JOB DETAILS

Job status: Open

Industry:

Type:

Deadline:

Budget:

Location:

Brief:

This post was written by TCCS member, Kate Merryweather

Quiet times happen to us all. As a copywriter with seven years of experience, I recently found myself in a quiet stage. What did I do? Got busy.

Here’s 19 productive steps you can take to get ahead, improve your processes and find new clients when copywriting work goes quiet.

From upping your network game to preparing content in advance to stalking leads on LinkedIn, there’s plenty of work to be done that will pay off down the line. Your future self will thank you.

1. Panic. Seriously, if work is getting quiet, now is a perfectly good time to panic.

It’s your livelihood. When you have bills and mortgages to pay, it can be incredibly stressful to lose income. So, don’t listen to anyone who says not to panic. That’s nuts. Panic as much as you want. Then move on to the rest of the items on this list.

2. Watch the TCCS (and other) job boards like a mofo.

Don’t email responses. Give the leads a call. First in gets the curly fries.

3. Audit your website.

Freshen up outdated pages, optimise your images, ensure it’s responsive and mobile friendly. Does your website looks like it belongs in 2019 or 2012? For the love of pancakes, get rid of any sliders on your website. Plus, banish any images of fingers tapping on keyboards. (Could it *be* any more cliché?)

4. Gather case studies.

Publish them on your website so your portfolio is looking smick.

5. Consider your niche.

By specialising in an area, you can establish a reputation for being the go-to expert copywriter in real estate, finance, beauty or lifestyle brands.

6. Brush up on your LinkedIn game.

Request connections from potential clients in your niche, and post content on how you can solve their problems. Refine your bio, ask for referrals and leave thoughtful comments (Gary Vee says 90 comments per day but he’s nuts.) Publish interesting posts, showing off your pithy writing skills in the process. Instead of posting links to your blog, write native LinkedIn articles and watch your visibility soar. Do Kate’s LinkedIn course.

7. Take a deep dive into your SEO and find out which pages are ranking best.

Do one of The Recipe for SEO Success courses to jump a few notches on the Google search rankings.

8. Sort out your Google My Business page.

Write posts, add images and invite customers to give you reviews. I find humorous I’m-not-begging-but-I-am-begging requests work.

9. Write blogs in advance.

When you’re busy down the track, you’ll have pre-written blog posts prepared and ready to publish.

10. Unless you are starving, don’t reduce your prices to be more competitive.

On the contrary. Review your prices by doing the Toon pricing course.

11. Update your timesheeting process.

Watching the clock is the only way to see exactly how long jobs take you and which are most profitable.

12. Guest blog. Pitch guest articles for high domain authority websites.

You will raise your profile and you may get a juicy backlink which helps your SEO.

13. Increase your network.

Your clients may need suppliers like developers, photographers, videographers, graphic designers and social media managers. You can helpfully refer your clients to your network of experts (and they can refer to you too = $ker-ching$).

14. Review your workflow.

How can you automate oft-repeated processes? Write a sequence of emails as templates for each step in your copywriting process. Check out workflow and project management tools like Asana, Basecamp or Dubsado so your client experience is ultra profesh.

15. Polish up your proposals.

Ditch your dorky Microsoft Word proposal and create something snazzy on Canva

16. Network.

Kick off your moccasins, pluck your monobrow and enter the world of face-to-face networking. Wear your TCCS ‘copy beast’ badge as a conversation starter.

17. Tell people you are available.

A regular client of mine was surprised when I told her things were quiet. She hadn’t been giving me briefs because she thought I was busy. So, when copywriting work goes quiet, get in touch with previous clients and let them know you’re available.

18. Subcontract to other TCCS members.

There are plenty of opportunities for subcontracting to senior copywriters. Put your hand up.

19. Update your email signature.

You can do cool things like beg for ask for reviews, share your availability over coming weeks or link to your newsletter.

Guess what?

I’ve been following the items on this list and I’ve booked in two juicy projects. So it works.

But also?

My slump coincided with school holidays, so I’ve been playing Footy Feud, learning to floss, watching Disney movies and making apple cakes in my Thermomix. So it’s cool to take a break from freelancing. My list is here when you need it.

