AI, Plagiarism, and Ethics in Copywriting - with Amber Smith (Episode 264)

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