If we can, we get into certain lines of work to pursue our passions. But, of course, with those pesky costs for housing, food, and other necessities, we also work to pay our bills. So, one of the first questions you may ask as you dip your toes into copywriting is, "how much do freelance copywriters make?" When it comes to how much money you can make in any profession, … [Read more...]
5 Networking Steps to Take This Month
Expanding your professional circle is important...but fairly vague. When it comes to attacking big projects, if I don't have bite-sized steps to take, I don't take any at all. So, in the spirit of attacking this goal with real action, here are five steps you can take this month to meet more people in the industry and increase your opportunities to find work. Why … [Read more...]
8 Tips for Networking Success
On the list of "Things People Hate to Do," networking probably falls just below "get a root canal." After all, nothing conjures up fear of rejection like an entire room full of people you don't know. At the same time, though, you know that you have to master networking to get started (and keep progressing) in the copywriting industry. So, here are a few easy tactics to help … [Read more...]
Interviewing? What to Look for in a Creative Director
As much as any interview is about a prospective employer figuring out if you're a good fit for the company, it's also about finding out if the company is a good fit for you. And one of the most important things you have to determine is if the person you'll be reporting to can be everything you need them to be. Aside from asking questions about the role, what kind of work it … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Maximize Your LinkedIn Experience
They say nothing comes easy, but here's an exception: Your LinkedIn profile should be bringing you job leads and recruiter connections without you having to lift a finger. The key is to create a LinkedIn presence that is interesting, engaging and really sells you as a professional copywriter. How? Read on, my friend, read on... Today's question comes from Rhonda P. who asks, … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Mess Up a Copywriting Interview
You applied for the job, you got the call to come in...but you're not home free yet. Sadly, there are six commonly made mistakes that completely derail an interview. Read on to be sure you don't incorporate these in your interview techniques... Today's question comes from Maya R., who asks "How can I be sure not to tank my interview? I really want this job!" Well, aside … [Read more...]
Supercharged Job-Hunting Tactics
Let's face it: No one likes looking for a new job. Usually, you're looking for one because you're disenchanted with your current one or you don't have one—not exactly Zen-like states of mind. Plus, you know you're up against unknown, unseen, huge hordes of people vying for the copywriting position you've got your heart set on. You may feel like you're going to get lost in … [Read more...]
3 Steps to Taking a Vacation as a Freelance Copywriter
A freelance copywriter, master of their own schedule, should have no problem taking a vacation. And yet, it's often freelancers often have the hardest time taking a break. After all, you work so hard to get clients and to build up your workload—how can you walk away from that? When clients ask you if you're available for work, your instant reaction is probably always going … [Read more...]
Stay Out of NDA Trouble
An "NDA" is a pretty common legal document employers or clients will have you sign. But, if you're not clear about exactly what it is and what it entails, you could take actions that will leave you open to major trouble—including lawsuits. So, let's be sure you're covered! An NDA is a "non-disclosure agreement." Essentially, it means that you agree not to tell anyone about … [Read more...]
Fire a Copywriting Client—Without Burning Bridges
Most of your copywriting clients will be terrific, but every so often you'll end up with a client that drains your creative resources, takes up more than their fair share of your time, and just generally makes you miserable. If that happens, you may have to "fire" that client to free yourself to take on projects that energize, rather than drain, you. Every copywriter will have … [Read more...]