About Kate Merryweather

Kate is a freelance copywriter and mum of three who annoys people by talking about her Thermomix. She specialises in copywriting for digital marketing agencies and likes borrowing books from the library she will never read.

Long description :

MORE DETAILS

Contact details:

Contact Name:

Contact Phone:

Contact Email:

Contact Website:

JOB DETAILS

Job status: Open

Industry:

Type:

Deadline:

Budget:

Location:

Brief:

This post was written by TCCS member, Nadine Crowe

Top 10 tips for finding freelance copywriting jobs

1. Tap your personal networks
2. Leverage your professional networks
3. Talk to people about what you do
4. Connect with connectors
5. Partner with related industries
6. Believe in what you have to give
7. Practice warm outreach
8. Go where your clients are
9. Be professional
10. Join a good copywriting community

Whether you’re new to copywriting or a seasoned professional, it’s likely you’ll find yourself looking for more clients at one stage or another. Check out these top 10 tips for finding copywriting clients.

1. Tap your personal networks

Don’t be shy. Use your social pages to let people know what you are doing, and be clear that referrals and recommendations do help. And don’t underestimate the potential of corporate friends and family. They work in businesses that often need freelance copywriters but often don’t know where to find them or who they can trust. Make sure your contacts know what you do. You never know when they or someone in their network might need a copywriter.

2. Leverage your professional networks

In the words of a wise copywriter at the recent CopyCon19 copywriting conference, “LinkedIn is where clients with money hang out” [Kate Toon]. People on LinkedIn are actively looking for business opportunities. Make use of your professional connections. And if you aren’t sure how to create your profile, or haven’t optimised it for your copywriting services, check out Kate Toon’s LinkedIn Booster Course (free for members).

3. Talk to people about what you do

Chat to people about what you do. The easiest way to start is to simply ask others what they do and then listen. More often than not they’ll reciprocate and ask what you do. It’s not the time for a sale’s pitch, but letting people you meet know what you do and chatting about it can lead to potential opportunities.

4. Connect with connectors

Sometimes all it takes is an introduction. Even better than talking to people about what you do is to talk specifically with people who are connectors. It could be a friend who seems to move effortlessly between multiple social groups, or your hairdresser whose day cuts across the full spectrum of society. These people could provide you with just the connection you need. So don’t miss an opportunity to chat with them about what you have going on.

5. Partner with related industries

Contact businesses in related industries with a similar audience to yours, and see if they’d be interested in teaming up. Designers, developers and SEO experts are perfect for partnering up with as they often need copywriters for large and ongoing projects. And don’t forget creative agencies that need to bring in additional copywriters for big projects without having to employ them on an ongoing basis.

6. Believe in what you have to give

This isn’t to make you feel better about yourself, or to give you the confidence to put yourself out there. Genuine confidence is so damn magnetic in the same way insecurity repels. Clients are drawn to you when you have a genuine belief in yourself and what you offer. And it reveals itself in so many ways – from your tone of voice, the interplay of conversation and the way you listen, even what you do with your hands. Know the value you bring and be clear on what your copy can deliver.

7. Practice warm outreach

Hate the thought of cold outreach? Then change the way you think about it. Warm outreach is all about building relationships rather than selling anything. Instead of emailing people to sell them something, contact them just to make a connection. Let them know you’re available to help in the future should they need it, but don’t expect anything from them. Set the tone, and it changes how others respond. Circle back after a set amount of time to see if there’s anything they need. Make your goal to hit your target of warm outreaches instead of sales outcomes, and you may well get the outcome you were hoping for.

8. Go where your clients are

Attend conferences and events where you know your customers will be. Share your knowledge. If you’re brave enough, get up on stage and speak. Let people see the value you bring. Join Facebook groups where you know your clients hang out. Even if you haven’t chosen a niche, choose a topic you enjoy or have an interest in so you know which businesses or groups to approach. The more specific you get in identifying your ideal clients, the easier it is to know who to approach. And this doesn’t lock you into a niche, it’s simply a means to get started. Visit local businesses and let them know what you do and how you can help.

