Copywriting: Bringing Copywriters and Designers Together in Turnkey Alliances
Grant Pasay

Clients today are looking for total solutions, not just writing services. Writers should focus, not just on being providers of services, but rather 'problem-solvers.' That means forging alliances with other creative professionals, mainly graphic designers, so you can offer turnkey project services - in short, a total solution.

PETER BOWERMAN & TURNKEY SOLUTIONS

The above quote comes from Peter Bowerman, author of the copywriting books The Well-Fed Writer and The Well-Fed Writer: Back For Seconds. (http://www.writeinc.biz)

I emailed Mr. Bowerman with a single question: What's one thing copywriters need to keep in mind for 2006? The above was his answer.

And it makes sense. Whether you're a website copywriter or an advertising copywriter, you're out there to solve problems. When your clients want their copy and design needs solved by a single point person, you need to be ready with that turnkey solution.

But how? Simple. Forge alliances.

FORGING ALLIANCES WITH GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

As a website copywriter or advertising copywriter, you make design suggestions here and there. But you're not a designer. Still, you can have your own stable of top-drawer designers ready to go when needed if you've forged a few alliances in advance. Here's how.

1. Go to http://www.craigslist.org

2. Run an ad in the JOBS category for your city.

3. Indicate you're a website copywriter or advertising copywriter looking to forge alliances with graphic designers. Be clear about who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for exactly.

4. Screen the respondents, and hook up with the cream of the crop.

5. Next time your client wants the copy/design process simplified, draw on your trusty group of designers, and come off looking like the solution provider you are.

SAMPLE TURNKEY ALLIANCE AD

To get you started on your turnkey alliance ad, below is a copy of an ad I've used. Feel free to change it as you desire. How's that for providing a solution!

************AD BEGINS HERE*********************

Subject: (media jobs) Copywriter Seeks Professional Graphic Designer

Body: I'm a professional copywriter, not a designer. My clients, however, often prefer to deal with one person when developing their business materials instead of a writer here and a designer there.

That's where you come in.

I work on a variety of projects: web, brochures, ads, flyers, etc. This is not a designing job. Rather, I'm forging alliances with top-drawer designers who will be available when a client is looking for a turnkey solution -- copy and design in one handy package.

Do you want to create a new income source? Have your own copywriter you can bring to the table? If so, why don't you check me out first at http://www.yourdomain.com and then reply by email with the following info (short answers are preferred; no phone calls please):

1. Number of full-time years experience:

2. Where can I view your portfolio online?

3. Are you incorporated? Y or N

4. What education/training do you have?

5. What printers do you have working relationships with? (company, contact name)

6. What five clients can I contact as references? (company, contact name, phone or email) NOTE: These are paying clients. Not pro-bono. Not work you did as a student. Your portfolio reveals your design abilities. Your references reveal your professional abilities.

Unfortunately, I will only be able to respond to those I feel are a good match, but I will read all submissions. My website again is http://yourdomain.com

Best of everything to you on your endeavors.

Your Name

************AD ENDS HERE***********************

NOTE: DO NOT put your domain name followed by a period (e.g., My site is at http://www.yourdomain.com.). If you do, the link in your ad will include the period and then a forward slash (http://www.yourdomain.com./), which may result in a server error.

SUMMARY

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” -- African Proverb

If you've been a website copywriter or advertising copywriter for some time, but have never made the effort to forge alliances with designers, now is the time to do it. Who knows, your next client may the one that wants that turnkey solution. Is yours ready?

I'll let you go post your ad.

Copyright (c) Grant Pasay 2005. All rights reserved. You may forward this article in its entirety (including author bio/links) to anyone you wish.