Build Your Copywriting Business

In this episode, three CCA students each sit down with Nicki and Kate to ask their most pressing questions. These 10-minute laser coaching sessions are designed to help students overcome their biggest roadblock so they can continue making progress on their goals. Cleo asks for feedback on some of her pitch emails. Angela asks for some feedback on product descriptions for a super cool client that wants to broaden his audience internationally. Jennifer asks for help battling some resistance in writing her about me page, and everybody needs a hype-woman now and then! Even though it’s not you in the hot seat, there’s plenty you can take away and apply to your own copywriting business! Related links: How NOT to Pitch Potential Copywriting ClientsA Powerful Self-Inventory for Freelance Business SuccessHow Do You Build Your Portfolio?The Key to Writing Irresistible Product Descriptions --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

30 Apr 202141min

What happens when a pandemic hits and you're furloughed from your job? For Stuart Tarn it meant taking advantage of some additional time and learning an entirely new skill. Stuart has been in his current job in the airline industry for nearly 17 years. He shares why he pursued copywriting, the ways his past experiences help his copywriting, and some of the mindset shifts he's had to make from full-time employee to freelancer. Stuart, Nicki, and Kate also dig into why people think freelancing is risky, why transferable skills are so important for any career, and the importance of sending follow up emails to clients you pitch. Mentioned in this Episode: Stuart's Portfolio Related links: Career Security Comes When You Take ControlThe New Truth of Today's Working WorldListen: The Illusion of Safety: Freelance vs. Full-Time Copywriting --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

28 Apr 202154min

Deciding to go freelance instead of working a traditional 9–5 can be incredibly anxiety inducing. In this episode, Nicki and Kate discuss how job safety is an illusion and the only way to truly be “safe” is to be in control of your career yourself. Freelancing allows for control over practically every aspect of your livelihood.  Listen to this episode to hear some hard truths about job safety and learn how being a freelancer can give you the freedom to live your life the way you want to. Related Links: Listen: Why Freelancing in a Recession is Wildly EffectiveThe New Truth of Today's Working WorldHow to Avoid a Work Dry SpellIs It Better to Be an On-Staff Copywriter or a Freelance Copywriter? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

21 Apr 202124min

Sitting down and knocking out a portfolio site can be a daunting task, but completing it will inevitably move your business forward. In this episode Nicki and Kate discuss why it is imperative for every copywriter to have their own online portfolio. From what most copywriting portfolios are missing to what copywriters should keep off their portfolios, they provide actionable tips on how to make your portfolio stand out. Related Links: 4 Things Most Copywriters Get Wrong on Their Portfolio WebsitesHow to Put Together a Copywriting Portfolio7 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Portfolio SiteHow to Instantly Improve Your Portfolio Site --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

14 Apr 202131min

In this episode, three CCA students each sit down with Nicki and Kate to ask their most pressing questions. These 10-minute laser coaching sessions are designed to help students overcome their biggest roadblock so they can continue making progress on their goals.  Terry asks for feedback on one of his pitch emails and his follow-up email. Jessica, who just moved, asks about finding focus and pitching companies in her area even though she is brand-new to town. Amy asks about finding fresh ideas to pitch clients and what advice Nicki and Kate would have given to themselves as brand-new copywriters, among other questions. Even though it’s not you in the hot seat, there’s plenty you can takeaway and apply to your own copywriting business! Related links:  Listen: Your Ideal Clients Want You to Pitch ThemDefine Your Own Copywriting SuccessWhen You Need to Get Down to Work: The 5 Second RuleFreelancer Self-Care: 5 Tips for Avoiding Burnout --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

9 Apr 202144min

We talk so much in the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, and as copywriters in general, about what it's like to collaborate with a designer, when to collaborate with a designer, and how to collaborate with a designer. But while we can answer these questions all day long, it's even more helpful to hear it from a designer. Nicki and Kate sat down with Yoav Broum to talk about what it's like to collaborate with a copywriter from the designer's perspective. He shares how he got into design, as well as tips for how copywriters and designers can work together to achieve the best possible solution. Mentioned on This Episode Yoav's portfolio Related Links How to Work with a DesignerBig Problems with Design Partners5 Things Designers Wish You Knew --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

7 Apr 202137min

Adele joined the CCA in July 2020 when she decided to make a career change after burning out in the public sector. Nicki originally talked with Adele in the Fall of 2020 to hear about her journey to copywriting. But, like many CCA students, work started to snowball fast. Adele landed a full-time contract covering a maternity leave in addition to taking on freelance work on the side. So, Nicki and Kate caught up with Adele again in early 2021 to talk about how things are going. You'll also hear from Adele's partner, Jake, who shared what it's like being on the other side of the copywriting journey, supporting someone you love during a major career change. Mentioned on this Episode: Adele's Portfolio Related Links: The First Step in Changing Your Career3 Steps to a Career ChangeThe Big Secret About Changing Careers --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

31 Mar 202142min

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 with a designer for the spec ads. In this episode, Nicki and Kate explain the ins and outs of working with a designer for spec ads. If you've been wondering how to find a designer or figuring out the best way to make it a mutually beneficial relationship, you'll want to listen to this. Related Links The Number One Spec Ad MistakeImportance of Spec Ads in Your PortfolioWhat to Look for in a Spec Ad DesignerWhy Copywriters Absolutely Must Have a Network of Designers --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

24 Mar 202121min