothing.

If you DO like 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter ... and want to keep it ... ordering today means you pay only $29. Wait until later, and it will cost you $49.

So what are you waiting for?

To order 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter on a 90-day risk-free trial basis, just click here now:

Sincerely,

Robert W. Bly, Director
CTC Publishing

P.S. Order 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter: Your Guide to Earning $100,000+ a Year today and you get a FREE 54-page Special Bonus Report, Copywriting: The Master Touch (list price: $29).

In it, you'll discover:

  • Avoid this common mistake when creating your guarantee - page 48.
  • 4 steps to selecting a winning premium - page 6.
  • A simple change in offer that increased response tenfold - page 50.
  • Double your flow of sales leads with a "bait piece" - page 46.
  • The 4 levels of features and benefits - page 32.
  • The easiest way ever to convince skeptical buyers to do business with you - page 46.
  • Tips and techniques for increasing your renewal rates - page 12.
  • How to sell more by flattering the reader - page 35.
  • Optimizing your weekly e-mail schedule to increase online revenues - page 25.
  • In copywriting, what words sell best? - page 41.
  • How to prove your advertising claims - page 38.
  • Free content from Uncle Sam can save you time and money - page 9.
  • And so much more....

Best of all, this bonus report - a $29 value -- is yours to keep FREE ... even if you request a refund on the e-book!

To order 21 Steps to Becoming a Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter: Your Guide to Earning $100,000+ a Year ... and get your FREE Bonus Report ... just click below now:

About Bob Bly

bly on information marketing Bob Bly is a full-time freelance copywriter specializing in online, direct response, and b-to-b marketing. He earned more than $700,000 last year from his freelance writing, and became a self-made multi-millionaire while still in his 30s.

A copywriter for more than a quarter of a century, Bob has written promotions for over 100 clients including Phillips, Agora, KCI, 21st Century, Weiss Research, EBI Medical Systems, Sony, IBM, AT&T, Grumman, Crain Communications, McGraw-Hill, Intuit, and AlliedSignal.

Bob is the author of more than 70 books including The Copywriter's Handbook (Henry Holt) and Internet Direct Mail (NTC Business Books).

He has published more than 100 articles in such publications as Subscription Marketing, Direct, Business Marketing, Writer's Digest, and Amtrak Express.

Bob's writing awards include a Gold Echo from the Direct Marketing Association, an IMMY from the Information Industry Association, two Southstar Awards, an American Corporate Identity Award of Excellence, and the Standard of Excellence award from the Web Marketing Association. He also taught writing at New York University.

Bob has appeared as a guest on dozens of TV and radio shows including The Advertising Show, Bernard Meltzer, CNBC, and CBS Hard Copy. He has been featured in major media ranging from the LA Times and Nation's Business to the New York Post and the National Enquirer. He was a featured speaker at the 2006 annual conference of the National Speakers Association.

Around his 50th birthday, Bob started CTC Publishing, a small Internet information marketing business, with no products and no web sites. A few short years later, he has over 50 information products and five dozen web sites generating average daily passive income of over a thousand dollars.


What they say
about Bob Bly

"Good things are happening. I am getting a steady stream of Trial and Demo requests from the new site. These requestors are filling out the entire contact form. The site is simpler now, and I am still working to make it even more so. I appreciate your work."
Jim Romano, DataForceOne

"Thank you so much for your wonderful work. It has been a pleasure working with you and I look forward to working with you on another project in the near future. You were always available, quick to answer questions and always exceeded my expectations. You truly are a gifted writer."
Aaron Griffith, The Griffith

"Bob, again thanks for the great copy. You consistently help us reach customers with compelling, actionable content, when others just can't!"
William McElleney, IBM

"The feedback keeps coming in and we all agree yours was a truly helpful, useful, insightful and effective workshop. You did a fantastic job inspiring the troops and we've already begun applying some of the key learnings."
Paul Connors, Copywriting Manager, A large financial services company in the Chicago area

"Bob...your creative work, patience, and 'partnership' with us at IT Group has virtually propelled us to another level of business professionalism and recognition. The response we've received from your letters has been nothing short of tremendous. We've not only derived significant business from these unforgettable mailings--your efforts have sparked a creative energy within our ranks which will assist us in years to come. Thanks for your guidance and counsel."
John A. Fallone, IT Group International

"I hired Bob on his reputation, and found it is well-deserved. His fact-finding process in preparation to write our copy was both painless and enlightening. The final deliverables were right on time as promised, and better than expected – which is saying a lot because my expectations were high. The first time I read his copy for our project, I literally got chills down my back – he nailed it the first time. Wow."
Dennis Rosenberg, VP Marketing, VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.