9. Be professional

A lack of professionalism can be the Achilles heel of many a copywriter. So much time and effort goes into finding the client, only to stumble at the final hurdle because the client senses something’s not quite right. There are lots of ways clients gauge whether you are the real deal and someone they can trust. Demonstrate professionalism by having contracts in place. Know the going rate for copywriters and complete your own rate card so you’re never caught off guard. Present your work in a properly formatted Copy Deck. Pick up the Copywriter Ultimate Pack from the Clever Copywriting School and have all the templates and contracts you need for that professional touch. Get professional photos taken and logos designed, and have your business cards ready to go

10. Join a good copywriting community

Of all the things you can do to find new copywriting clients, joining a good copywriting group is the piece de resistance. Not only do copywriters share opportunities and refer jobs to one another, they’re also a huge source of encouragement, advice and support. In The Clever Copywriting School (TCCS), annual members can also create their own directory listing where prospective clients look for potential copywriters. Even more exciting, TCCS now has a job board where clients list copywriting jobs only members can apply for. And to top it off, TCCS members get a 20% discount on all templates and courses available in The Copy Shop.

Conclusion

There’s so much you can do without paying a cent to land more clients. But they involve significant action and a certain level of mental resolve. If you feel like you could use more support, and you can make the investment, TCCS membership might be just what you need. TCCS membership gets you access to the best copywriting job board down under, one of the most encouraging and supportive copywriting communities around, and a 20% discount on all Copy Shop templates, contracts, and courses. It’s a great way to fast track your copywriting career.

Over to you

Which one of these top 10 tips for finding copywriting clients will you try?
If you liked this article, please share it.

About Nadine Crowe

Nadine Crowe is a Melbourne copywriter and SEO consultant obsessed with good coffee and salted caramel ice cream.

Long description :

MORE DETAILS

Contact details:

Contact Name:

Contact Phone:

Contact Email:

Contact Website:

JOB DETAILS

Job status: Open

Industry:

Type:

Deadline:

Budget:

Location:

Brief:

This post was written by TCCS member, Angela Rodgers

Podcasts to help you learn about copywriting even when you’re not at your desk

Are you a copywriter who wants to learn stuff, get better at your craft or just be a better business owner? Then podcasts are where it’s at.

If you’re like me and don’t have a lot of uninterrupted time to read all the books, then podcasts are the next best thing. Maybe even better.

Either way, some of the best tips I ever got for my business were learned while settling or feeding my babies late at night, with one ear glued to a podcast.

Did I mention they’re also free? Yep.

I’ve subscribed (and unsubscribed) to a ridiculous number of podcasts over the past two years. Not to brag or anything, but I probably listen to an average of five per day. So it’s safe to say I know a good one when I hear it.

The hardest part of listening to podcasts is finding good ones. The discovery process isn’t as simple as jumping on Google. And it can take you a few downloads and listens before you figure out if a podcast is right for you or not.

So let me save you the bother. If you’re a copywriter looking for a podcast, here’s where you should start.

Hot Copy with Kate Toon and Belinda Weaver

I had to lead with this one, of course. Hot Copy is the first copywriting podcast I ever listened to, and boy am I glad I did. Kate and Belinda have put together an incredible collection of interviews, practical topics, and honest discussions for freelance copywriters. There’s plenty of newbie-friendly content, but they often dig deeper and get a bit more technical too.

High-Income Business Writing Show with Ed Gandia

I really enjoy this show. Ed does fantastic interviews that have helped open my eyes to the different types of copywriting out there and different business models to consider. And it’s also nice to know copywriting has the potential to make a decent income if you set yourself up right.

The Pete Godfrey Persuasion Show

I’ll be honest. At first, I didn’t really like this show. Maybe it was hearing my own bogan Australian accent reflected back at me. Maybe it was the strong opinions Pete shares. Or maybe the fact that he refers to himself as “The Wizard”.

But I’m glad I stuck with it, because I actually love this show now. Pete’s honest, smart and, yes, opinionated.

Fellow youngsters be warned. He’s pretty old school, and often voices his distaste for social media. So you’re not going to hear a lot about online marketing. But despite that, I’ve come to respect his opinions. Pete clearly knows his stuff about sales copywriting and direct response. And the dynamic between Pete and his co-host/producer Tam is quite funny. Sometimes I can almost hear her rolling her eyes with me on the other end of the call.

