Comments on: Break Into New Copywriting Industries Using Spec Ads

By: Amarachi Igwe

Amarachi Igwe — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:34:51 +0000

hi Nicki, while creating spec ads on email copies, do I still have to collaborate with a designer to design the emails or just leave the copies like that?

By: The Filthy Rich Writer Team

The Filthy Rich Writer Team — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 06:39:49 +0000

In reply to shane.

Good question! Here are links to a few other posts that will help offer guidance as you start your copywriting career and look to build spec ads –
https://filthyrichwriter.com/copywriting-qa-5-places-to-find-photos-for-your-spec-ads/
https://filthyrichwriter.com/copywriting-qa-what-to-look-for-in-a-spec-ad-designer/
https://filthyrichwriter.com/copywriting-qa-5-questions-to-make-your-spec-ads-even-better/

By: shane

shane — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 01:17:07 +0000

When you discuss spec ads, you tell the writers to work with artists to produce a good ad. my question is this:
can i choose an already published ad from a company and just redo the copy, leaving the art/background as is since i don’t know any graphics people because i am just starting?

By: The Filthy Rich Writer Team

The Filthy Rich Writer Team — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 02:49:47 +0000

In reply to Cindy. Yep, absolutely! Just because a business is no longer around doesn't mean you can't still use the copy you wrote for it.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:14:29 +0000

I had a supplement company and created copy for an entire sales funnel. I ended up closing the business and never using it. Can I still add that to my portfolio?

By: Nicki Krawczyk

Nicki Krawczyk — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 02:21:54 +0000

In reply to Dana.

Hi Dana,

Great question – nope! In general, you want to work with designers who are at the same level of experience as you are so that you *both* benefit from getting spec ads for your portfolio. Instead of paying them, you’re both bartering your services so that you both get great pieces for your portfolio. *Could* you pay a designer? Certainly – but a good designer will cost you. It’s really a matter of whether you have more time at your disposal or more money. If you’ve got more money, you could hire a designer – just make sure you know exactly how you want the projects to shake out. 🙂

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki

By: Dana

Dana — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 23:00:28 +0000

Hi Nicki, Thanks for this info! I am starting to think about creating spec ads for my portfolio and am wondering if it is typical to pay a designer for these? I imagine it would be ideal to find a designer also in need of spec ads so it’s more of a trading-services situation, but if I just want to get started with my spec projects and can’t find the right beginner designer, would it be best to just pay someone? Thanks!

By: Nicki Krawczyk

Nicki Krawczyk — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:08:38 +0000

In reply to Andraya.

Hi Andraya,

Great question. You can create a spec ad for any company you’d like! The key is just that every spec ad on your site needs to be clearly and prominently labeled as “spec” – you don’t want to give the impression that you were hired by these companies when you weren’t. You’ll still get all of the benefits of showing off your skill, but you just need to be clear and straightforward about who has hired you versus who hasn’t.

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki

By: Andraya

Andraya — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 20:14:16 +0000

Hey Nicki,
Thanks so much for this.
I was wondering about potentially creating a spec ad for a company I’d previously chatted with about my services who didn’t end up wanting to work with me. I was put in touch with them before I was ready to start pitching my services, but we explored the conversation anyway.
What are your thoughts on creating a spec ad for them? Is it a good choice, is it inappropriate?

Thanks!

By: Nicki Krawczyk

Nicki Krawczyk — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 19:25:29 +0000

In reply to Kat.

Hi Kat,

Yep! Spec ads are a great way to demonstrate your copywriting prowess before you’ve gotten your first paid work. For that reason, most new copywriters will populate the portfolio section of their professional websites with spec pieces to help them land their first paying work. After that, they can swap out their spec pieces for their “produced”/paid samples. And, of course, we go over how to do all of that (step by step) in the the course. 🙂

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki