How to Have Uncomfortable Client and Work Conversations (Episode 220)

You’ve written your copy. You’ve proofread it. You’re ready to send it off to the client… …Or are you? In this week’s episode of Build Your Copywriting Business, we’re walking you through the often skipped step that comes between “done writing” and “client ready.” Think: a mini checklist—but not your typical copyediting or proofreading list. We’re talking strategy and specific copy tweaks that will make your message stronger (and, ultimately, work better!). These are the questions we run through every single time before handing off copy to a client—and after this episode, you’ll have them in your toolkit, too. -------------- Mentioned in the Episode What Your Headlines Are MissingWhat’s a CTA or Call to Action?How to Write a Sales Page That’ll Make Your Client EcstaticWhere Content Belongs on Your Copywriting Portfolio Site Related Links Ep. 74: Copywriting Checklist: 5 Things to Check Before Submitting Copy4 Things Most Copywriters Get Wrong on Their Portfolio Websites --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

20 Aug 30min

Ever felt so drained and discouraged you thought, “Maybe I should just give up”? That’s exactly where Bart was—not just doubting his move from corporate sales to copywriting, but seriously questioning if he could make it work at all. Fast forward: Bart is now booked out for six months—and here’s what may surprise you… …he did it without social media. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business, Bart was generous to share his story, including how he turned things around. He’s also sharing the mindset shifts that helped him push through the hardest moments, and the surprising decisions (like stepping completely away from social) that actually helped him thrive. As Bart says, “A lot can change in a very short time… if you don’t give up.” If you’re burned out or doubting yourself, this episode might be exactly what you need to hear. ----------------- Mentioned in the Episode Bart Ellebaut LinkedInBONUS Laser Coaching: Top Tips for Wildly Effective PitchingBONUS Laser Coaching: Asking for Feedback to Combat Imposter SyndromeEp. 134: Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries Related Links Ep. 191: This Copywriter Books Work 3+ Months Out—Here’s How She Does It – Lizzie’s StoryEp. 95: Hitting 6 Figures As a Copywriter in 6 Months – Stacy’s Story --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

13 Aug 31min

AI is taking all the copywriting jobs!” Sound familiar? Before you spiral, hit play on this week’s episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast. AI expert and copywriter Amber Smith is breaking down exactly why that narrative is wrong. Amber runs a successful agency serving powerhouse brands like Ann Taylor, Clinique, and Coach. She’s been deep in the AI space from day one—and she’s sharing why copywriters aren’t being replace…they’re being required. In this episode, Amber shares: How AI really works—and why it needs human copywritersSmart, ethical ways to use AI to elevate your client workHow she’s getting paid to help clients integrate AI into their workflows (including writing creative briefs!) Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or already experimenting with AI, this episode is your no-fluff guide to navigating AI as a modern copywriter. ------------------ Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 205 – Copywriter Holiday Survival: How to Answer Questions About Your Job Related Links Can Copywriting Software Replace Skilled Copywriters in 2025?Ep. 96: Artificial Intelligence Copywriting: Do You Need to Worry? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

6 Aug 47min

Freedom and security: those were two core values that Avalon identified. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Avalon is sharing how these core values grounded her decision making—and allowed her to identify and choose opportunities that align with these values. Using this as her guide, Avalon was able to: 🍷Transition from a career in the wine industry to copywriting 🚛 Move from California to North Carolina with her husband—without jobs 💼 Seamlessly jump back into the workforce when she was ready (she was back in 3 weeks!) 💻 Shift between in-person work and remote work (she’s currently working in office most days) Her advice: Go after what you want. As a self-described introvert, Avalon says she’s in a growth phase and is sharing some of her goals for this year and beyond. Listen in so you can cheer her on—and get a little inspiration for entering your own growth era.  CCA students: Avalon mentions pitching yourself to podcasts. You can check out that event with PR pro Christina Lenkowski on your dashboard under the “Special Events” section.  ----------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 20: Changing Careers to Become a Copywriter – Adele’s StoryBONUS: Earning More As a Freelancer than On Staff – Catching Up With StuartEp. 215: Land Copywriting Clients with Podcast Publicity – with Christina Lenkowski Related Links Ep. 230: Copywriting Across the Country in an RV – Sarah’s Story --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

