The $10k Month: A Sardonic Guide to Making It Big in Copywriting

Picture this: you're at the gym, muscles straining under the weight of your ambition, sweat trickling down your forehead, pooling in the small of your back. You're pushing, pulling, lifting, and grunting, all in the pursuit of that elusive six-pack. In the midst of this Herculean effort, you turn to your trainer, gasping for breath, and ask, "So, when do I get the six-pack?"

That, my friend, is the equivalent of stepping into the world of copywriting and asking, "When do I get my first client?" It's a question born out of impatience, a desire for instant gratification, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the process. Patience, my friend, is not just a virtue; it's a survival skill in the wild world of copywriting. But let's dive deeper into this analogy and see what we can unearth.

The Art of Waiting

Just like waiting for that six-pack to magically appear, waiting for your first client can be a test of patience. But here's the thing: you can't rush success. It's like trying to bake a cake in half the time by doubling the oven temperature. Spoiler alert: you'll end up with a burnt mess that even your dog wouldn't eat.

So, take a chill pill, learn about stoicism, and focus on what you can control. You can't control when a client will say yes, but you can control how much effort you put into your outreach, how much time you spend honing your skills, and how you react to rejection. And trust me, there will be rejection. But that's okay. Rejection is just a stepping stone on the path to success.

But let's not just talk about patience in abstract terms. Let's talk about practical steps you can take to cultivate patience in your copywriting journey. First, set realistic expectations. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your copywriting career. It takes time to build skills, establish connections, and attract clients. So, don't expect to land a high-paying client on day one. Or day two. Or even day three. Be patient, keep putting in the work, and success will come.

Outreach: It's Not a Numbers Game

Many budding copywriters believe that the key to success is to reach out to as many potential clients as possible. It's like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. But let me tell you, no one likes cleaning up spaghetti off the wall. And more importantly, this approach is not effective.

Instead, focus on improving your outreach efforts. It's not about quantity; it's about quality. It's about finding the right clients, crafting personalized outreach messages, and following up in a timely manner. It's about building relationships, not just sending out mass emails.

So, how do you improve your outreach efforts? Start by identifying your ideal client. Who are they? What do they do? What problems do they have that you can solve? Once you have a clear picture of your ideal client, you can tailor your outreach efforts to attract these clients.

Next, craft personalized outreach messages. Don't just send the same generic email to everyone. Take the time to research each potential client and tailor your message to them. Show them that you understand their needs and can provide a solution. This will set you apart from the countless other copywriters who are just sending out generic emails.

Finally, follow up. Don't just send one email and then forget about it. Follow up with each potential client. But remember, there's a fine line between following up and being annoying. Be persistent, but not pushy.

Don't Neglect Your Skills

When I started, I was so focused on getting clients that I neglected my copywriting skills. It's like trying to win a cooking competition without knowing how to cook. Spoiler alert: you won't win. So, don't make the same mistake I did. Focus on honing your skills. Be specific, be clear, and for the love of all things holy, learn how to use a semicolon correctly.

But how do you hone your copywriting skills? Start by reading. Read everything you can get your hands on. Read books on copywriting, read successful sales letters, read the back of cereal boxes. Reading will not only improve your writing skills, but it will also expose you to different writing styles and techniques.

Next, practice. Write every day. Write sales letters, write blog posts, write social media posts. The more you write, the better you'll get. And don't be afraid to experiment with different writing styles and techniques. Find what works for you.

Finally, get feedback. Find a mentor or join a copywriting group and get feedback on your writing. Feedback is crucial for improvement. It can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and provide you with valuable insights on how to improve your writing.

Community: Your Secret Weapon

Copywriting can be a lonely journey. It's just you, your laptop, and a bucket load of self-doubt. But it doesn't have to be that way. Find your group. Connect with like-minded individuals who are on the same journey. Join a Discord server, attend networking events, or if you're really desperate, join a copywriting book club. Trust me, it helps.

But why is community so important? First, it provides you with a support system. It's a group of people who understand what you're going through, who can provide advice, support, and encouragement. It's a group of people who can celebrate your successes and help you navigate your failures.

Second, a community can provide you with opportunities for collaboration. You can partner with other copywriters on projects, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. Collaboration can not only improve your skills, but it can also open doors to new opportunities.

Finally, a community can provide you with a sense of belonging. It's a place where you can be yourself, where you can share your struggles and triumphs, where you can feel part of something bigger than yourself. And that can make all the difference in your copywriting journey.

Conclusion

Starting over in copywriting is not easy. It's a journey filled with self-doubt, impatience, and a whole lot of coffee. But with the right mindset, effective outreach strategies, and a strong community, you can go from $0 to $10k a month. So, keep showing up, keep putting in the work, and remember: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a successful copywriting career.

So, if you're just starting out in copywriting, or if you're starting over, remember these three things: be patient, improve your outreach, and don't neglect your skills. And most importantly, find your group. Because in this wild world of copywriting, you don't have to go it alone.