If the idea of quoting prices for their work already makes most new and would-be copywriters nervous, well then, the idea of negotiating those rates can bring up some serious nerves. But here’s the good news: It’s really not that hard at all. In fact, as you’ll see in a moment, the hardest part…is not talking. Here we offer some ways to negotiate as a copywriter. Don't … [Read more...]
Copywriting Revision Rounds: How Many Rounds Do You Offer?
I get this question a lot—"how many revisions do I need for copywriting?" or "how many rounds is fair?"—and I understand the thinking behind it. People are worried that clients are going to “take advantage” of them and request round after round after round of revisions until it’s perfect. But here’s the thing: Our copy is supposed to be perfect. (Or, at least, as close to … [Read more...]
Why Your Copywriting Clients Need Your Guidance
As our students can attest, when you land your first few clients you feel elation followed very quickly by panic. (Which, by the way, does subside and occurs much less often as you land more and more clients.) The reason for this panic is that it’s now time to walk the walk as well as you talk the talk—to actually do the work you’ve been practicing and preparing for. And … [Read more...]
Why Copywriters Absolutely Must Have a Network of Designers
Let me be clear: I am NOT a team player. Well, not naturally. I mean, I can be if a need to be…but I’d almost always rather just do things myself. So, if you hear my advice that you need to reach out to designers and create a network of contacts and you think, “Oh, I’d rather not…” I get you. I do. But here’s why you’ve still got to do it. First, you NEED … [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...]
How To Mess Up a Call With a Prospective Client
Recently, I was on one of the worst sales call I’ve ever been on. But let me clarify: This guy was trying to sell me on a solution. And he was terrible. Periodically, I’ll watch webinars and hop on sales calls to see what kind of new information is out there. I’m not an omniscient marketer; I know there’s always more to learn, and there’s always information I can pass … [Read more...]
Ace These Copywriting Interview Questions to Land the Job
When you get called in for an interview, you need to make sure your online and print portfolios are up to date and your resume and references are current. But you also need to be prepared to answer all kinds of copywriting interview questions. These are questions that are specific to copywriting—in addition to the "standard" interview questions. No job interview is easy, but … [Read more...]
How Copywriters Can Deal With a Difficult Design Partner
A designer is a copywriter’s partner in creative work. When that relationship is good, the work is golden. (If you haven't, check out our 9 tips for how copywriters can most effectively work with designers.) But when that relationship is not as good, the work can suffer and job satisfaction plummets. Let’s talk about what to do when that relationship is strained. A strained … [Read more...]
Facing Multiple Rounds of Copywriting Revisions? Here’s How to Fix It
Clients are a varied bunch. Some of them are easy, and approve your work with minimal changes. Some of them, though, change their minds constantly, change the project constantly, and make you go through round after round of revisions. Let’s talk about how to deal with that second group, shall we? Picture this scenario: You have a client that you've been working with for … [Read more...]
The Creative Review Myth
Every creative project ends with a creative review … or does it? There’s a lot of confusion around exactly what a creative review accomplishes and what you can expect once it’s done. So let’s clear some things up, shall we? Easily the greatest myth about creatives reviews is that they’re going to be “one and done.” The vast, vast majority of the time, you’ll have multiple … [Read more...]