CONTENT WRITER BUSINESS

STARTER KIT

COPYRIGHT BUZZWORTHY CONTENT, LLC

 WELCOME
I’m Jessica Johnson—trained journalist, content agency I looked at the days I enjoyed the most—where I could be
owner, HuffPost and Ad Age contributor, and creative, feel ownership over my schedule, and dive into
content-writer mentor in Content Business Blueprint. projects I was most passionate about. What gave me the
But when you take away all of those titles, I’m just a freedom to work from anywhere. What paid me for every
woman who craves fulfillment, freedom, and the ability to minute I worked. What enabled me to easily get clients...
do meaningful work from anywhere… without sacrificing a without having to live on social media to do it.
life full of experiences along the way.
I was surprised to realize… it was content writing.
I know what it’s like to feel stuck inside a 9 to 5 or
struggling to get a new business off the ground. When I I began to lean into content writing as my main business.
was in corporate America, I enjoyed the work decently Within months, I had more work than I could do myself.
enough, and I could power through the meetings, and I I hired a team of writers. And I realized that I delighted in
could put up with the office politics… But I couldn’t help mentoring them, helping them build their own content
but wonder: was this the extent of my experiences for the businesses, and supporting them in finding the same
next 50 years? Hustle to get the next promotion, only to freedom I had to be their own boss.
lock myself into MORE work and LESS time outside those
office walls? I wanted everyone to experience this same freedom.
To feel the security of knowing they could easily pick up
I decided to take a leap and launch my first business—a work whenever they wanted. That they could make
health coaching business based on another passion of thousands of dollars each week. That they could work
mine. Although it took me a few years, eventually my from coworking offices in Barcelona, coffee shops in
calendar began filling with calls. At first, I was elated. But Amsterdam, or heck, even yoga pants on their own
eventually, it landed me right back where I started—on couch! That they could live the life of their dreams, and
the phone all day every day, working at all hours of the have the financial abundance and freedom to do it.
day (and night), trading my 40-hour corporate gig for my
80-hour coaching business for a fraction of the income. THAT’s what this guide is about. No matter how much (or
little) experience you have, you can use it to take the first
I took a step back to see what WAS working... steps into the world of content writing as a profitable,
fulfilling (and incredibly fun) business. Let’s get into it…
 DECIDING

YOUR VISION
YOUR VISION
First, it’s important to consider… What brought you here? Are you stuck in the
corporate grind, curious about a way out? Are you wanting to build an online business
or even support another side hustle? Are you looking for a way to work less so you can
spend more time with your family? Are you wanting to travel the world and have a job
that enables you to do it? Are you wanting to get out of debt? Are you wanting to learn
to secure clients so you have total financial independence?

Content writing can do all those things. It did for me. And it can for you, too.

While many writers charge $15 or $20/hour, the truth is that clients will happily pay you
$50 to $100/hour if you can demonstrate your value and position yourself accordingly.
(I teach the step-by-step process in Content Business Blueprint.) The chart below
shows how much you can make per year with a few weeks of vacation (without work).

RATE/HOUR HOURS/WEEK INCOME/YEAR HOURS/WEEK INCOME/YEAR

$50 20 $50,000 40 $100,000

$75 20 $75,000 40 $150,000

$100 20 $100,000 40 $200,000

But before we dive into HOW to get there, take a moment to get clear on the life you
want to create for yourself. Because once you’re able to earn $100/hour—that’s nearly
$1,000/day—life can change quickly!

You will be able to leave behind a job that no longer serves you, to create memorable
travel experiences, to make more of an impact for those in need, and to not just make
just enough to get by… but to create a beautiful life for yourself and your family.
What does that look like for YOU?
YOUR VISION
FUTURE PLANNING

Use the questions below to lock in your WHY. The more clear your vision, the more
powerful it will be and the faster you can create your new reality!

Why do you want to explore other options outside of your current occupation?
Example: I want the freedom to work from anywhere I choose on my own schedule.

What will you do when you are able to make $100/hour as your own boss?
Example: I will be able to pay off all of my debt, invest in my dream house,
and treat my family to bucket-list experiences all around the world.
YOUR VISION
What are you excited to leave behind as a copywriter?
Example: I’m most excited to leave behind office politics. OR, I will get to leave behind
struggling to make ends meet. I will be my OWN boss with a biz that can easily scale!

How would it feel to pivot what you’re already doing to be able to hit your income
goals quicker without constantly marketing, being on calls, etc.?
Example: I feel lighter just thinking of it. I had no idea content writing could be a way!

