Portfolio schools are most often two-year programs that teach writers to build their portfolio. They pair students with designers to work together to create and curate pieces for your portfolio. While this may sounds great, there are also drawbacks. In this episode, Nicki and Kate break down the pros and cons of portfolio school, what it really means to get a certificate at … [Read more...]
Ep. 134: Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries
Copywriting is a super fun career. But, occasionally, you'll notice you have no time in your schedule, you're super stressed, and you're wondering what happened to the "fun." Sound familiar? It's very likely you're moving your business boundaries—or you never implemented them in the first place. Nicki and Kate dig in to business rules you need to create in three … [Read more...]
What Are Your Copywriting Business Rules?
Rules can often feel constricting, but when it comes to our businesses, that's what helps us stay on track. They're what we need when we're wearing our CEO hats. So, today, we're going to come up with your copywriting business rules so you can make decisions faster (and that are in line with how you want to run your business). You can also think of copywriting business rules … [Read more...]
5 Ways Working in an Office as a Copywriter Is Not What You Think
There are so many paths for pursuing a career as a copywriter. It’s easy to gravitate toward the idea of being a digital nomad copywriter, working from anywhere in the world, or even from your kitchen table as a full-time freelance copywriter. Working in an office as a copywriter may seem like the last thing you want to do! That’s a particularly easy dream to have if you’ve … [Read more...]
Learning to Effectively Communicate as a Copywriter
We talk all the time, but how often do we evaluate how effective we are at communicating? (And how often do we say we write copy, we don't speak it?) Our Book Pick In It's the Way You Say It: Second Edition: Becoming Articulate, Well-Spoken, and Clear, Carol A. Fleming shares how you can not only become aware of how you communicate but how you can more effectively … [Read more...]
Ep. 48: Mistakes to Avoid When Pitching Freelance Clients
Have you been pitching freelance clients but never getting a response? You'll want to listen as Nicki and Kate break down how not to pitch. On this episode, they dive into the biggest mistakes to avoid when pitching freelance clients and why those mistakes are hurting your business. Nicki and Kate provide insight from a client's perspective on how to make your pitch stand out … [Read more...]
Ep. 45: How to Calm Your Nerves for Meetings with Copywriting Clients
When a client responds to a pitch or a discovery call goes well and a client wants to work with you, there's a feeling of excitement … followed quickly by "oh no…now I have to talk to this person!!" If you've ever had that feeling of excitement followed quickly by mild panic, this episode is for you. Nicki and Kate walk through tips to help you reframe the situation and calm … [Read more...]
Ep. 42: How Copywriters Can Negotiate with Confidence – with Susie Tomenchok
If the idea of negotiation freaks you out, you'll want to listen to Susie Tomenchok's tips for getting more comfortable and effective at negotiation. Susie, a negotiation guru, breaks down the stigma associated with negotiation, offers tips for asking more (if you're not hearing "no" enough, you're not asking enough), and explains how we can use "no" as a start of a … [Read more...]
BONUS Laser Coaching: Breaking the Feast or Famine Cycle, Nailing a Discovery Call, and Getting Replies on Pitches
In this episode, three CCA students each sit down with Nicki and Kate to ask their most pressing questions. These 10-minute laser coaching sessions are designed to help students overcome their biggest roadblock so they can continue making progress on their goals. First, Nicki and Kate talk with Abigail about pricing and the feast or famine cycle. Then, Lindsey asks about the … [Read more...]
Ep. 17: How to Set Your Copywriting Rates
Everybody hates pricing their services. That's because there is no exact science for pricing your services. There's no perfect formula that is going to work every time and be exactly right. It's as much art as science. Nicki and Kate dig into why online calculators are wildly inaccurate (one told Kate, based on her experience, to charge $13,800 for a homepage). Instead of … [Read more...]