When you’re starting a new business, it feels really important to get everything right. “Perfect”, even. (PSA: Perfect is not a thing. Give it up.) And, yes, especially with things like pitch letters and portfolio sites—and client work!—you most certainly do want to put your best foot forward. But sometimes wanting to “get it right” can lead us to overcomplicate things … [Read more...]
Our 2020 Roundup of Books Copywriters Will Enjoy
It’s time to amass your reading list for any time you can manage to steal away during the holiday break. Here are a few suggestions! 4 Great Books for Leveling Up Your Thinking and Your Business Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen by Steve Sims. I really enjoyed reading about the mindset and business choices that helped this former bricklayer build an … [Read more...]
When and How to Raise Your Copywriting Rates
The rates you charge when you first get started as a copywriter will not—and should not—stay the same throughout your career. Remember that copywriting is a merit-based career. Regardless of your background, your age, your gender, your race, any demographic difference, if you can write great copy, people will hire you. And since it’s a merit-based career, that means your … [Read more...]
Freelance Copywriter Business FAQs
Note: We are not legal experts or tax preparation professionals, so always consult an accountant, tax prep professional, or attorney if you have concerns. This information is aimed at copywriters in the United States. Copywriters in other locations may find this information useful for determining what questions they need to ask and answer based on their city, country, or … [Read more...]
2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Copywriters
While work is certainly how we move our businesses forward, sometimes we also all need a break. Some time off. Maybe even some treats. So, in that spirit, today we present our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide. Are they things you absolutely need? Of course not! These are things you might helpful, things you might find a little indulgent, and things you might even find fun. You've … [Read more...]
The Big Secret About Naming Your Copywriting Business
One of the first things that trip up new copywriters as they’re getting started is naming their business. “What should I name it? Should I get a logo? Do I need to do a trademark search?” Let me make something very clear from the beginning: You do NOT need to name your business. I never have and many copywriters don’t. I, myself, write copy so you’re hiring Nicki Krawczyk, … [Read more...]
How to Write Copy for International Clients
I probably don’t need to say it, but there’s more opportunity than ever to work with remote clients. (I guess that’s one small bright side to a pandemic, though the trend was definitely on the upswing before 2020.) And that means that not only can you write for clients on the other side of your country from you, you can also write for clients on the other side of the world. … [Read more...]
What is UX Copywriting and How Do You Do It?
There are a lot of “genres” of copywriting that really aren’t genres at all; they’re just buzz-y marketing. “Conversion copywriting” is a good example. Since all copywriting is focused on achieving its goal for a project and if that goal is conversion well then, guess what? All copywriting is conversion copywriting. Calling oneself a conversion copywriter is just marketing, … [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 client 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 ensure … [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!), but they appeal to you personally. That’s … [Read more...]