30 Juli 33min

❌ Fancy logo ❌ Color palette ❓Personal brand You’ve probably heard us talk about all the shiny distractions when it comes to earning money as a copywriter. Is a “personal brand” another one? On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are breaking down what a personal brand is and whether or not you need one to succeed in today’s copywriting climate. Spoiler: just because you exist does not make you a brand. Your reputation behind closed doors with your clients is far more important than public perception of you on social media. ------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 208: Are You Doing These 4 Things That Clients Look for in Freelancers?BONUS – Laser Coaching: How Do I Find Clients for Freelancing? Related Links This Brand-New Copywriter Landed a Senior Copywriting RoleWhy Brand Voice Matters in Copywriting3 Things to Remember if You’re Brand New to Copywriting --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

23 Juli 27min

Ever feel like the only way forward in your career… is up a corporate ladder that you don’t even want to be on in the first place? Yvonne did, too. After 15+ years in communications roles at mission-driven nonprofits, she knew things had to shift after the birth of her son. She asked a question many parents ask: “How can I do work I love, get paid my worth, and still be present for my family?” On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Yvonne shares how discovering copywriting gave her a path to both professional purpose and personal balance. She also shares her approach to client outreach (yes, she really took our “It’s just an email” advice to heart!) and offers smart, honest tips for pitching in a way that feels natural and authentic—especially if you’re new. If you’re dreaming of a career that fits your life, not the other way around, let Yvonne’s story provide you with a healthy dose of inspiration. There is a way to fulfillment in all areas of your life—if you’re willing to get creative and look away from the typical “ladder” and climb your own. ---------------- Mentioned in the Episode yvonneturnercopy.comEp. 62: Defining Copywriting Success for YourselfEp. 187: Change My Mind About Advertising! How to Be an Ethical CopywriterFreelance Copywriter Benefits: How to Build Your Own Benefits Package Related Links Ep. 177: Reframing Your Copywriting Goals to Align with Your Values – with Jessica Lackey --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

16 Juli 41min

Ready for the truth about AI and copywriting? AI is shifting the way everyone does work. Including copywriters. YAWN! Boring. 🥱 Yup. That’s a headline that doesn’t get clicks. “AI is destroying these 5 industries” does get clicks. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are having a conversation about how technology, marketing, and the world have always shifted (even since we started our careers!) and will continue to shift. The key to future-proofing your career is staying on top of these shifts as these come. AI is simply another one of these shifts. What we’ve seen from actually using these tools and working with clients? AI is making it more efficient for us to do certain tasks in our jobs. That means there will be more work for copywriters as clients realize we can move through projects a bit faster. Businesses have a never-ending to-do list of projects. It’s not like you will get through your copy projects and suddenly there are no more projects. And if that does happen? That’s probably a good indicator for you to re-pitch your clients 😉 ------------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 145: Catchy Hook or Clickbait? How to Tell the DifferenceEp. BONUS: AI & Copywriting: Using AI to Your Advantage to Wow Clients and Land High-Paying Work Related Links Ep. 117: Best Free Software for CopywritersCan Copywriting Software Replace Skilled Copywriters in 2025?What Software Do You Need to Run Your Copywriting Business? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

9 Juli 44min

I am SO excited to share this summer reading list with you—straight from the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy community! We crowdsourced dozens of recommendations and (after a very heated debate) narrowed it down to 15 top picks: a mix of can’t-put-it-down novels and business-building gems. On this this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business we’re breaking down why each book made the list—and how they can help you grow as a copywriter and enjoy some much-needed downtime. Your challenge? Pick at least one book for fun and one to fuel your business. Got a favorite summer read we missed? Leave a comment! We’d love to grow this list with even more crowd-sourced gems. (And I’m always looking to add to my Goodreads list.) And I’d love to know: which book are you diving into first? ---------------- Mentioned in the Episode Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanOnline Influence by Bas WoutersI will Teach you to be Rich by Ramit SethiThe Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan HolidayThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyGod of the Woods by Liz MooreTapestries by Kien NguyenStories Sell by Matthew DicksLetter to my Daughter written by George BishopThe Four Tendencies by Gretchen RubinThe Perfect Horse by Elizabeth LettsMindset: The Psychology of Success by Carol S DweckJobs to Be Done: Theory to Practice by Anthony W UlwickThe Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham JonesMass Persuasion Method by Bushra Azhar Related Links Our Roundup of Books Copywriters Will Enjoy --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

4 Juli 34min