Hot Takes on Banner Ads (With Actual Examples) (Episode 278)

Ever wonder what makes a banner ad actually work?  As in: what separates a scroll-past banner ad from a stop-and-click banner ad? While Kate and I don’t have the data from these ads, we do have some thoughts on 8 different banner ads.  Some of these banner ads are single frames. Some are dynamic (meaning, they switch frames every few seconds). Some have solid messaging. Some…not so much. While this is a very visual episode and I recommend watching on YouTube, Kate and I do read the copy out loud so you can listen, too (we know at least a couple of you listen in the school pick-up line; we’ve got you!!). --------------- Mentioned in the Episode What’s a Creative Brief? A Guide to a Copywriter’s Essential DocumentHow Copywriting Projects Actually Come TogetherHow To Come Up With Wildly Effective Copywriting ConceptsEp. 21: How Copywriters and Designers Work Together with Yoav Broum Related Links The Biggest Banner Ad Writing Mistakes --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

Talking on the phone feels a little old school, don’t you think? ☎️ But guess what? It’s still how a lot of business gets done. And one phone call completely changed the trajectory of Victoria’s career. Victoria went to school for business and launched her business as a VA in 2021. Her clients? They wanted marketing and copywriting support, too. As she started building her skills, she realized there was so much more she could be offering—and charging. She’s sharing how she went from VA to sending a $120,000 proposal for copywriting work She also came to the podcast PREPARED. Victoria is giving her top five tips for copywriters—and these are tips that are valuable whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the game for years. I can’t wait for you to hear what she wrote on a sticky note and posted on her laptop! --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Victoria WebsiteBONUS Laser Coaching: Top Tips for Wildly Effective PitchingHow to Draw Copywriting Work Opportunities to You Related Links BONUS Laser Coaching: Breaking the Feast or Famine Cycle, Nailing a Discovery Call, and Getting Replies on PitchesEp. 203: Secrets to Smooth Copywriting Client Relations --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

OK first things first so we’re on the same page: A Discovery Call is one of the most important calls you have as a copywriter. This is where you and a client get on a 15 or so minute call and determine if you want to move forward together on a project. But what does that look like? And how do you move forward with the project? In this podcast episode, I’m sharing exactly what I’d say on a discovery call. Well, if we’re getting technical, Kate is sharing exactly what she’d say on a Discovery Call. As you’ll hear, I’m playing the role of client and Kate is playing the role of copywriter as we discuss a potential project. Listen in so you know exactly what types of questions to expect from clients and how you can (gently!) steer the conversation in way that makes you look like the pro that you are. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 224: Why You Should (Almost) Never Quote Copywriting Prices on a CallLaser Copy Coaching: Getting Information From Clients, When to Price Your Services, and Boosting Confidence Related Links BONUS Laser Coaching: Breaking the Feast or Famine Cycle, Nailing a Discovery Call, and Getting Replies on PitchesEp. 45: How to Calm Your Nerves for Meetings with Copywriting ClientsHow To Mess Up a Call With a Prospective Client --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

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