Build Your Copywriting Business

Freelancing or contracting: what’s the difference? There are differences between the two and, as a copywriter, you have the flexibility to work full or part time, as well as an employee, as a freelancer, or contractor. Most of us are familiar with what it’s like to be an employee. And because we’re familiar with it, it feels “safer.” But there’s nothing that makes being an employee safer (in fact,...

You wake up in the morning, excited to start the day … then remember you have to go to work.  *Groan* Burnout: we’ve all been there. For Leslie, it turned out she still enjoyed being an attorney—just not full time. But, like all of us, there are still bills to pay. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Leslie is sharing how— instead of completely leaving her career as an...

As writers our clients hire us to … well … write! So, what happens when you  know  your client wants to take the copy in the wrong direction? Do you speak up? Or do you just roll with what they want? As you’ll hear in this laser coaching session, there are a few ways to tactfully and professionally disagree with your client in a way that further positions you as a valuable copywriting partner. Ult...

Having the ability work from anywhere is a HUGE benefit of being a copywriter. For many of us, that means we can visit and spend more time with loved ones. And that’s a huge perk—we love our friends and family! It’s 100% doable to work from their homes. But working remote from family and friends’ homes is a  very  different experience than working from pretty much anywhere else. If you think you’l...

Are you ready to stand out in your next copywriting interview or discovery call?  Whether you’re applying for an on staff position or a freelance role, the key to success lies in the right preparation. That’s why we’re taking you back to this must-listen episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, where Nicki and Kate share their top tips on how to ace the prep for your copywriting int...

Learn the indispensable traits that forge a successful copywriter with Nicki and Kate. From resilience to creativity, learn the insider attributes that could shift your writing career into high gear. It’s not just about witty words; it’s the hustle, learning curve, and more in this value-packed discussion. Are you embodying the characteristics that clients covet? Tune in and uncover the facets of...

"It wasn't even a stepping stone; it was a springboard for my career!" Like most Comprehensive Copywriting Academy students, Audrey had no idea what copywriting was. She was working as an interior designer before she was sidelined by an illness that forced her to leave her job. Looking for a job with more flexibility, she discovered copywriting. Audrey went from feeling heartbroken leaving a job s...

One of the biggest reasons that people “don’t make it” as a copywriter? Undercharging. (Or worse, charging by the word.) But on the flip side, you also have to be careful not to overshoot the market rate for your expertise. As you can already see, pricing your services is a delicate balance to master. And with no exact formula to tell us how to do it, calculating your rates can feel like an imposs...

Ditch the corporate chains and jump into the dynamic world of freelancing with Nicki & Kate! Unravel the myths behind losing benefits as they dive deep into healthcare, retirement perks, and endless vacay possibilities—proving the freelance lifestyle’s true worth. Ready to redefine your work-life? --------------- Mentioned on this Episode How to Build Your Own Benefits as a Freelancer Related...

If you’re someone who thrives on interactions with other people, you might be wondering if the sit-alone-at-a-desk-and-write copywriter lifestyle would work for you. Equally, if you’re more introverted, you might be worried about client interactions draining all your energy.  Whichever camp you find yourself in, we want to make sure you get the  most  enjoyment out of your new career. That’s why w...

If the thought of networking sends shivers down your spine, rest assured, you’re not alone. Especially for introverts, the prospect of “putting yourself out there” can feel intimidating. But as Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student Lizzie discovered, every relationship and opportunity starts with making connections. Join us as we delve into Lizzie’s journey, where networking played a pivotal r...

The Freelance vs. full-time debate with Nicki and explore why gigging might just be your golden ticket to career freedom. Learn how to secure copywriting gigs like a pro, the misconceptions about job security, and how to take control of your income. Get ready for a revelation-packed episode that could redefine your work life! ----------------- Mentioned on this Episode The Illusion of Safety: Free...

Balancing personal and professional lives is challenging enough when building a freelance business. But throw in a major life transition like divorce or a breakup, and it can feel downright daunting.  In this episode, we’ve invited three remarkable students from the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy—Cleo, Nicole, and Dorothy—to shed light on what it’s like to navigate a breakup while freelancing....

Wondering if copywriting is something you can dip your toes into as a side hustle?  Copywriting can be a fantastic (and very lucrative!) side gig that fits perfectly alongside a 9-5. But if you want to make it a fulfilling and great paying side hustle, there are some considerations to keep in mind… Join Nicki and Kate as they walk us through what you need to know before building a copywriting side...

Are you considering getting into copywriting but worried that you’re “too old” to pivot into a new career?  Is it too late? Am I past the point where I can make a change?  Over the years, CCA student Kelly has worn many hats: lawyer, fundraiser, freelance writer, academic program director… But the one constant has been her love of words. Kelly is living proof that when you can write great copy, yo...

Are you considering a transition into copywriting but struggling to ignore the nagging voice telling you it’s “manipulative” or “unethical”?  Many people associate marketing with the “icky” feeling of being sold to, thinking it’s all about pushing unwanted products onto reluctant buyers. But copywriting *isn’t* about sleazy tactics or tricking people into buying things they don’t need. In this epi...

One of the most difficult psychological shifts for new business owners is going from an  employee  mindset to a  business owner  mindset. Most of your life, you’ve likely operated as a consumer: waiting for a paycheck so you can take care of your expenses. And when things get challenging in the economy, your instinct is to tighten the purse strings and focus on saving.  But as a business owner, yo...

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...

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 sup...

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 t...

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...

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 descript...

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 lo...

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...

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’r...