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 habits do successful copywriters cultivate? Read on… Today’s question comes from Sienna H. who asks, “I really want to make copywriting work for me. I feel like I’m on the right path (thanks to the Academy!) but are … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: The Biggest Print Portfolio Mistake
Your print portfolio is how you demonstrate your skills to a potential employer and walk them through the best of the work you've done thus far. But many copywriters are making a mistake that, at best, reflects poorly on them and, at worst, could cost them the opportunity. Curious? Read on... Today's question comes from Althea W. who asks, "I want to make sure my print … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: For Love or Money
How you organize your time can have a major effect on how much money you bring in. But what should you do when you have a project that you want to work on that won't pay you very much? Read on... Today's question comes from Peter W. who asks, "I got approached by a potential client about a project. The project itself (a website for a startup) looks like it would be really … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: What to Look for in a Spec Ad Designer
Finding a spec ad designer (or several) is one of the most crucial steps in building your portfolio—and building your career. But how do you know if someone will work well with you or not? Read on... Today's question comes from Elaynna F. who asks, "I know that I need to find a designer to build spec ads with. But what should I be looking for?" Remember that the designers who … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: The Number One Spec Ad Mistake
You want your spec ad to be the best that it a can be. (Obviously!) But there's one huge mistake that a ton of new copywriters make that can absolutely tank their chances of getting work. Want to avoid it? I thought you might. Read on... Today's question comes from Dustin F. who asks, "I'm not very good with design programs or anything like that. How can I make my spec ads … [Read more...]
The Right Way to Barter Your Copywriting Services
Bartering, or trading, your copywriting services can be a great way to acquire things you need (design, website development) without having to lay out any cash. But just as with anything else, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Ready for the right way? First of all, whether or not it's okay to barter your copywriting services is completely up to you. No one … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: 5 Places to Find Photos for Your Spec Ads
When you're creating spec ads, whether on your own or with a design partner (recommended!), you'll need to find images to use. And, since it's bad karma to steal other people's pictures, you'll need good places to find them. Read on for five great resources... Today's question comes from Matthew Y., who asks, "Where can I find good pictures for my spec ads? And ones that … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: Why You Need to Separate Copy and Content on Your 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. Why? Read on... Today's post wasn't inspired by a question but, rather, but some random website … [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...]
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...]