What do you do when business sucks? This may help.

Social media posts are polished and perfected before posted. At least, that is how the majority of people publish their content; cleaned up, edited, and blemish-free.  

There are a few people out there who are willing to wing it. I admire them for putting themselves out there. 

While I'm not willing to shoot a video on this topic, I will share some of the business insights I've had in the four years I've been a copywriter. 

It's hard. 


When I first started, I thought I could learn the craft, practice, and become good enough for people to hire me on the spot. While my writing has been spot on for some clients, I will admit I've had a couple of challenges along the way with a few as well. 


Respond to challenges


When those challenges arose, I took them for what they were, the feedback I received and took a good hard look at what they were saying.  In both cases, I missed the mark.  I did.


I didn't dig hard enough to portray the brand voice in a way that my clients wanted and needed. 


So I did what any good copywriter does, I continued learning. I read more books. I participated in more personal development. I became a better copywriter. 


Keep on Keeping on


The next hurdle has been marketing consistently. Most of my clients are project-based. We work together on their website, or direct mail letters or email follow up messages, and the project is complete. 


I touch base to see if I can help them with any other writing projects, but for the most part, when the first project is over, they do not need my services. They are bringing in more clients, and the new marketing is working to their advantage. 


However, I keep following up. Not necessarily to see if I can help them, but to learn about the results they've had since we worked together. This is the only way I can verify that the piece is performing and bringing results. 


What now? 


As in any business, repeat clients and retainer deals are the best forms of consistent work. I send out new marketing messages to find new clients daily — I follow-up with past clients monthly.


And until my calendar is full, I do everything I can to keep current clients happy. If that means I learn more, or I edit a piece based on my client's instructions, or I work on a customized retainer deal. Happy clients = happy business. 


Four years has taught me that it's not easy and can be very challenging. But it's how we respond that can make all the difference.


I'd love to say it's been sunshine and roses, but the fact is, it has often been partly cloudy with a chance of crabgrass. However, I will keep helping businesses improve their marketing and content writing, and I will continue to grow in the process. 


What pain points have you had in your business, and how did you handle them?

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