When you start something new, especially something that's important to you, you want to make sure you start in the best way possible. That means, you want to make sure your job history and education are a good fit for it. You may even wonder if you need a degree for copywriting. When it comes to getting into copywriting, there are a few things you might have in your … [Read more...]
5 Networking Steps to Take This Month
Expanding your professional circle is important...but fairly vague. When it comes to attacking big projects, if I don't have bite-sized steps to take, I don't take any at all. So, in the spirit of attacking this goal with real action, here are five steps you can take this month to meet more people in the industry and increase your opportunities to find work. Why … [Read more...]
What’s a Creative Brief? A Guide to a Copywriter’s Essential Document
In the simplest terms, a creative brief is a write-up of everything a forthcoming project should entail. It gives all of the background information as well as all of the requirements and expectations for a project. When it comes to copywriting, this is the one magical document that you cannot do without. It guides you, it protects you and, yes, sometimes it even calls you … [Read more...]
What’s an Internal or In-House Ad Agency?
Sure, all copywriters daydream about being Don Draper and commanding—or even just being a part of—a creative team in a big, hip advertising agency. But there's another kind of opportunity you need to know about that offers all the smart coworkers, interesting projects, and, yes, sometimes tough deadlines outside of the traditional ad agency: in-house agencies. Ad Agency … [Read more...]
8 Tips for Networking Success
On the list of "Things People Hate to Do," networking probably falls just below "get a root canal." After all, nothing conjures up fear of rejection like an entire room full of people you don't know. At the same time, though, you know that you have to master networking to get started (and keep progressing) in the copywriting industry. So, here are a few easy tactics to help … [Read more...]
5 Questions to Make Your Spec Ads Even Better
Writing spec ads—in this case, we're talking about "fake" ads for companies, not the other kind of spec ads—is one of the most common ways for new and aspiring copywriters to build portfolios. And, because they make up so much of your portfolio, it's important that they be the best that they can be. First, you need to work with a designer on some spec ads or find a place … [Read more...]
Interviewing? What to Look for in a Creative Director
As much as any interview is about a prospective employer figuring out if you're a good fit for the company, it's also about finding out if the company is a good fit for you. And one of the most important things you have to determine is if the person you'll be reporting to can be everything you need them to be. Aside from asking questions about the role, what kind of work it … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Maximize Your LinkedIn Experience
They say nothing comes easy, but here's an exception: Your LinkedIn profile should be bringing you job leads and recruiter connections without you having to lift a finger. The key is to create a LinkedIn presence that is interesting, engaging and really sells you as a professional copywriter. How? Read on, my friend, read on... Today's question comes from Rhonda P. who asks, … [Read more...]
3 Phrases That Drive Creative Directors Crazy
You did it! You landed a job or a freelance gig and you're flying high. Every day, you get the chance to work with bright creatives and an inspiring creative director (and hopefully even a copywriter mentor). You're working hard and thinking big. But there are still a few things you need to do to stay on your creative director's good side. To ensure a good working … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Mess Up a Copywriting Interview
You applied for the job, you got the call to come in...but you're not home free yet. Sadly, there are six commonly made mistakes that completely derail an interview. Read on to be sure you don't incorporate these in your interview techniques... Today's question comes from Maya R., who asks "How can I be sure not to tank my interview? I really want this job!" Well, aside … [Read more...]