Lessons from Nicki's new freelance client (Episode 251)

Pitching is the only way to truly control your copywriting business’ success. But when it comes to sitting down to actually do it, our brains love to come up with all kinds of reasons *not* to hit “send”. “Oh, that company is waaay too big to pitch, they would never need my help!” or, at the other end of the spectrum, “A solopreneur? They’d never be able to afford a copywriter!” In this episode, Nicki and Kate remind us that when you hold back on sending out pitches, you’re actually doing a major disservice to everyone out there who needs you (companies big AND small). Listen in now to learn why these pitching assumptions that could be costing you opportunities (and money!). --------------- Related Links Too Afraid to Pitch? Business Owners WANT Your Copywriting PitchesHow NOT to Pitch Potential Copywriting ClientsHow to Pitch Copywriting Services to AgenciesHow to Find and Write for Solopreneurs5 Ways to Vastly Improve Your Pitches to Would-Be Copywriting Clients --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

29 Maj 202427min

Since she was old enough to hold a pen, Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student Rachael Kelly has been writing and telling stories. But figuring out how to turn that passion into a well-paying career? That was the part Rachael struggled with—and crummy job-bidding sites like Fiverr and Upwork were (ahem, unsurprisingly) *not* the answer! In this interview, we find out how the knowledge and support Rachael gained from the CCA course gave her the much needed confidence to push herself out of her comfort zone and start landing clients. Listen in to find out how Rachael has shaped a copywriting career that means she never has to “work” a day again and the exciting new role which has not doubled, but TRIPLED her income! -------------- Mentioned on this Episode View Rachael’s Portfolio Related Links The Real Math on Job Bidding Site “Success”How NOT to Pitch Potential Copywriting ClientsOvercoming Copywriter Imposter SyndromeHow to Optimize Your Copywriting LinkedIn Page --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

22 Maj 202428min

For most freelancers, not having *enough* work is often the greatest fear. But having too much work? Psshh, there’s no such thing, right?! Well, as wild as it sounds, there will probably come a point where you are overloaded with copywriting projects. Yes, this might sound like a bit of a “first-world” freelance issue when you’re yet to land your first client. But trust us—it doesn’t take much to suddenly become overwhelmed if you don’t have the right boundaries and systems in place. If you do find yourself drowning in copywriting work, Nicki and Kate are on hand in this episode, sharing the best tactics to deal with a swamped schedule. But that’s not all—they’re also digging into the proactive steps that will prevent future overwhelm. Listen in now to steer clear of the dreaded “feast or famine” trap and set yourself up for sustainable success. --------------- Related Links What Are Your Copywriting Business Rules?Amp Up Your Copywriting Productivity With Ultra SchedulingWhen the [ahem] Stuff Hits the FanHow Can You Know if a Copywriting Deadline is Doable? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

15 Maj 202441min

As a freelance copywriter, your business depends on getting work—whether it’s from existing or new clients. But managing multiple clients (and clients-to-be) with different needs, deadlines, and expectations can get a little hectic. So how can you protect your time, energy, and creativity without compromising on your quality of communication (or your own sanity)? In this episode, Nicki and Kate share their top tips for effectively communicating with clients, right from the initial outreach, all the way to project completion. Listen in now to find out how to set yourself up for successful communication with a client from the get-go, how to make sure you’re *never* at a client’s beck and call, and if texting clients is a smart move or a recipe for disaster. --------------- Mentioned on this Episode One Sec AppHunter.ioRocketReach Related Links Learning to Effectively Communicate as a CopywriterWhat Are Your Copywriting Business Rules?You Don’t Have to Work With Clients You HateHow NOT to Pitch Potential Copywriting Clients --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

8 Maj 202433min

Whether you want to work as a copywriter on staff or as a freelancer, it’s always worth taking a look at job listings. (But remember: job postings are just a small fraction of the available opportunities!) The trouble is, many people get discouraged when they see the dreaded line: “Must have at least two years of experience”. One of the biggest mistakes people make when looking at job descriptions is taking everything as written in stone. But that is absolutely *not* the case! In fact, they’re really more of a wish list for the company. (And frankly, some are like that kid who writes to Santa Claus asking for the ability to fly!) In this episode, Nicki and Kate unpick some real LinkedIn copywriting job postings to show us why we shouldn’t say “no” to ourselves before someone else does. --------------- Mentioned on this Episode This Brand-New Copywriter Landed a Senior Copywriting Role Related Links Why Companies Requiring Experience for Copywriting Jobs is a Good ThingHow to Land Copywriting Work with an Ad AgencyToo Afraid to Pitch? Business Owners WANT Your Copywriting PitchesWhy Freelance Copywriters Should Still Apply to Full-Time JobsSupercharged Job-Hunting Tactics --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

1 Maj 202432min

There’s a reason Dolly Parton (and many others!) found success singing about why working the 9 to 5 sucks—for a lot of people, it just does. And when you’re neurodivergent like Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student and coach Cleo, it can almost feel impossible.  But since going freelance as a copywriter and being in control of nearly every aspect of her professional life, it has made it a lot easier for Cleo to thrive. Not only is she financially supporting herself as a single parent, she’s also working a heck of a lot less than 40 hours a week. In this episode, we hear all of the ways having a neurodivergent mind has been an asset for Cleo as a freelance copywriter and the wider impact it’s having on her personal life, too. Plus, we get to hear about a pretty mammoth win that puts her in a very exclusive club with the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald! --------------- Mentioned on this Episode 5 Books to Read Written by CopywritersView Cleo’s portfolioConnect with Cleo on LinkedIn Related Links Setting Boundaries as a CopywriterBuilding Your Career for Maximum FlexibilityTips for Neurodivergent Copywriters --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

24 Apr 202437min

As consumers, we are surrounded by discounts tempting us to make all kinds of purchases. So as a copywriter, it’s natural to ask yourself, “Should I offer discounts to customers?” Spoiler alert: Not a smart move. While discounts and sales might seem like a quick fix, they’re not a great way to start landing more clients. The good news is, there *are* ways to make yourself more marketable to potential clients. Listen in to find out the dangers of discounting your rates and how to effectively encourage potential clients to take action! --------------- Mentioned on this Episode How to Set Your Copywriting Rates Related Links Are Your Copywriting Prices Leaving Money on the Table?Why 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 ChargeSet Your Copywriting Business Up for Financial Success --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

17 Apr 202424min

It’s a question that pops into most aspiring—and even established—copywriters’ minds at some point: “What if I fail?” Our brains LOVE to catastrophize and fear the worst (just another great perk of being a human…). But if you notice yourself descending into a spiral of negative thoughts, the good news is that one simple method can combat all of your panic-inducing “what if” scenarios. If you’re the type of person who tends to give yourself a hard time over every little setback (yes, we’re looking at you, high achievers!), you’ll definitely want to listen in to today’s episode. Join Nicki and Kate as they unveil a powerful tactic to reboot your confidence and remind you that, yes, you *can* do this! --------------- Mentioned on this Episode Why Some Copywriters Fail Related Links Why People Tell You “Copywriting Is Hard to Get Into”Fight These 10 Fears with a Systematic ProcessWhy Setbacks and “Failures” Don’t Mean What You Think They Do --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

10 Apr 202428min