If you’re creative and you’re looking to make money as a writer, I have good news for you: Copywriting is absolutely the way to go. You get to be creative and you get paid well for the work that you do. However, if, to you, “being creative” means being airy and free and without constraints, I have bad news for you: You’re not going to make much money. For a lot of … [Read more...]

I was watching an online training about freelancing a few weeks ago, and something the trainer said threw up a big red flag. (By the way, sure I already knew most of what he had to say, but I’m always taking new trainings and watching webinars to pick up whatever new tactics are out there. I strongly encourage you to do the same.) Anyway, this trainer was talking about … [Read more...]

“How much should I charge per word?” is one of the scariest, most misguided questions a copywriter can ask. And I don’t really blame new copywriters who ask that question, since there are plenty of “work farming” companies that happily advertise their “copywriters’” price per word. So let me make one thing very, very clear: Professional copywriters do not charge by the … [Read more...]

If you’re trying to build a freelance business or to land a job, you’ve got to be able to sell yourself, right? Well, if the idea of selling freaks you out, I have good news: If you’re Selling, you’re doing it wrong. Read on… Today’s question comes from Zoe T., who asks, “I know that copywriting isn’t just writing, that I have to sell my services to get clients. But the idea … [Read more...]

Meeting new people can be scary for a lot of people. But, unless everyone you already know wants to buy your copywriting services, you’re eventually going to have meet new people to find clients. Reaching out to new people to grow your network helps you build valuable connections that will also help you grow your business. But, just as with anything else, there’s a right way … [Read more...]

Looking for clients is a big part of your job. (At least initially; eventually referrals will make everything much easier.) Many new copywriters can fall into a little bit of a client-search trap, though: They pick one method of searching and stick with it. If that method works consistently for you, then great. But it’s much more likely that that method will be spotty and, … [Read more...]

It seems like every company runs sales—and, presumably, sales help them make more money! Hey, maybe you should offer sales and discounts, too! Turns out, it's not quite as easy as that for a service provider. Here's what you need to know: Today’s question comes from Mya S., who asks, “I want to jumpstart my freelance business. Do you think offering a discount or limited-time … [Read more...]

When you're out there hustling to find as many clients as you can, it's natural to be aware of (and maybe intimidated by) your competition. But should you worry about it? Or is there a better way to expend that energy? Read on... Today's question comes from Renee R., who asks, "I just joined a Facebook group for creative professionals because I thought it would be good for … [Read more...]

Retainers seem like an ideal solution: You set aside a certain number of hours and get paid whether or not you even work! What's not to like? Well, let's start with the fact that it rarely runs that smoothly. Today's question is from Mike M., who asks, "Could you please explain the ins and outs of clients who hire copywriters on retainer and how it works?" First, let's … [Read more...]

It's definitely no secret that—in spite of what a lot of gurus will tell you—I strongly advise you not to choose a niche when you're first starting out. Why not? Well, this article about avoiding niches will explain it in more detail but, suffice it to say that choosing a niche when you're first starting out limits your portfolio and limits your job and work options. And, … [Read more...]