Build Your Copywriting Business

Have your heart set on freelancing? A lot of copywriters do. And that was Jen, too. She was freelance or bust. In fact, the last time we talked to her, she was thriving as a freelancer, making upwards of 10K/month while home schooling her kids. So, why the heck did she take an on-staff job?! When you’re really clear on what you want and why you want it, you realize there are multiple ways to get there. For Jen, flexibility and freedom are the MOST important. But freelancing isn’t the only way to get those things. If you’ve always felt like freelancing was the only way to hit your goals, you’ll want to listen to Jen’s update. I’ll leave it to Jen to fill you in on the rest … --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 51: Working at an Agency & Collaborating with Other Copywriters – Jen’s and Julie’s StoryCopywriting for Nonprofits: 2 Tips to Crafting Compelling Copy Related Links Ep. 36: From Full-Time, Faith-Based Nonprofit Work to Part-Time Copywriting – Kate’s StoryEp. 236: Raising 2 Kids, Writing for Nonprofits, and Going at Your Own Pace – Stevi’s Story --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

When you think of “networking,” what do you think of? 😖 “Hello my name is …” name tags and business cards being shoved at you like confetti?  😫 Memorizing an elevator pitch that ends up feeling sales-y and robotic? ☠️ A room full of strangers that makes you feel like you’re back in the middle school lunchroom trying to figure out what table to sit at? I hear you. All of that makes me want to run and hide under a blanket, too. And that’s why on this this week’s Build Your Copywriting Business podcast episode, we’re sharing how you can reduce the pressure of in-person events and, dare we say it, have fun. The biggest mistake people make when going to an event is similar to the biggest mistake people make in an email: they make it all about themselves. Here’s how to not make this about yourself and connect with other humans in the most authentic way possible. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode 8 Tips for Networking Success Use Copywriting Networking to Help Land More Clients Find Copywriting Clients by Networking in the Right Places The One Question That Makes Copywriting Networking Easy Related Links The Simplest Way to Start Finding Copywriting Clients Ep. 213: Find Copywriting Clients Anywhere You Go --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

If you heard our first conversation with Kelsey then you already know she’s a bada** human. If you missed that conversation, I can’t even sum up all the insights she shares (so definitely check it out if you haven’t already). But the major win was Kelsey earned a promotion to senior copywriter after only a year of being with her in-house agency. Since then, Kelsey has been up to A LOT, making the major decision to shift from an in-house agency copywriter role to an ad agency copywriter role. We caught up with Kelsey and she shared what when into her decision to change jobs (even though she LOVED her previous role!), as well as how she went into the interview process feeling more empowered than ever before. If you’ve ever wondered the difference between in-house and agency teams, Kelsey shares some of the differences she’s noticed as well as how she’s continuing to balance her personal and professional aspirations. ----------------- Mentioned in the Episode Copywriting for Ad Agencies: What to Expect and Why It’s Great for Your CareerWhat’s an Internal or In-House Ad Agency?Ep. 105: Building an Agency – with Michelle Fernandez Related Links Ep. 99: Running a Copy Agency from Costa Rica – Poorva’s StoryEpisode 140: Traveling Europe While Running a Copywriting Agency—Chris’s Story --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Even the MOST successful people have intrusive thoughts. Yes, influencers on Instagram who share their flawless-looking morning routines five times a week. Yes, Fortune 500 CEOs. Yes, the author who just hit the NYT bestseller list for a third time. The difference between them and those who don’t achieve their goals? They’ve learned to manage their intrusive thoughts. The bad news is we can’t make them disappear for good. The good news is you can start noticing them and putting them to the test. Listen in to hear the system that you can use to make sure your thoughts aren’t working against you ------------------ Mentioned in the Episode Steven Pressfield’s book, The War of ArtThe Sneaky Distractions That Will Block Your Copywriting Career ProgressCreate Your Own Professional Development GoalsEp. 199: #1 Thing Getting in Your Way of Copywriting (and Other!) Success Related Links Why Setbacks and “Failures” Don’t Mean What You Think They DoBONUS – Laser Coaching: A Copywriter’s Guide to Creative Thinking --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