Copy Chief Radio with Kevin Rogers

Another fantastic show. Lots of interviews, how-tos, and common copywriting questions answered. I often find myself taking notes during these episodes so I can make the changes to my own offers, processes, and business right away.

The Ray Edwards Show

First of all, this show won’t be for everyone. But I really like it. Ray is super smart and offers excellent tips for copywriting, business, marketing, and life. I’d describe this show as a cross between a business coaching session and a Sunday sermon. I like how he combines faith and business, rather than trying to separate the two. You probably won’t agree with everything he says, but if it’s your jam you’ll love it.

The Copywriter Club with Kira Hug and Rob Marsh

LOVE this podcast. It’s always jam-packed with super useful tips. Rob and Kira mostly do interviews with successful copywriters, and it’s something different every week. The thing I like most about the format is that they don’t shy away from digging deep and asking the questions we all really want to ask. Like, “How did you get into it?”, “What are your processes like?”, “How much do you charge?” and “How do you actually make money?”

I also like that Rob and Kira don’t pretend to have it all figured out. It often feels like they get as much from an interview as I do.

Copywriters Podcast with David Garfinkel

Another good one. David shares many nuggets of wisdom, and he’s an excellent storyteller. I could happily listen to him all day. He puts the focus on making money through sales and copywriting, so it’s always really practical. I find myself thinking bigger about my business after each episode.

Good Copy, Bad Copy

I haven’t listened to this one as much as the others yet. I think I only discovered it recently. (I’m a self-confessed podcast junkie so it’s hard to keep track.) But so far, so good. It’s another really practical one that mainly focuses on B2B copywriting.

Everything else

Just because you’re a copywriter doesn’t mean you should listen only to podcasts about copywriting. Think outside the box about what you might like to learn. Here are some other examples of podcast topics that can help you improve your copywriting techniques and business practices:

• Sales/selling
• Marketing
• Branding
• SEO
• Psychology
• Business

But you could listen to just about anything really. Enriching your knowledge is almost always a worthy investment when you’re a copywriter. (Or maybe that’s just what I tell myself.)

Over to you

Have I missed anything? I’d love to add some more to my list. Leave a comment below with your favourite copywriting (or other) podcasts.

:-) Angela

About Angela

Angela Rodgers is a copywriter in Brisbane. She writes strategic copy and content for smart B2B brands and small business. In between she wrangles two small people and lives off a combination of green tea and chocolate.

Long description :

MORE DETAILS

Contact details:

Contact Name:

Contact Phone:

Contact Email:

Contact Website:

JOB DETAILS

Job status: Open

Industry:

Type:

Deadline:

Budget:

Location:

Brief:

A speedy tutorial on Google Docs and how it can be used by Copywriters when sharing 00  with your clients.

Watch the video

Read the transcript

Long description :

MORE DETAILS

Contact details:

Contact Name:

Contact Phone:

Contact Email:

Contact Website:

JOB DETAILS

Job status: Open

Industry:

Type:

Deadline:

Budget:

Location:

Brief:

What Xero’s sponsorship means for the Copywriting Conference

Well slap my bottom and call me Susan, I’m SOOOO excited to announce that Xero have signed on the dotted line as the primary supporter of CopyCon.
(It’s Australia’s first and only copywriting conference don’t you know.)

As the conference founder, I can happily say that Xero on board means ramping up my mini mission of helping both beginner and experienced copywriters do amazing things.

When I started CopyCon last year, I wanted to give back to the copywriting community.

I know how lonely it can get working as a freelancer and how tough it is to work in agencies.

The conference gives copywriters of all shapes and sizes a chance to learn, connect and build a lovely, juicy support network.

Last year’s event was a huge success, and this year I wanted to build the momentum with fresh speakers and an amazing Mastermind event.

Hang on a minute, what is The Copywriting Conference?

The Copywriting Conference helps freelance and in-house copywriters build better businesses, learn new copywriting skills, and grow revenue with practical presentations, inspirational training and a peek at the latest copywriting trends.

Having Xero as a sponsor means we can afford to deliver an excellent conference experience while keeping costs down.

I know that freelance copywriters don’t have huge buckets of cash.

And I’m also chuffed because Xero is one of the few software programs I use that doesn’t disappoint. It’s a brand I personally like and admire, especially their support for small business. (They were on my dream sponsor list).

