A lot of new copywriters have dreams of working in an advertising agency. But when they get that agency interview, they have no idea what to say. But here's the secret. There are specific ways you can impress each ad agency you interview with. And you'll find these right on their own websites. Before we get into interview prep, the very first thing you should do when you get … [Read more...]
Why You Need to Separate Copy and Content on Your Portfolio Site
Most non-industry people don't understand the difference between content and copy. And it's true that, as a copywriter, you'll probably get paid to write content at least a few times. But it's also very important that you demonstrate that you know the difference between the two. Here's why. A few weeks back, I was randomly website hopping. I found myself on a copywriter's … [Read more...]
As a Copywriter, Do You Need Your Own Newsletter?
Every single (successful) company has an email list of people who have opted in to receive information about them. As a one-person company of your own, someone whose job is to both write copy and find people to write it for, this begs the question: Do you need a newsletter of your own? First, you need an online portfolio. Then, you need to make sure your online … [Read more...]
Who You’re Not Following on Social Media (But Should Be)
Undoubtedly, you've got at least a couple of social media profiles—Meta/Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and so on. Hopefully, you've already optimized them to feature your copywriting (and aren't just wasting time looking at what everyone else is doing!). You may even be following or connected to some of the leaders in the industry. But chances are that there are some very … [Read more...]
How To Find a Copywriting Mentor
A lot of career and business guides will advise you to find a copywriting mentor...but they won't tell you how to find that mentor. Until there's a website to connect would-be mentors with mentees like a dating site (note to self: business idea!), you'll have to go it alone. So, here are a few tips to find a copywriting mentor. When you're looking for your mentor, don't … [Read more...]
Your Copywriting Career Resolutions for 2024
It’s the time of year when everyone starts thinking about resolutions. And contrary to all the experts and articles that say that “resolutions don’t work,” I remain firmly in the pro-resolution camp with one major caveat: You need to choose resolutions that you can make happen. Not achieving resolutions in the past isn’t a reason not to make them now—especially for … [Read more...]
How to Work as an Expat Copywriter
It's the dream of many to work overseas as a copywriter and pen a few brilliant words every once in a while to pay for their apartment in Paris and the croissants that keep them fed. And here's the thing: There are some copywriters that are able to do just that. However, it's not quite as simple and idyllic as it sounds. Let me start with the conclusion and then work … [Read more...]
How Copywriting Projects Actually Come Together
For people who are just starting out as copywriters, there's an element to the copywriting process that's often kind of a mystery. Namely, well, pretty much the whole process. How does a project get started? How when do you work with a designer? How does your work get seen? Where does the writing fit in? Believe me: what seems confusing and intimidating now will eventually … [Read more...]
How To Learn From the Copywriting Greats
One of the surest ways to improve any skill set is to identify the people who are the best at doing what you want to do. If you're an actress, watch other great actors and actresses perform. If you're an artist, study the works of other great artists. But where do you go if you're a copywriter? One of the interesting things about copywriting is that it's kind of a … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Instantly Improve Your Copywriting Portfolio Site
As you know (at least partially because I say it again and again) it's crucial to have an online copywriting portfolio. You need a place to send potential employers and clients before they meet you to prove how good you are at what you do. Your portfolio site has two main jobs: 1) to display your work and prove that you're good at what you do and 2) to set you apart from … [Read more...]