If you’re planning on working from home as a copywriter—whether it’s full-time or part-time—you’ll need a home office. What are the home office essentials you must have to work as a copywriter?
Let’s assume that you’re going to be writing copy as a freelancer and doing it from home (as opposed to being on staff or working as a contractor at a company). The great news is that despite what many books will tell you there’s actually not a lot you need in your home office and what you need for full-time or part-time are exactly the same.
Copywriting Home Office Essentials
1. A computer
Most of us copywriters use laptops because they’re portable and we sometimes work from a coffee shop, the library, or traveling the world! If you need a second monitor, there are very affordable, lightweight ones.
2. Internet access
I can’t stress this one enough: Having dependable and speedy internet access is critical to your work as a copywriter. Working remotely requires you can get online whenever and without hiccups. Pay for the higher speed your provider offers. I guarantee it will be worth it!
3. Data backup
At some point, your computer will die. Not only is that stressful from a financial standpoint, but it likely means you’ll have some unplanned downtime away from work that could seriously jeopardize meeting your due dates. But you can prevent your information from being lost and disappointing your clients! If you are not using an automatic backup program on your computer, you must start using one now (after you finish reading this article, of course). We have several recommendations here >>
4. A smartphone
A smartphone is necessary for calls and some meetings (both of which you can do on your laptop, too, of course). But a smartphone is also invaluable if your internet goes out. Ensure you have a hotspot enabled on your smartphone and you won’t ever have to be offline and miss out on work.
5. A quiet place to write and take conference calls
Sometimes working from home can be filled with sanity-killing distractions. (My neighbors seems to use his weed wacker every single day!) And without a boss watching your every move, those in-office boundaries don’t exist.
But it is possible to stay productive when working from home. You can regain your focus to get back on the path to success with some simple strategies.
You need to set boundaries with family members who interrupt you while you’re working because they forget you’re at work. If that means shutting your office door and putting a sign on it, do it! If that takes setting strict “office hours” during which you can’t be disturbed, don’t be afraid to do so. Sometimes just setting and sharing a schedule will keep your work and home life balanced.
Home Office Temptations You Don’t Really Need
Here’s a list of things you will be tempted to purchase but don’t need (and why):
1. A dedicated phone line
Unless your only phone line is a family line and the message is “Hi! You’ve reached the home of Bob and Judy and Junior and Spot, the dog! Arf! Leave us a message at the beep!” you don’t need a dedicated line. Your own cell phone will work just fine. Keep your message simple and non-specific (“Hi, you’ve reached Skipper and I’m not available right now. Please leave a message at the tone.”) and it will work just fine for both personal and professional contact.
2. A printer/scanner/fax combo
Combo printer/scanners are super cheap these days but you’ll rarely use it. Stop by your local library if you ever need to scan or print something. Almost all docs are signed and sent electronically nowadays.
3. A desk, desk chair, desk lamp, etc.
As an avid consumer, I often foolishly fall prey to the idea that the right accessories will make create the right results. Be wiser than I am—you can work from the kitchen table on the same chair you’ve had for 20 years and still be a crazy successful writer. The clothes may make the man, but the desk does not make the writer.
Keep it simple and then, if you really want a new desk chair or a fancy file cabinet, reward yourself with some of the earnings from your copywriting work! Incentives are a wonderful way to reward yourself for a job well done or getting a new client.
If you’re anything like me, you’re easily lured in by gadgets and gizmos at Staples or Home Depot. Just quell the impulse to buy, buy, buy!
Watch More: A Day in the Life of a Copywriter
What do you imagine when you dream of life as a copywriter? Meeting up with clients at trendy coffee shops? Typing away at home in your pajamas? Sending emails from sandy beaches? If you’re not yet making your living as a copywriter, you might be a tad unclear about how…and where…a typical day pans out.
To help you out with some of the finer details, Nicki and Kate run you through a day in the life of a copywriter in this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast episode.
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Last Updated on March 13, 2024
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