195. Freelance vs. Contract: Which is Better?

We’ve talked a lot about boundaries. You know they’re important … … but how are you with enforcing your boundaries? It’s all too easy to let those boundaries slide.  And the message your sending when you set a boundary, but don’t enforce it, is that none of your boundaries mean anything. Brutal, but true. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Nicki and Kate are sharing their best tips—from both the copywriter and client perspective—on how you can more easily set and stick to your boundaries. We all want our clients to like us and respect our work. But respecting us as professionals requires us to enforce those boundaries—even though we’re not raised to advocate for ourselves and say, “No, that’s not okay.” Doing that can make us uncomfortable. But it’s essential to your success—and your sanity. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Episode 134: Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries Related Links Setting Boundaries as a CopywriterWhat Are Your Copywriting Business Rules? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

Ever set your mind to make a change (like, oh, say buying a course?), ready to dig in and go full steam ahead and then … … find life getting in the way? That was the start of Crystal’s journey. But, she kept seeing fellow Comprehensive Copywriting Academy students posting wins in the student-only Facebook group. She knew life was always going to get in the way—and change was always going to feel uncomfortable. So, two years later, she’s back with tactics she’s learned from her PhD program in Applied Behavior Analysis—and she’s sharing them with us. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and Nicki had the privilege to chat withe Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student Crystal about her story.  Plus, she’s sharing her top tips for making progress on even your biggest goals—even when life gets in the way. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Streaks AppJulia Cameron’s “The artist’s way” Related Links Episode 158: Set Your Future Self Up for Success Right NowEpisode 143: Business Builder or Time Waster?When You Need to Get Down to Work: The 5 Second Rule --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

Last week, Kate and I busted through some of the most common copywriting myths (if you missed it, you can catch that episode here!)  This week? You guessed it: the last of some of the most prevalent (and, yup, still dangerous) copywriting myths. This is the information we wish we had when we were starting out. It’s all too easy to dwell on the negatives and the “what ifs.” If we focused on what we want instead of dwelling on those negatives and “what ifs,” we would hit our goals so much faster. (Not to mention save ourselves so much mental, physical, and emotional pain!) On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are shattering seven more copywriting myths. Let’s bust these myths once and for all and focus on the tactics that will move your business forward! --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 5: Why Choosing a Copywriting Niche is Terrible AdviceEpisode 84: When to Break the Copywriting Niche RuleEpisode 195: Freelance vs. Contract: Which is Better?Episode 173: How to Elevate Your Profile & Land Copywriting Clients on LinkedIn Related Links Top Copywriting Myths & Misconceptions (And the Truth Behind Them!)Ep. 93: The SEO Copywriting Myth5 Myths of Working in an Office as a Copywriter --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

Turns out, just because it’s on the Internet doesn’t mean it’s true. 😉 Now, many of us know this, but it can be easy to believe things we read or see—even on an unconscious level … … And some of those things may be getting in the way of you achieving your full copywriting success—or even preventing you from getting into copywriting in the first place!  Raise your hand if you’ve heard any of these: It’s hard to find copywriting workCopywriters work long hours.You have to know someone to get hired as a copywriter.You have to be clever (or funny, even!) to be a copywriter. 🙋🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Nicki and Kate are busting through all-too-common copywriting myths.  And we had so many myths to bust that this is part 1 of a 2-part series. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Ep. 52: What to Do Before Your Copywriting Interview (Part 1 of 3)Ep. 53: Ace Your Copywriting Interview (Part 2 of 3)Ep. 54: Post-Interview Must Dos (Part 3 of 3)Ep. 61: Juggling Multiple Copywriting Clients Related Links Ace These Copywriting Interview Questions to Land the JobHow To Prepare for a Copywriting InterviewInterview Tactics to Get an Copywriting Ad Agency JobEpisode 173: How to Elevate Your Profile & Land Copywriting Clients on LinkedInBONUS – Laser Coaching: How Do I Find Clients for Freelancing?Ep. 10: Your Ideal Clients Want You to Pitch Them --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

“Pitching is hard.” “I am scared to meet with clients.” “I can’t become a copywriter.” Do any of these sound familiar? The patterns we create by feeding our brain certain narratives is the ultimate roadblock to our success. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. What we tell ourselves has a huge impact on what we believe—whether we notice these narratives or not. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Nicki and Kate are digging into some of the ways they get in their own ways. But as Nicki and Kate’s stories demonstrate, what we believe is often not only not true, but not beneficial to what we want to do and where we want to go. As they share their stories of self sabotage, Nicki and Kate are also sharing ways you can start to notice these patterns and break the cycle. --------------- Related Links When to Be in Client-Finding ModeFrustrated, Disillusioned, and/or Procrastinating? It’s Time to Go to War[BONUS]: Finding Confidence Learning Something NewBONUS Laser Coaching: Build Confidence & Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a CopywriterEpisode 162: #1 Secret for Copywriting Success --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

