Spec ads are one of the most important tools copywriters have to show their abilities to potential clients. Not only do spec ads show that you can write great copy and how you strategize your work, but it also shows you are connected and can collaborate with talented designers who make your copy pop. You read that right, the number one mistake copywriters make is not working … [Read more...]
Ep. 18: How Do You Write a Spec Ad?
Spec ads But there is a valuable tool to show your potential clients what you can do, even if you have never had a paying client before: spec ads. In this episode, Nicki and Kate discuss the ins and outs of spec ads, including their many benefits and some common misconceptions. Landing clients without experience is not an impossible task, especially when you are using spec … [Read more...]
How to Become a Copywriter Without Experience in 6 Steps
Here’s what most people think about breaking into copywriting: You need experience to get clients and you need clients to get experience. And that’s a catch-22 that stops a lot of would-be copywriters dead in their tracks. But the truth—and good news—is that that’s only half true. Today, we’re going to talk about which half is true and how you can land clients without … [Read more...]
6 Steps for Building a Copywriting Portfolio
Your portfolio is one of the most crucial assets you have to land copywriting work. It proves that you know how to write copy well, even before your prospective client works with you. But what's the exact path to building your portfolio? As you can probably imagine, the exact "hows" of building a portfolio are a little too complicated to fit into one blog post. But what I … [Read more...]
Break Into New Copywriting Industries Using Spec Ads
If you’re new to copywriting, you’re probably wondering how to build your portfolio before you actually have things to put in it. Having an online portfolio site is crucial because it helps “sell” you to prospective employers and clients before they even meet you. The samples in your portfolio prove that you know how to write copy, work with a designer, write to a brand … [Read more...]
How to Put Together a Copywriting Portfolio (Even With No Experience)
One of the most important things you need to do to build your copywriting career is to build your copywriting portfolio. It's how you prove to clients you know how to write copy well, even before you work with your prospective client. But where do you even start? How do you create a copywriting portfolio website? How to you get samples? Here's how to put together a copywriting … [Read more...]
What’s a Copy Test?
As if life weren't full of tests and trials enough, you'll find that some jobs even require you to complete a copy test before you get the work—or even before a second interview. A copywriting test is a sample writing exercise. It's a way for a potential employer to see your skills writing for their particular brand. But what does that mean? And is it a good thing or a bad … [Read more...]
What to Look for in a Spec Ad Designer
Finding a spec ad designer (or several) is one of the most crucial steps in building your portfolio—and building your career. But how do you know if someone will work well with you or not? Read on... Today's question comes from Elaynna F. who asks, "I know that I need to find a designer to build spec ads with. But what should I be looking for?" Remember that the designers … [Read more...]
Don’t Make This Mistake In Your Copywriting Spec Ads
You want your copywriting spec ad to be the best that it a can be. (Obviously!) But there's one huge mistake that a ton of new copywriters make that can absolutely tank their chances of getting work. Want to avoid it? I thought you might. I was watching some movie the other day in which a PR pro was advising a politician to reject the premise of a question. I'm going to do … [Read more...]
4 Places to Find Photos for Your Spec Ads
When you're creating spec ads, whether on your own or with a design partner (recommended!), you'll need to find images to use. And, since it's bad karma to steal other people's pictures, you'll need good places to find them. Now, obviously, you can do an images search on Google and get tons and tons of results in return. The problem is that using many of these images in … [Read more...]