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, which isn’t and how you can get … [Read more...]
How to Use Spec Ads in Your Copywriting Portfolio to Break Into New Industries
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 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...]
What Does It Mean for Copywriters to Write on Spec? And Should You?
When you're looking for work, you may find some prospective clients or employers wondering if you're willing to write "on spec." If you've created spec work for your portfolio, this may sound confusing. Read on to find out what they mean and if you should ever write on spec. Writing "On Spec" vs. Creating Spec Work Writing "on spec" essentially means writing for free to … [Read more...]