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...]
Why You Should Connect With Past Copywriting Clients
As a freelance copywriter, you should always be reevaluating your business, adjusting your career plans, and setting new goals. Part of running a successful freelance business is establishing a client base. That includes not only new prospects but previous clients. Reconnecting with clients who have previously hired you shows how much you value working with them and keeps … [Read more...]
How to Manage That First Copywriting Client Panic
When you’re learning copywriting, building your experience, and starting to look for clients, it can feel like everything is going to be smooth sailing once you first start landing clients. But I want to prepare you for something (and then help you get through it). When you start getting work, your first reaction will be elation. And then, likely about three seconds … [Read more...]
Land Copywriting Clients With These 35 Tips
Looking for copywriting 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 … [Read more...]
Episode 212: The Dangers of Steady Copywriting Clients
Having one steady, high-paying copywriting client is the dream, right?Well, to be honest, no. Copywriting is a little bit like investing. Putting your eggs all in one basket leaves you vulnerable to the whims of one company. That's why diversification is so important.When you have multiple copywriting clients, it doesn't matter if work slows down … [Read more...]
Episode 211: How to Weather the Ups and Downs of Business
You've heard me say time and time again that copywriting is an incredibly fun and rewarding career. And it is. But ... it's still a career.There are inevitably times in life—whether as a freelancer or full-time, copywriting or otherwise—when you just don't feel 100%. And sometimes we attribute those crummy feelings to the wrong things.Cloudy days, an odd text from a … [Read more...]
Episode 210: Part Time Social Worker, Part Time Copywriter – Alicia’s Story
Every time we talk with Comprehensive Copywriting Academy students, Kate and I leave feeling inspired.That's exactly what it was like talking to Alicia. From a young age, Alicia knew she wanted to help people. It's what got her into social work. But, like many of those in the social work field, Alicia faced extreme burnout. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting … [Read more...]
Episode 209: 1 Tactic to Try for More Powerful Copywriting
When used correctly, storytelling is a powerful copywriting tactic. But why do I say "when used correctly?" Because sometimes copywriters and clients use storytelling in the entirely wrong way. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are breaking down when and how to use this tactic. Plus, we're giving some examples of storytelling in … [Read more...]
Episode 208: Are You Doing These 4 Things That Clients Look for in Freelancers?
🎶 What a client wants, what a client needs ...... whatever makes them happy gets you money ... 🎶I apologize if you have Christina Aguilera stuck in your head. BUT if it helps you remember the key takeaways from this episode, then you're welcome. ;)On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are talking about four crucial things that clients look … [Read more...]
Episode 207: Calling Yourself a “Freelance Copywriter”: Good or Bad?
"Stop calling yourself a freelancer!" In typical Internet fashion, there's plenty of bad information and scare-tactic hooks. That "stop calling yourself a freelancer" is just one of the examples Kate recently saw when she was on LinkedIn. In a video posted on the site, a marketing "expert" calls on freelance writers to stop calling themselves "freelance writers." Huh? On … [Read more...]
Episode 206: From Monk to Teacher to Copywriter – John’s Story
Ever struggled with finding your "thing" in life? (But really...who hasn't?! I know I have several times!)That's the place John was in before he discovered copywriting.For years, John was a monk in Japan before returning to the US and becoming a middle school teacher. But after seven years, as many teachers can relate to, he was incredibly stressed.The "ah-ha" moment came … [Read more...]
Episode 205 – Copywriter Holiday Survival: How to Answer Questions About Your Job
Raise your hand if you've ever told someone you're a "copywriter" and 5 minutes later you realize they think you're a copyrighter. 🙋🙋♂️🙋♀️ We want to help you avoid that situation and ALL the others like it. That's why Kate and I had the brilliant-beyond-brilliant idea to put together not one podcast episode this week but five super-short episodes that answer … [Read more...]
Episode 204: Dangerous copywriting strategy alert: you can’t rely on SEO for landing clients
The title of this podcast episode might sound dramatic, but it's 100% true.There are copywriting experts touting this strategy. It's so incredibly risky and, well, Nicki and Kate don't want this strategy to put your copywriting success at risk.Because this strategy sounds good.The idea is that, if you can get your copywriting portfolio to show up in search results when people … [Read more...]
Episode 203: Secrets to Smooth Copywriting Client Relations
We've talked a lot about boundaries. You know they're important ...... but how are you with enforcing your boundaries?It's all too easy to let those boundaries slide. And the message your sending when you set a boundary, but don't enforce it, is that none of your boundaries mean anything.Brutal, but true. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting … [Read more...]