What else do I need before I start? - Freelance UK Forums

alexandraturner · 03-03-2008, 09:37 PM

Hello there
I'm currently working in the arts, doing a mixed administration and marketing job. I'm a member of the Arts Marketing Association and have been in this field for three years.

My job involves writing press releases, writing all the copy for our website, e-bulletins and leaflets, and proof-reading publications. I really enjoy this aspect of my work. If in the future I wanted to work as a freelancer either alongside my current job or full-time, would this experience be useful? What else do I need to do to make a good business case to a client, for example are there any courses I could do or professional bodies I could join?

I'm just testing the water to see what is possible, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes
Alex

GTFC · 03-05-2008, 01:57 PM

Hi Alex,

Sounds like you are in a great position, and your experience so far will definitely be useful.

I'm sure some people will say that professional bodies/courses etc. will help, but from my experience, there's no substitute for being able to demonstrate what you do. That means building up a portfolio of samples of work, either from your current role or from anything else you can write. Marketing materials for friends, other odd pieces of work you bring in while you're still in full time employment, and even things you just write off your own bat because they seem like interesting subjects. I started out by writing articles giving marketing advice and sent them speculatively to publications in my industry (telecoms) and they got printed. I did not get paid, but you can say you have published work, and you can usually add a web address at the bottom of the piece to use as a marketing tool.

On that note, if you are thinking of setting up as a freelancer in the background whilst still working, it's definitely a good idea to have a small website. It makes people see that you are serious about what you are offering. Have a look at my website (link below in my signature). This is quite large now, but I did it all myself using MrSite for £23!

Hope that helps, feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat more.

Cheers,

Gill

LeifAlexander · 03-07-2008, 03:46 PM

Hey Alex,

I agree with Gill. Don't worry about courses - if you're good enough then people will hire you. Concentrate on building a portfolio and getting work.

A website is very important especially if you want to work in digital media.

I post copywriting tips on my blog that you may find useful.

Good luck!

alexandraturner · 03-14-2008, 09:43 AM

Thanks for the encouragement guys - I will work on my website to start with, I think!

03-03-2008, 09:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
alexandraturner New Poster Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2	What else do I need before I start? Hello there I'm currently working in the arts, doing a mixed administration and marketing job. I'm a member of the Arts Marketing Association and have been in this field for three years. My job involves writing press releases, writing all the copy for our website, e-bulletins and leaflets, and proof-reading publications. I really enjoy this aspect of my work. If in the future I wanted to work as a freelancer either alongside my current job or full-time, would this experience be useful? What else do I need to do to make a good business case to a client, for example are there any courses I could do or professional bodies I could join? I'm just testing the water to see what is possible, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Best wishes Alex

03-05-2008, 01:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
GTFC Regular Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Milton Keynes Posts: 55	Hi Alex, Sounds like you are in a great position, and your experience so far will definitely be useful. I'm sure some people will say that professional bodies/courses etc. will help, but from my experience, there's no substitute for being able to demonstrate what you do. That means building up a portfolio of samples of work, either from your current role or from anything else you can write. Marketing materials for friends, other odd pieces of work you bring in while you're still in full time employment, and even things you just write off your own bat because they seem like interesting subjects. I started out by writing articles giving marketing advice and sent them speculatively to publications in my industry (telecoms) and they got printed. I did not get paid, but you can say you have published work, and you can usually add a web address at the bottom of the piece to use as a marketing tool. On that note, if you are thinking of setting up as a freelancer in the background whilst still working, it's definitely a good idea to have a small website. It makes people see that you are serious about what you are offering. Have a look at my website (link below in my signature). This is quite large now, but I did it all myself using MrSite for £23! Hope that helps, feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat more. Cheers, Gill Last edited by GTFC; 03-10-2008 at 10:41 PM.

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03-07-2008, 03:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
LeifAlexander New Poster Join Date: May 2007 Location: Brighton Posts: 5	Hey Alex, I agree with Gill. Don't worry about courses - if you're good enough then people will hire you. Concentrate on building a portfolio and getting work. A website is very important especially if you want to work in digital media. I post copywriting tips on my blog that you may find useful. Good luck!

03-14-2008, 09:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
alexandraturner New Poster Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2	Thanks for the encouragement guys - I will work on my website to start with, I think!