Copywriting Secrets from the Marshalls/TJ Maxx Creative Director (Episode 262)

Are you a “jump and the net will appear” kind of person, {{ subscriber.first_name }}? 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

What a privilege it is that you and I get to exist on the planet at the same time as Joana. And when you listen to this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, I think you’ll get why. Like many of us, Joanna craved more of what’s most important in life: time with family. A teacher and mom of three, Joanna is proof that we don’t need more time. We just need to make better use of the time we have. She joined the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and started building her business between lesson plans and bedtime routines. But just as things were taking off, life threw her a curveball: she was pregnant with her fourth child—and diagnosed with cancer. What could have easily derailed most of us, became a turning point for Joanna. She shares: How she transitioned from teaching to copywritingWhat kept her going through life’s biggest challengesHow she built a business that fits her version of success And, let me be honest, she’s the inspiration we all need right now! --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Joanna Kesner LinkedInRefining Pitches, Finding Focus, and Adding Companies to Your Pitch List Related Links Copywriting Lets This Mom Live Life on Her Own TermsEp. 136: Copywriting Transformed Her Quality of Life – Amy’s Story --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

If you’re going to spend time on social media, my friend, make it count. As you’ve liiiiikely experienced, social media is a major time suck by design. No one is immune. One minute I’m looking at a business owner’s account for tips on hiring, and the next thing I know it’s been 30 minutes and I’ve watched: 👰‍♀️ Wedding highlights from a couple I don’t know 🎂 “Which one is cake?” video with onions and garlic cloves 🎨 And a video of an artist turning old doilies into pottery (that video was actually really cool) Social media can be an even bigger time suck if you’re on there to find clients … but going about it the wrong way. First, as you’ve probably heard us say, you do not need to be on social media to have a thriving copywriting career. If that’s you, then skip this episode and keep scrolling down for a different episode to watch. (Yes, I fully realize that’s going to hurt this episode’s numbers, but hey! I’d rather be honest than have you waste time on something you don’t need.) But, if you like social media and want to attract clients—not just likes—then this week’s episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast is for you. Kate and I are covering a lot of ground, including:  The biggest mistakes copywriters make in their biosHow to use social strategically—not aimlesslyWhy clarity always beats clevernessWhat makes your perspective the most valuable content you can share -------------- Related Links Ep. 239: Do Copywriters Need a Personal Brand?Who You’re Not Following on Social Media (But Should Be)Ep. 173: How to Elevate Your Profile & Land Copywriting Clients on LinkedInEp. 143: Business Builder or Time Waster?Ep. 103: Becoming a Social Media Copywriter & Manager—Carli’s Story --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here