4 Secrets Exposed – Running a Copywriting Business
Do you know how to prepare for these hidden truth for the best results?
Recently, I spoke at an event for The Professional Writers’ Alliance, to help new copywriters advance their careers. Here are some of the tips I shared…
4 Secrets About Running Your Own Copywriting Business You Rarely Hear
…And how to prepare for them for the best results right now!
I started my copywriting business over 12 years ago, and I’d like to share with you some of the things I’ve learned along the way. In this four-part series, you’re going to learn some of the secrets you seldom hear about running your own business and how to deal with them for the best results.
Are you ready?
Secret #1: You will lose clients even if you provide fabulous results.
You communicate with your client, conduct extensive research and create fantastic copy that helps them exceed their sales goals. You love working with them, and they think you are a rock star.
But then… you get the call.
There is a national, health issue and the FDA recalls all of your client’s products as a general, protection measure. And even though your client’s products are perfectly safe and post no threat whatsoever, the recall costs them millions of dollars in lost sales, unnecessary legal fees and more. Bankruptcy looms. Your client ends your contract abruptly.
Yes, you did a fantastic job, but this is something completely out of your control. Ugh.
I’m sorry to say it, but this is a cruel fact about running your own business. Things happen.
So what can you do about it?
- Curl up in a ball and cry;
- Start looking for a full-time job; or
- Don’t bat an eyelash because you are prepared for this situation.
Well, you might take part in A for a little while, but of course, the correct answer is “C.” Be a smart business owner and prepare for the worst. Here’s how…
3 Tips to Prepare for “That” Call from your Client.
- Constantly market your services.
You never know what life will throw at you so always look for new clients. Review all of the marketing tips on the PWA website for help. This includes keeping your website and marketing materials fresh and ready to go.
Network with all of your connections, and provide information on what you have to offer. Ask for referrals. Keep your funnel for potential, new business open at all times.
- Watch industry news.
If you are a good copywriter, you review your client’s industry, competitors and news on a regular basis. By doing this, you get great ideas for your copywriting projects so you can provide results. But more important, you can see looming, potential issues.
If there is trouble ahead, you can prepare your client accordingly and develop the right messaging in advance. Plus, you can see how this development changes your relationship with your client and increase your marketing efforts accordingly.
- Have an extra client.
If you are comfortable with your workload, you need to increase it. Always have an extra client on hand. We all know the saying, “Don’t keep all of your eggs in one basket.” And this is very true when you run your own business.
While it’s much easier to be on retainer for a favorite client, you need to ask yourself…
“What would happen if disaster strikes and I lose this client?”
Be prepared, and have more clients than you need.
Avoid Unnecessary Hardship.
While you may have a list of great clients and think you can relax, don’t do it. That’s usually when disaster strikes and two of your top clients have to end their contract at the last minute… and on the same day!
Ask yourself regularly:
If you lost your top clients today, what would you do?
Do you have money coming in from an “extra client” until more work comes in?
Do you have potential new customers you can contact immediately?
While this may not be something you want to think about, you need to be ready for the worst-case scenario. There are many “rosy” stories out there about copywriters who are on retainer for a big company, make lots of money, enjoy their work, and have fun traveling. Yes, this happens a lot.
But at the same time, life is unpredictable. Prepare for that dreaded call from your favorite client no matter how “great” things are going. Not only will you feel more relaxed, but you’ll be able to grow your copywriting business and enjoy success for many years to come!
Ready for the next secret? Check back soon…