Build Your Copywriting Business

Society right now is very pro-college education. There is nothing wrong with college and there are plenty of wonderful benefits it can provide for many careers. But this emphasis on higher education raises the question of “do I need a relevant degree to get started in copywriting? Do I need copywriting certification?” “Bachelor’s Degrees are good for Jeopardy,” but not necessary for copywriting. Copywriting does not require an advanced degree, but it does require work! Listen in to hear Nicki and Kate explain why copywriting certificates are B-S and what you do need instead of a copywriting certificate. Related links: Listen: Why Every Copywriter MUST Have an Online PortfolioHow to Know if You Have What it TakesBest Backgrounds for Getting Into Copywriting --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

How much can a copywriter really earn? Nicki and Kate are asked this question all. the. time. "Writing jobs don't pay well" is something probably everyone has heard whether they have been interested in the field or not. Nicki and Kate break down the myths about writing careers when it comes to freelance copywriting and with a little quick math show that it is far from impossible, if you are willing to put in the work. In this episode, Nicki and Kate explain the ins and outs of copywriting income both freelance and on-staff and they go into detail about defining your goals to really command control of your income. Related links: How Soon Will I Make Money as a Copywriter?Should a Money Mindset Matter to Copywriters?For Love or MoneyThe Subtle Shift That Will Double Your Copywriting Business Income --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

In this episode, three CCA students each sit down with Nicki and Kate to ask their most pressing questions. These 10-minute laser coaching sessions are designed to help students overcome their biggest roadblock so they can continue making progress on their goals. Cleo asks for feedback on some of her pitch emails. Angela asks for some feedback on product descriptions for a super cool client that wants to broaden his audience internationally. Jennifer asks for help battling some resistance in writing her about me page, and everybody needs a hype-woman now and then! Even though it’s not you in the hot seat, there’s plenty you can take away and apply to your own copywriting business! Related links: How NOT to Pitch Potential Copywriting ClientsA Powerful Self-Inventory for Freelance Business SuccessHow Do You Build Your Portfolio?The Key to Writing Irresistible Product Descriptions --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

What happens when a pandemic hits and you're furloughed from your job? For Stuart Tarn it meant taking advantage of some additional time and learning an entirely new skill. Stuart has been in his current job in the airline industry for nearly 17 years. He shares why he pursued copywriting, the ways his past experiences help his copywriting, and some of the mindset shifts he's had to make from full-time employee to freelancer. Stuart, Nicki, and Kate also dig into why people think freelancing is risky, why transferable skills are so important for any career, and the importance of sending follow up emails to clients you pitch. Mentioned in this Episode: Stuart's Portfolio Related links: Career Security Comes When You Take ControlThe New Truth of Today's Working WorldListen: The Illusion of Safety: Freelance vs. Full-Time Copywriting --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Deciding to go freelance instead of working a traditional 9–5 can be incredibly anxiety inducing. In this episode, Nicki and Kate discuss how job safety is an illusion and the only way to truly be “safe” is to be in control of your career yourself. Freelancing allows for control over practically every aspect of your livelihood. Listen to this episode to hear some hard truths about job safety and learn how being a freelancer can give you the freedom to live your life the way you want to. Related Links: Listen: Why Freelancing in a Recession is Wildly EffectiveThe New Truth of Today's Working WorldHow to Avoid a Work Dry SpellIs It Better to Be an On-Staff Copywriter or a Freelance Copywriter? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Sitting down and knocking out a portfolio site can be a daunting task, but completing it will inevitably move your business forward. In this episode Nicki and Kate discuss why it is imperative for every copywriter to have their own online portfolio. From what most copywriting portfolios are missing to what copywriters should keep off their portfolios, they provide actionable tips on how to make your portfolio stand out. Related Links: 4 Things Most Copywriters Get Wrong on Their Portfolio WebsitesHow to Put Together a Copywriting Portfolio7 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Portfolio SiteHow to Instantly Improve Your Portfolio Site --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

In this episode, three CCA students each sit down with Nicki and Kate to ask their most pressing questions. These 10-minute laser coaching sessions are designed to help students overcome their biggest roadblock so they can continue making progress on their goals. Terry asks for feedback on one of his pitch emails and his follow-up email. Jessica, who just moved, asks about finding focus and pitching companies in her area even though she is brand-new to town. Amy asks about finding fresh ideas to pitch clients and what advice Nicki and Kate would have given to themselves as brand-new copywriters, among other questions. Even though it’s not you in the hot seat, there’s plenty you can takeaway and apply to your own copywriting business! Related links: Listen: Your Ideal Clients Want You to Pitch ThemDefine Your Own Copywriting SuccessWhen You Need to Get Down to Work: The 5 Second RuleFreelancer Self-Care: 5 Tips for Avoiding Burnout --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

