Build Your Copywriting Business

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FRW and get on your way to being your best self. Do it! Just do it!" That's often what I find myself yelling at my computer screen when I don't want to do the task that I know I need to do. Now, I'm the first to admit that I'm not the most productive person in the world. But there are a few tactics that I use to get stuff done—even when I'm not having my best day. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are sharing our best tips for how we get work done when we are dragging our feet and would much rather stay on the couch. If you're avoiding certain tasks, listen to this episode now and you'll come away with tactics you can immediately use to do the things you need to do. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Get Things Done Book3 Simple Tools To Help You Stop Procrastinating and Start Doing with Megan Sumrell (note: must be logged into the CCA to access)Episode 158: Set Your Future Self Up for Success Right NowStaying Productive When I’m Unmotivated: Pomodoro Technique5 Tips for Getting Down to Your Copywriting Work4 Productivity Tactics Related Links Daily Habits of the Most Successful Writers & CreativesAmp Up Your Copywriting Productivity With Ultra SchedulingWhen You Need to Get Down to Work: The 5 Second Rule5 Ways Super-Productive Copywriters Start Their Days4 Tools to Stay On Top of Your To-Do ListStaying Productive While Working From HomeThe System Copywriters Need to Efficiently Get Work Done --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

19 Mar 45min

It’s SO much easier to avoid difficult conversations. (Frankly, sometimes I’m so tired, I want to avoid conversations all together!) But, *sigh*, that’s not the way to be a professional. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are sharing examples of client conversations that you might be tempted to avoid, but absolutely need to have. I can guarantee that 99% of the time these will be 5-minute conversations that will help you avoid major hassles—like migraines or extra edits (or both!). Listen now for how to handle these conversations like the pro that you are. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode What Are Your Copywriting Business Rules?Episode BONUS – Laser Coaching: How to (Respectfully) Disagree with a Copywriting ClientEp. 182: What’s the Best Way to Communicate with Copywriting Clients? Related Links Why Your Copywriting Clients Need Your GuidanceThe Huge Benefits of Writing for Clients that Don’t “Wow” YouLearning to Effectively Communicate as a CopywriterHow To Develop a Thick Skin5 Things Clients and Product Managers Wish Copywriters KnewEp. 203: Secrets to Smooth Copywriting Client Relations --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

12 Mar 30min

Quick quiz! What’s the first thing you do when a potential client reaches out to you? A. Squeal in excitement B. Start digging into the copy, duh! C. Stalk them on LinkedIn Well, the answer should be some combination of A and C. Excitement is totally warranted when a new client reaches out—especially if you like the company!  But, as with many things in life, we need to hold space for two seemingly opposite things: excitement and skepticism. Job scams are a tale as old as time. They’re not unique to copywriters, but there are a few red flags specific to writers you can look out for. And, there are a few key steps to take before agreeing to any work!  Listen to hear Kate and I share our top tips for spotting job scams and how to (wisely!) proceed if you’re interested in any opportunity. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 56: What is a Copywriting Test and Should You Do One?Setting Boundaries as a CopywriterEp. 182: What’s the Best Way to Communicate with Copywriting Clients? Related Links Which Work-From-Home Writing Jobs Are Real?Ep. 133: Are You Giving Off Any of These Copywriter Red Flags? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

5 Mar 25min

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FRW and get on your way to being your best self. You know that with copywriting training you can become a copywriter. (Duh!) But did you know copywriting can open doors to so many other career opportunities?  Kate and I got to sit down with CCA student Sunny to hear how (spoiler!) she went from designer to copywriter to marketing strategist. Sunny went to school for graphic design … but didn’t love design. As some of her clients asked her if she could write copy, Sunny said, “Sure!” But realized two things: She enjoyed copywriting more than design.If she was going to offer copywriting services to clients, she needed more formal training. In this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Sunny shares her story and tips for other copywriters, including how within 3 months of joining the CCA she was able to quit her serving job, what she’s charging clients, and how she feels copywriting helps with all areas of her life. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Sunny's portfolio: solcopy.ca Related Links BONUS Laser Coaching: Why Copywriting is a Recession-Proof JobEp. 175: Career Resolutions to Make Right NowEp. 110: What’s Your Copywriting Career Path? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

