Too Afraid to Pitch? Business Owners WANT Your Copywriting Pitches

When I tell my copywriting students that they need to pitch their copywriting services to potential clients, there’s often a lot of push back. 

A lot.

And I get it: They’re afraid of reaching out to strangers. Of bothering them. Of asking for their business. Of potentially not getting that business—or, what they anticipate will feel like rejection. The fear of pitching is real.

So, some students try to push back. Or to find an “easier” way to do it—like using those job bidding sites like Upwork or Freelancer. (Here’s why those sites are a REALLY bad idea.)

And I’ve talked before about exactly why pitching is the only way to truly control your copywriting business’ success. (And if you missed it, here’s the post.)

But I want to look at it from a different angle today and I think it might really turn around your ideas about pitching.

We’re going to look at it from the perspective of the business owner.

A Real-Life Example From a Business Owner

When I started Filthy Rich Writer and the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, it was largely run by me with the occasional support from an expert in a given field or another. But several years ago, as I looked to bring more resources for CCA students, I realized I need to expand the team.

I was ready to hire a virtual assistant and possibly a Pinterest manager, too. I knew those roles would be great additions to the team.  

But my first thought was, “Finding these people is going to be a pain in the *ss.” I’ll do some Googling; I’ll ask for referrals. I’ll look for people and courses that train VAs and Pinterest Managers. And all of that is going to take forever and suuuuuuuck.

What I really want—what I dream of—is for these people to just find me. 

What a Pitch to a Business Owner Needs to Include

Now, I didn’t want just any person to find me. For example, I didn’t want to receive an email from someone pitching me on adding t-shirts to our business. I wanted an email from someone with skills and services that align with the business.

Because if I got an email from someone who was qualified, and if they’d taken the time to look at my site and offer some thoughts or ideas, I’d definitely hire them on for at least a trial period or project. 

(And if I got a pitch from someone I didn’t need at the moment, I’d save their info for if or when I do.)

It would make it SO MUCH easier for me if they would find me.

Let me rephrase that: It would make it so much easier if they would pitch me. 

And I’m not the only business owner who feels this way. In fact, I’ll guarantee that the vast, vast majority of business owners feel the exact same way.

Reframe Your Fear of Pitching

The best way to overcome your fear of pitching? Pitch!

But, if you need to reframe it in your brain, consider this: when you hold back your pitches, when you don’t send them, you’re doing a major disservice to everyone out there who needs you. It’s selfish!

When you pitch businesses—as long as the pitch is well-written, well-thought-out, customized to me, and offers some good points/ideas—you’re doing us a favor. 

You’re saving us from going out and having to try to find the right service provider. Instead of facing that whole hunt, you magically appear in our inboxes as the perfect solution to our problems. And that’s exactly what happened when CCA student Rebecca took the bold move to pitch the Filthy Rich Writer team—check out her full story here!

You don’t need to be afraid of pitching—especially because it’s not even about you! It’s about providing a service, offering help, to people who may need you.

So, get out there and get pitching. 

Watch More

In this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Nicki and Kate remind us that when you hold back on sending out pitches, you’re actually doing a major disservice to everyone out there who needs you (companies big AND small). Listen in now to learn why these pitching assumptions could be costing you opportunities (and money!).

Your Turn

Do you have any other concerns about pitching potential clients? What are they? Let me know in the comments below…

Last Updated on June 4, 2024