How to Build Your Own Benefits as a Freelancer (Episode 49)

OK, it’s time to ‘fess up. Is some laziness starting to creep into your copywriting? If you find yourself hitting “send” without a second look, resorting to tired seasonal puns (PLEASE no more “fall for falling prices”), or skipping the strategy stage…it might be time for a wake-up call. Our clients rely on us for the highest quality work and, as tempting as it can be to cut corners sometimes, it’s a sure fire way to start producing mediocre work. Listen in to discover the lazy behaviors you want to steer clear of to achieve copywriting success. Plus, Nicki and Kate reveal the lazy habits they’ve been guilty of too—no one’s perfect after all 😉 --------------- Mentioned on this Episode Wendy’s Ranch Tooth commercialAre You Skipping This Essential Copywriting Task? Related Links Keep Your Copywriting Creative Review from Going off the RailsThe Creative Project ProcessSelf-Edit Your Copywriting: Why It’s a Must & How To Do It --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

7 Feb 202433min

Despite being born with a passion for writing, Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student just couldn’t seem to find a way to make it her full-time gig. But spending 20 years working in the bar and restaurant industry, living paycheck to paycheck, had started to take its toll physically and emotionally. Within a matter of months of starting the CCA course, Kelsey’s portfolio site was up and running and she landed the job of her dreams. Not only has she already bagged herself a promotion to senior copywriter (in under a year!), she also gets to work on some pretty exciting (ahem, KIM K!!) brand collaborations. Listen in to Kelsey’s story, which is a great testament to taking action, even when you have doubts. --------------- Mentioned on this Episode Kelsey’s portfolio Related Links Building a Copywriting Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job – Claire’s StoryBuild a Copywriting Business While Working 9 to 5Journalist Turned Copywriter – Dori’s Story --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

31 Jan 202443min

When you’re starting a new career in copywriting, you might run into some…less than helpful comments, shall we say. “Copywriting–is that actually a real career?” and “Is that even something you can make money from?” are some of the classics. But as Taylor Swift so wisely said: “The haters gonna hate (hate hate hate hate)” and you can’t live your life letting other people’s opinions hold you back from your goals. Whether they’re people from your inner circle or strangers online, listen in as Nicki and Kate dig into the best ways to handle anyone getting in the way of your copywriting success. --------------- Mentioned on this Episode Changing Careers to Become a Copywriter – Adele’s StoryWhy Some Copywriters Fail Related Links The Worst Advice for New Freelancers (And What to Do Instead)Why People Tell You “Copywriting Is Hard to Get Into”Which Work From Home Writing Jobs Are Real? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

24 Jan 202432min

While it’s not necessary to build a successful copywriting career, adding complementary skills to your toolbox can be advantageous. And–despite its name–content strategy can actually make a great pairing with copywriting. Experienced content strategist Amanda Hand joins Nicki and Kate in this week’s episode to dig into this role further and what it takes to create high-performing content that drives business growth. For anyone interested in the dynamic field of content strategy and SEO, Amanda is a must-listen voice! (Content writing…content marketing…content strategy…we know how confusing all the content buzzwords can be. But don’t panic–all will be explained in the episode!) --------------- Mentioned on this Episode What’s the Difference Between Copy and Content?#1 Secret for Copywriting SuccessLinkedIn SEO Keyword strategy course – a basic introduction to SEO keywordsHere’s a basic course Amanda asks writers to take on her team. It’s less than 2 hours and it helps them think about keywords and how to use them to help understand the user when writing.Find out more about Amanda’s SEO agency  Related Links What is Content Strategy? And How Is It Different from Copywriting?What You Need to Know About Being an “SEO Copywriter” --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

17 Jan 202437min

We love recording the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast ... but sometimes we mess up. A lot. Luckily, we have the very best podcast editor, Julie, who makes us sound extra coherent. To celebrate her 3-year anniversary with the Nicki K Media team, we enlisted her husband Jay's help to put together this tribute to all the times we're caught saying "Sorry Julie" while recording. A project that started as a joke became a very serious reality. Enjoy this earworm of a song and show your appreciation for Julie's editing genius by leaving her a note in your review!

12 Jan 20248min

We can’t help but facepalm when a student tells us, “but I’ve heard you have to [insert terrible advice from a so-called copywriting ‘guru’]?” Despite its wealth of information, the internet has created an echo chamber of bad advice, especially for new copywriters. In this episode, Nicki and Kate roll up their sleeves and dig into some of the worst recommendations out there, from hand copying ads, to niches, and–dare we even mention–Upwork. You’ll also find out what *truly* works instead–well, at least for our 10,000+ copywriting students… --------------- Mentioned on this Episode 5 Ways to Improve Your CopywritingWhy Choosing a Copywriting Niche is Terrible AdviceWhat’s the Difference Between Copy and Content?Artificial Intelligence Copywriting: Do You Need to Worry?1 Copywriting Tactic You Should Avoid at All CostsWhat is a Copywriting Test and Should You Do One? Related Links How to Avoid the Copywriting Niche TrapWhat’s a Copy Test?Content or Copy: How to Tell the Difference and What Should You ChargeThe Real Math on Job Bidding Site “Success”Should I use job bidding sites like Upwork? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

10 Jan 202456min

When it comes to landing copywriting roles, the proof really is in the pudding. If you can demonstrate that you can do great work, the opportunities are there for the taking–and some of them might even be right under your nose… In this episode, Nicki and Kate are joined by Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student Joe, who shares how proactively pitching an idea helped him transition out of a career in finance and into a brand new role as marketing content manager (created just for him!). Listen in to hear the importance of showcasing your value, the power of your current network, and why you don’t need to worry about “knowing it all”. --------------- Mentioned on this Episode Joseph’s Instagram pageJoseph’s portfolioLanding a Senior Copywriter Role with No Paid Experience Related Links The Three Steps to Career ChangeFrom Financial Professional to Copywriter—Chaundell’s StoryFind Copywriting Clients by Networking in the Right PlacesChanging Your Career to Copywriting While at Your Existing JobYour Goal Should Be to Love Your Career. Period. --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

3 Jan 202433min

Do your project costs only factor in time spent writing, editing, and in meetings? If so, you may be doing a lot of pro bono work for your clients–and we’re fairly certain you didn’t get into this business to work for free! As a freelancer, it’s easy to get caught up in our emotions, fear, and self-doubt. In this episode, Nicki and Kate encourage us to put on our CFO hats, look at our numbers, and make sure that we are getting paid for *all* of the work that we’re doing. --------------- Mentioned on this Episode The Right Way to Raise Copywriting RatesIncrease Your Copywriting Pricing Without Burning Bridges Related Links How to Set Your Copywriting RatesWhy Most Advice About How to Price Your Services is Dead Wrong for YouCopywriting Is Only 1/3 Writing—Here’s Why That Affects How You Charge --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

27 Dec 202340min