Copywriting Networking: Fun and Chill Ways to Land More Clients
Finding clients is essential to keep your copywriting business running. And the best way to find more clients is by leveraging your network.
If you don’t think you have a network, I’m here to tell you: yes, you absolutely do.
Let’s take a sec and think about these people in your life:
All of your friends
The moms in your weekly mom group meet-up
Your mom (lol but seriously…)
That girl on the next mat over in your weekly yoga class
The taco shop restaurant owner you’re pretty much best friends with because you eat there so often (no shame!)
The nurse in labor and delivery when you think your water breaks (more on this later👀)
Yes, these people are your network. You’ve got connections all over the place when you really think about it.
“Network” is just a fancy way of saying “people that you know in a certain capacity.”
And “networking” is a lot simpler and less anxiety-inducing than you might think. Let’s talk about what it is – and what it doesn’t have to be.
Networking Is Just Talking to People
I firmly believe that if you use your copywriting business to champion businesses and brands you believe in – then networking naturally falls into place.
So, before we jump into this blog, I want to challenge you to redefine networking.
Copywriting networking IS NOT:
🚫hard pitching everyone within 10 feet of you
🚫bringing up your copywriting business every chance you get
🚫being pushy and making people uncomfortable
Copywriting networking IS:
🥳sharing stories about how you help others through copywriting
🥳relating to others and their passions
🥳simply letting people know what you do
It’s really not as complicated as some people make it out to be.
But as a new-ish copywriter, it can be hard to talk about yourself and what you do. The truth is, even seasoned copywriters will tell you their friends and family don’t understand what they do at all.
So how can you answer the dreaded question…
“So, What Do You Do?”
Yikessssss. I know, this can be intimidating – especially when you’re just starting out and aren’t 100% comfortable with calling yourself a “business owner” yet.
I get it, it’s awkward. You live, breathe, and grow your business day-in and day-out to the point it’s so ingrained in you, that it’s hard to describe.
You need to be able to answer that question without feeling like wiping your palms on your yoga pants.
So first thing’s first: Put together a pre-made definition in a simple, easy-to-understand way. This can be a lifesaver when you’re networking and marketing. Or heck, even at a dinner party and faced with, “Sooo what do you do?” from that friend of a friend you barely know who’s also in line for the bathroom. 🙃
Sound complicated?
Let’s keep it simple. Start with one of these prompts:
I help [IDEAL CLIENT] [WHAT YOU DELIVER] so they can [BENEFIT THEY EXPERIENCE].
I [BENEFIT] TO [IDEAL CLIENT]
Here they are IRL:
I help copywriters grow their businesses by expediting the time it takes them to write effective copy for their clients so they can have more time to take on more clients and make more money.
I provide a safety net to copywriters by consistently reviewing their work so they can consistently WOW their clients.
And yes, both of those statements powerfully – yet simply – describe what my team and I do at my copyediting agency.
The best part? Now you’ve got an ✨elevator pitch ✨
Start with the basics. Practice it. Refine it. And, of course, add your own spicy twist.
With your statement in hand, let’s put it to good use.
Find Copywriting Networking Opportunities in Weird Places
If you think networking means going to hoighty toighty conventions with a room full of strangers, dressed to impress, with a robotic elevator pitch in hand…
I’m here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be that way. So please, take off that “Hello, my name is _____” sticker and get comfy.
Because my favorite way to network in-person is through casual conversations.
Let me tell you a story.
At one point during my pregnancy, I thought for sure my water broke so I ran (waddled?) to the hospital. When you’re pregnant, they don’t send you to the ER, you have to go to labor and delivery (L&D).
So I was laying there, pregnant AF in bed, casually chatting with my nurse.
I used to be a nurse – so I made that instant connection by empathizing with the nursing struggle. I shared what I do as a copywriting coach and copy editor and she was actually super interested. I wish I had a business card, but I settled for giving her my email and the info for the Write Your Way to Freedom course.
I was in a lot of pain and never got to follow up. So if you’re out there, nurse that was helping me when I thought my water broke but I actually just peed a little – don’t be a stranger.
But my point is, copywriting networking opportunities are found everywhere. Especially when you’re passionate about what you do and like talking about it.
Networking Opportunities for Copywriters Who Don’t Want to Put Pants On
If the thought of having in-person conversations makes you shudder, rest easy, my friend. Online communities are another useful option. There isn’t a whole lot of pressure, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home wearing your favorite cozy cat slippers.