26 Feb 26min

Which of these camps do you fall into? 1. Hesitant to freelance (even though you really want to) because figuring out healthcare and other benefits looks too hard. 2. Diving head-first into freelancing … but there may be some “Oh Sh*t!” moments along the way. 3. Freelancing with a system and a plan so you have regular income and even better benefits than any full-time job could possibly offer. If you’re part of the FRW community (or in the CCA!), my guess is you fall into camp #3. (You may fall into camp #2, but that camp really requires you to know yourself and whether you can build the net as you fall. You’ve probably heard me say I’m not a fan of it, but it works for some people! If that’s you, please let me in on your secret 😉 ) We’ve covered how to build your own benefits package on this podcast before (if you missed it, you can add it to your queue right here). So, on this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, we’re specifically covering what to do if you get sick. As you know, many companies offer sick days. But, what do you do if you fall sick as a freelancer? You have a plan in place, that’s what! Listen now so you’re ready in case illness strikes. (But knock on wood—knockknock*—it doesn’t!) --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 51: Working at an Agency & Collaborating with Other Copywriters – Jen’s and Julie’s StoryHow Can You Know if a Copywriting Deadline is Doable?Creative Brief: The First Step to Any Successful Copywriting Project Related Links Prepare Your Copywriting Business for a Sick DayEp. 49: How to Build Your Own Benefits as a FreelancerEp. 203: Secrets to Smooth Copywriting Client RelationsHow Copywriting Projects Actually Come TogetherEp. 154: How Freelancers Can Masterfully Juggle Multiple Projects – with Kaitlyn SpinneyBook Pick: How Copywriters Can Collaborate More EffectivelyThe Copywriting Project That Sells Itself to Your Customers --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

19 Feb 21min

No one likes paying taxes. But if you’re a freelancer, you’ve got so many more opportunities for tax deductions. That means you paying less in taxes (a.k.a. keeping more money in your pocket). Whether you’re in the US or not, you’re going to want to listen in. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are running through a list of tax deductions that you can talk with your tax prep professional about. These deductions may allow you to pay less in taxes—meaning you save more of your hard-earned money. And who doesn’t want that?  Listen now and start saving! --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 49: How to Build Your Own Benefits as a FreelancerFreelance Copywriter Benefits: How to Build Your Own Benefits Package Related Links Copywriter Taxes: Save With These Deductions in 2025 Paying Freelance Writer Taxes in 2025How Do I Save for Retirement If I Am Self-Employed?#1 Freelance Tax Mistake and How to Avoid It --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

12 Feb 20min

I have good news and bad news for you: pitching is always going to be the direct line to landing work, but there are other tactics you can mix in to keep things fun. (And, if you ask me, pitching CAN be fun, but I’ll save that conversation with you for another day 😉 ) I am thrilled to share Kate and I sat down with podcast pitching pro Christina Lenkowski to pick her brain on all things podcast guesting. “But Nicki, I’m an introvert!” “But Nicki, I’m no expert!” Hear me out, we cover all this. Going on podcasts as a guest can not only establish you as an expert, but allows you to reach hundreds, if not thousands of members of your target audience—all at once.  And, as the owner of the extraordinary podcast pitching service Publicity x Christina, Christina is the go-to expert on getting online entrepreneurs the visibility they need for the paydays they want (her copy, not mine—but isn’t that good?!).  Full disclosure: I’ve even used her services! Listen now to see how you may be able to add this tactic to your business strategy! --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Podcastpublicityquiz.com Related Links Top Podcast Episodes for New Copywriters8 Must-Listen Podcasts to Amp Up Your Digital Marketing Knowledge12 Business Books and Podcasts for the New Year --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

5 Feb 38min

Ever wake up in the morning, head to work, and all you can think of is "UGH!"? Like many people, Tori went to school for something she was told she'd be good at—sales—got a corporate job after college, and ... very quickly realized she was an introvert. She hated sales. So, Tori made the difficult decision to let go of the path she thought she'd be on her entire life.  But she quickly realized it was a win-win: She could learning copywriting and change her life for the better. Or, worst case, she could gain more skills that she could use in any career. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Tori is sharing how she made the switch and what her days are like now. Kate and I are super inspired by Tori's mindset. 💎 "There's something inside of us, we all know what our dream is ... I look forward to life in a way that I didn't before." 💎 "If anything, you fail and you can go back to old habits or old positions or try again in another capacity." 💎 "The ability to have autonomy over my schedule, over my life, it makes me a better, happier, more fulfilled person and I think that pours into every area of my life." Those are just a handful of gems she dropped at minute 15 of this podcast—yes, that's just one minute of the conversation! She has incredible insights to share, so I'd really encourage you add this one to your queue. (Or watch on YouTube so you can see Tori's fabulous red sweater ...) --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Tori's portfolio: yourwritefit.com Related Links Can an Introvert Be a Successful Copywriter?The Fastest Way to Grow Your Copywriting BusinessEp. 95: Hitting 6 Figures As a Copywriter in 6 Months – Stacy’s StorySet Your Copywriting Business Up for Financial Success --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

29 Jan 34min