We've said it once and we'll say it a million more times: giving and receiving feedback is a skill. And, it's a skill not enough professionals, copywriters or otherwise, workout enough. So, while it can sometimes be hard to receive feedback on our copywriting, we can take what we learn from how we receive feedback and incorporate it into how we give copywriting feedback. If … [Read more...]
What Makes a Good Call to Action (CTA)?
As a copywriter, the pieces you write will almost always include a call to action, or CTA. A CTA is the action you want a user to take. So, if you’re writing an email and the goal is to get them to buy a certain product, it may mean linking the text “shop now,” or even working with the designer to put copy on a button or include small arrows/carrots (>>) next to the … [Read more...]
#1 Freelance Tax Mistake and How to Avoid It
It's the time of the year when, whether we like it or not, our thoughts turn to taxes—and those copywriters who have been doing freelance work may start to panic at the thought of their tax bill. Today's post is about how to ensure your freelance copywriting doesn't turn into a major tax nightmare. Now, first, let me preface this by saying that I am not a tax professional … [Read more...]
Episode 174: What You Need for Your Professional Copywriting Home Office
Whenever we embark on something new, it can be tempting to go out and buy allll the new accessories to help you get started. “But a shiny, new desk will make me *feel* professional…and THEN I can do the work, right?!” Well, we hate to break it to you but…a new desk is *not* going to magically boost your productivity. In fact, the “urge to splurge” is often just resistance … [Read more...]
Episode 173: How to Elevate Your Profile & Land Copywriting Clients on LinkedIn
You *know* LinkedIn is important for landing work but when it comes to building or updating your profile…well, taking a nap always seems like a better option. But LinkedIn can strongly impact your career and by taking the right steps to optimize your page, you could be attracting job leads and recruiter connections while you sleep! In this episode, Nicki and Kate are running … [Read more...]
Episode 172: Taking Action in the Face of Imposter Syndrome – Shelby’s Story
Have you ever scrolled past copywriting roles at big-name companies, feeling like they’re out of your league? “There’s no WAY they’d consider hiring someone like me!” Many of us have doubted whether those big, corporate giants would ever give us a shot. But today, we’re about to share a story that proves those internal doubts wrong… When Comprehensive Copywriting Academy … [Read more...]
Episode 171: Help! My Client Wants to Test My Copy!
“Wait, my copy is going to be put to the test?! What?!” Anything that mentions the word “test” always sounds scary but don’t panic! When a client starts to talk to you about potentially running tests on your copy, this is something that you should not only embrace, but even be excited about. Testing your copy is a chance for you to better serve your client, allowing you to … [Read more...]
Top Advice for New Copywriters (From Working Copywriters)
Copywriting is *so* much more than just words on a page. At its core, it’s about connecting people with the right solutions for their needs and wants, using messaging that truly resonates with them. (You’re basically playing Cupid—but with words instead of arrows!) And sure, there’s no denying that writing killer copy takes skill. But remember that no one is born knowing how … [Read more...]
Episode 170: Why You Need to Upsell Your Copywriting Clients (And How to Do It the Non-Sleazy Way)
We know by now that pitching clients is hands down the best way to control your workload and your income. But if you’re spending all your time pitching new clients, you could be missing a trick… Sometimes we forget that the easiest clients to pitch are the ones who already know you and love the work you're doing. So today, Nicki and Kate are diving into the strategies for … [Read more...]
Episode 169: 12 Marks of a Lazy Copywriter (And How to Avoid Becoming One Yourself!)
Okay, it’s time to 'fess up. Is some laziness starting to creep into your copywriting? If you find yourself hitting "send" without a second look, resorting to tired seasonal puns (PLEASE no more "fall for falling prices"), or skipping the strategy stage…it might be time for a wake-up call. Our clients rely on us for the highest quality work and, as tempting as it can be to cut … [Read more...]
Episode 168: 1 Year to a Senior Copywriter Promotion – Kelsey’s Story
Despite being born with a passion for writing, Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student just couldn’t seem to find a way to make it her full-time gig. But spending 20 years working in the bar and restaurant industry, living paycheck to paycheck, had started to take its toll physically and emotionally. Within a matter of months of starting the CCA course, Kelsey's portfolio … [Read more...]
Episode 167: How to Deal with Haters, Doubters, and Anyone Getting in the Way of Your Copywriting Career
When you’re starting a new career in copywriting, you might run into some…less than helpful comments, shall we say. “Copywriting–is that actually a real career?” and “Is that even something you can make money from?” are some of the classics. But as Taylor Swift so wisely said: “The haters gonna hate (hate hate hate hate)” and you can’t live your life letting other people's … [Read more...]
Episode 166: How Copywriters Can Add Content Strategy as a Service – with Amanda Hand
While it’s not necessary to build a successful copywriting career, adding complementary skills to your toolbox can be advantageous. And–despite its name–content strategy can actually make a great pairing with copywriting. Experienced content strategist Amanda Hand joins Nicki and Kate in this week’s episode to dig into this role further and what it takes to create … [Read more...]