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 280: Making Herstory: Nicki Krawczyk & Kate Sitarz
If you're in the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, you know this community is packed with talented, creative, smart, generous humans. One of those humans is Shelby Stockton. Shelby is a comic, copywriter, and co-host of Herstory, a podcast spotlighting the stories of badas* women throughout history. So, this week's Build Your Copywriting Business podcast episode … [Read more...]
Episode 279: Burned Out Healthcare Worker to Healthcare Copywriter – Molly’s Story
Our feelings on niching have never wavered: niching unnecessarily limits your opportunities, especially when you're first starting out. But what if you have an entire career in an industry? You can—and should—absolutely use that experience to your advantage. CCA student and former healthcare worker Molly is sharing how she did exactly that on this … [Read more...]
Episode 278: Hot Takes on Banner Ads (With Actual Examples)
Ever wonder what makes a banner ad actually work? As in: what separates a scroll-past banner ad from a stop-and-click banner ad? While Kate and I don't have the data from these ads, we do have some thoughts on 8 different banner ads. Some of these banner ads are single frames. Some are dynamic (meaning, they switch frames every few seconds).Some have solid … [Read more...]
Episode 277: Would You Send a $120K Proposal? She Did. – Victoria’s Story
Talking on the phone feels a little old school, don't you think? ☎️ But guess what? It's still how a lot of business gets done. And one phone call completely changed the trajectory of Victoria's career. Victoria went to school for business and launched her business as a VA in 2021. Her clients? They wanted marketing and copywriting support, too. As she … [Read more...]
Episode 276: Here’s Exactly What I’d Say on a Discovery Call
OK first things first so we're on the same page: A Discovery Call is one of the most important calls you have as a copywriter. This is where you and a client get on a 15 or so minute call and determine if you want to move forward together on a project. But what does that look like? And how do you move forward with the project? In this podcast episode, I'm sharing exactly what … [Read more...]
Episode 275: Freelance Copywriter Turned Nonprofit Comms Manager – Catching Up with Jen
Have your heart set on freelancing? A lot of copywriters do. And that was Jen, too. She was freelance or bust. In fact, the last time we talked to her, she was thriving as a freelancer, making upwards of 10K/month while home schooling her kids. So, why the heck did she take an on-staff job?! When you're really clear on what you want and why you want it, you realize there … [Read more...]
Episode 274: Your Next Copywriting Client Isn’t Online
When you think of "networking," what do you think of? 😖 "Hello my name is ..." name tags and business cards being shoved at you like confetti? 😫 Memorizing an elevator pitch that ends up feeling sales-y and robotic? ☠️ A room full of strangers that makes you feel like you're back in the middle school lunchroom trying to figure out what table to sit at? I … [Read more...]
Episode 273: In-House Copywriter to Agency Copywriter – Catching Up with Kelsey
If you heard our first conversation with Kelsey then you already know she's a bada** human. If you missed that conversation, I can't even sum up all the insights she shares (so definitely check it out if you haven't already). But the major win was Kelsey earned a promotion to senior copywriter after only a year of being with her in-house agency. Since then, Kelsey has been … [Read more...]
Episode 272: “Don’t Believe Everything You Think”: How to Track & Test Your Thoughts
Even the MOST successful people have intrusive thoughts. Yes, influencers on Instagram who share their flawless-looking morning routines five times a week. Yes, Fortune 500 CEOs. Yes, the author who just hit the NYT bestseller list for a third time. The difference between them and those who don't achieve their goals? They've learned to manage their intrusive thoughts. The bad … [Read more...]
Episode 271: Meta Ads: the Biggest Opportunity for Copywriters Right Now
The biggest opportunity for copywriters right now? Meta ads. If you're like, "But Nicki, haven't Meta ads always been a big opportunity? And isn't Facebook dying?" Yes and no. Yes, they've always been a huge opportunity, but I'm letting you in on some things our Meta ads rep has told us that makes fresh messaging more crucial than ever. And, no, Facebook is very … [Read more...]