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Ep. 76: Red Flags Copywriters Need to Look for in Clients

By Nicki Krawczyk

We’ve all experienced a partnership of some kind that wasn’t set up for success from the start. It’s not only frustrating but can drain your energy quickly. In copywriting, there are certain kinds of clients that commonly create negative partnering experiences, but thankfully, there are ways to avoid them!

In this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast Nicki and Kate are noting all of the common red flags that clients might show if they are the type of business you should refrain from partnering with.

TUNE IN: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Watch the episode on YouTube!


A Sneak Peek at the Episode

[2:00] Before our hosts start addressing different red flags they remind the listeners not to make assumptions. Wait until you are on a discovery call or in contact with a potential client to carefully evaluate them and if it’s a good match!

[3:50] It’s important to go with your gut. If you are feeling like something isn’t right, listen to that little voice!

[4:30] As a new copywriter don’t feel like you have to say yes to every client, especially if there are red flags. There are MILLIONS of clients out there, you don’t have to settle.

[6:20] It can be helpful to write down what is making you feel uneasy, to help distinguish between red flags and feelings of nervousness.

[7:00] The first red flag that Nicki addresses is when a client is completely unorganized and doesn’t have a clear vision of what they want.

[9:30] Another thing to be weary of is a client who is completely brand new to their business. The problem is when they are brand new they don’t really yet know how to market and what strategies to use.

[15:00] Next red flag is when a client thinks that their audience is everyone! That is a recipe for wildly ineffective copy.

[22:00] When clients make everything feel rushed and expect you to work crazy hours can be a red flag. Their expectation of your schedule should be a conversation you have upfront but they can not tell you when to work as a freelancer.

[30:00] Keep an eye out for a client who wants to know every detail of your proposal and rates. You can answer questions about how you came up with your price but you don’t need to provide a break down.

[36:00] It’s okay to feel nervous before a new project or when meeting a new client, it still happens to both Nicki and Kate. But make sure you listen to your gut, watch for red flags and set boundaries when you need to.


Mentioned On This Episode

  • How Copywriters Can Negotiate with Confidence – with Susie Tomenchok

Related Links

  • When and How to Say No to Clients

Get an *Exclusive* Bonus Recording!

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Get all the details on how to get your recording here »


About the Build Your Business Podcast

Nicki, one of the hosts of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, sits at a black table with six chairs, four white, two black, as she records a podcast episode with a microphone, laptop, and doughnut in front of her.

Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?

Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.

Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.


See Previous Episode

Ep. 75: How to Be a Part-Time Copywriter with a Full-Time Job – Catching up with Alicia

Last Updated on September 10, 2023

Filed Under: Podcast

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About Nicki Krawczyk

Nicki is a copywriter, copy coach and the founder of Filthy Rich Writer. She's been writing copy for more than 20 years.

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