Build Your Copywriting Business

Deciding to go freelance instead of working a traditional 9–5 can be incredibly anxiety inducing. In this episode, Nicki and Kate discuss how job safety is an illusion and the only way to truly be “safe” is to be in control of your career yourself. Freelancing allows for control over practically every aspect of your livelihood.  Listen to this episode to hear some hard truths about job safety and learn how being a freelancer can give you the freedom to live your life the way you want to. Related Links: Listen: Why Freelancing in a Recession is Wildly EffectiveThe New Truth of Today's Working WorldHow to Avoid a Work Dry SpellIs It Better to Be an On-Staff Copywriter or a Freelance Copywriter? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Sitting down and knocking out a portfolio site can be a daunting task, but completing it will inevitably move your business forward. In this episode Nicki and Kate discuss why it is imperative for every copywriter to have their own online portfolio. From what most copywriting portfolios are missing to what copywriters should keep off their portfolios, they provide actionable tips on how to make your portfolio stand out. Related Links: 4 Things Most Copywriters Get Wrong on Their Portfolio WebsitesHow to Put Together a Copywriting Portfolio7 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Portfolio SiteHow to Instantly Improve Your Portfolio Site --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

In this episode, three CCA students each sit down with Nicki and Kate to ask their most pressing questions. These 10-minute laser coaching sessions are designed to help students overcome their biggest roadblock so they can continue making progress on their goals.  Terry asks for feedback on one of his pitch emails and his follow-up email. Jessica, who just moved, asks about finding focus and pitching companies in her area even though she is brand-new to town. Amy asks about finding fresh ideas to pitch clients and what advice Nicki and Kate would have given to themselves as brand-new copywriters, among other questions. Even though it’s not you in the hot seat, there’s plenty you can takeaway and apply to your own copywriting business! Related links:  Listen: Your Ideal Clients Want You to Pitch ThemDefine Your Own Copywriting SuccessWhen You Need to Get Down to Work: The 5 Second RuleFreelancer Self-Care: 5 Tips for Avoiding Burnout --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

We talk so much in the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, and as copywriters in general, about what it's like to collaborate with a designer, when to collaborate with a designer, and how to collaborate with a designer. But while we can answer these questions all day long, it's even more helpful to hear it from a designer. Nicki and Kate sat down with Yoav Broum to talk about what it's like to collaborate with a copywriter from the designer's perspective. He shares how he got into design, as well as tips for how copywriters and designers can work together to achieve the best possible solution. Mentioned on This Episode Yoav's portfolio Related Links How to Work with a DesignerBig Problems with Design Partners5 Things Designers Wish You Knew --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Adele joined the CCA in July 2020 when she decided to make a career change after burning out in the public sector. Nicki originally talked with Adele in the Fall of 2020 to hear about her journey to copywriting. But, like many CCA students, work started to snowball fast. Adele landed a full-time contract covering a maternity leave in addition to taking on freelance work on the side. So, Nicki and Kate caught up with Adele again in early 2021 to talk about how things are going. You'll also hear from Adele's partner, Jake, who shared what it's like being on the other side of the copywriting journey, supporting someone you love during a major career change. Mentioned on this Episode: Adele's Portfolio Related Links: The First Step in Changing Your Career3 Steps to a Career ChangeThe Big Secret About Changing Careers --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Spec ads are one of the most important tools copywriters have to show their abilities to potential clients. Not only do spec ads show that you can write great copy and how you strategize your work, but it also shows you are connected and can collaborate with talented designers who make your copy pop. You read that right, the number one mistake copywriters make is not working with a designer for the spec ads. In this episode, Nicki and Kate explain the ins and outs of working with a designer for spec ads. If you've been wondering how to find a designer or figuring out the best way to make it a mutually beneficial relationship, you'll want to listen to this. Related Links The Number One Spec Ad MistakeImportance of Spec Ads in Your PortfolioWhat to Look for in a Spec Ad DesignerWhy Copywriters Absolutely Must Have a Network of Designers --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

You might be thinking, “Land clients without experience? You are crazy!” But there is a valuable tool to show your potential clients what you can do, even if you have never had a paying client before: spec ads. In this episode, Nicki and Kate discuss the in’s and out’s of spec ads, including their many benefits and some common misconceptions. Landing clients without experience is not an impossible task, especially when you are using spec ads to your advantage! Related Links How Do You Land Your First Copywriting Clients Without Experience or Samples?How Do You Get Your First Clients?The Simplest Way to Start Finding Clients --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Everybody hates pricing their services. That's because there is no exact science for pricing your services. There's no perfect formula that is going to work every time and be exactly right. It's as much art as science. Nicki and Kate dig into why online calculators are wildly inaccurate (one told Kate, based on her experience, to charge $13,800 for a homepage). Instead of relying on faulty math, they share the types of questions you need to ask clients before pricing your services, plus other factors you need to consider, such as experience, location, rush time, meetings, and more. Related Links 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 ChargeWhat Copywriters Charge for Content WritingWhen and How to Raise Your Copywriting Rates --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but if confidence is not an issue for you now, it will at some point in your life. We all face situations that challenge or even shake our confidence, whether it’s in the form of self-doubt or fear. Now here’s the good news: there are ways to overcome it. On this episode, Nicki and Kate sat down with Sheri' DuMond, who has mentored business and sales leaders for more than 20 years. She is the creator of Confident Warriors and the Confidence Success Circle. Inspired by their conversation with Sheri, Nicki and Kate share additional tips for taking action in the moments you feel frozen and stuck. Mentioned on this Episode Confident WarriorsQuantum Leap Discovery Sessions Related Links Imposter Syndrome: What It Is and How to Keep it From Derailing Your Copywriting CareerHow Do You Find the Confidence to Get Started?What to Do When Your Confidence FlagsOne Question That Can Literally Change Your Life --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Karisa started her copywriting career the way many of our students do: while working another full-time job. She started pitching just a few months after joining the CCA during Pitch-a-Palooza, an annual student-only event designed to get everyone writing and sending their first pitches. Karisa received a response to one of those first pitches, officially launching her freelancing career. But it wasn't long before she found, applied for, and landed a full-time copywriting job. This episode was recorded in two parts, the first back in early 2020, and the second in early 2021 so we could catch up with Karisa and see how her career evolved from freelance copywriter to full-time remote copywriter working with an organization she loves. Mentioned on this Episode Karisa’s Portfolio Related Links Which Work From Home Writing Jobs Are Real?How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Pitch Copywriting Clients? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here