How will becoming a freelance copywriter empower you to create your dream life?
Example: I will earn so much that I will be able to support myself and my family. I will
have the security of knowing exactly how to make money and get clients any time.
 POLISHING

YOUR BRAND
YOUR BRAND
As a content writer, you don’t just represent the brands that you write for. You first and
foremost represent YOURSELF! As such, you want to position yourself in a way that gives
brands confidence in hiring YOU to represent THEM. The better you present yourself, the
more brands are likely to choose you over another copywriter and pay you a more
premium rate for your services!

Consider your social media accounts and internet presence like a mini portfolio. In this
digital age, most employers search your name online—or at the very least check out the
links you provide them—so we want to make sure that you don’t miss out on any
copywriting gigs because of incomplete accounts. Employers often use social media to
preview your writing skills, editing skills, and professionalism. To create a solid first
impression, polish your social media channels as outlined below...

⃞ Create a LinkedIn account if you don’t have one already.

⃞ Ensure your LinkedIn profile is as up-to-date as possible.
⃞ Position your previous work experience to feature writing or marketing.
(Even if you weren’t in a marketing position, you may have compiled
presentations, written copy, or managed a blog in your spare time.) For example...
● Grew personal social media accounts to 12,000+ followers
● Wrote blog posts for company website
● Helped edit contracts and identify spelling errors in complex material
⃞ Scan your social media accounts for any questionable photos that wouldn’t
necessarily SELL you as a partner (e.g. retire the college costume parties, etc.). ;)
⃞ Remove those photos and/or set your accounts to private for friends only.

While you CAN of course create a beautiful portfolio, this is truly the FIRST step in
polishing your personal brand—your storefront—so you can begin reaching out to clients.
YOUR BRAND
you may be wondering…
What if you want to build your content business on the side, or want to be more
discreet about your copywriter ambitions with your current employment situation?

No worries! You can absolutely build a successful freelance business without finding
clients on social media. In fact, I scaled my content business to multi 6-figures in its first
year without a single client from LinkedIn or Instagram, and barely a post online about it. I
teach you a different strategy to get clients each week in Content Business Blueprint
WITHOUT using your social media accounts to do so.

The main takeaway is: you want your appearance online to be professional. So while you
don’t have to change everything on your social media accounts overnight, do what you
can to ensure they reflect you in the best light possible. That means removing
questionable photos and pivoting to reflect writing or marketing experience *if* possible!

If you don’t have ANY writing or marketing experience, you can absolutely succeed. You
can leverage the industries that you DO have experience in to set yourself apart writing
for those fields. For example, maybe you’ve been in tech, education, or healthcare… you
are an expert in THOSE areas, whereas most writers are not. So once you learn the
writing side, you can be the go-to expert for those industries… then grow from there!

That’s just ONE idea for how to make yourself stand out right away, but don’t let your fear
of posting online deter you. One of the highlights of a content business is that you don’t
need to rely on social media to get clients — there are far more direct strategies, and I
can teach them to you if that’s your preference. You’re not alone!
 DEFINING

YOUR MARKET
YOUR MARKET
One of the best parts of being your own boss is that you get to decide exactly who you
want to work for. As a copywriter, you get to work in the industries that excite you most.
(That’s why it can be such a fun, fulfilling business!) So consider…

● What kind of brands excite you?

● What kind of industries would you love to work for?
● What size of companies seem most appealing?

This can change ANYTIME, but where would you like to BEGIN?

ANOTHER benefit of copywriting compared to other industries is that EVERY company

in the world needs copy—and they KNOW it. Every company has to represent
themselves via platforms like websites, social media, blog posts, guides, e-books, case
studies, and more. Most companies have MORE content to write than they can handle,
so you don’t have to convince companies that they need a copywriter. They KNOW
they need one! All you have to do is show why YOU are the best one to help them!
(Again, we cover this step-by-step in Content Business Blueprint so no worries there!)

If you’re the kind of person who feels more comfortable validating their idea before
they commit to something, use the template on the following page to confirm that
there are people out there who do in fact want (and need) help with copywriting.
YOUR MARKET
IDEA VALIDATION

⃞ Go to a site like UpWork or Indeed.

⃞ Search for job postings related to copy, writing, content, and blogs.
Note how many brands are out there asking for help with copy and content!