What does the sponsorship mean for CopyCon?

Sponsors like Xero make events like mine viable. It puts a stamp of approval on the conference and the freelance industry as a whole. It feels like we’re heading in the right direction.

Marina Holmes, Communications & Strategic Relations Director, Xero Australia, had this to say about her decision to get involved with CopyCon.

“It’s important to sponsor events like CopyCon. In this day in age, content cannot be underestimated as a means to connect.

And this event is a beautiful blend of supporting storytelling and the small businesses behind the words.  (KT – so true it is!)

There is nothing more courageous than a person willing to embrace entrepreneurship, go out on their own and create a business from the ground up.”

The feedback from 2017 CopyCon was exceptional and I felt there was something really special about the first year. It was amazing to meet a whole bunch of people for the first time in real life.

Yes, we all connect online via The Clever Copywriting School Community and other groups, but there’s something incredible about meeting in person.

CopyCon brought us all together.

And this year it will again.

There’s a tangible, fluffy kind of excitement that comes from people just wanting to learn and hear from speakers who are there to make a difference in their businesses. Plus we have really good muffins.

Meet Marina

The other good news is that Marina Holmes from Xero will be giving a presentation around Xero’s overall content strategy (more details coming soon).

“Leading a communications team for a company with more than 500,000 small businesses customers across Australia, I am lucky enough to see firsthand the lasting power of authentic storytelling.”

Content marketing and content strategy is both a personal passion and a core business focus for the future – and Xero will continue to invest in new ideas and smart minds to bring our diverse customer stories to life.”

So there you go people. That’s my exciting news.

By the way if you’re a sponsor reading this and interested in joining Xero in the cool sponsors club – just get in touch.

P.S. I can’t finish this blog without a big thank you to Amanda Vanelderen, my erstwhile Sponsorship Manager who worked her socks of to help me create attractive sponsorship packages and charm the pants off the right people.

Long description :

MORE DETAILS

Contact details:

Contact Name:

Contact Phone:

Contact Email:

Contact Website:

JOB DETAILS

Job status: Open

Industry:

Type:

Deadline:

Budget:

Location:

Brief:

This post was written by TCCS member, Carla Anderson

15 Australian Copywriters Share Their Best Advice

No matter your professional background, being a newbie copywriter involves juggling a lot of business-balls and fine-tuning a stack of skills and processes. Wouldn’t it be good to fast-forward this starting-from-scratch business, with a little help from some (copywriting) friends?

Here, 15 of Australia’s leading copywriters share their best tips for newbie copywriters.

Your past experiences make you a better copywriter

A good copywriter brings more than just strong writing skills to a project. All past experiences, professional and personal, enhance your writing and give you a better understanding of different audiences.

“My tip is sometimes you need to spend time living to become a good copywriter,” says Marie-Pier Rochon, Copywriter.

“Don’t forget, the times you’re not sitting down writing copy you’re still living things that might come in handy as inspiration later on.”

Emily Rhodes, of Emily Writes points out clients value previous professional experience.

“Your skills for writing will be self-evident if you’ve decided to go down this path,” Emily says.

“I haven’t had to sell that aspect of my service pretty much to anyone since I’ve started doing this. What I’ve really found valuable to sell is all the other experience I can bring to the table from previous corporate roles. All my previous job history has made attracting the right clients, the clients I want to work with, and the clients I do the best jobs for much easier.”

Find yourself a supportive community

Nicole Leedham of Black Coffee Communication offers her biggest tip for newcomers to copywriting – and that is, find yourself a supportive community of like-minded peers.

“I came from a reasonably cutthroat industry where everything was a competition. I floundered on my own for about 12 months before I was invited to join Kate’s (Toon’s) Google+ group. Suddenly I saw a whole lot of people doing the same things as me with the same struggles – that was awesome. I really wish Kate had started The Clever Copywriting School about six years earlier; that would have been perfect.”  

Make sure you are clear on the Brief

Angela Denly, cites the importance of open and continued communication with your clients.

“Something I wish I’d known at the start is that if you don’t understand just keep asking questions and don’t just try and fluff your way through.”

Johanna Kohler, of Compelling Copy agrees.