The biggest opportunity for copywriters right now? Meta ads. If you’re like, “But Nicki, haven’t Meta ads always been a big opportunity? And isn’t Facebook dying?” Yes and no. Yes, they’ve always been a huge opportunity, but I’m letting you in on some things our Meta ads rep has told us that makes fresh messaging more crucial than ever. And, no, Facebook is very much alive (though to be clear, Meta ads encompasses Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and the Meta Audience Network). Facebook is still the world’s largest social platform with 4 billion active monthly users. So… yeah… there’s a lot of opportunity. Ready to take advantage of this opportunity? Listen now. Psst: Comprehensive Copywriting Academy students, you have a BRAND NEW Meta Ads course on your dashboard. It’s one of the perks of your lifetime access: you get all courses we add to the program, and any updates, FREE. Hey, we’re not the #1 all-in-one online copywriting training program for nothing 😉 -------------------- Mentioned in the Episode Facebook Ads LibraryMeta Ads specs Related Links Ep. 235: Major Meta Ads Updates Copywriters Need to Know AboutThe Cool New Tool for Facebook/Meta Ads Copywriting ResearchNew Meta Ad Changes Copywriters Need to Know About --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Is your copy unintentionally alienating parts of its intended audience? We're getting tactical on this week's Build Your Copywriting Business podcast episode and digging into how you can keep your copywriting inclusive while still writing to a target audience. You might be thinking, "Nicki, if my creative brief says the audience is men over 50, I'm going to write to men over 50, right?"  Yes, but even well-meaning writers unintentionally limit their copy because we all write from our own experiences. So, Kate and I are sharing tips for how you can avoid stereotypes and ask your clients the questions you need to ask to write the best copy possible. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Creative Brief: The First Step to Any Successful Copywriting Project How Long Should It Take You to Write Copy? 4 Keys to Find Laser-Like Focus To Write Copy Related Links Copywriting for Nonprofits: 2 Tips to Crafting Compelling Copy How to Write Humor for Your Copywriting Clients ------------------ Get Free Copywriting Training here 

You know why copywriting is so fun? Once you understand the foundations, you unlock a superpower you have for the rest of your life. 🦸 Features vs. benefits, clear CTAs, how the audience and medium impact the message: once you understand that, you can wield that superpower on any project with any client. That’s what CCA student and agency owner Michelle realized. And it unlocked a world of opportunity for her. We love Michelle’s motto—”say yes and figure it out later.” You say “yes” not because you know everything. You say “yes” because you know you have a strong foundation and trust yourself to figure out the remaining 5-10% to get the project done. As copywriters, we never stop learning. New social platforms, new clients, new audiences: change is the one constant in our careers. But if we adopt Michelle’s mentality, then instead of fearing “new” we can see it for all the opportunities that it presents. Hear her explain this philosophy and the rest of her journey ---------------- Mentioned in the Episode Copywriting Resources to Add to Your Tool BoxAmp Up Your Copywriting Productivity with Ultra SchedulingUse an Entrepreneur Mindset to Grow Your Copywriting IncomeHow to Set Up Your Schedule When Working from Home --------------- 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 Control Ep. 49: How to Build Your Own Benefits as a Freelancer How to Make Time for Freelance Work Ep. 195: Freelance vs. Contract: Which is Better? Related Links Ep. 55: Building a Copywriting Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job – Claire’s Story Ep. 75: How to Be a Part-Time Copywriter with a Full-Time Job – Catching Up with Alicia Is it Better to Be an On-Staff Copywriter or a Freelance Copywriter? -------------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

Are you (unintentionally) alienating your audience? Kate and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student and bilingual copywriter Ceci and WOW!  This episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast is a masterclass in connecting with your audience in a meaningful way. And Ceci’s story is incredibly inspiring, too. As a Latina copywriter, Ceci notices when copy has been intentionally written for a Spanish-speaking audience … and when it’s been haphazardly translated into English.  And that difference is huge.  When you take the time to authentically connect with your audience, they’re more likely to take the action you want them to take.  When you don’t take the time to connect with your audience? At best, they’ll ignore the message. At worst? They’ll think negatively of the brand. Listen now for pro tips on building deeper connections. ----------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ceci’s LinkedIn ProfileCeci’s Portfolio SiteTop Tips for Wildly Effective PitchingFight These 10 Fears with a Systematic Process Related Links Ep. 40: Empowering BIPOC Businesses as a Black, Hispanic Copywriter – Ashley’s StoryHow Do You Write for Translations? --------------- 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 

