From Blank Page to First Client: My Journey to Becoming a Copywriter

I have always wanted to be a writer. I dreamed of writing the next great American novel, becoming a journalist, traveling the world, and creating the experiences I had for the next generation.

That was the plan anyway..

I can’t pinpoint exactly when I gave up on that dream—probably sometime in high school, when boys became more interesting. My career path led me into an administrative role, but I still loved writing. I volunteered for every writing project I could, and I excelled.

Many years later, after much trial and error through various industries, I realized writing was my calling. I was a good admin, but an even better writer. Copywriting evolved in a somewhat accidental manner. I hadn’t heard of it specifically, but once I researched it, I noticed it was what I had already been doing. The time came for me to step out from the shadows of corporate America and step into full-time entrepreneurship. Boy, was that a scary move!

Admittedly, I fell into the trap that most do. I thought I could take a course and build a business overnight that would explode, and I’d be a 6-figure writer by the end of my first year. Saying it out loud just makes it sound silly. But I truly believed it. Spoiler alert… I did not make six figures in either my first or second year. What I did make were excellent connections within a network, steady clients who helped me hone my craft, and I was able to narrow my field of expertise.

Your first 3 years in business are your building years. My advice? Build out your templates for all necessary documents, including contracts, emails, social posts, and more. Register your business federally and with your state. Trademark your logo. Build out referral programs, pricing lists, and of course, your portfolio.

One mistake to avoid: don’t get so caught up in building that you forget actually to prospect, network, and do business with clients. Early on, I joined a local networking group called My Christian Business Network. In today's digital age, online networking has become the go-to option, especially for introverts. However, in my experience, I have made the strongest connections and received more referrals from those I networked with in person.

It's a common occurrence when you first start out, not having a clear vision for the future of your business. If that's you, take this opportunity to brain dump everything you want: personally, professionally, for yourself, for others, and so on. From there, you can navigate a plan with action steps to achieve your vision. This was not easy for me. I struggled for a long time to map a vision for where I wanted to be aside from the dollar amount I wanted to make.

I partnered with an executive leadership coach who provided me with excellent strategies on how to cast a vision and achieve it. If you don’t have someone coaching you, I highly recommend Cora J Dugan. Her knowledge of business planning is unmatched.

Becoming a copywriter wasn’t just a career change; it was a calling I had to rediscover. And maybe that’s where you are right now, standing between what’s familiar and what’s possible. Start small, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of consistent action. You don’t need to have it all figured out; you just need to begin.

Looking back, I can see God’s hand in every detour, delay, and connection. None of it was wasted. If you feel that tug on your heart to write, don’t ignore it. Trust that the gift in you was placed there for a reason, and it’s time to use it.

If you’d like to stay connected, I share a monthly newsletter filled with copywriting tips, a peek at what’s brewing behind the scenes, and a cozy corner for coffee and good reads. Subscribe here and pull up a chair—you’re welcome at my table.

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