For some people, the idea of loving your job sounds like a pipe dream. But there are three traits elements that very clearly and demonstrably affect job satisfaction and can, yes, even mean job love. Ready to hear what they are? I’m a big fan of books about scientific studies on happiness, satisfaction, focus, flow, and all those other seemingly elusive elements. But … [Read more...]
How to Write Humor for Your Copywriting Clients
Some of the most memorable ads are the funniest ones, but how did the writer (and designer/videographer) get to that point? How did they take a creative brief and turn it into something that makes you smile—if not laugh out loud? Well, that’s exactly what we’re delving into today. First, I want to make an important point. Similar to our previous post about creativity, you … [Read more...]
5 Things Creative Directors Wish You Knew
Creative directors will be some of the most important people you’ll work with in your life. (Copywriting mentors are important, too; read more about them here.) They have the power to make you into the best copywriter you can be. But how can you maximize any relationship with a creative director? A great creative director will do their best to build your skills as a copywriter … [Read more...]
Copywriting Success Secrets for Extroverts
If you’re someone who thrives off of interactions with people, how does the “sit alone and write your copy” lifestyle of the copywriter suit you? Good news: By following a few tips, it can suit you quite well. Copywriting makes a great career for extroverts, just as much as it does for introverts. You just have to design your career to fit your personality. At first blush, … [Read more...]
Habits of Wildly Successful Copywriters
What they say is true: Cultivating the right habits can have a major impact on your success. After all, what we do every day determines what we become. So, what are the habits of wildly successful copywriters? As many business and success gurus will tell you, the fastest way to succeed is to study the things successful people do, and then do those same things. So, in the … [Read more...]
Problems Between Copywriters and Design Partners
A copywriter's design partner will often be their work best friend. They'll work closely and create amazing pieces. But what happens when this crucial relationship hits a rift? How do you keep creating work when there are problems? When things aren’t going well with your design partner it’s both frustrating and disheartening. It feels like they don’t respect you and they … [Read more...]
How to Fix Bad Copywriting Feedback
A big part of being a copywriter is incorporating the feedback you receive in creative reviews. But what do you do when you get bad feedback? And not feedback that makes you sad but truly useless feedback? Imagine this scenario: You had a creative review with your client and the client is...well, let's say you get the vibe they're not thrilled. Your client keeps suggesting … [Read more...]
Can an Introvert Be a Successful Copywriter?
Maybe it’s because writing itself requires so much time alone, but it seems that a lot of people who love to write also require solitude to recharge their batteries. That's one of the reasons copywriting is one of the most flexible careers for introverts. A lot of a copywriter’s job involves crafting copy by oneself. You just can’t write good copy without spending at … [Read more...]
Why Copywriting Formulas and Templates Are Absurd
There are sites and sources that promise "the perfect copywriting template for effective emails!" or "the formula for copy that converts!" And that sounds great, right? But not only are "formulas" not great, they're both full of crap and bad for copywriting professionals. You'll often see sites and opt-ins that try to sell you on formulas or templates for killer ads and … [Read more...]
The Cardinal Sin for New Copywriters
When you're just starting work, you'll do practically anything to get it—including making an offer that's sure to tank any chances you have of making money or being respected. Oh, and did I mention that the majority of new copywriters make this mistake? Read: It's a big problem. Let's make sure you avoid it. The Big Sin Before you land your first copywriting client, or … [Read more...]