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Freelance Writing Cafe - Community & Resources for High Income Remote Writing Success 4

Freelance Writing Cafe

Launch & grow your freelance writing career... even if you don't have experience!

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Drinking Coffee With Writers: Kaitlyn Parker, Creative Brand Copywriter

September 30, 2020 · In: Drinking Coffee With Writers

Kaitlyn Parker, founder of Copy Uncorked, didn’t know she was going to become a copywriter—she almost fell into it, which should be a major relief to those who think it’s impossible to claw your way into a copywriting career… *ahem* Believe in yourself, dang it! *ahem*

Anyway! Once she found her footing, she learned how to turn a new passion into a thriving copywriting business. When it comes to freelance writing, multi-passionate writers who have a penchant for over-working can bring a whole new set of challenges. In this week’s installment of Drinking Coffee With Writers, Kaitlyn is dishing out some major wisdom on how she handles it all.

Freelance Writing Cafe: What was the #1 reason you decided to start freelancing?

Kaitlyn Parker: I’ve always loved writing and have had a personal blog since before college (kaitlynhparker.com – it’s evolved a lot over the years!) and knew I wanted to find a way to get paid to write and make a living from it. After getting a Masters in Strategic Communications and exploring online business I sort of fell into copywriting and have loved it since the beginning!

It encompasses so many of my passions and career interests (words, branding, marketing, business, psychology, and culture) without ever letting me get bored. Each client is different and I’m always researching and learning something new.

Kaitlyn Parker - Copy Uncorked - Drinking Coffee With Writers - Freelance Writing Cafe (3)

How did your freelance journey begin?

During grad school, I found myself wanting to start a business and create an LLC. I had no idea where that would take me and I remember being so nervous. A lawyer from my church helped me set it up and I turned my personal blog into more of a business website with various service offerings. They were all across the board, including a bit of design and social media strategy.

A friend from college referred me to one of her friends who just started an awesome swimwear line. I wrote some of her website copy—not really having any idea what I was doing—and it went pretty well! Turns out, I loved it.

I joined a few Facebook groups and started commenting on project requests from various members. I eventually got my first long-standing content writing client from there and my business has really just continued to evolve and grow from there. Most of my clients now come from referrals/word of mouth, but I have certainly invested in building my brand over the years.

Kaitlyn Parker - Copy Uncorked - Drinking Coffee With Writers - Freelance Writing Cafe (4)

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far?

Build relationships. I’m a homebody, an introvert, a DIY’er, a type 3 on the Enneagram, and independent. But the few in-person events I’ve gone to and designers I’ve built relationships with have allowed me to connect with peers who just GET IT. They’ve become my cheerleaders on the daily and I’m so grateful for that. That and CREATE SYSTEMS. From day one. Treat your business like a business.

What is something you still struggle with as a freelance writer?

It’s a “good struggle” in a sense, but I often overbook myself or struggle to leave enough margin. I’m in the process of building out a team and have my VA take on more and more of a role within my company, which I’m excited about. But I struggle with overworking because there’s almost always something that needs to be done!

Kaitlyn Parker - Copy Uncorked - Drinking Coffee With Writers - Freelance Writing Cafe (11)

What advice would you give to freelancers who are just starting out?

Build relationships with other online business owners and build a brand for yourself. That creates so much credibility in and of itself. Decide what you want to write and who you want to write for and gear all your content creation/marketing efforts towards that. Use any downtime you don’t have clients to learn about branding and marketing yourself online. That will pay dividends in the long run!

What is your favorite thing about freelancing?

Being my own boss—choosing the type of work I do and the clients I work with. Basically just having complete ownership, freedom, and autonomy.

Kaitlyn Parker - Copy Uncorked - Drinking Coffee With Writers - Freelance Writing Cafe (6)

What is your favorite app, tool, or tip for productivity?

Currently, Trello! Pretty much my entire business is contained within it. I have also heard great things about ClickUp but haven’t quite made the switch yet. I also use Dubsado for my client project management which has been invaluable. I share all the tools I use in my business at copyuncorked.com/resources.

Do you have a go-to mantra or quote that keeps you inspired?

“Never stop creating or exploring”

“What distracts us will begin to define us. You don’t have to swing at every pitch. – Bob Goff”

“Create more than you consume.”

…there are a lot. I’m working on a brand manifesto currently.

What’s your favorite hot beverage to sip while working?

