At some point in your copywriting career, you’ll likely have a client that asks you to do a copy test. A copy test is a way for them to gauge whether or not you’re a good fit for the job, particularly if they’re hiring for a full-time job and want to find the best candidate for their role.
That said, clients have many ways of conducting copy tests, whether it’s a timed copy test, small project, or several projects. Some are paid and some are unpaid. So, how do you navigate copy tests while protecting and valuing your time? Nicki and Kate dig into all the options you have when faced with a copy test.
Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Check out the episode on YouTube!
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
We start with a win from Rachel – a CCA student who is now pursuing a full-time career in copywriting!
[1:00] What is a copy test? Kate and Nicki explore what it is, why clients use them, the different ways copy tests are administered, and why you will inevitably encounter one at some point in your career.
[3:00] Our hosts chat about making sure that you are not working for free. You should only be tackling a small test project, like a sample product description. Occasionally, the client may time your test to see how you think in 30 minutes for example. Sometimes, a copy test may be paid.
[5:30] When you sit down for a copy test you can ask questions, just like you would with a paid project, so you can make sure you do the project well. It’s not a test just about your writing, but about you as a copywriter. Clients want to get a sense of how you work and how you think.
[9:00] The end result doesn’t tell the whole story. This gives a client a preview of what it is like to work with you. You can include notes about your thoughts and process on the document to give them a bigger picture.
[11:30] Use this copy test as an opportunity to show a potential client how well you can write for them.
[13:30] Remember you don’t have to take work from every single client out there. There are so many clients out there so if someone raises a red flag you can walk away. For example, if a client wants you to write a sales page as a copy test, that is not a test.
[16:00] If a potential client is asking for too much unpaid work as a copy test, it doesn’t have to be a yes or no. You can come back and gently coach them to be a better client and propose a more reasonable copy test or ask if they’re willing to compensate you for your work.
[20:00] You can respect yourself and respect your skills, and also respect your client and their needs.
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Ep. 55: Building a Copywriting Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job – Claire’s Story