We talk so much in the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, and as copywriters in general, about what it's like to collaborate with a designer, when to collaborate with a designer, and how to collaborate with a designer. But while we can answer these questions all day long, it's even more helpful to hear it from a designer. Nicki and Kate sat down with Yoav Broum to talk about what it's like to collaborate with a copywriter from the designer's perspective. He shares how he got into design, as well as tips for how copywriters and designers can work together to achieve the best possible solution. Mentioned on This Episode Yoav's portfolio Related Links How to Work with a DesignerBig Problems with Design Partners5 Things Designers Wish You Knew --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Adele joined the CCA in July 2020 when she decided to make a career change after burning out in the public sector. Nicki originally talked with Adele in the Fall of 2020 to hear about her journey to copywriting. But, like many CCA students, work started to snowball fast. Adele landed a full-time contract covering a maternity leave in addition to taking on freelance work on the side. So, Nicki and Kate caught up with Adele again in early 2021 to talk about how things are going. You'll also hear from Adele's partner, Jake, who shared what it's like being on the other side of the copywriting journey, supporting someone you love during a major career change. Mentioned on this Episode: Adele's Portfolio Related Links: The First Step in Changing Your Career3 Steps to a Career ChangeThe Big Secret About Changing Careers --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Spec ads are one of the most important tools copywriters have to show their abilities to potential clients. Not only do spec ads show that you can write great copy and how you strategize your work, but it also shows you are connected and can collaborate with talented designers who make your copy pop. You read that right, the number one mistake copywriters make is not working with a designer for the spec ads. In this episode, Nicki and Kate explain the ins and outs of working with a designer for spec ads. If you've been wondering how to find a designer or figuring out the best way to make it a mutually beneficial relationship, you'll want to listen to this. Related Links The Number One Spec Ad MistakeImportance of Spec Ads in Your PortfolioWhat to Look for in a Spec Ad DesignerWhy Copywriters Absolutely Must Have a Network of Designers --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

You might be thinking, “Land clients without experience? You are crazy!” But there is a valuable tool to show your potential clients what you can do, even if you have never had a paying client before: spec ads. In this episode, Nicki and Kate discuss the in’s and out’s of spec ads, including their many benefits and some common misconceptions. Landing clients without experience is not an impossible task, especially when you are using spec ads to your advantage! Related Links How Do You Land Your First Copywriting Clients Without Experience or Samples?How Do You Get Your First Clients?The Simplest Way to Start Finding Clients --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Everybody hates pricing their services. That's because there is no exact science for pricing your services. There's no perfect formula that is going to work every time and be exactly right. It's as much art as science. Nicki and Kate dig into why online calculators are wildly inaccurate (one told Kate, based on her experience, to charge $13,800 for a homepage). Instead of relying on faulty math, they share the types of questions you need to ask clients before pricing your services, plus other factors you need to consider, such as experience, location, rush time, meetings, and more. Related Links Why Most Advice About How to Price Your Services is Dead Wrong for YouCopywriting Is Only 1/3 Writing—Here’s Why That Affects How You ChargeWhat Copywriters Charge for Content WritingWhen and How to Raise Your Copywriting Rates --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but if confidence is not an issue for you now, it will at some point in your life. We all face situations that challenge or even shake our confidence, whether it’s in the form of self-doubt or fear. Now here’s the good news: there are ways to overcome it. On this episode, Nicki and Kate sat down with Sheri' DuMond, who has mentored business and sales leaders for more than 20 years. She is the creator of Confident Warriors and the Confidence Success Circle. Inspired by their conversation with Sheri, Nicki and Kate share additional tips for taking action in the moments you feel frozen and stuck. Mentioned on this Episode Confident WarriorsQuantum Leap Discovery Sessions Related Links Imposter Syndrome: What It Is and How to Keep it From Derailing Your Copywriting CareerHow Do You Find the Confidence to Get Started?What to Do When Your Confidence FlagsOne Question That Can Literally Change Your Life --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Karisa started her copywriting career the way many of our students do: while working another full-time job. She started pitching just a few months after joining the CCA during Pitch-a-Palooza, an annual student-only event designed to get everyone writing and sending their first pitches. Karisa received a response to one of those first pitches, officially launching her freelancing career. But it wasn't long before she found, applied for, and landed a full-time copywriting job. This episode was recorded in two parts, the first back in early 2020, and the second in early 2021 so we could catch up with Karisa and see how her career evolved from freelance copywriter to full-time remote copywriter working with an organization she loves. Mentioned on this Episode Karisa’s Portfolio Related Links Which Work From Home Writing Jobs Are Real?How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Pitch Copywriting Clients? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Before you make a decision about choosing or changing a career, you want to have some indication that you’ll actually be successful at it, right? While great copywriters can come from any gender, race, age, and more, there are a number of traits that the most successful copywriters share. In this episode, Nicki and Kate go through their list of top traits that have helped them, and thousands of other copywriters, build successful copywriting careers. Related Links The Top Trait for Building a Successful Business6 Habits of Highly Successful CopywritersDo You Have What It Takes to Become a Copywriter? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

