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...]
Do You Need to Send Clients a Brand Questionnaire?
Starting a business relationship with a new client is exciting. There’s the excitement of starting a new project (and the forthcoming paycheck!), the potential to build a relationship that can become long-term...and also the potential to quickly and easily mess things up entirely. In a lot of ways, the first few interactions with a new client are some of the most important. … [Read more...]
Present Yourself as a Professional Even as a Copywriting Beginner
There's nothing wrong with being new. Even the most seasoned, successful copywriters were once new to copywriting. So if you’re starting out right there at square one, guess what? You’re in exactly the right place. That said, though, no one wants to hire a brand-new copywriter. It’s nothing personal: YOU are a fabulous human being. But hiring anyone to do anything is a risk, … [Read more...]
How to Know if You Should Charge Copywriting Clients Upfront
Recently, one of my copywriting students asked me if she should be charging her copywriting clients upfront and, if so, whether she should be charging the full amount, 50%, or another percentage. Here’s the thing: I suspect the copywriters that have their clients pay upfront comes from a fear that the client isn’t going to pay them at all and getting some of their fee is … [Read more...]
8 Keys to Closing the Sale With a Potential Client
When we think about landing clients, we tend to think only about the first part: pitching the client and getting them to agree to talk with us. After that, we’re home free, right? Well, not exactly. The next step is a call with your would-be client. That call is a crucial step in the process of getting your client to agree to work with you—in the process of “closing” … [Read more...]
Find Copywriting Clients by Networking in the Right Places
Recently, I attended a conference for entrepreneurs. Like many, if not most, people, I’m not a fan of traditional networking. I don’t like going up to groups of people who are already chatting, and I find it awkward to move on to new conversations. But… Literally, every time I told someone that I am a copywriter, they asked for my business card. Every single time. Here’s … [Read more...]
The Client Question That Can Double Your Business Income
If it hasn't happened yet, very soon clients will start coming to you. They’ll get referred by your previous or current clients. Or they’ll find you on social media. Either way, you'll eventually have potential clients reaching out and wanting to work with you. Which is great! It feels great to not have to go out there and prospect for every single new client. Referrals are … [Read more...]
The Fastest Way to Grow Your Copywriting Business
If you do any reading about business, you'll already know that a big topic is "scale"—as in "how to scale your business." It's an important topic for businesses big and small...and, my copywriter friend, it's an important topic for growing your copywriting business, too. In a nutshell, "scaling" is growing your business. Ideally, it involves growing your business in profit … [Read more...]
Prepare Your Copywriting Business for a Sick Day
No one can tell the future, but sometimes we can make some educated guesses. For example, it doesn’t take a psychic to know that it’s likely that you’ll get a touch sick at some point this winter. But getting sick may mean not working, and not working may mean missing deadlines—and that’s a problem. Here’s what you can do to prepare. If you know you have a chance of getting … [Read more...]