The 5 Things New Copywriters Should NEVER Do

It’s hard enough to get started in copywriting without making one of these huge mistakes. And when I say huge, I mean huge: Any one of these is enough to delay your success, if not bring your career to a grinding halt.

And what’s worse, the vast majority of copywriters will make at least one of these mistakes, if not more.

So read on to find out what these mistakes are, and then read just a bit further to find out how to fix them.

5. Never Brand Yourself as a Copywriter & …

What I mean is, never brand yourself as a “copywriter/copy editor” or “copywriter/content writer” or “copywriter/designer“—hiring managers and recruiters will instantly know that you’re an amateur.

Too often, new copywriters think they need to add more services. More services means more clients, right? Not necessarily. What it more often means is you spread yourself too thin. And if you don’t have the proper training (design and copyediting are two entirely separate careers!), you risk delivering sub-par, unprofessional work.

There is more than enough work for you as as copywriter—without burning out trying to take on four different careers at once.

4. Never Charge in Any Way Other Than by the Project or by the Hour

If you’re charging by the word, you’re actually penalizing yourself for being a good copywriter! And offering to negotiate rates during the project or even <shudder> offering to work for free at first means you’re shooting yourself in the foot, big time. In fact, even charging by the hour sometimes means you’re getting paid less than you’re worth.

Here’s how to go about charging the right way—and ensure you’re making what you’re worth >>

3. Never Treat an Interview Like an Interview

I know, you’re thinking, “Why would I do that??” But I guarantee that at some point you will—and it will be a big mistake.

You need to treat an interview just like you would a copywriting pitch. You need to have researched the business and have a few ideas for how you could already, as a copywriter, benefit that business.

Here’s how to come prepared >>

2. Never Use a Standard Resume

If you’re relatively new to copywriting, your resume is chock full of non-copywriting work. Who’s going to hire you to write copy if all of your experience is in doing something else?

Here’s what to use instead >>

1. NEVER Get Started Without a Creative Brief

Too many copywriters—including seasoned pros—skip the brief. And guess what? It hurts both you and the client in the end. You deliver sub-par work the client isn’t thrilled with and you end up spending extra time you didn’t budget for making things right.

Here’s why the creative brief is a must for every project >>

Your Turn! What else should a copywriter never do? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Last Updated on May 10, 2023