“Make sure you get the detailed brief that you need so you can write the best copy for your client. And, if you need more information from your client, go back and ask again. It’s in everyone’s best interests for the brief to be clear from the start.”

Your business’ most valuable asset is you

Andrew Lau, Copywriter says being good to yourself is equally important as any other aspect of your business.

“With your own business, you’re working all the time because you want it to succeed. But that has a price and that is your health. So, taking the time to rest, taking the time to sleep properly, taking the time away from thinking about what you are meant to do next is really important.”

Bill Harper says valuing your time and skills is also important.

“If the terms of a deal aren’t in your favour either get the terms changed or, if they won’t budge, then you need to walk away. Yes, it may impact your income, you may have to sell that second kidney or whatever, but ultimately it’s going to put you in good stead.”

Be a (copywriter) rule-breaker

Go on. Admit it. You’re already a bit of a rebel for choosing this freelance copywriting path. Sally Cameron, of Sally Cameron Copywriting wants you to know that it’s okay to set the ‘rules’ that work best for your business and clients.

“I have a bit of a confession to make. The truth is, in the history of my business, I’ve never actually produced a ‘proper’ proposal. What I actually do is produce what is essentially a one-page quotation document and literally, all that covers is what they are going to get, how much it’s going to be and importantly, how they can pay me for it. And that’s literally it. Why do I do this? By that stage, they already know everything they need to know about me. There’s no point reiterating what they’ve read on my website and the fact of the matter is I don’t have time to write it, they don’t have time to read it, so why not actually provide what they need. As a result of doing that I’ve got a really high propose-to-close ratio.”

Use your time wisely for work, family and learning

Ali Strachan, Copywriter believes managing your time when working from home is vital.

“Make sure your work is within set parameters in your day. You need to structure your day so there is a beginning and an end, otherwise you’ll end up working all the time.”

Andrea Rowe, of Your Coastal Connection adds that keeping your time focused on what actually earns you an income – writing – is also important.

“It’s really important to put some parameters around your professional development time and information gathering time, otherwise you’ll be sucked down the rabbit hole of looking at what everybody else is doing, and learning and learning and not writing,” she says.

Tegan Ang of Writing Your Story says nothing beats sitting down to write copy as the most effective way to improve your skills in copywriting.

“I’ll take every course under the sun, but when it comes to copywriting, doing it is so much better than learning about it.”

Invest in yourself and your business

As a copywriter, you need to invest in yourself, your business and your professional development.

“I enjoyed CopyCon immensely and I’d recommend every copywriter try and get to it next year,” says Duncan Waldron, Copywriter.

“My top tip is to invest in yourself and back yourself,” says Sarah-Joy Pierce of Joyful Communications.

“Case in point today, I invested in a proper desktop monitor, keyboard and proper mouse, rather than just working from my trusty MacBook. I’ve written on it for about an hour now, and I tell you what, there’s going to be some great productivity increases from that. Now that I’ve done it, I don’t know why I didn’t do it ages ago, because the productivity increase will easily pay for itself.”

Step outside your comfort zone

You need to push yourself out of your comfort zone to succeed as a freelance copywriter.

“My tip for anybody starting a business, whether it’s copywriting or anything else, is take on all the jobs, all the clients, all the work – anything that comes along. Because it’s only once you are doing it that you work out what jobs you like to do,” advises Sandy Taylor, of Sandy Taylor Marketing and Design.

“You do have to be able to get out there and put yourself front and centre, whether that’s about joining a networking group or about going and meeting with clients,” says Estelle Fallon, Copywriter.

“Put yourself out there, believe that you can do it, have fun, and most of all remember, you are a copywriter.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to learn when you’re a newbie copywriter. Learning from others makes that a whole lot easier. Want more tips? Check out these earlier round-ups:

• 10 easy peasy tips for new copywriters
• 12 tips for newbie copywriters

Over to you

What’s the one thing you wish you’d known when you began your copywriting business? What’s your favourite tip? Share your comments below.

If you liked this article please share.

About Carla

Carla Anderson, from C Beth Anderson Communication is a communication strategist and copywriter. She works with brands, social enterprises and nonprofits who ‘do Good’, and specialises in education content writing.

Long description :

MORE DETAILS

Contact details:

Contact Name:

Contact Phone:

Contact Email:

Contact Website: