You already know that thinking strategically is an important part of being a copywriter. But how, exactly, can you start going about doing that? And how can you think strategically when it comes to your own business? A SWOT analysis is a great way to start. What Is a SWOT Analysis? A SWOT analysis is a tool for figuring out where you (or your business) is and where … [Read more...]
Questions You Need to Ask Your Copywriting Clients
Starting a new project with a new client is exciting, but don’t let that excitement get in the way of your strategy. To keep your project from getting mired in confused schedules and dozens of rounds of review, you need to start the project off with concrete answers to some important questions. These are essential questions to ask your copywriting clients. You already know … [Read more...]
The Worst (and Best) Places to Get Copywriting Advice
One of my favorite sayings isn’t appropriate to print here, so I’ll paraphrase: Opinions are like [unpleasant but necessary body part]; everybody’s got one. Advice is similar—everybody’s got some. Unfortunately, though, a lot of people who want to give advice have bad advice to offer. That's especially true if you're becoming a copywriter or even if you've been running … [Read more...]
The Big Question You Need to Answer to Be a Successful Copywriter
It’s not easy starting a new career, much less building a successful one. Building a copywriting career is a big goal, and big goals are almost always challenging. Think about it. Running a marathon, raising a healthy and happy child, writing a book, and losing 100 pounds are big goals are all difficult. It can feel scary and cause you to doubt yourself more than anything … [Read more...]
How Do You Find the Confidence to Get Started in Copywriting?
Even when you want something very badly—a new career, for example—it’s not always enough to get you to take the steps to begin. Here we look at how to find the confidence to get started in copywriting. I wish I could tell you that there was some magical incantation or elixir that would instantly give you confidence. There just isn’t. But there are two things that, when … [Read more...]
Looking Back at 2016 and Planning for 2017
As we’re wrapping up the new year, I thought I’d share a year-end ritual that preps me for success in the new year. First, I start by looking back at the year that’s ending and asking myself a few questions. The key, of course, is to be gentle with myself and what’s over, but also be ruthlessly honest in my evaluation. What went well with my career this year? What were my … [Read more...]
What Does It Mean to Be a Filthy Rich Writer?
My company teaches people how to write copy and how to build their careers and businesses. I probably could have gone with “Copywriting Training Resources” or something like that. But I didn’t. I really didn’t. I went with Filthy Rich Writer. And some people hate that name. I mean, a loathing that seems all out of proportion. But I’m okay with that. Here’s … [Read more...]
How To Avoid a Copywriting Career Rut
It can be easy enough to coast along at a job for a few months—or even a few years. But the damage that coasting can do to your career might take a long time to repair. Here are two super easy steps to avoid falling into a copywriting career rut. Your Career Is Your Priority, No One Else's One of the first things you have to learn about your career is that no one else is … [Read more...]
The Three Steps to Career Change
There’s a good chance that you’re not going to stay in one career for the rest of your life. But once you identify what direction you want to go, the steps you take will make the difference between success and failure. And guess what? Most people take the wrong ones. This is one of my favorite topics. First, it’s a great topic because there are few changes you can make … [Read more...]
What Do the Best Copywriter Resumes Include?
Many new copywriters want to know what the best copywriter resumes look like. And I’ll certainly answer that question, but there’s actually and even bigger consideration that entirely outweighs the resume. Must-Haves on Your Copywriter Resume 1. Benefit to Consumer There’s one simple swap that will make your copywriting resume stand out above all others. In fact, this … [Read more...]