Freelance job bidding sites like Upwork and Fiverr may seem like a great, easy way to get into copywriting. But, as you'll hear in this episode, they're actually a surefire way to undersell your services (not to mention waste your valuable time that you could be using to pitch clients directly)! Nicki and Kate tackle the pitfalls of freelance work sites, why they're not 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...]
Recessions Are Huge Opportunities for Copywriters. Here’s Why.
The first time I made six figures as a copywriter was in 2008...right in the middle of the Great Recession...right after I left my full-time job to go freelance. Why then? Especially knowing that period was when, sadly, companies were laying off staff left and right. But here’s the key: **Companies still needed copy because copy drives business.** Remember, copywriting … [Read more...]
The Very Common Assumptions That Will Cut Your Copywriting Business in Half
There are a lot of tasks that require focus and persistence when you’re building your copywriting business. What we’re talking about today is not one of them. The process of compiling the companies that you’re going to pitch should be easy, light-hearted, and fun. This is one part of your business-building in which I’m going to actively encourage you to go down rabbit … [Read more...]
How NOT to Pitch Potential Copywriting Clients
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...]
Should Copywriters Be Concerned About a Recession?
Do the words “fiscal cliff” and “economic trouble” fill you with fear? Take heart: copywriting is one of the best jobs in a recession. First, while there will be a recession at some point in the future (since that’s how economies work), there’s no way of telling if one is on the horizon and how long or difficult it could be. Second, I would never tell you not to … [Read more...]
What You Need to Talk to Your Copywriting Clients About Right Now
Okay, we’re going to keep it short this week because, frankly, there isn’t a lot of time. And that’s the point. It’s already mid-October, less than two and a half months away from the beginning of the holiday season. (Hanukkah starts on December 22nd this year.) And only seven weeks away from Black Friday! This means that brands need to start thinking now about their … [Read more...]
Why the Way Most Copywriters Look for Work…Doesn’t Work
I’ve heard it, you’ve heard it, we’ve all heard it: “Writers don’t make any money!” Or even more specifically: “Copywriters don’t really make any money—it’s all lies.” (In fact, there are many misconceptions and myths about copywriting. We look at more of them in this blog post. >>) As someone who, when I’m focused on just copywriting, has no problem hitting six … [Read more...]
Can Copywriting Software Replace Skilled Copywriters in 2025?
It's a question almost every new copywriter has: "Is AI (artificial intelligence) taking over copywriting?" How can you not be asking this when every other headline is: "AI is coming for your job next" 😟 "AI is wiping these people out of work" 😰 "Within 5 years, AI will destroy these careers" 😱 People loooooove to click on sensationalist, … [Read more...]