There are a lot of “genres” of copywriting that really aren’t genres at all; they’re just buzz-y marketing terms. “Conversion copywriting” is a good example. Any copywriter worth their salt is focused on helping their clients increase conversions. After all, the goal of copywriting is to connect a person who has a specific need with the best possible solution to that need. … [Read more...]
How Can You Know if a Copywriting Deadline is Doable?
We freelancers have a love/hate relationship with deadlines. We love them because there is nothing that will get your rear in a chair and your fingers typing like a looming copywriting deadline. Aaaaaand we also hate them because what gets our rear in the chair are twinges of panic at the idea of not getting the work done in time. Deadlines are essential because they … [Read more...]
The Huge Benefits of Writing for Clients that Don’t “Wow” You
We all have dream clients: Companies that are so cool or so interesting or so inspiring that it would rock our worlds to write with them. And maybe you can even expand that to a whole group or list of clients that seem interesting or exciting. They certainly don’t need to fall into the same niche (and probably shouldn’t—learn when to break the copywriting niche rule), … [Read more...]
Why Companies Requiring Experience for Copywriting Jobs is a Good Thing
Every once in a while, I’ll hear a lament from one of our students who is interested in landing an in-house or agency job. They’ll say, “I really want to apply for these, but they all require at least two years of experience! I haven’t got that yet!” And I get it: For someone who’s been studying and working diligently to practice and hone the craft, as well as build a great … [Read more...]
How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Pitch Copywriting Clients?
This isn’t going to be a major revelation but in order to be a professional copywriter and have a successful career, you need, well, clients. Paying clients. And in order to get those clients, you need a proven system for finding, pitching, and landing those clients. (All of which we teach in the CCA, so no worries there.) But all of this invariably leads to the question: … [Read more...]
Why You Need to Re-Sell Your Copywriting Work
Okay, pop quiz, copywriters: Once you found the client, landed the work, and written the first draft, the next step is just to send the draft back to your client with a friendly, “Let me know what you think!”, right? (Hint: If that were right, this would be an awfully short post.) Believe me, I certainly understand the impulse to send a draft off an get it off your … [Read more...]
The (Surprisingly Easy) Art of Negotiation for Copywriters
If the idea of quoting prices for their work already makes most new and would-be copywriters nervous, well then, the idea of negotiating those rates can bring up some serious nerves. But here’s the good news: It’s really not that hard at all. In fact, as you’ll see in a moment, the hardest part…is not talking. So let’s just dig in, shall we? You likely already know … [Read more...]
The Importance of Freelancing in Today’s Working World
I say “new truth” but it’s really been creeping up on us for a while. First, companies got rid of pensions…then workers moved away from being “lifers” at companies…then it became common—if not necessary—to change jobs every three to five years. Now, the importance of freelancing is clear: you need the skills to find and land clients (and bring in income) whenever you need (or … [Read more...]
Find Copywriting Clients on Facebook: 3 Tips and 1 Big Warning
When it comes to finding clients, the keys are to be systematic, but also to cast your net wide. Facebook makes for a great place to cast some of that net—though not all of it. To mix metaphors, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket! What makes Facebook so great? Well, it’s already a place that billions of people go to seek information, find recommendations, network with … [Read more...]
Overcoming Copywriter Imposter Syndrome
We’ve talked a bit before about how resistance can pop up and try to derail you whenever you’re moving out of your comfort zone. (Actually, more than a bit: we’ve talked about it as one of the sneaky distractions that will block your copywriting career progress, how "I can't" is a phrase you need to watch out for, why you need to add The War of Art to your reading list, and … [Read more...]