Does the word “sales” give you the heebie jeebies? It did for Jared, too. Jared was working in tech when he started a blog about customer success, software as a service, and other tech topics. But … he was in technology. He wasn’t a writer, right? And he certainly didn’t want to sell his services. Ick. Spoiler: he’s now partnered with the largest entrepreneurship network in Arizona. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Jared is sharing his story from how he went from being unemployed for nine months to  He’s also sharing his tips for working through questions like, “Are they interested in my services?” and “Am I really worth what I am trying to sell? Is my pricing right?” The big secret? Getting curious. Listen in to hear Jared’s tips for using curiosity as a super power.  -------------- Mentioned in the Episode www.sharpbrandcopy.comSKOOL Community Related Links 8 Tips for Networking SuccessUse Copywriting Networking to Help Land More Clients5 Keys for Getting Valuable Connections on LinkedInBONUS: Build Confidence & Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a CopywriterBONUS – Laser Coaching: A Copywriter’s Guide to Creative Thinking --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

Copywriting is one of the most flexible careers (You’ve probably heard us say that so many times you’re like, “Nicki and Kate, we know!.”) Just because its flexible does not mean there aren’t certain rules, or laws if you will, that you need to follow. Now, if you break the laws will you get a ticket? Nah. But you may see less work coming in or less repeat work. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Nicki and Kate are digging into eight must-upload laws—starting with law #1: ABP. Listen in to learn the eight laws and how you can make upholding them part of your routine. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Part-Time Attorney, Part-Time Copywriter – Leslie’s Story Related Links Common Copywriting Mistakes You Cannot MakeCreative Brief: The First Step to Any Successful Copywriting ProjectHow Can You Know if a Copywriting Deadline is Doable?The Right Way to Invoice Your Copywriting ClientsPaying Freelance Writer Taxes in 20244 Things Most Copywriters Get Wrong on Their Portfolio WebsitesEp. 7: Freelance Job Sites Are Bad NewsCreative Ways to Market Yourself as a Copywriter --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

You don’t have a crystal ball to predict the *exact* copy that will resonate with your client’s audience. But, you do have a different tool that can help: A/B testing. A/B copy tests—comparing one element of copy to the same element with different copy—helps you learn what makes your client’s audience tick. (For example, you may have two ideas for a subject line—how do you know which one is better?! Test!) Now, as a copywriter, you don’t need to run these tests. But you can certainly recommend tests to your clients—and provide the copy for them. It’s another way to show you’re a strategic partner (and another way to potentially land some more work with your existing clients!). Listen in to hear five email tests you can recommend to your clients. Nicki and Kate break down what these tests are, how you can pitch them to your clients (very low key!), and what you need to deliver copy-wise to thrill your clients. --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Why I Named My Company Filthy Rich Writer Related Links Top 3 Biggest Email Mistakes Copywriters MakeThe Most Important Piece of Email CopyWhy You Need to A/B TestingWhat’s a Copy Test? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

Freelancing or contracting: what’s the difference? There are differences between the two and, as a copywriter, you have the flexibility to work full or part time, as well as an employee, as a freelancer, or contractor. Most of us are familiar with what it’s like to be an employee. And because we’re familiar with it, it feels “safer.” But there’s nothing that makes being an employee safer (in fact, it’s often “safer” being a freelancer). If you’ve been intrigued by contracting or freelancing, but don’t know where to start, this episode is for you. Nicki and Kate talk about the differences between the two, as well as the differences between these types of positions and being an employee. By the end of the episode, our hope for you is that you understand contracting and freelancing just a bit better. Being open to contracting and freelancing can open up a world of opportunities as a copywriter. Listen now! --------------- Mentioned in the Episode Freelance Copywriter Benefits: How to Build Your Own Benefits Package3 Steps to Taking a Vacation as a Freelance CopywriterEp. 11: Tax and Bookkeeping Tips for Freelance CopywritersWhy Copywriting is One of the Most Enjoyable, Flexible Careers Related Links What is the Difference Between Freelance Copywriting and Contract Copywriting?Copywriting Contracts: Do You Need to Send Them to Clients?Marketing Trends for Freelancers and Contractors in 2024Can You Break Your Copywriting Contract Early?Why We Love Working as a Contract Copywriter (And You Should, Too) --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here 

You wake up in the morning, excited to start the day … then remember you have to go to work.  *Groan* Burnout: we’ve all been there. For Leslie, it turned out she still enjoyed being an attorney—just not full time. But, like all of us, there are still bills to pay. On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Leslie is sharing how— instead of completely leaving her career as an attorney behind—she added copywriting as a source of income. Now, Leslie is a part-time attorney and a part-time copywriter, giving her the best of both worlds (minus any of the burnout). Whether you’re still considering to go all-in on copywriting or you’ve already committed to working as a copywriter, Leslie’s story has a ton of inspiration on how you can rethink your career to make it exactly what you want.  --------------- Mentioned on This Episode www.copy-hero.com Related Links Who Are the Clients for Copywriters?Best Backgrounds and Degrees for Getting Into CopywritingEp. 120: Most Common Copywriter BackgroundsEpisode 189: Before Starting a Copywriting Side Hustle … Listen to This --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here