First, let's define the difference between content writing and copywriting so we're on the same page: Copywriting is advertising and marketing writing; words that are designed to sell or persuade. Websites, emails, banner ads, brochures, magazine ads, billboards, etc. Content is writing that’s designed to educate, entertain, or inspire. Think: blog posts and … [Read more...]
Which Work-From-Home Writing Jobs Are Real?
Okay, let’s get one thing straight: There are a LOT of scams out there. And a lot of things that sound too good to be true ARE too good to be true. But let’s get another thing straight while we’re at it. Copywriting—the actual career of writing copy—is not one of those. It’s a real career and plenty of people are enjoying doing that work every day, whether at ad agencies, as … [Read more...]
Should You Package Your Copywriting Services?
One of the keys to selling copywriting services—or selling anything, really—is to make it as easy as possible for a potential client to say yes. The more obvious you can make it that your solution is the best solution, the faster you’ll get them to hire you. The tricky thing is that many would-be clients aren’t entirely sure of exactly what they need. Or they may think they … [Read more...]
Do You Need to Send Clients a Brand Questionnaire?
Starting a business relationship with a new client is exciting. There’s the excitement of starting a new project (and the forthcoming paycheck!), the potential to build a relationship that can become long-term...and also the potential to quickly and easily mess things up entirely. In a lot of ways, the first few interactions with a new client are some of the most important. … [Read more...]
A Powerful Self-Inventory for Freelance Business Success
“Know thyself” isn’t just good advice from a self-help perspective. It’s also crucially important when it comes to building a successful freelance business. And a million different “gurus” can give you a million different pieces of advice about the “right” time to get up. (As well as the “right” way to organize your day, the “right” order to accomplish your tasks...) But … [Read more...]
How to Become a Copywriter Without Experience in 6 Steps
Here’s what most people think about breaking into copywriting: You need experience to get clients and you need clients to get experience. And that’s a catch-22 that stops a lot of would-be copywriters dead in their tracks. But the truth—and good news—is that that’s only half true. Today, we’re going to talk about which half is true and how you can land clients without … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Vastly Improve Your Pitches to Would-Be Copywriting Clients
Not only should you not be afraid of pitching would-be copywriting clients, but, in fact, they want you to pitch them. And, of course, we’ve also already covered how pitching is the only way to truly be in control of your business and your income and why “easier” ways of finding work (I’m looking at you, Upwork and Freelancer!) are actually the fast track to … [Read more...]
Too Afraid to Pitch? Business Owners WANT Your Copywriting Pitches
When I tell my copywriting students that they need to pitch their copywriting services to potential clients, there’s often a lot of push back. A lot. And I get it: They’re afraid of reaching out to strangers. Of bothering them. Of asking for their business. Of potentially not getting that business—or, what they anticipate will feel like rejection. The fear of … [Read more...]
3 Common Copywriting Worries That You’re Likely Overthinking
We've talked about ways clients can tell you’re a brand-new copywriter. And don’t get me wrong: There’s nothing wrong with being new. But there’s a lot wrong with seeming inexperienced to your potential clients. Often, when we're new to a skill, copywriting or otherwise, the lack of confidence can lead to some serious self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and major worries. There … [Read more...]
Present Yourself as a Professional Even as a Copywriting Beginner
There's nothing wrong with being new. Even the most seasoned, successful copywriters were once new to copywriting. So if you’re starting out right there at square one, guess what? You’re in exactly the right place. That said, though, no one wants to hire a brand-new copywriter. It’s nothing personal: YOU are a fabulous human being. But hiring anyone to do anything is a risk, … [Read more...]