I hope you’re ready for the WEALTH of information Alex is sharing. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, we are beyond lucky that CCA student, former account manager, and current copywriting dynamo Alex is sharing her wisdom from BOTH sides of the agency aisle. On the account side, Alex managed timelines, scopes, and client relationships.  And, lucky us, she’s sharing pro tips for how you can better manage your own timelines, scopes, and relationships to wow clients (and keep your sanity!). As someone who was on one career trajectory for well over a decade, Alex is also sharing what it was like to make a major career pivot into copywriting and how she did it. And, yes, she got to see copy for one of her projects in the bright lights of Times Square. How cool is that?!  --------------------- Mentioned in the Episode Alexandra Angst LinkedInHow to Put Together a Copywriting Portfolio (Even With No Experience)Break Into New Copywriting Industries Using Spec AdsBONUS: Laser Coaching – How to Land Copywriting Work with an Ad Agency --------------- 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

Are you a “jump and the net will appear” kind of person? Personally, I like to have some sort of net. But, as this this week’s guest on the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast taught me, you can get creative with that net. CCA student and copywriter extraordinaire Daniel is sharing how five days after he quit his sales job, he moved to Thailand.  I know, you’re like, “But Nicki, you said he had a net.” 😱 Trust me, Daniel wasn’t willy nilly about changing careers. He knew his cost of living would be lower in Thailand, allowing him to live comfortably while he built up his client base.  And, phew, did he build a client base! While he’s not in Thailand anymore (you’ll have to listen in for more on his digital “slow-mad” lifestyle), Daniel is working 25 to 30 hours per week, earning a cool six figures per year. Yeah. I’m inspired by his career path and I think you will be, too. ------------------- Mentioned in the Episode The 4-Hour WorkweekDaniel Reece LinkedIn5 Ways to Vastly Improve Your Pitches to Would-Be Copywriting ClientsHow to Get Copywriting Referrals Related Links Ep. 95: Hitting 6 Figures As a Copywriter in 6 Months – Stacy’s StoryEp. 79: Hitting 6 Figures as a Copywriter & Cookbook Author – Kristin’s StoryEp. 214: Replacing a Corporate Job Salary with a 6-Figure Copywriting Business – Tori’s Story --------------- 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

“I’m genuinely living the life I envisioned. I am working with clients I love and sustaining myself through freelance work. It felt far away at first, but step by step, I built the reality I dreamed about.” That’s just a snippet of what Tammy shares in this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast.  If you’ve been a long-time BYCB podcast listener, you know we’ve talked with Tammy before. Last time, she was navigating being laid off from an agency she loved (you can catch that episode here). Spoiler: right before we released that episode, Tammy had landed a new job. But that was all more than TWO years ago. Now? She’s transitioned from a full-time job to full-time freelance and has plans to travel the world in 2026. The tiny steps we take now? Those are the actions that don’t seem like anything now. But will have us looking back a year from now thinking, “Wow!” Hit play and let Tammy’s step-by-step approach inspire you to take action on your biggest goals, one step at a time. ----------------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 144: Navigating Ups and Downs in a Copywriting Career – Tammy’s Story7 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Portfolio SiteChanging Your Career to Copywriting While at Your Existing Job Related Links BONUS Laser Coaching: Transitioning to FreelanceHow to Make Time for Freelance Work --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

