If you want to be booked solid with catalog writing clients, even if you're just starting out and don't know what to do, then this article will show you how.
In fact, getting your first client can be boiled down to a simple four-step process.
Here is what you do: 1.
Identify which clients you want to work with.
Pick catalogs selling products you already use or are passionate about.
In other words, if (for example) you love animals or own pets, pick pet merchandise catalogs.
2.
Call up those catalogs.
Don't waste your time with email.
There is a way to use email, and it can save you a lot of time.
But for now, call and ask for the person in charge of hiring catalog writers to find out where to send your samples to.
3.
Send them your samples.
If you don't have any samples (because you have yet to get your first assignment), simply create five to eight samples -- preferably in the same niche your potential clients are in.
Luckily, this won't take you long.
And it's good practice anyway.
4.
If they don't hire you, or seem to be "on the fence", do this: Tell them you will write five catalog blocks for free just to test you out -- with no obligations and no strings attached.
Some will decline your offer, and that's fine.
But some will say yes.
And when they do, consider this your golden opportunity to prove yourself.
If you do a good job, hiring you is a no-brainer for them.
If for some reason they still don't hire you, that's okay, too.
Now you can honestly say, "I have written catalog copy for XYZ company" when contacting other catalogs.
And that's all there is to it.
Follow the four steps above, and you can be well on your way to having a solid client base in no time flat.