Re: Yes, I've Taken AWAI's Copywriting Course...

> Michelle:

In addition to thanking you again; have you made any money after taking the course and how did you begin marketing your new skill?

Hi Belinda,

> I meant to answer eDave's inquiry about it, but never got around to it.

> The course is a good one -- the content is solid and they have some
> veterans with solid experience on their board, most notably Bob Bly. They
> also have excellent customer service.

> However... There are two things you should know before investing in it:

> 1. There are many forms of copywriting. AWAI's course teaches you only one
> type of copywriting: direct response copywriting. Their focus is teaching
> you to write direct response print ads and direct direct mail. (I didn't
> realize this until after I'd bought it.)

> It's a lucrative niche and there is a lot of opportunity in the field. If
> you're interested in writing other types of material (collateral material
> like brochures, newsletters, etc. for example), then look elsewhere. The
> course doesn't teach you that.

> 2. The course teaches you how to write. It DOES NOT teach you how to
> market yourself as a copywriter or build a copywriting business. They DO
> offer separate courses for these though.

> If you'd like to pursue this type of writing and want to learn how, it's a
> great course. If you want to know how to build your business (the
> marketing side of it), be prepared to learn that separately. If you're not
> sure exactly what market you'd like to specialize in, then you'll need to
> spend some time exploring it and then make a decision.

> Once you buy from them, you'll get lots of follow-ups from them promoting
> their other courses and bootcamps. This is simply good business practice.
> They are never pushy, rude, or unprofessional about it. As a matter of
> fact, it's a great education in good marketing. But if you're someone
> who's easily irritated by that sort of thing, be prepared for it.

> I read eDave's review of it on his Web site a while back. Apparently, he
> was under the impression that it included instructions on marketing his
> new business. It doesn't.

> It's not a "business opportunity in a box." They don't pretend
> to give you everything you need to know to "start a business and be
> successful." Like any ordinary job or chance to start a business,
> it's a solid opportunity to learn a new craft and make a business out of
> it. In other words, it's WORK. Once you learn, you have to learn how to
> market yourself and get clients.

> If you really want to write -- if writing is your passion and you want to
> make a living at it, then AWAI's course is a good way to learn a new type
> of writing and about the market for it. If you're just another opporunity
> seeker looking for an all-inclusive solution, look elsewhere.

> AWAI's course DOES offer feedback on your writing assignments though. So
> yes, in that sense, they offer handholding. And the feedback from veterans
> who have been in the trenches is invaluable.

> I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, please ask.