She left her hairstylist job one day … and landed an agency copywriting role the next.

Her portfolio when she landed the job? 100% spec ads.

She’s never stepped foot in an office.

And right now? She’s working remotely from Morocco, contracting with agencies around the world.

To say we’re in awe of Katherine’s path is an understatement.

After more than a decade behind the chair, she knew it was time to make the emotional decision to move on. And if you’re feeling that same pull—even if you love your current career—Katherine’s story is one you need to hear.

Katherine was kind enough to spend some time sharing her story on the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, including the strategies that helped launch her copywriting career.

As someone who loved her job, she’s offering deep insight into how she knew it was the right time to make a change.

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Mentioned in the Episode

• Ep. 100: Take Advantage of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
• Portfolio Examples That Wow Clients
• Break Into New Copywriting Industries Using Spec Ads

Related Links

• Ep. 232: From Copywriter to Product Marketer (And Homeowner in Spain!) – Alba’s Story
• BONUS – Laser Coaching: How Can I Work Remotely from Anywhere in the World?

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You’ve written your copy. You’ve proofread it. You’re ready to send it off to the client…

…Or are you?

In this week’s episode of Build Your Copywriting Business, we’re walking you through the often skipped step that comes between “done writing” and “client ready.”

Think: a mini checklist—but not your typical copyediting or proofreading list.

We’re talking strategy and specific copy tweaks that will make your message stronger (and, ultimately, work better!).

These are the questions we run through every single time before handing off copy to a client—and after this episode, you’ll have them in your toolkit, too.

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Mentioned in the Episode

• What Your Headlines Are Missing
• What’s a CTA or Call to Action?
• How to Write a Sales Page That’ll Make Your Client Ecstatic
• Where Content Belongs on Your Copywriting Portfolio Site

Related Links

• Ep. 74: Copywriting Checklist: 5 Things to Check Before Submitting Copy
• 4 Things Most Copywriters Get Wrong on Their Portfolio Websites

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Ever felt so drained and discouraged you thought, “Maybe I should just give up”?

That’s exactly where Bart was—not just doubting his move from corporate sales to copywriting, but seriously questioning if he could make it work at all.

Fast forward: Bart is now booked out for six months—and here’s what may surprise you…

…he did it without social media.

On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business, Bart was generous to share his story, including how he turned things around.

He’s also sharing the mindset shifts that helped him push through the hardest moments, and the surprising decisions (like stepping completely away from social) that actually helped him thrive.

As Bart says, “A lot can change in a very short time… if you don’t give up.”

If you’re burned out or doubting yourself, this episode might be exactly what you need to hear.

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Mentioned in the Episode

• Bart Ellebaut LinkedIn
• BONUS Laser Coaching: Top Tips for Wildly Effective Pitching
• BONUS Laser Coaching: Asking for Feedback to Combat Imposter Syndrome
• Ep. 134: Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries

Related Links

• Ep. 191: This Copywriter Books Work 3+ Months Out—Here’s How She Does It – Lizzie’s Story
• Ep. 95: Hitting 6 Figures As a Copywriter in 6 Months – Stacy’s Story

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AI is taking all the copywriting jobs!”

Sound familiar?

Before you spiral, hit play on this week’s episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast. AI expert and copywriter Amber Smith is breaking down exactly why that narrative is wrong.

Amber runs a successful agency serving powerhouse brands like Ann Taylor, Clinique, and Coach. She’s been deep in the AI space from day one—and she’s sharing why copywriters aren’t being replace…they’re being required.

In this episode, Amber shares:

• How AI really works—and why it needs human copywriters
• 
  
• Smart, ethical ways to use AI to elevate your client work
• 
  
• How she’s getting paid to help clients integrate AI into their workflows (including writing creative briefs!)

Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or already experimenting with AI, this episode is your no-fluff guide to navigating AI as a modern copywriter.

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Mentioned in the Episode

• Ep. 205 – Copywriter Holiday Survival: How to Answer Questions About Your Job

Related Links

• Can Copywriting Software Replace Skilled Copywriters in 2025?
• Ep. 96: Artificial Intelligence Copywriting: Do You Need to Worry?

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Freedom and security: those were two core values that Avalon identified.

On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Avalon is sharing how these core values grounded her decision making—and allowed her to identify and choose opportunities that align with these values.

Using this as her guide, Avalon was able to:

🍷Transition from a career in the wine industry to copywriting

🚛 Move from California to North Carolina with her husband—without jobs

💼 Seamlessly jump back into the workforce when she was ready (she was back in 3 weeks!)

💻 Shift between in-person work and remote work (she’s currently working in office most days)

Her advice: Go after what you want.

As a self-described introvert, Avalon says she’s in a growth phase and is sharing some of her goals for this year and beyond.

Listen in so you can cheer her on—and get a little inspiration for entering your own growth era. 

CCA students: Avalon mentions pitching yourself to podcasts. You can check out that event with PR pro Christina Lenkowski on your dashboard under the “Special Events” section. 

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Mentioned in the Episode

• Ep. 20: Changing Careers to Become a Copywriter – Adele’s Story
• BONUS: Earning More As a Freelancer than On Staff – Catching Up With Stuart
• Ep. 215: Land Copywriting Clients with Podcast Publicity – with Christina Lenkowski

Related Links

• Ep. 230: Copywriting Across the Country in an RV – Sarah’s Story

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❌ Fancy logo

❌ Color palette

❓Personal brand

You’ve probably heard us talk about all the shiny distractions when it comes to earning money as a copywriter. Is a “personal brand” another one?

On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are breaking down what a personal brand is and whether or not you need one to succeed in today’s copywriting climate.

