"Won't the market be flooded with copywriters?" This question pops up on our Facebook ads. It's because as soon as you click on an ad related to copywriting, or search content related to it, you're going to get tons of information about copywriting. But that doesn't mean the world is flooded with copywriters. It just means the Internet recognizes you're interested in the … [Read more...]
Why Companies Requiring Experience for Copywriting Jobs Is a Good Thing
Every once in a while, I’ll hear a lament from one of our students who is interested in landing an in-house or agency job. They’ll say, “I really want to apply for these, but they all require at least two years of experience! I haven’t got that yet!” And I get it. For someone who’s been studying and working diligently to practice and hone the craft as well as building a … [Read more...]
How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Pitch Copywriting Clients?
This isn’t going to be a major revelation but in to be a professional copywriter and have a successful career, you need, well, clients. Paying clients. And to get those clients, you need a proven system for finding, pitching, and landing those clients. (All of which we teach in the CCA, so if you're a student, no worries there.) But all this invariably leads to the … [Read more...]
The (Surprisingly Easy) Art of Negotiation for Copywriters
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...]
The Importance of Freelancing in Today’s Working World
I say “new truth” but it’s really been creeping up on us for a while. First, companies got rid of pensions…then workers moved away from being “lifers” at companies…then it became common—if not necessary—to change jobs every three to five years. Now, the importance of freelancing is clear: you need the skills to find and land clients (and bring in income) whenever you need (or … [Read more...]
Find Copywriting Clients on Facebook: 3 Tips and 1 Big Warning
When it comes to finding clients, the keys are to be systematic, but also to cast your net wide. Facebook makes for a great place to cast some of that net—though not all of it. To mix metaphors, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket! What makes Facebook so great? Well, it’s already a place that billions of people go to seek information, find recommendations, network with … [Read more...]
Beware the Copywriting Influencer Trap (a.k.a. Why You Don’t Need the World’s Most Beautiful Website as a Copywriter)
Thinking about all the professional copywriters in my network, none of them have a major presence beyond their online portfolio. We’re all heads down, working on projects, and, generally, see ourselves as part of a larger team pulling off great work (designers, creative directors, strategists, developers, etc.). You could make the case that I’m not “up” on what’s … [Read more...]
4 Perks of Working in an Office Before Starting Your Own Copywriting Business
Wanting to start your own business is a fantastic (and doable!) goal as a copywriter. It’s a major reason why many of us pursue this career—because we can increase our work-life balance and make a fantastic income. But laying a solid foundation for your copywriting career is crucial, especially when you’re first starting out. One of the best ways to get the foundation … [Read more...]
Use an Entrepreneur Mindset to Double Your Copywriting Income
Normally, I’m wary of using a clickbait-y style headline like "This One Tactic Will Double Your Income." But in this case, it’s true: Making this change will easily double your income, if not increase it even more. And I warned you that it’s subtle, so I’m going to need you to stick with me for just a bit to explain exactly how implementing it will make such a monumental … [Read more...]
Copywriting Contracts: Do You Need to Send Them to Clients?
Everybody needs a copywriting contract, right? After all, we need to be safe—to protect ourselves and ensure the project doesn't fall through! But…to protect ourselves from what, exactly? Like the topic of whether or not to bill upfront, the question of contracts comes from the same impulse to “protect ourselves” from nefarious clients. People believe that having … [Read more...]