Want more?
⃞ Join a few groups on Facebook related to marketing, content, and/or copywriting.
⃞ Search copywriter to see how many people are requesting copywriting help.
Note all the coaches, consultants, and brands who are DREAMING of a copywriter!

Want EVEN more?

⃞ Post the following in one of those Facebook groups. Observe what comes up!

Hi everyone! I am about to start a copywriting business and am doing some

market research. I am just curious… what kinds of copy do you need most?
(Not a sales pitch—truly just trying to position myself correctly!) Thank you!

What did you notice from your market research?

 UNDERSTANDING

WHY COPY?
WHY COPY?
As mentioned, I took a winding route to finding freelance copywriting as my dream
6-figure business. I even considered (or attempted) other business models before I
found freelance copywriting. Here are a few of the top routes most people consider...

NETWORK MARKETING
Maybe someone’s befriended you in your DMs to sell you on the latest supplements...
Maybe you’ve even wondered if YOU could make a ton of cash in these companies.
Network marketing CAN be profitable but, according to the FTC, only 1% actually MAKE
money. I knew that, to replace my corporate income, I would have to build a massive
community AND sell a ton of items. And I just didn't personally feel that I was the gal
who could confidently sell products in DMs. With copywriting, I loved that brands
already KNEW they needed copy so there wasn’t a ton of SELLING them on it.

VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS (VAs)

While I have (and adore) my VA, this was another route that I decided was not for me
personally. I loved the creativity of copywriting. I loved how I could choose ONLY
projects I enjoyed. I loved that it was a mix of left-brain strategy and right-brain play.
Financially, I also loved that it enabled me to scale to higher rates quickly—charging
$50, $75, or $100/hour so I could achieve more work-life balance.

COACHING
I actually did this, becoming a wellness coach (another passion of mine) for a few
years. And while I loved helping others, it took me YEARS to finally gain traction. Those
years were expensive, leading to business debt I never thought I would take on and
completely drying up my savings. As my business finally became more successful, I
found myself in more calls than before I left corporate America. I wanted to find a way
to make a difference AND create freedom in my life. Content writing provided this rare
balance, which is why I believe it’s such an underrated path to being your own boss.
 So, content writer, you now have your…

● Clarity on how much you’re going to charge

● Plan for how many hours you need to work to get there
● Very important WHY for changing your life NOW
● Social media presence polished and READY for clients
● Idea validated by brands out there WAITING for a writer like you

You may be wondering...

WHAT’S NEXT?
If you’ve decided that content writing could be YOUR dream
6-figure business working for yourself, here’s your path forward...
 CHARTING

YOUR PATH
YOUR PATH
One of the things I love about copywriting is it’s SUCH a simple business model.

⃞ MASTER THE SKILL OF COPYWRITING + CONTENT STRATEGY

The good news is: copywriting is 100% a SKILL that can be learned. I train
writers every day at my agency so I know it’s possible for anyone ready to learn.
And if you want to charge premium rates, you have to understand the strategy
brands are looking for that elevates you from a writer to a true partner.

⃞ DEVELOP COMPELLING WRITING SAMPLES

Writing samples prove to brands that you have experience and can do the job.
Develop writing samples for each type of project you hope to get hired for.
Better yet, put them together in a beautiful portfolio that makes you look
professional, sets you apart from the competition, and sells higher rates.

⃞ BEGIN REACHING OUT TO PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS

There are MANY ways you can start getting clients. Just a few include freelance
websites, Facebook groups, online or in-person meet-ups, referrals from friends
and family, tapping into your network, and more.

⃞ DO AN INCREDIBLE JOB FOR YOUR CLIENTS

One of the amazing things about copywriting is that even a few clients tend to
be enough to get started because, when you do great work for them, they give
you more and more work as your relationship grows AND they refer other
brands to you. It takes very little client outreach once you get your first clients.
WA NT S U PPO RT?
My 8-week LIVE program, Content Business Blueprint, streamlines ALL of this for you.

✔
⃞ MASTER THE SKILL OF COPYWRITING + CONTENT STRATEGY
In Content Business Blueprint, learn how to write and edit AND learn content
strategies that enable you to charge premium rates and make you stand out.

✔
⃞ DEVELOP COMPELLING WRITING SAMPLES
As you learn to write, develop actual writing samples that you can use to secure
your first clients. By the end of the course, you have a stunning portfolio that
helps you get work, look professional, and earn more.