Spoiler: just because you exist does not make you a brand.

Your reputation behind closed doors with your clients is far more important than public perception of you on social media.

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Mentioned in the Episode

• Ep. 208: Are You Doing These 4 Things That Clients Look for in Freelancers?
• BONUS – Laser Coaching: How Do I Find Clients for Freelancing?

Related Links

• This Brand-New Copywriter Landed a Senior Copywriting Role
• Why Brand Voice Matters in Copywriting
• 3 Things to Remember if You’re Brand New to Copywriting

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Ever feel like the only way forward in your career… is up a corporate ladder that you don’t even want to be on in the first place?

Yvonne did, too. After 15+ years in communications roles at mission-driven nonprofits, she knew things had to shift after the birth of her son.

She asked a question many parents ask:

“How can I do work I love, get paid my worth, and still be present for my family?”

On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Yvonne shares how discovering copywriting gave her a path to both professional purpose and personal balance.

She also shares her approach to client outreach (yes, she really took our “It’s just an email” advice to heart!) and offers smart, honest tips for pitching in a way that feels natural and authentic—especially if you’re new.

If you’re dreaming of a career that fits your life, not the other way around, let Yvonne’s story provide you with a healthy dose of inspiration.

There is a way to fulfillment in all areas of your life—if you’re willing to get creative and look away from the typical “ladder” and climb your own.

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Mentioned in the Episode

• yvonneturnercopy.com
• Ep. 62: Defining Copywriting Success for Yourself
• Ep. 187: Change My Mind About Advertising! How to Be an Ethical Copywriter
• Freelance Copywriter Benefits: How to Build Your Own Benefits Package

Related Links

• Ep. 177: Reframing Your Copywriting Goals to Align with Your Values – with Jessica Lackey

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Ready for the truth about AI and copywriting?

AI is shifting the way everyone does work. Including copywriters.

YAWN! Boring. 🥱

Yup. That’s a headline that doesn’t get clicks.

“AI is destroying these 5 industries” does get clicks.

On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Kate and I are having a conversation about how technology, marketing, and the world have always shifted (even since we started our careers!) and will continue to shift.

The key to future-proofing your career is staying on top of these shifts as these come.

AI is simply another one of these shifts.

What we’ve seen from actually using these tools and working with clients? AI is making it more efficient for us to do certain tasks in our jobs.

That means there will be more work for copywriters as clients realize we can move through projects a bit faster.

Businesses have a never-ending to-do list of projects. It’s not like you will get through your copy projects and suddenly there are no more projects.

And if that does happen? That’s probably a good indicator for you to re-pitch your clients 😉

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Mentioned in the Episode

• Ep. 145: Catchy Hook or Clickbait? How to Tell the Difference
• Ep. BONUS: AI & Copywriting: Using AI to Your Advantage to Wow Clients and Land High-Paying Work

Related Links

• Ep. 117: Best Free Software for Copywriters
• Can Copywriting Software Replace Skilled Copywriters in 2025?
• What Software Do You Need to Run Your Copywriting Business?

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I am SO excited to share this summer reading list with you—straight from the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy community!

We crowdsourced dozens of recommendations and (after a very heated debate) narrowed it down to 15 top picks: a mix of can’t-put-it-down novels and business-building gems.

On this this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business we’re breaking down why each book made the list—and how they can help you grow as a copywriter and enjoy some much-needed downtime.

Your challenge? Pick at least one book for fun and one to fuel your business.

Got a favorite summer read we missed?

Leave a comment! We’d love to grow this list with even more crowd-sourced gems. (And I’m always looking to add to my Goodreads list.)

And I’d love to know: which book are you diving into first?

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Mentioned in the Episode

• Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
• Online Influence by Bas Wouters
• I will Teach you to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
• God of the Woods by Liz Moore
• Tapestries by Kien Nguyen
• Stories Sell by Matthew Dicks
• Letter to my Daughter written by George Bishop
• The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
• The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts
• Mindset: The Psychology of Success by Carol S Dweck
• Jobs to Be Done: Theory to Practice by Anthony W Ulwick
• The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
• Mass Persuasion Method by Bushra Azhar

Related Links

• Our Roundup of Books Copywriters Will Enjoy

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If you’ve followed the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy for any amount of time, you know there are as many ways to shape a copywriting career as there are copywriters.

Stevi’s story is the perfect example of how building your career in a way that works for you is essential to long-term success.

And what works for you may change. And then change again.

On this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Stevi is sharing how she made the decision to leave a nonprofit job she loved to pursue writing—even with two small children, a mortgage, and a pandemic thrown into the mix.

I’m going to be honest, I have no idea what we’re cracking up about in this photo, but I will say that this entire conversation with Stevi was a complete delight.

She shares how, like many of us!, she bounced around between various jobs to pay the bills, but kept coming back to building a career as a writer (she does have a degree in creative writing after all).

And, what was incredible to hear, was how Stevi and her husband got creative in how they approached their goals, their schedules, and their priorities so they could build their lives in a way that works for them.

Her story really highlights how incredible it is to have a career that allows you to pivot to fit your lifestyle in any given moment.

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Mentioned in the Episode

• Replacing Teaching Income with Copywriting Income in 6 Weeks – Erin’s Story
• This CCA Student Makes 6 Figures…While Living on a Mediterranean Island – Brittany’s Story
• Ep. 136: Copywriting Transformed Her Quality of Life – Amy’s Story

Related Links

• Ep. 47: Raising a Family and Building a Copywriting Business—Peta’s Story
• Ep. 107: Building a Copywriting Business as a Mom – with Kate K, Dorothy & Jen
• Copywriting Lets This Mom Live Life on Her Own Terms

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