We had a little fun with this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast. Please enjoy this playful, poetic take on the chaotic, caffeinated, and creatively charged moments every copywriter knows all too well, inspired by “A Visit from St. Nicholas, a.k.a. “The Night Before Christmas.” --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Ever feel like quitting? Well, Jade did quit the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy. For like, years. But on this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, she’s sharing the far juicier part of the story: what she did differently when she came back to the CCA. Because it’s what she did differently that ultimately led her to a full-time copywriting job she loves. I am SO appreciative that Jade was willing to share her story. Because I think we’ve ALL been there. That moment when we’re like “nope, no thanks!” But then, once we get honest with ourselves, we realize maybe we do want to chase our dreams—even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if we feel like imposters. If you’ve been looking for a reason to recommit to your dreams, whatever they are, then I promise Jade’s story will help inspire that recommitment. ------------------------- Mentioned in the Episode Jade WebsiteIllinois Chapter of the National School PR Association. (INSPRA)5 Tips for Getting Down to Your Copywriting WorkBONUS Laser Coaching: Focusing On Work You Want to DoEp. BONUS: AI & Copywriting: Using AI to Your Advantage to Wow Clients and Land High-Paying Work Related Links Ep. 242: From Almost Giving Up on Copywriting to Being Booked 6 Months Out --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

The last time Kate shared a money update she was … uncomfortable to say the least.  I mean, we were coming off a pandemic. (You can watch that episode where she broke down her copywriting earnings right here.) But SO much has evolved in the last four years. So, we felt like it was time to give you an update. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate is sharing what’s changed with her approach to her copywriting income and money in general. We’re talking about the discomfort of going 120 mph (193 kmph for our global friends 😉) to going the speed limit, embracing “seasons” in business, and, of course, boundaries. I know you’ll find Kate’s insights valuable as you navigate your own income goals. -------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 4: Meet Our Head Copy Coach, KateEp. 189: Before Starting a Copywriting Side Hustle … Listen to ThisCopywriting for Love or Money Related Links Should a Money Mindset Matter to Copywriters?Ep. 101: Master Your Money Mindset – With Brie SodanoThe Easiest Way to Track Freelance Income [With Template]Ep. 112: Want to Earn Six Figures as a Copywriter? Get Your Finances in Order --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Ever feel like some stories just stay with you? That’s Catherine’s story for me. Catherine stepped away from a successful corporate career to raise her family in rural New Zealand. Then came a cancer diagnosis that flung everything into perspective. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Catherine shares how she built relationships with other business owners in her rural community (and beyond), replacing her corporate salary with her copywriting income. But let me be real with you, Catherine’s success didn’t happen overnight. She’s sharing the areas she focused on, how she consistently put in effort, and the pay off she saw as a result of her efforts. I can’t wait for you to hear this one, so, without further ado, take a listen! -------------- Mentioned in the Episode Catherine Website8 Tips for Networking SuccessFind Copywriting Clients by Networking in the Right PlacesQuestions You Need to Ask Your Copywriting Clients Related Links Ep. 115: This Teacher Wanted More Work/Life Balance…and Found It with Copywriting – Charlotte’s Story --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Raise your hand if you’ve ever told someone you’re a “copywriter” and 5 minutes later you realize they think you’re a copyrighter. 🙋🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️  We want to help you avoid that situation and ALL the others like it. That’s why Kate and I had the brilliant-beyond-brilliant idea to put together not one podcast episode this week but five super-short episodes that answer the most common questions copywriters get asked. These are questions, frankly, you may get asked not just around the holidays (though there’s a higher probability!), but really *any* time you’re interacting with family and friends who don’t know what you do.  So, take a listen while you’re driving to holiday dinner, running a turkey trot, or walking around on a Tuesday in July (hey, if you’re like me you save a lot of episodes to come back to later!). You’ll have ready-to-go responses to scenarios like:  👨What do you say when Uncle Phil asks, “what even is copywriting?” 🧑‍🦰What do you say when sister-in-law Kelsey shouts, “OMG isn’t freelancing is so risky?” 👴 How do you respond when Grandpa Stan asks, “Can you even make money as a writer?” 👶 What do you say when your nephew Tyler says, “Isn’t AI destroying copywriting?” 👩‍🦳 How do you navigate cousin Diane asking, “Can you look over my resume?” ------------- Mentioned in the Episode What Is Copywriting?BONUS Laser Coaching: Breaking the Feast or Famine Cycle, Nailing a Discovery Call, and Getting Replies on PitchesEp. 25: How Much Can a Copywriter Earn?Ep. 96: Artificial Intelligence Copywriting: Do You Need to Worry?3 Ways to Deal With Friends and Family Copywriting Rates Related Links Ep. 106: To Pitch or Not to Pitch Clients This Holiday Season? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here