Build Your Copywriting Business

Landing copywriting clients is a lot easier than you may think. (Reminder: CCA students, you have entire courses on how to find and land clients!) But one of the most overlooked ways to find clients? Talking to people. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Nicki and Kate joke about finding clients at the grocery store. But, truthfully, you can find clients almost anywhere! It all starts with accepting that you’re a copywriter—and getting comfortable telling people you’re a copywriter. CCA students share in the student-only Facebook group all the time that they landed a client just by making casual conversation. Because you really don’t know who could use a copywriter! And, because we’re writers and like writing, we take for granted that there are SO many people who don’t like writing. But, we know, you’re thinking: “Nicki, I can’t just go up to people and say, ‘Hi, I’m a copywriter!'” And you’re absolutely right.  So, listen to this episode to hear us share our tips for making 100% non-awkward conversation. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Episode 198: Finding Copywriting Success Through Curiosity – Jared’s Story Related Links 5 Networking Steps to Take This MonthFind Copywriting Clients by Networking in the Right PlacesThe One Question That Makes Copywriting Networking Easy --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

22 Jan 20min

Having one steady, high-paying copywriting client is the dream, right? Well, to be honest, no.  Copywriting is a little bit like investing. Putting your eggs all in one basket leaves you vulnerable to the whims of one company. That’s why diversification is so important. When you have multiple copywriting clients, it doesn’t matter if work slows down with one or if they go out of business entirely! You’ve got other work. And going from a 100% full workload to 90% or even 85% workload is much better than 100% to 0%. Think about it: if you’re earning $100,000, and you lose a client that is 15% of your business, you’re still earning $85,000. If you have one client? You’re down to $0. So, on this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are digging into why the allure of one magical client shouldn’t be all that appealing and how to structure your client roster so you’re setting yourself up for a thriving career—not a rollercoaster ride. And, yes, this means you never stop pitching. Pitching from a place of abundance—when you have clients and income—is much more fun than panic pitching. (Trust me: panic pitching is bad news.) --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 114: Hate Writing Your Own Portfolio? Use These Tips to Get It DoneBONUS Laser Coaching: Top Tips for Wildly Effective Pitching Related Links Ep. 204: Dangerous copywriting strategy alert: you can’t rely on SEO for landing clientsEp. 61: Juggling Multiple Copywriting ClientsBONUS: Earning More As a Freelancer than On Staff – Catching Up With Stuart --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

15 Jan 18min

You’ve heard me say time and time again that copywriting is an incredibly fun and rewarding career.  And it is. But … it’s still a career. There are inevitably times in life—whether as a freelancer or full-time, copywriting or otherwise—when you just don’t feel 100%.  And sometimes we attribute those crummy feelings to the wrong things. Cloudy days, an odd text from a friend, a sick family member: a lot of factors in our lives can impact how we’re feeling. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are talking about how we deal with the days when we just can’t. Those days can still be productive days—if you know how to approach them. Listen now for our best tips and tactics (and a few confessions 😳). --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep 157: Are You Living in the Gap or the Gain?Ep 134: Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries Related Links Ep 144: Navigating Ups and Downs in a Copywriting Career – Tammy’s StoryEp 147: How to Avoid Freak-Outs & Solve Any ChallengeEp 143: Business Builder or Time Waster? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

8 Jan 29min

Every time we talk with Comprehensive Copywriting Academy students, Kate and I leave feeling inspired. That’s exactly what it was like talking to Alicia.  From a young age, Alicia knew she wanted to help people. It’s what got her into social work. But, like many of those in the social work field, Alicia faced extreme burnout. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Alicia is sharing her story, including how she transitioned from social work to copywriting, how her social work skills lend themselves to copywriting, and how she pushed past self-imposed roadblocks. Hint: it’s OK to take messy action—as long as you’re taking action!  Alicia is proving that some careers don’t have to be full-time careers. Sometimes, you can put together a full-time career out of two part-time careers. So, I’d encourage you to listen to this episode for a little inspiration. Ask yourself, like Alicia did, “what do you want life to look like?”  --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Building Your Portfolio Copywriting by Working With Small BusinessesEp. 114: Hate Writing Your Own Portfolio? Use These Tips to Get It DoneHow to Put Together a Copywriting Portfolio (Even With No Experience)Alicia Website: www.copysilk.com Related Links Ep. 156: 11 Years in Social Work to a $10K/Month Copywriting Career – Sonali’s StoryEp. 75: How to Be a Part-Time Copywriter with a Full-Time Job – Catching Up with AliciaHow to Be a Part-Time Copywriter from Home --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

