Worried about your first clients?Well, it can't be as bad as Kate not showing up for a meeting with a client! I'm not saying that to embarass her (plus, she's sharing all about it in this episode—and how it led to $100K+ worth of work).I'm saying it because we all make mistakes and we live to tell the tales.But we also work things up in our brains.My first clients? … [Read more...]
Episode 293: What to Do When Business Feels Slow
I am not a believer in "slow seasons are a fact of freelancing."I've been doing this long enough (20+ years) to know that 99% of the time, a slow season happens when you stop reaching out to clients (both past and present).Now, some copywriters lean into these slow seasons and enjoy the break. To these copywriters I say, build in your vacations so you're not waiting for a slow … [Read more...]
Episode 288: 3 Keys to Unlimited (Really!) Copywriting Success
I know: the 3 keys to unlimited (really!) copywriting success sounds like a big promise. But we (really!) follow through on it. And frankly, these are the steps for success at anything, not just copywriting. Whatever goals you have for yourself, you CAN achieve them. The only way to "fail" is if you don't get started. Or if you stop doing the work.OK, I'm going to stop … [Read more...]
Episode 279: Burned Out Healthcare Worker to Healthcare Copywriter – Molly’s Story
Our feelings on niching have never wavered: niching unnecessarily limits your opportunities, especially when you're first starting out. But what if you have an entire career in an industry? You can—and should—absolutely use that experience to your advantage. CCA student and former healthcare worker Molly is sharing how she did exactly that on this … [Read more...]
Episode 197: 8 Unbreakable Laws of Copywriting
Copywriting is one of the most flexible careers (You've probably heard us say that so many times you're like, "Nicki and Kate, we know!.") Just because its flexible does not mean there aren't certain rules, or laws if you will, that you need to follow. Now, if you break the laws will you get a ticket? Nah. But you may see less work coming in or less repeat work. On this … [Read more...]
Episode 165: Terrible Advice New Copywriters Get All the Time
We can’t help but facepalm when a student tells us, “but I’ve heard you have to [insert terrible advice from a so-called copywriting ‘guru’]?” Despite its wealth of information, the internet has created an echo chamber of bad advice, especially for new copywriters. In this episode, Nicki and Kate roll up their sleeves and dig into some of the worst recommendations out there, … [Read more...]
The Real Math on Job Bidding Site “Success”
Those freelance bidding sites like Upwork or Fiverr or Freelancer where you can submit quotes on copywriting projects seem like a great deal. You get to just scan through listings, submit a quick proposal and quote to potential clients, and land tons of work. Great, right? Wrong. Freelance bidding sites are great for clients … and a waste of a good copywriter’s … [Read more...]
Why Do Some Copywriters Work for Content Mills (and for Peanuts)?
Start a Google search for copywriting jobs, and it won’t be long before you uncover copywriters willing to work for bargain basement rates. Many of them are writing for content mills (more on the difference between copy and content here) and some well... just don't know what they're doing. But instead of letting that discourage you, it should encourage you—and help you realize … [Read more...]
Copywriting Job Sites Will Cost You BIG Time
We’ve talked before about how copywriting job sites—sites where you post a profile and bid for work—are trouble. But today I want to show you just how much you could be losing. Our team receives a lot of questions about copywriting job sites or freelance job listing sites in general. They seem like a great deal: You create a profile, then people who are looking for … [Read more...]
Why Every Copywriter Needs a Standalone Portfolio Site
As a copywriter you need an online portfolio. But, if you put your work up on Behance, do you still need your own site, too? Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? Yes, yes, yes. Keep Prospective Clients Focused on Your Work With so many great sites out there dedicated to hosting your online portfolio, you might be asking yourself why I'm so adamant about you creating … [Read more...]