The Word Wrangler

Nobody wants a recession, but our economy IS on a downward slant. While there’s hope that things will turn around, know that a dip in the economy opens up different options for work if you’re a freelancer.

When it comes to getting rid of jobs, the first cuts often fall to creative departments, PR departments and marketing departments. While it’s bad news for the workers there, it’s great news for you because that type of work still has to get done.

Here are a few ways you can improve your chances of finding work in a slowing economy.

Diversify

It’s fine if you normally brand yourself as just a copywriter or just a web designer. But the more hats you wear, the better your chances of finding work in any economy. A business might get rid of their entire marketing department during hard times. If you can come in and be their web designer, print designer and production manager all in one, not only do you have a better chance of landing work, but you can command a higher fee because of the extra value you provide.

Target Non-Traditional Markets

Copywriters mainly hit up ad agencies, design firms and marketing companies in order to get work. But when people lose their jobs it’s a perfect opportunity for you to get your foot into other businesses you probably haven’t thought about. Take hospitals, banks and other such companies who typically do marketing work in-house. When layoffs in those departments occur, the work usually gets pushed onto the desks of people who don’t have the time, or the experience, to do the job right. That’s when a reliable freelancer like you can come in and save the day.

Market Your Skills

I bet as a copywriter you’ve written potential clients letters like this:

Dear Mr. Horspadorsky,

My name is Ellen Flagella and I’m a freelance copywriter. I have five years experience in blah, blah, blah, blah.

I’ve done it too, but shouldn’t we show off our skills when we’re making contacts? If you’re experienced in writing, say, direct response copy, consider creating a killer letter that DRIVES people to pick up the phone and hire you. (It’s also a good test of how well you convert).

Be Aggressive

I know, I know…you’re not an aggressive person. I’m not either, but when opportunities open up around you, someone is going to take advantage of them. Why shouldn’t it be you? I’m not saying that you have to badger people in order to get gigs, but you do have to put yourself out there in front of them. Unless they’re familiar with who you are, and what you can do, they’re not going to think of calling you first when things go south.

These ideas are perfect regardless of what the economy is like because they’re practical and easy to do. I hope we don’t find ourselves coming upon tough economic times - I don’t want anyone to lose their jobs. But business will go on no matter who is at the controls.