1 Jan 47min

When used correctly, storytelling is a powerful copywriting tactic. But why do I say “when used correctly?” Because sometimes copywriters and clients use storytelling in the entirely wrong way. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are breaking down when and how to use this tactic. Plus, we’re giving some examples of storytelling in action—including scenarios where it isn’t appropriate. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 5: Why Choosing a Copywriting Niche is Terrible Advice Related Links How Long Should It Take You to Write Copy?How to Write Copy that Makes Your Clients Irresistible --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

25 Des 202422min

🎶 What a client wants, what a client needs … … whatever makes them happy gets you money … 🎶 I apologize if you have Christina Aguilera stuck in your head. BUT if it helps you remember the key takeaways from this episode, then you’re welcome. 😉 On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are talking about four crucial things that clients look for in a freelancer. Doing these things is the difference between building long-term relationships with clients or having one-and-done projects with clients (and, potentially, reputation damage).  So, make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Listen now! ---------------- Mentioned in the Episode Setting Boundaries as a CopywriterEp. 5: Why Choosing a Copywriting Niche is Terrible AdviceCreative Brief: The First Step to Any Successful Copywriting ProjectQuestions You Need to Ask Your Copywriting Clients Related Links Ep. 182: What’s the Best Way to Communicate with Copywriting Clients?Ep. 10: Your Ideal Clients Want You to Pitch Them --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

18 Des 202428min

“Stop calling yourself a freelancer!” In typical Internet fashion, there’s plenty of bad information and scare-tactic hooks. That “stop calling yourself a freelancer” is just one of the examples Kate recently saw when she was on LinkedIn. In a video posted on the site, a marketing “expert” calls on freelance writers to stop calling themselves “freelance writers.” Huh? On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I decided to join this conversation to add a little nuance. The crux of the message in the video is that using the term “freelance” signals to clients that it’s lower-quality work.  But is there any truth to this? Listen to this episode to hear Kate and I share our take. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode The Summer Freelance Summitexplodingtopics.comEp. 7: Freelance Job Sites Are Bad News Related Links Ep. 195: Freelance vs. Contract: Which is Better?Ep. 98: Why Freelance Copywriters Should Still Apply to Full-Time JobsFreelance Copywriter Business FAQs --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

11 Des 202420min

Ever struggled with finding your “thing” in life?  (But really…who hasn’t?! I know I have several times!) That’s the place John was in before he discovered copywriting. For years, John was a monk in Japan before returning to the US and becoming a middle school teacher. But after seven years, as many teachers can relate to, he was incredibly stressed. The “ah-ha” moment came when John realized a book he was using with his students—Designing Your Life—was just as relevant for this stage of his life as it was for theirs.  And, you guessed it, it led him to copywriting. John was kind enough to join Kate and I on this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast and not only share his story, but share some fantastic tips for finding your passion—whether you are pursuing copywriting or not!  I am SO excited for you to hear this conversation—Kate and I left this conversation feeling so inspired and we hope you do, too. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode wonderwebcreative.comwonderwebcopy.comDesigning Your Life Book Related Links Episode 160: How This Teacher Doubled Her Salary and Decreased Stress—Amanda’s StoryEpisode 176: How This Ex-Teacher Joined the Filthy Rich Writer Team—As a Copywriter – Rebecca’s StoryBONUS Laser Coaching: Transitioning to FreelanceBONUS – Laser Coaching: A Copywriter’s Guide to Creative ThinkingEpisode 189: Before Starting a Copywriting Side Hustle … Listen to This --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

4 Des 202436min