Every once in a while, I’ll hear a lament from one of our students who is interested in landing an in-house or agency job. They’ll say, “I really want to apply for these, but they all require at least two years of experience! I haven’t got that yet!” And I get it: For someone who’s been studying and working diligently to practice and hone the craft, as well as build a great … [Read more...]
The Importance of Freelancing in Today’s Working World
I say “new truth” but it’s really been creeping up on us for a while. First, companies got rid of pensions…then workers moved away from being “lifers” at companies…then it became common—if not necessary—to change jobs every three to five years. Now, the importance of freelancing is clear: you need the skills to find and land clients (and bring in income) whenever you need (or … [Read more...]
Find Copywriting Clients on Facebook: 3 Tips and 1 Big Warning
When it comes to finding clients, the keys are to be systematic, but also to cast your net wide. Facebook makes for a great place to cast some of that net—though not all of it. To mix metaphors, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket! What makes Facebook so great? Well, it’s already a place that billions of people go to seek information, find recommendations, network with … [Read more...]
You Don’t Have to Work with Clients You Hate
First of all, let me reassure you: There is absolutely NO shortage of copywriting clients out there. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite: There’s a shortage of skilled copywriters. Lots of people who need great copy and too few great copywriters to write it. (Pretty great for us, huh?) I want to be sure to mention this because I think that some people let the idea of who … [Read more...]
Recessions Are Huge Opportunities for Copywriters. Here’s Why.
The first time I made six figures as a copywriter was in 2008...right in the middle of the Great Recession...right after I left my full-time job to go freelance. Why then? Especially knowing that period was when, sadly, companies were laying off staff left and right. But here’s the key: **Companies still needed copy because copy drives business.** Remember, copywriting … [Read more...]
The Very Common Assumptions That Will Cut Your Copywriting Business in Half
There are a lot of tasks that require focus and persistence when you’re building your copywriting business. What we’re talking about today is not one of them. The process of compiling the companies that you’re going to pitch should be easy, light-hearted, and fun. This is one part of your business-building in which I’m going to actively encourage you to go down rabbit holes. As … [Read more...]
How NOT to Pitch Potential Copywriting Clients
You already know that pitching clients is the #1 way to affect and control your workload and your income. But I know…the idea of reaching out to people seems scary. It seems soooo much easier to just watch those job-bidding sites and respond when you see something posted. (Which is a great strategy for frustration and underpayment.) What you’re not aware of is how very, … [Read more...]
Why Your Clients Need Funnels (And Need You to Write Them)
Let’s imagine you’re sitting in a bar. A member of your preferred partnering gender walks in the door, walks up to you, and says, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. Will you marry me?” Would you do it? Of course not! There would be numerous dates and conversations and experiences before you’d be ready to take that step in that relationship. So then, why do so many businesses … [Read more...]
Why the Way Most Copywriters Look for Work…Doesn’t Work
I’ve heard it, you’ve heard it, we’ve all heard it: “Writers don’t make any money!” Or, even more specifically: “Copywriters don’t really make any money—it’s all lies.” As someone who, when I’m focused on just copywriting, has no problem hitting six figures and now dedicates a large portion of my time to helping others maximize their copywriting income too, let me … [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 (if not most of the things) actually 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 … [Read more...]