You sent a pitch to a client and the client is interested. Now what?! Nicki and Kate walk through a typical project process, from the first call with your client all the way through sending your invoice, and every step in between.
Even if if you’re a copywriter who has been working for awhile, you’ll want to listen to this episode to get tips for how you may be able to improve your project process. And, if you’re newer to copywriting, this may help ease an anxiety you may have about working with your first clients.
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Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Check out the episode on YouTube!
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[1:30] When you send out a pitch as a copywriter you may or may not hear back from the prospective client. But when a client is interested, what comes next? Kate and Nicki take us through the step-by-step process of actually writing copy for a client. (Hint: there’s a lot more to it than writing copy!)
[4:45] Discovery calls are a great time to decide if this business relationship is a good fit for you, if this is a client that you are interested in working for.
[7:55] Before you start writing it’s important to have a kickoff call. Ask lots of questions, for both you and your client, so you’re sure of what they are looking for and you are on the same page.
[10:15] Nicki and Kate chat about when a project gets chaotic and starts to go off the rails. Almost 99% of the time that can be traced back to that input call, and that it wasn’t quite thorough enough. Ask A LOT of questions.
[14:15] In addition to take notes it can be very helpful to record the call, that’s made even easier by technology and that many of our calls are now happening virtually.
[20:45] When you’re in the writing process it is okay if you need to go back to the client and ask questions, but it’s important to try and gather as much information as possible before you start writing to make the process go more smoothly.
[24:45] Nicki and Kate emphasize how important it is to create an outline before you start writing. It allows you to craft and plan, and most importantly, makes sure that you are never facing a blank page!
[29:40] With all new clients and any big projects it’s important to schedule time to share what you have created. Give yourself time to present your work, ask and answer questions and get some feedback.
[35:45] Nicki and Kate discuss tips on how to ask for and receive feedback, and how to use that feedback to make changes.
[39:45] When you are quoting a new project it is important to account for revisions and the time you will need to make those changes.
[43:45] Our hosts end the chat with some guidance about invoicing clients, after both one time projects and repeat work.
Mentioned in This Episode
Related Links
- What Kind of People Do Copywriters Work With
- Self-Edit Your Copywriting: Why It’s a Must & How to Do It
- How Copywriting Projects Actually Come Together
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About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
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Ep. 38: How Much Does It Cost to Start a Copywriting Career?
Last Updated on October 27, 2023
