3 things I wish I knew before becoming a copywriter

In the words of our Lord and Savior Tyra Banks - Learn something from this. 

Every entrepreneur has a list of things they wish were embedded in their brain at the start. But also, what the hell, I still made it. 

As a copywriter there are a few things that would have been so much more helpful to know. Like I wouldn’t have been so discouraged and thought, is this really what I want to do?

Anyway, I learned and now I shall teach you what I know. 

Start with the Problem You Solve

It will be very compelling to pitch potential clients and say things like “ I can write XYZ copy for you”. Let me tell you why that doesn’t work. People only hire two types of people, a person that makes them more money and a person that solves a problem. It’s your job to tell them how you can do one or even better BOTH. 

Your value isn’t the copy you write for them, but the results those words bring them. This is what will grab their attention. Even if they can’t hire you or need your services, this is how you approach attaining clients. 

Action:

Think about the copy services you would like to provide. What are the potential end results of those services? Lead with that answer when you pitch. 

Become a student of the game

NEVER think you have learned it all. The world and people will always change and evolve. Therefore so will the information you need. There was a time people went door to door to sell their services. Now people don’t even want to answer the door if they aren’t expecting someone over. So those people had to adapt. 

Best thing you could do is choose a few resources to stay up to date in the industry and always look for ways to improve your copywriting skills. Work on building relationships with other copywriters, create passion projects, and read for fun.

Action: 

Find a copywriter in a similar niche and study their work, their journey, seek mentorship if need be. This will help you see if you’re on the right track and give you inspiration.

Network Like Your Business Depends On It (Because It Does)

If I can give one piece of advice about running a copywriting business or any business at all, it's WHO YOU KNOW that matters.We see it in every industry. There are so many people in job roles solely because they knew someone in the company. Whether they qualified for the role or not. 

People are more trusting of people that come recommended then the best person for the job. I was watching a YouTube video from Chris Do and it changed the entire way I think about my business. He said parents would rather hire the 16 year old in their neighborhood to watch their child than a highly-qualified nanny from england. Why? Because of familiarity. 

A 16 year old with no proper childcare training that would actually be more of a liability to the child is more trustworthy then a trained and experienced professional nanny. 

If you can remember that people who are hired are not always the best person for the job, but the most trustworthy or likeable, your imposter syndrome will be deleted from your brain lol. 

Action: 

Build as many meaningful relationships with adjacent entrepreneurs, brands and copywriters. If you have someone that can vouch for you always, then you will never worry about consistent work. 

So basically, you don’t need to buy another course. You have everything you need. 

If you enjoyed this blog then you’ll love the video version here.