As a brand new copywriter venturing out into a new career, it's understandable that you might be curious as to when you might be able to make money. While you might not love our answer, we are excited to share it with you because it's a simple one: how soon you make money is up to you. Nick and Kate discuss where you can start, what factors contribute to how fast someone can start earning money, and what you should do to ensure you can meet your goals. Related Links How Soon Can You Make Money?How Much Do Copywriters Make? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

You’ve probably heard us say before that there is so much more work that requires good, skilled copywriters than there are good, skilled copywriters to take on all that work. It's never been more true. And no matter how long we have this company, and no matter how many copywriters we train, that will remain true. Why? Because there are SO MANY companies and organizations out there. And copy is essential to ALL companies and organizations. Nicki and Kate break down the numbers on today's episode to demonstrate the simple fact that it is basically near impossible for there to ever be too many copywriters. Related Links The Very Common Assumptions That Will Cut Your Copywriting Business in HalfWill the Market Be Flooded with Copywriters?Our 2020 Roundup of Books Copywriters Will Enjoy --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Alicia Castro is a full-time SEO analyst by day and a self-describe word-wielding warrior by night. She got into the marketing world by accident when she took her SEO role and decided to pursue copywriting as a side business. Through her company, Glorious Copy Co, she writes compelling copy for purpose-driven and time-strapped female entrepreneurs who want to skyrocket their sales, engage communities, and take back their time. On this episode, Alicia shares her creative process, what motivates her, and her advice for others getting started in copywriting. You can check out her work at gloriouscopy.co/ Related Links How to Be a Part-Time CopywriterCan Copywriting Be a Side Hustle? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

As a freelancer, once you have money coming in from several clients, things can get a little chaotic, to say the least. With multiple clients, multiple projects, and multiple invoices in various states of payment, how do you track your freelance income and keep it all straight? Nicki and Kate sat down with Rachel LaMantia, owner of Masterpiece Bookkeeping to get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions related to freelance bookkeeping and taxes. Rachel is a pro at taking the stress, hassle, and guesswork out of bookkeeping for her clients. And on this episode, she shares her surprisingly simple tips for keeping your business finances organized, as well as when you may want to consider hiring a bookkeeper. Mentioned on the Episode Tax Preparation Myths Related Links How to Avoid a Major Tax SlapTax Tips for FreelancersThe Best (and Cheapest) Way to Track Freelance IncomeTax Deductions for Copywriters --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

At Filthy Rich Writer, we get this question a lot: if Nicki is making six figures as a copywriter, why is she teaching it instead? And since it comes up often enough—maybe you’ve even wondered it yourself—Nicki is tackling it head on in this week's episode. Related Link If I Make So Much Money Writing Copy, Why Am I Teaching Copywriting? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

When we tell our copywriting students that they need to pitch their copywriting services to potential clients, there’s often a lot of push back. They’re afraid of reaching out to strangers. Of bothering them. Of asking for their business. Of potentially not getting that business—and the anticipation of what will feel like rejection. Some try to find an “easier” way to do it—like using freelance job sites like Upwork or Freelancer (surprise: they're not easier and can hurt your career). If that sounds like you, hit play now! In this episode, we're getting you out of your head and looking at pitching from the perspective of the business owner. Get ready to completely reframe how you're thinking about pitching and see why your ideal clients want your pitches. Related Link Why Business Owners WANT You to Pitch Them Your Copywriting Services --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