Here are three copywriting networking arenas you can explore today – after you finish reading this blog, of course. 😉
Social Media Groups and Pages
Join online groups and follow your favorite copywriters on social media for a quick and easy way to plant yourself in that space.
In copywriting groups, you can meet and collaborate with other writers. People ask questions, seek advice, and even post job opportunities.
But you should also join groups that aren’t all about copywriting. Find groups that:
Contain marketers from a variety of industries
Are specific to your niche
Cater to businesses in your local area
This is where you’ll find your target audience and people you can partner up with. Like a web designer who has clients with copy needs. Or your local veterinarian who needs marketing help.
Engage with posts, share insights, ask questions, and interact with people in the comments. With groups like this, it pays to be genuinely helpful and give more than you receive. So next time you want to doom scroll, fill your feed with posts from these groups. You’ll never know when a networking opportunity might pop up.
2. Forums and Discussion Boards
You can find these everywhere – and most of them are free. Some examples are Reddit’s copywriting subreddit, professional forums dedicated to copywriting, and Discord/Slack channels.
These places are a wealth of information, and it’s a great opportunity to network with other copywriters and business owners. To make the most of these boards, contribute to discussions, ask questions, and connect with other members.
3. Online Courses and Mastermind Communities
Now, these do require a financial investment. But I’ll tell you right now, the connections you make will pay off.
When you put yourself in these groups, you get the opportunity to network with like-minded people. You may find your next business bestie or someone to collaborate on projects with. And depending on the course, your target audience could be hanging out here too.
When you pay to be in your favorite copywriter’s mastermind group, you put yourself in front of them. You’ll be in their world. They’ll get to know you. And if you put yourself out there and show off your skills, that copywriter might just hire you for help.
The 3 Types of People You Should Network With
Online communities are game changers. But with all 5.8 billion people online,1 your efforts must be a little more targeted. Let’s talk about exactly *who* you should connect with to make the most meaningful connections for your biz.
1. Networking With Other Copywriters
Joining forces with other copywriters can unlock a whole new client base. I guarantee you know at least a handful of other copywriters. I promise you, they’re not your competition. In fact, they can help you boost your career and your reach.
Networking with fellow writers presents new opportunities to promote yourself – so clients come to you. Cross-promoting on Instagram, sharing audiences, and joint projects are just some of the ways you can partner up with other copywriters.
Everyone has their specialties, and it’s worth exploring how you can complement each other. If anything, you’ll have gained a new bestie who you don’t have to explain copywriting to. 😉
2. Networking Directly With Your Prospects
Yes, your clients are a part of your copywriting network!
Your current and past clients have their own network of business owners who most definitely need a copywriter – assuming they don’t have one already. So don’t be afraid to ask them to share your services.
When you come highly recommended by a previous client, the “know, like, and trust” factor is already there. That means less work on your end to sell your services and convince them you’re the person for the job.
As a bonus incentive for your clients, you can set up a referral program where they get a little kickback for sending leads your way. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or complicated, just something to show them you appreciate them for sharing your services.
3. Parallel Businesses
Parallel businesses are people who serve the same audience as you, but offer a different service. For copywriters, it would be people like:
Web Designers
Virtual Assistants (VAs)
Online Business Lawyers
Business coaches
Email marketers
Accountants
The list goes on.
Say, for example, you’re a copywriter that targets therapists. A parallel business would be coaches or courses that help therapists market their practice.
Same as networking with other copywriters, you can share audiences and cross-promote each others’ services.
There are even opportunities to create a full-service agency model. With your skills combined, you can serve a larger audience and offer done-for-you services – making you a force to be reckoned with.
Trust builds faster through personal connections. And personal connections are your warmest leads. No hard selling needed. Even if it doesn’t lead to a client relationship, you’re still fostering human connection – and that’s a win in my book.
Copywriting Networking Can Be Fun
Networking is a long game, but it doesn’t have to be one you play forever. When you create meaningful connections, you can generate ongoing referrals from a multitude of sources. Client acquisition turns into learning how to properly manage all the leads coming in.
And what’s great about your business is just that – it’s *YOUR* business. There isn’t ONE right way to approach copywriting networking. Or do anything for that matter. You get to do what feels right for you to find your version of success.
As a heart-centered coach for copywriters, I can help you build a solid client acquisition strategy that best fits you, your preferences, and your niche. Check out my coaching services here, and let’s get your calendar booked out with your dreamiest clients.
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