Coffee with almond milk creamer—or wine when working in the evenings! 😉

Kaitlyn Parker - Copy Uncorked - Drinking Coffee With Writers - Freelance Writing Cafe (2)

*

Be sure to follow Kaitlyn on Instagram and check out her website: copyuncorked.com

Want more inspiration? Read more from our Drinking Coffee With Writers series.

 

☕️ Drinking Coffee With Writers is here to give you a dose of inspiration and actionable tips for the week ahead. We’re showcasing freelance writers who are designing their careers and living life on their own terms.  Want to be our next featured writer? Drop us a line at info@freelancewritingcafe.com

 

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By: Michelle Christina · In: Drinking Coffee With Writers · Tagged: drinking coffee with writers, freelance writer behind the scenes, freelance writer interview, freelance writing cafe, freelance writing career tips, Kaitlyn Parker Creative Brand Copywriter

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@freelancewritingcafe

It's the first day of spring! 🌷 Here are 3 ways It's the first day of spring! 🌷 Here are 3 ways to hit refresh on your writing career.

1️⃣ Audit your offerings
Trying to market everything from email blasts to white paper writing? Try narrowing down to a few premium services. This is a great way to build a strong, niched-down portfolio that makes you an easy "yes" for your ideal client.

2️⃣ Clarify your ideal client
Feeling "off" about one (or more) of your clients these days? Shed any working relationships that aren't working. If you're held in place by a contract, mark the break-up date on the calendar and start looking for leads that feel more aligned while you finish up that project.

3️⃣ Spruce up your space
Don't underestimate the power of a clean desk, fresh air, and your favorite writing tunes. Spend a day making a spring playlist, deep-cleaning your workspace, and maybe even buying a cheery spring candle or two. It can make a big difference!

What's your favorite way to celebrate spring?
🌷💐🌼🌸

#freelancewritingtips #freelancewriters #firstdayofspring #freelancewriting #freelancecareergrowth
We love our clients, obviously! But even high-vibe We love our clients, obviously! But even high-vibe collaborations have those moments... 😅 Here's to resisting passive-aggressive emails, even when you're burnt out at the end of a long week. 

#freelancelife #freelancewriting
Unsure which domain to use for your freelance writ Unsure which domain to use for your freelance writing website? Here are 3 approaches to consider:

🖥️✨ Use your name
Naming your website domain after yourself (or your DBA) can help build recognition, especially if you have a memorable name.

🖥️✨ Use your business name
Using your business name (ie: Good Copy LLC) allows you to separate yourself from your freelance writing identity.

🖥️✨ Use your niche
Using your niche allows your target client to find you easily in search (and this builds up SEO cred over time).

Did you use one of these strategies? Something else? Share your freelance writing website in the comments! 👇 

#freelancewritingtips #freelancetips #freelancewritingwebsite #freelancewriters #freelancesuccess
Lowballing clients got you down? Good news! You ch Lowballing clients got you down? Good news! You choose who to work with—and who to politely bid adieu to. Cut them loose* to make room for high-quality collaborations. 

* Be sure to honor any contractual obligations (and consider them lessons for the next project).

#freelancewriting #freelancetips #freelancewriters #highincome #highincomeskills
Not sure what to say when a client is pressing you Not sure what to say when a client is pressing you for a call (when you specifically didn't agree to random calls)? Save this post for some quick response ideas.

☎️ I'm not available right now. Please use my calendar link to book a call: (link)

☎️ Calls should be scheduled in advance. Feel free to review our contract for a refresher on terms.

☎️ Hi! Can you put the information in an email? Otherwise, I'm available to speak at (date/time). 

☎️ To ensure the highest quality of work, all calls need to be scheduled. Thanks!

Some of these only work if you have a "no random calls" clause in your contract, so make sure you're addressing that in advance. 

Why does this matter? 🤔 If your client thinks they can ping you any time of day, your focus could be interrupted at any moment. They might not realize how detrimental this can be because they're eager to share an idea or piece of feedback.

If you're like many freelancers, you'll want to protect your deep focus time and workflow, moving calls to specific windows. Remember: Your client is not your boss! 

Also! If you DO have the time and you don't mind hopping on a call, go for it! You're free to design your days and your work sessions. Just know that you might be exhibiting your availability in a certain way. 

What do you say to a client when they request something that's against your terms?

#freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewriting #freelancewritingtips #freelancewriter #freelancewritertips

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