Ever felt so drained and discouraged you thought, “Maybe I should just give up”?
That’s exactly where Bart was—not just doubting his move from corporate sales to copywriting, but seriously questioning if he could make it work at all.
Fast forward: Bart is now booked out for six months—and here’s what may surprise you…
…he did it without social media.
On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business, Bart was generous to share his story, including how he turned things around.
He’s also sharing the mindset shifts that helped him push through the hardest moments, and the surprising decisions (like stepping completely away from social) that actually helped him thrive.
As Bart says, “A lot can change in a very short time… if you don’t give up.”
If you’re burned out or doubting yourself, this episode might be exactly what you need to hear.
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Prefer to watch the episode? Hit play below (plus, hit “cc” to toggle on closed captioning!).
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[01:50] My background has nothing to do with copywriting as like most people. I was actually working in corporate job sales. I have a 100% conversion rate for every leads. When online businesses begin, I started making my own website. It did not go as planned. I did not get anyone.
[02:25] I was very straight to the point, very bulleted like many corporate jobs I was used to. I started to search why I wasn’t getting any traction and that’s when I discovered copywriting.
[04:06] I actually enjoyed doing the copywriting and the marketing even more. So I decided to start doing that on the side. But I noticed that I had a lot of issues with pitching. I started searching on Spotify and there you were with your podcast. A while later I decided to join your CCA course and it was exactly what I needed.
[04:00] The other courses were either, you were applying for a job with a resume; it was really bad; or sent a really short pitch in bulk to everyone. I can tell you it does not work.
[04:17] I did the whole course, of course, not just a pitching part. I really made a connection with people and so far, I’m now 11 months in the course. I’m already booked out for six months at this point.
[04:50] I was thinking about giving up in December. I was really thinking about this is not going to work, and suddenly it dropped. They’re still coming in, so I’m very happy. A lot can change in a very short period if you don’t give up. To be honest,
[05:45] What got you through that moment of wanting to give up? I did not want to feel like a failure and come across as a failure to my sons. So that’s actually what kept me going. I think I did have a little mindset shift at that point.
[07:00] One, I have to see myself as a big company. Made me realize to take another look and how I present myself and that was really helpful.
[09:31] What have instituted this pitching process? When I thought I wasn’t being salesy. I was still being salesy. They (CCA Fb Group) told me a lot, this is too salesy. It helped me to switch it up, experiment with it. So it really made the connection a lot easier with people. And I actually get, I think 80% replies on my pitches since.
[11:47] How your sales background played into your process now? It’s really helped me to think about the conversation you would have with someone, how you would approach them in real life, and you’re not gonna drop a bomb on them when you see them.
[13:09] Do you have any other advice you would give to folks in terms of pitching? I think people love copywriting. They get into it, but they see it a lot as a hobby. People need to see it more as a business sometimes. After all, you’re just trying to help them move forward with their business and they have to see you as another business.
[15:28] Set up and follow the deadline. If client don’t give the feedback by next week, my deadline won’t be. I will prioritize other clients who did meet their deadline. I’ve noticed that every client has absolutely no problem with it. And they are still willing to pay the price.
[16:51] I fired clients who didn’t meet their deadline time and time again. I don’t like producing a bad job and rushing a project. I love my family, so I want to spend time with them, and I’m not willing to give that up for anyone.
[17:38] I don’t niche down. I love switching everything. I work in the fitness industry, I do a lot for the energy transition. I’m working with interior designers, so everything. I do emails, sales page advertising. I put myself as a full funnel copywriter.
[18:46] It keeps things fresh. You learn things in one industry, you can take that to another industry that, that has not employed that technique at all yet.
[23:38] At the beginning it was difficult. You always do it (building copywriting business) in the evening a lot, so it cuts into your time. But now it’s been really enjoyable. I know how to do my conversations, how to do my sales calls. I know when to plan them so it doesn’t cut into the time anymore.
[27:15] No matter what country you’re in, there’s going to be enough work, there are going to be enough companies, enough organizations to support you and then some.
Must-Hear Takeaways
As with every episode, we highly encourage you to listen to the entire conversation! But here are a few of the highlights:
“The only way to fail is to give up. If you keep pushing, following the steps, improve and hone your skills and keep going, it’s going to happen for you.” – Nicki
“Your (BYCB) podcasts really help. I always listen to them, before I even get the email that there is a new podcast” – Bart
“Doing more and more pitching, posting my pitch very often in the group has helped a lot because of all the feedback.” – Bart
“I started to increase my prices and it has actually helped me gain better clients.” – Bart
“It’s the same as you do with a sales letter. You take away the objections, you show the value, and if it’s valuable enough, they will pay the price for it.” – Bart
“Focus on the ones who do good and it will bring you other work.” – Bart
Mentioned in the Episode
- Bart Ellebaut LinkedIn
- BONUS Laser Coaching: Top Tips for Wildly Effective Pitching
- BONUS Laser Coaching: Asking for Feedback to Combat Imposter Syndrome
- Ep. 134: Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries
Related Links
- Ep. 191: This Copywriter Books Work 3+ Months Out—Here’s How She Does It – Lizzie’s Story
- Ep. 95: Hitting 6 Figures As a Copywriter in 6 Months – Stacy’s Story
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About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
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Last Updated on August 25, 2025
