Whenever we embark on something new, it can be tempting to go out and buy allll the new accessories to help you get started. “But a shiny, new desk will make me *feel* professional…and THEN I can do the work, right?!” Well, we hate to break it to you but…a new desk is *not* going to magically boost your productivity.
In fact, the “urge to splurge” is often just resistance showing up and trying to distract us from doing the work we need to do. So in this episode, Nicki and Kate remind us of the absolute essentials to kickstart your copywriting career, as well as the “nice-to-haves” that might come further down the line (when you have regular income coming in!).
TUNE IN: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Watch the episode on YouTube!
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[1:50] It’s easy to get excited about new endeavors, and then immediately go out and purchase all of the various accessories to go with that hobby. To help you avoid getting carried away, Nicki and Kate are digging into what you do and don’t need when it comes to your copywriting career.
[3:01] For starters, you need (reliable!) internet and a computer of some kind, whether it’s a laptop or desktop.
[4:50] You’ll also need some kind of automated backup for your computer (the joys of tech!) and some kind of word processing software, like Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
[6:32] There are all kinds of things you *could* purchase, but are not necessary. It’s very easy to start investing in software, for example, but make sure the software is going to pay for itself (and then some!) before you start investing in it.
[7:56] A few of the software that we’re big fans of include DubSado (for client tracking and invoicing) and Asana (for project management).
[9:23] As a copywriter, you need a space that you can work in (and actually get work done), and a space where you can go and take video calls or phone calls as needed.
[12:37] Even though we’re working from home, we want to come across as professional as we can. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend loads of money on a fancy office background—a blur is totally fine.
[15:05] Remember you also need to look professional on client calls—not necessarily a full suit but you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed!
[17:15] It’s worth considering how to make your workspace more ergonomic, whether that’s investing in a better office chair or wrist pad, to help with posture and comfort.
[19:10] Of course, there are additional items you can buy yourself like a new desk or lamps, but don’t buy that stuff before you have client income coming in.
[22:22] The temptation is to buy additional home office equipment first, thinking that it’s going to make you feel more professional so that you’ll take action. But that is 100% resistance showing up. In reality, there are very few purchases that you have to make to start copywriting.
[25:03] If you’re a CCA student, upload a photo of your home office to the Facebook group—it’s always fun to get inspired by other people’s home office setups!
Must-Hear Takeaways
As with every episode, we highly encourage you to listen to the entire conversation! But here are a few of the highlights:
“Frankly, you could do your whole copywriting career from a library which has free internet, which has computers that you can borrow, which has all of those things. You wouldn’t even need to buy anything. A lot of libraries have rooms that you can go to and shut the door for calls. So there are ways to make this work without spending anything really.” – Kate
“The magic to get you to do things is not going to be coming from making a purchase. It’s just not. It’s going to be from learning your motivation types, making commitments, reaching out for support from fellow students in the group, putting it on your schedule. All that kind of stuff is not going to come from stuff. However, go ahead and get the stuff once you are earning.” – Nicki
“Office decor, that kind of thing, it is not an investment. It’s a purchase. And it’s totally fine to make that purchase. But our strong advice to you is don’t make that purchase before you’re making the income that will help you pay for that purchase.” – Nicki
“There are all kinds of things that you could purchase, but they’re not necessary. Our students know that when we talk about software, for example, make sure that the software is going to pay for itself and then some before you start investing it. Because it’s very easy to start investing in software and a lot of them have monthly payment program and all of a sudden, at the end of the year, you can look at what you spend and go, “Oh my gosh, I’ve spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on software that I don’t really use or that isn’t really making any kind of positive impact on my business.” – Nicki
Mentioned on this Episode
- Best Free Software for Copywriters
- DubSado (for client tracking and invoicing)
- Asana (for project management).
Related Links
- What Software Do You Need to Run Your Copywriting Business?
- Home Office Essentials for a Copywriter
- What Does a Typical Copywriter Day Look Like?
Get an *Exclusive* Bonus Recording!
Tell us what you love about the podcast and what you hope to hear next! When you do, you can get access to an exclusive bonus recording featuring five wildly successful entrepreneurs who share what they do (and don’t!) look for when hiring copywriters. You do not want to miss it!
Get all the details on how to get your recording here »
About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
See Previous Episode
Episode 173: How to Elevate Your Profile & Land Copywriting Clients on LinkedIn
Last Updated on June 10, 2024
