Build Your Copywriting Business

A client hires you for a “VIP day.” Suddenly, you’re tasked with: Kicking off the projectWriting a creative briefComing up with a strong conceptOutlining the copy Writing the copy (for how many deliverables is another question …)Getting feedback on that copyIncorporating that feedbackGetting final sign off … all in the span of 8 hours. And let’s be real: no one has 8 good hours of work in them every day. On this Build Your Copywriting Business podcast episode, Kate and I are digging into why VIP days make 0 sense—for you and especially for your clients! Just the thought of this task list stresses me out. And, I know some copywriting “gurus” tout the benefit of VIP days, but these days are reputation ruiners, my friend. Here’s why… --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Copywriting Is Only 1/3 Writing—Here’s Why That Affects How You ChargeCopywriting Rush Fees: When and How to Charge ThemWhat Do You Bill For? (And What Don’t You?)The Case for Slowing Down: Fast Copywriting Doesn’t Equal Better Copywriting Related Links How Can You Know if a Copywriting Deadline is Doable?5 Easy Tips for Maximizing Your Time --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

The other day, Kate and I were talking about the reasons why we like working on staff versus freelancing. Candidly, Kate told me that being on staff can sometimes feel easier (don't worry, I asked her if I could share this conversation with you!). And, hey, some seasons in our lives we just need ease in certain areas. We want to put our feet up for a sec and breathe. Of course, we're still producing top-notch work. Working on staff just has a different set of challenges than freelancing. But one of the things we talked about was how ease can disguise itself as security. And so, that's where we started this conversation of this week's Build Your Copywriting Business podcast episode. Take a listen and let me know if this helps you bring more intention to the decisions you're making in your business. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode You’re Most Secure When You Take ControlEp. 49: How to Build Your Own Benefits as a FreelancerHow to Make Time for Freelance WorkEp. 195: Freelance vs. Contract: Which is Better? Related Links Ep. 55: Building a Copywriting Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job – Claire’s StoryEp. 75: How to Be a Part-Time Copywriter with a Full-Time Job – Catching Up with AliciaIs it Better to Be an On-Staff Copywriter or a Freelance Copywriter? -------------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

When self-doubt is loud, it’s hard to tell whether discomfort is fear or intuition. That’s why learning to tell the difference is so important—in life … and, in this case, copywriting. So, Kate and I figured it was time to share our best tiny-but-effective tips for building trust in your gut. We’re talking about how to trust your instincts both when you’re writing copy and when you’re deciding to take on a client. The line between resistance and gut instinct can be tricky. So, let’s make sure you have a path for recognizing the difference. ------------------------------ Mentioned in the Episode Ep. BONUS – Laser Coaching: How to (Respectfully) Disagree with a Copywriting ClientHow to Price Copywriting Services: By the Minute? The Hour? The Word?Ep. 163: Are Your Copywriting Prices Leaving Money on the Table?Ep. 76: Red Flags Copywriters Need to Look for in Clients Related Links Fight These 10 Fears with a Systematic Process --------------------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

If you’re using AI to help you with your copywriting tasks (and I hope you are!), you need to watch this. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, we are SO lucky that the brilliant copywriter and AI expert Amber Smith is back, sharing all her knowledge around the ethics of AI. Two of the biggest concerns when it comes to AI are: 1. Energy and water consumption 2. Plagiarism Amber is sharing key information about both of these, including tips for lowering and limiting your consumption, plus some really mind-blowing facts around plagiarism. One of the biggest things I learned? You can not copyright AI-generated content in the U.S. 🤯 We talk about what that means for when and how you use AI on client work. Trust me, you need to hear all of Amber’s insights. And a BIG thank you to Amber for sharing this wealth of information. If you missed our first conversation on whether AI is a copywriting friend or foe, you can catch that here. -------------------- Additional Resources If you’re interested in learning more about AI, here are a few resources we think you’ll enjoy: Read the International Energy Agency Energy and AI reportRead the World Economic Forum’s take on AI and energyRead more about how data centers are using waterLearn more about the data centers in Virginia and the Top 10 Data Center Markets in the USGet tips for writing smarter AI promptsRead the Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence from the U.S. Copyright OfficeRead more about why AI-generated content can’t be copyrighted in the U.S. Mentioned in the Episode Read more about George RR Martin and other authors suing AILearn more about the Colorado Artificial Intelligence ActRead more about Chevron deferenceVisit Amber’s website: copyamber.comHear our original conversation with Amber: Ep. 241: ChatGPT: Friend or Foe? – with Amber Smith Related Links Ep. 96: Artificial Intelligence Copywriting: Do You Need to Worry?Ep. BONUS: AI & Copywriting: Using AI to Your Advantage to Wow Clients and Land High-Paying WorkEp. 237: AI is Going to Take My Job!!! … But Is It --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

The title of this episode should really be “copywriting secrets from my best friend” … who just happens to be the creative director at one o the country’s (if not the world’s!) most iconic retail brands. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, we are SO lucky that Melody was generous enough to share her time and decades of insights from working as a creative at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. She shares how she went from freelancer to group creative director leading a team of 18 copywriters, designers, creative directors, fashion editors, and more. If you’ve ever wanted to get your foot in the door at an iconic brand or wonder what marketing execs look for when hiring (surprise: you do NOT need to niche!), take a listen. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Why Copywriters Absolutely Must Have a Network of DesignersEp. 10: Your Ideal Clients Want You to Pitch Them5 Questions to Make Your Spec Ads Even Better Related Links Daily Habits of the Most Successful Writers & CreativesKeep Your Copywriting Creative Review from Going off the Rails --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here