All the words you write have meaning and emotion behind them. At least, that is what direct response copywriting is all about – connecting to a broader audience by urging them to take action. When writing, the words you use determine the kind of result you’ll get. This is where this method of copywriting becomes important. It allows you to connect with the audience, boost interest in your content, and drive sales conversions.

But, it’s easier said than done. While you understand the value of creating compelling content, working as a direct response copywriter means resonating with different audiences. Long gone are the days when stuffing your content with specific keywords to create SEO value was all that mattered.

Direct response copywriting will help you boost upfront engagement, and encourage action, which is useful for your clients and your freelance writing business at large.

Here’s what you should know about direct response copywriting:

Direct Response Copy vs Ad Copy
When writing direct response copy, you’ll not use the same rules that apply to creating ad copy. The latter is more than a marketing banner or landing page. Although both these methods reach out to potential customers, they are different in approach and execution.

Direct response copywriting targets specific individuals via direct forms of communication like email and telemarketing. Ad copy is meant for a wider audience through channels like television and social media. To get the intended results, you’ll need to be specific when writing direct response copy.

Understand The Essentials of Good Copy
Successful direct response copywriters understand all the rules of trade. If you’re looking to advance your freelance writing in this field, you’ll need to have a great understanding of the market and customers you’re writing for. It’s also best to also work on your interviewing skills as you’ll need to talk to clients, and learn more about their products and services, to create a value proposition.

This will also help you study their objectives, demographics, and pain points. As different companies are looking to convert clients, there’s no shortage of work when it comes to writing brochures, product descriptions, flyers, direct mail, newsletters, and sales pages.

Learn The Craft
Learning direct response copywriting means having admirable writing skills. Create trust within your content so readers can have a sense of trust that will urge them to take action. Remember, direct response copywriting requires you to choose a niche specialty.

For instance, if you want to work with eCommerce companies, have a portfolio that only reflects that. As eCommerce exists in almost every industry, narrow it down to a specific industry, such as selling wellness products for health companies.

Find Clients and Start Getting Paid
Once you have your writing skills and portfolio in order, reach out to clients by cold pitching and networking. You could also create social media ads for your services, or directly approach clients on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Confidence is key! As you continuously gain experience, show how your copy is helping clients generate revenue.

According to market research, direct response copywriters make upwards of $60,000 a year. With the right skills, you’ll attract clients, and make significant earnings from your craft.

Write Away!
Many companies prefer direct response copywriting because it’s specific, and minimizes waste. With the right copywriting skills, you’ll never run out of work opportunities. Tell stories that are persistent, consistent, and useful in a buyer’s life and you’ll evoke emotion the right way. Stories draw people in, and change their mindset. They convince them to take action.

While you’re helping clients grow their businesses, use these copywriting skills to also grow your craft, and target the right kind of professionals who will offer endless opportunities and help you reach financial breakthroughs.

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Skylar Margaret is a freelance writer from Houston. Her articles have appeared in, among other publications, the New York Times, New York Times Magazine, the New Yorker, the BBC, Rest of World, Vulture, and the Paris Review.