The first time Nicki made six figures as a copywriter was in 2008…right in the middle of the Great Recession…right after she left her full-time job to go freelance. Why was she able to do so well then, and why are copywriters doing alright now, even though many companies are being forced to lay off staff left and right? Here’s the key: companies still need copywriters because copy drives business. Nicki and Kate break down why copywriters are well positioned to weather a recession and how the actions that you take as a freelancer can benefit you when the economy inevitably takes another downturn. Related Links Should Copywriters Be Concerned About a Recession?Recessions Are Huge Opportunities for Copywriters. Here’s Why: --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Today we are turning the tables as Kate interviews Nicki for a special episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business Podcast. Nicki has over 15 years of experience working for and with clients including TripAdvisor, Marshalls, Hasbro, Keurig, adidas, and, yes, even Harlequin Romance novels. She's worked for agencies, in-house and as a freelancer, plus she knows first-hand how to build a copywriting business and make six-figures as a copywriter. In this episode, Nicki dives right in to how she got her start in copywriting, the major piece of advice she would have given her younger self, and why she started Filthy Rich Writer and the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy. Related Links About Filthy Rich WriterAbout Nicki Krawczyk --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Freelance job bidding sites like Upwork and Fiverr may seem like a great, easy way to get into copywriting. But, as you’ll hear in this episode, they’re actually a surefire way to undersell your services (not to mention waste your valuable time that you could be using to pitch clients directly)! Nicki and Kate tackle the pitfalls of freelance work sites, why they’re not the best way to find clients, and what you can do to find clients who will pay your full rates and see you as a strategic partner versus someone who fills work orders. Related Links The Real Math on Job-Bidding Site “Success”Why Work Bidding Sites Are Bad NewsCopywriting Job Sites Will Cost You BIG Time4 Pieces of Terrible Advice New Copywriters Get All the Time --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

“Ooo, copywriting is really hard to get into.” That’s one of the most popular things for people to say when they hear you’re interested in becoming a copywriter. But why? And what is that based on? It's not hard to get into copywriting if you have the proper training and have a proven process for finding clients. Today, we are taking on the naysayers and teaching you how to stay focused and achieve your goal of becoming a copywriter. Related Links Why People Tell You “Copywriting is Hard to Get Into”Break Into Copywriting! --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

"The riches are in the niches." Many so-called copywriting gurus will tell you that the path to success is to proclaim a niche right away. But just because something rhymes doesn't make it great advice. In fact, choosing a niche when you’re just getting started is not a magic bullet for success at all. And it could be deeply, deeply detrimental to your career. In this episode, Nicki and Kate unpack why you may want to think twice about jumping too quickly into a niche. Related Links The Niche TrapWhen to Break the Copywriting Niche Rule --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Kate Sitarz is a copywriter with 10+ years of experience delivering high-performing copy for clients including Microsoft, Zipcar, TripAdvisor, Babson College, Continental Airlines, and many more. She's also the head coach for Filthy Rich Writer's signature course, the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy. On this episode, Nicki interviews Kate so you can get to know our co-host a bit more! --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

Many people outside of the writing industry don’t understand the difference between content writing and copywriting. But if you're a copywriter, it's crucial to know what writing falls into one category or the other so you can show the right samples to your prospective employer. In this episode, Nicki and Kate discuss copy versus content, why it's important to distinguish the two, and exactly why copywriting pays more. Related Links What’s the Difference Between Content and Copy?Why You Need to Separate Copy and Content on Your SiteWhat Copywriters Charge for Content Writing --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

As a company that teaches people how to write copy and how to build their copywriting careers and businesses, Filthy Rich Writer could have been called something more straightforward like "New Copywriters Training." But Nicki decided not to play it safe. Today's episode is a short one where Nicki will tell you what being "filthy rich" means to her and why she doesn't care that some people hate (truly hate) the name. Related Links Why I Called My Company Filthy Rich Writer --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here

The MOST exciting thing about copywriting in 2025? All the opportunities. Think about it: the 21st century alone has already brought so many new opportunities for copywriters: The Internet—all of the Internet!!!—was largely just becoming mainstream at the start of the century. (For context, Amazon was started in 1995.)Meta, still known as Facebook, didn't even get founded until 2004.TikTok was founded in 2016. All of this brought new mediums where copywriters are needed: Online product descriptionsBanner adsEmailWebpages Social media ads Not to mention there's still a ton of print, out of home, radio, and other mediums that need copywriters ... (CCA students, do NOT overlook these opportunities—so much of copywriting is still for offline mediums!) So, as I write this in 2025, I couldn't be more excited for all the opportunities yet to come! Yes, even with AI. AI is just another tool in the copywriter's toolkit. And, as copywriting has proven time and time again—through major cultural transitions and eras—it's absolutely needed. Which, I don't know about you, but that level of staying power—and the continued need for trained copywriters over the centuries—is pretty darn exciting. Kate and I *finally* recorded an update to answer the "what is copywriting" question for 2025. And, spoiler, you'll notice that even though the world is changing (as it always does!), there are still some copywriting principles that just stand the test of time. --------------- Related Links What is Copywriting?Why Should I Become a Copywriter?What Does a Copywriter Actually Do? --------------- Get Free Copywriting Training here