"Bob Bly did an amazing job with our company brochure. We are very impressed with his capacity to learn our product and to write copy so clearly and pointedly. Bob Bly is a great marketing investment."
Michael Manoussos, Manhole Barrier Systems

"Great white paper! I'm in favor of the entire submission. Please congratulate Bob on a great effort."
Michael C. Howard, Chasm Recovery

"Your Tax Loopholes ad looked great and is performing very well. Thanks for the strong copy."
Brian Kurtz, Boardroom

"You did an excellent job. It's been a pleasure working with you on this project."
Edward Brunet, Decatur Professional Development, LLC

"Thank you very, very much for doing such a great job on the ad. I was one of those folks who would read the ads in the DAK catalog by Drew Kaplan and this was as enjoyable for me as that."
Chris Pickering, MeritDirect

"Bob . . . Just got the copy and advertisement you did for my new book . . . It's great! You are good! Great job . . . you have tremendous insights into what excites and what sells!"
Don Libey, Libey Incorporated

"In my opinion, you are the best copywriter in the software industry."
Judy MacDonald, Director of Marketing, Direct Response

"When I received the piece, I thought, I'll have to skim over it now and read it later. But, once I started, I couldn't stop! You did a GREAT job with Ken's story. I love it. It kept me reading. I'm VERY pleased with it."
Craig Simpson, Ken Roberts Company

"Bob, It's been a pleasure to work with you!!! Thank you so much! I'm very happy with the copy; I feel it will give me good results."
Alejandra P. Bigai, Romanicos Chocolate

"Thanks again for a great job."
Davis Ross, Ross Advertising

"I just wanted to thank you again for the excellent work you did for us. You are the man and I can't tell you how much I admired your approach and service. Although I've never worked with a copywriter before, I think you set the standard pretty high. I look forward to working with you again. You certainly have my vote for the next round!"
DP Jovine, Tycoon Research

"Great job – I'm always amazed at how you can boil the complex down into simple terms. It flows very well."
Kyle Hodgens, Capital Financial Media

"Thank you for the copy. I see why you're the expert. It's so simple, it's brilliant."
Sau Hyoung Pak, Big Machine

"The radio spots are very well done. I am very impressed with your work and copywriting expertise. We will be making the changes to the print ad as you suggested. In the future we may work with you to design a totally new print ad. Again I'd like to say I'm impressed with your services. You were prompt, informative, and definitely know your stuff. We will be recommending you to others and doing repeat business."
Joshua Andrews, Health Solutions, LLC

"When people get to the promotion, the promotion has a good conversion rate. In one test, it actually had a 14% conversion to sale... can't ask for much better than that."
David Galland, Casey Research

"I loved the ad! I don't see any reason for revision so I have already put through a check request for the balance I owe you on the ad. We are very excited about this one. I can't wait to see how it does. Thanks so much!"
Alice Wessendorf, Agora Health Book

"I show off the work that we did on lead generation for negotiation -- as well as the conversion program from HMCL -- as big successes."
Paul Szymanski, Harvard Business School Publishing

"Thank you for being very instrumental on making the launch of the wealth management book such a resounding success. It was so successful that we had to request more copies."
-Ingrid Boney, II

"Thanks, Bob! You are awesome to work with."
--Matt Morsa, Stock Secrets, Inc.

"I've spoken to a thousand copywriters over the years and Bob Bly is the best. He knows what he's doing."
--Joe Culotta, Natural Medicine Co.

"I am happy to report to you that your piece out produced the 4 other packages we tested against it. I want to talk to you about another project...."
--Nick Roumi, Pacific Coast Funding

"This is an outstanding letter. Really nice work!"
--Paul Szymanski, Harvard Business School Publishing

"Like the package ... the tone ... I think it's excellent."
--Bill Caskey, Caskey Sales Achievement

"We are very pleased with your copy approach because your copy seems to speak to the neurologist better than the copy in previous promotions. Moreover, your copy presses the sell better and more effectively. I really value your direct marketing copy capabilities and I'm thrilled to have you working with MedLink."
--Jim Chacona, MedLink

"Just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the hard work and energy you've poured into the Sinatra product package. You are a joy to work with."
--Gail Diggs, Phillips Health

"Thanks again... you did a great job."
--Caleb Cherry, Capital Financial Media

"You are a genius! I rarely love copy this much from the get-go. You hit it on the head!"
--Sara Pond, Nightingale-Conant

"The original ad insert of 'Wall Street's Loss is Your Gain' continues to kick butt -- pulls 12 to 15 subscriptions a week. Not bad for a $500 investment made 5 months ago."
--Charles Mizrahi, Stealth Stocks

"As a marketing professional, for 17 years I wrote my own promotional material. But I am not a professional copywriter. It wasn't until I took my own advice that I started getting the results I deserved. With Bob Bly, I got what I wanted - in the promised time frame - with re-writes - and the results I wanted. Thanks Bob!"
--Mark Amtower, Amtower & Company

"I found your ad copy compelling, powerful...even entertaining. You really communicated the 'feel' of the message we are selling. Thanks for such great work, Bob!"
--Ashley Earnhardt Aiken, Thomas Nelson Publishers

"Bob wrote the most ballsy ad in the history of Dynamic Changes and it set sales records this fall. People couldn't stop themselves from responding."
--Richard Scheffren, Dynamic Changes Hypnosis

"Last year you did all the copy on the What Would Jesus Eat brochure. It was wonderful and I believe is one of the reasons that the book continues to do so very well."
--Pamela Clements, Thomas Nelson Publishers

"Your work for me is outstanding."
--Thomas Massie, BRIDGELINE Software

"Your copy looks great. Thank you for the great job. I want you to know that one of the things I'm grateful for this year is meeting you and developing a relationship which is beneficial to both of us."
--Jack McDonough, U.S. Tax Corporation

"A special thanks to Bob for doing a superb job and making this work so well. I felt like a brilliant puppet in your hands."
--Michael Masterson, AWAI

"Even though he refuses to admit it, Bob is THE Direct Marketing guru ... or, at the very least, he's mine."
--Jill Perri, American Consultants League

"Great copy! I love it!"
--Marlene Jensen, The Newsletter Group

"You've done great work with this package. I'm sure it wasn't easy doing all of the research to get all of the facts you've assembled. I learned things reading this package and I think for tech investors, this level of detail and fact finding provides a lot of credibility. I think it's a winner."
--Porter Stansberry, Porter Stansberry's Investment Advisory

"The postcard copy is super!"
--Gary Yondol, Media Planet

"Bob's ad is doing great!"
--Kusko, Dynamic Changes Hypnosis

"Thanks Bob. I appreciate all your work."
--Paul Goldberg, PJ Promotions

"I am thrilled with your package, it is doing great Ð will roll out as the control."
--Chris Gast, Intuit

"Your package for AWAI's desktop design course won the test, outperforming our other package by over 50%."
--Katie Yeakle, AWAI

"Just wanted to let you know that as of today we have a 13.5% response (orders, not just click-throughs) for Stealth Stocks from the e-mail you wrote for us."
--Gary Mizrahi, Stealth Stock

"Great job on the Turnaround Report; it's been a huge success. We've had an incredible product launch, with hundreds of free trials in the first week."
--Marc Stockman, TheStreet.com

"We received the letter. Our first and probably lasting impression is great. Paul is usually very skeptical but he really likes it. I know we want to stick with the first impression. It looks like it may be perfect. We are very impressed."
--Frank Lardino, Investors Alliance

"Just to let you know we have been using your 8 ways letter and brochure that you did for us last year with great success. We decided to double our monthly direct mailing. Things are really taking off. I can only attribute that to our increased direct mail program. Thank you for helping us get an effective package together."
--Ray Hardee, Engineered Software, Inc.

"The letter you composed is terrific. We like your text, and we also like the promotional ideas you've incorporated into the package as a whole. Thanks a lot for your efforts."
--Maureen Neary, Tower Media.

"Nice job on the white paper. It's a treat to have my name on it."
--Raymond S. Elman, Bridgeline Software, Inc.

"Your ÔDouble Your Money' headline won with a 1.07 response rate. Just to let you know, this offer did better then the two before it did (all of which were after the new editors took over). I rarely see copywriters that go the extra mile like you do. I really appreciate it."
--Amanda Hath, KCI.

"Your e-mail to promote ETR pulled double the response and three times the gross revenue of the control, with a 45% increase in average order size."
--Lisa Bruette, Agora Inc.

"We're very pleased! The piece you wrote has at 43 days resulted in 204 orders and 165% ROI. I have submitted a new mail plan for a rollout for 200,000+ pieces. You'll be getting a royalty payment for this."
--George Rayburn, The Dan Ferris Power Report

"The new copy for the Safety Training Presentations piece has been approved! Thanks for your work on this piece. I appreciate all your help - especially the quick turnarounds!"
--Kim Rubel, Business and Legal Reports

"It was a pleasure to work with you. Your stuff just works. You are the best money I've ever spent. Thanks a million!"
--Gail Coopersmith, Coopersmith List Consultants