“Wait, my copy is going to be put to the test?! What?!” Anything that mentions the word “test” always sounds scary but don’t panic! When a client starts to talk to you about potentially running tests on your copy, this is something that you should not only embrace, but even be excited about. Testing your copy is a chance for you to better serve your client, allowing you to … [Read more...]
Episode 170: Why You Need to Upsell Your Copywriting Clients (And How to Do It the Non-Sleazy Way)
We know by now that pitching clients is hands down the best way to control your workload and your income. But if you’re spending all your time pitching new clients, you could be missing a trick… Sometimes we forget that the easiest clients to pitch are the ones who already know you and love the work you're doing. So today, Nicki and Kate are diving into the strategies for … [Read more...]
Episode 161: 1 Copywriting Tactic You Should Avoid at All Costs
Whether it’s the email formula that will “10x your sales” or the subject line that will “double your open rates,” there’s–unfortunately–a copywriting template for pretty much anything these days. But is pressing the easy button going to deliver excellent results for your client? Tune in as Nicki and Kate talk (ahem, rage) about why you shouldn’t undermine your own skills and … [Read more...]
Episode 153: How to Write Powerful Copy (Even When the Product or Service Isn’t Interesting)
As a copywriter, you get to write for a whole range of different brands and industries (especially when you follow our "no niche" advice). And while you might get your fair share of exciting projects writing about exotic travel, luxury products, and delicious food, other topics may seem a little more…dull. We get it–it may seem hard to convince someone that a tractor … [Read more...]
BONUS – Laser Coaching: Identifying the Deep Benefit for Artwork
The benefit to the consumer is the number one thing a copywriter has to keep in mind while writing. For some things, like artwork, it can feel a little bit less concrete. CCA student Shelby is looking to write copy for art and creative writing clients but is having trouble identifying what the deep benefit is. In today's Laser Coaching session, Nicki and Kate discuss how each … [Read more...]
Episode 145: Catchy Hook or Clickbait? How to Tell the Difference
There’s nothing worse than scrolling online and coming across a headline that you simply have to click—only to discover you’ve been completely misled and won’t be getting the answers you wanted. As a copywriter, how do you know if you’re writing effective hooks or if your copy falls into the dreaded clickbait category? In this episode, Nicki and Kate discuss the importance of … [Read more...]
Ep. 121: Writing a Call to Action that Maximizes Engagement
If you haven’t yet, you’ll probably see “CTA” all over creative briefs and project outlines. CTA stands for “call to action” and refers to the copy you use to tell the reader what you want them to do next. You need to give your audience a next step to take. (We’re writing the copy for a reason, right? We want the reader to buy the hand towel, sign up for the … [Read more...]
Copywriting Tips for Creating Ideas and Concepts That Stick
Every copywriter wants their ideas to resonate with the intended audience. But what makes some ideas resonate and leave a lasting impression? And what makes other ideas completely ineffective? As brothers Chip and Dan Heath say in Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, "you want to invent new ideas, not new rules." So, they've created a playbook that offers a … [Read more...]
What Makes a Good Call to Action (CTA)?
As a copywriter, the pieces you write will almost always include a call to action, or CTA. A CTA is the action you want a user to take. So, if you’re writing an email and the goal is to get them to buy a certain product, it may mean linking the text “shop now,” or even working with the designer to put copy on a button or include small arrows/carrots (>>) next to the … [Read more...]
Laser Copy Coaching: Value-Based Pitches, English-Language Nuances, and About Pages
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. Cleoniki asks for feedback on some of her pitch emails, Angela talks about English-language nuances, and Jenn asks … [Read more...]