Spec ads are one of the most important tools copywriters have to show their abilities to potential clients. Not only do spec ads show that you can write great copy and how you strategize your work, but it also shows you are connected and can collaborate with talented designers who make your copy pop. You read that right, the number one mistake copywriters make is not working … [Read more...]
Should Copywriters Collect Sales Tax?
Many states in the U.S. collect sales tax. Generally, laws allow businesses to add this tax on to whatever good or service they are selling. But, as a copywriter, do you need to collect sales tax? Like many things when starting out as a copywriter, this one can be easy to overthink and worry about. However, it's an easy one to solve. What Is Sales Tax? Sales tax … [Read more...]
Ep. 18: How to Land Your First Copywriting Clients—Without Experience
It's the question ever new and would-be copywriter has early on in their journey: how do you land clients if you don't have experience? And how do you get experience if you can't land clients? It feels like a classic catch-22. But you're not going to let that stop you dead in your tracks, right? Right. You do need experience to land clients ... but not the kind of experience … [Read more...]
BONUS Laser Coaching: Build Confidence & Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Copywriter
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but if confidence is not an issue for you now, it will at some point in your life. We all face situations that challenge or shake our confidence (especially when we're new and feel the need to take on every copy project!), whether it's in the form of self-doubt or fear. The good news: You can overcome it. On this episode, Nicki and Kate … [Read more...]
Do Copywriters Need Insurance?
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 country, region, or … [Read more...]
Ep. 17: How to Set Your Copywriting Rates
Everybody hates pricing their services. That's because there is no exact science for pricing your services. There's no perfect formula that is going to work every time and be exactly right. It's as much art as science. Nicki and Kate dig into why online calculators are wildly inaccurate (one told Kate, based on her experience, to charge $13,800 for a homepage). Instead of … [Read more...]
Opening a Business Bank Account as a Copywriter
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 country, region, or … [Read more...]
Paying Freelance Writer Taxes in 2026
If paying taxes is what’s holding you back from freelancing, there’s some good news: All the “what if’s” and worst-case scenarios you’re thinking are all solvable (and probably not as bad as you think). When you’re working on-staff, your company takes out money from your taxes from your paycheck. But when you’re freelancing and often when you’re contracting, your … [Read more...]
Ep. 16: Freelancer to Full-Time Remote Copywriter – Karisa’s Story
Karisa joined the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy in fall of 2019 and sent her first pitches in January 2020 during Pitch-a-palooza, an annual event for CCA students. She landed her first client from one of her first five pitches. Then COVID happened. But, like many skilled copywriters, Karisa had a fantastic 2020. On this episode, you'll first hear Karisa and Nicki's … [Read more...]
Getting an EIN and Filling Out a W-9
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...]