✔
⃞ BEGIN REACHING OUT TO PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS
Week by week, add an additional way to get clients to your repertoire. By the
time you graduate the course, you will have 10+ channels through which you can
secure clients and scale past 6-figures. Access templates for pitching yourself,
doing sales calls, and sending follow-ups to seal the deal.

✔
⃞ DO AN INCREDIBLE JOB FOR YOUR FIRST CLIENTS
Learn tools that make things like billing and time-tracking simple. Access best
practices for sending emails, corresponding with clients, sending contracts,
updating your portfolio, and representing yourself as the professional you are!

Content Business Blueprint takes ALL of the guesswork out of it for you and shows
you, from the ground up, step by step how to build your dream copywriting business.
WHY I MADE IT
After managing content strategy for global brands Through content writing, I went from being in
in corporate America (and a LOT of internal pep back-to-back meetings to working wherever and
talks) I took the leap into business. whenever I chose. I went from having to be 'on' all
I used freelance copywriting to support me in day to working when I was in the zone. I went from
building my first biz in wellness coaching. having no reliable income to generating $100 an
hour—and with no additional emails, messages, or
But the more successful that business became, meetings unless I got PAID for them.
the more I realized that I was winding up back
I was able to travel the world with a carry-on
where I started—on the phone all day, tied to my
suitcase and laptop. To eat tapas along the water
calendar, and so tired on weekends that I wanted
in Barcelona. To learn the Tango on a weekend in
to recharge under a pile of blankets instead of out
Argentina. To take a Wednesday off to visit the
making the most of my newfound freedom.
Alps in Switzerland. I worked out of co-working
I took a step back and saw the solution in the spaces in Portugal and cozy coffee shops in
most unexpected place: my trusty freelance Belgium. I felt so inspired, alive, and free.
content-writing career. Where the work had
I believe that anyone who is willing to work hard
always come so easily that I hadn't even
and chase their dreams should have this feeling.
considered that I could focus on it exclusively and
replace my corporate income... instantly. Content Business Blueprint is the step-by-step
blueprint I wish I would've had all along.
I began focusing on copywriting as my full-time
business, writing about the brands and industries I I’ve packed as much as I can into one guide, but I
was already so passionate about. Within months, I want to share EVERYTHING I know about how to
had so much work that I had to hire a team of create a whole different life and business through
writers. I realized that I DELIGHTED in helping copywriting. To generate $50, $75, or $100/hour
them build their businesses—in mentoring them (that’s nearly $1,000/day or $4,000/week!). To live
on how to write, in helping them earn more out every dream. To create freedom and financial
financially, in giving them the same time and independence for yourself and your family.
location freedom I had found.
I live and breathe the life that copywriting has
I wanted to share this feeling with everyone. given me AND I absolutely love mentoring others.
If you want to be one of them, check out Content
That's how Content Business Blueprint was born!
Business Blueprint and see if it’s right for you!
AN INVITATION

for anyone wanting to...

● Charge up to $100 for every hour you work. That means you could easily
pocket $200K per year working 40 hour/week OR work half that time and still
cash in a cool $100K/year.

● Have complete ownership over your schedule. Want to take a yoga class
midday? Sleep in on weekday mornings? Take afternoons off with your kids?
Only take calls on Wednesday... or not at all? You're the boss, so it's
completely your choice. Design your life EXACTLY how you like it.

● Travel the world working from your laptop. Work from cafes in Paris,
coworking offices in Barcelona, poolside in Tulum—or from the comfort of
your own home. As long as you have a computer and Wifi, you're in business.

● Create financial independence. Run a successful multi-6-figure business.

Save for your children's future, create memories around the world, give back
to others in need, support a side hustle, or all of the above. Feel the peace,
confidence, and security of knowing that you can easily get clients any time
you want to and that you never have to worry about money again.

● Be able to completely design your life. Break free from office politics,
unnecessary meetings, and 24/7 emails. Work with only the clients you
believe in and on projects you enjoy. Live in fulfillment, creativity, and
inspiration while making the impact you are here to make.

ALL OF THIS IS 100% POSSIBLE FOR YOU.

I did it, my students are doing it, and you can do it, too!
 CONTENT BIZ
BLUEPRINT
AN 8-WEEK ONLINE PROGRAM TO BUILD A 6-FIGURE COPYWRITING BIZ

HONE YOUR WRITING + EDITING ABILITIES

Whether you're a new writer or already have some writing chops,
learn how to solidify your writing skills, write for different formats, and
learn the strategy that enables you to charge premium rates like $100/hour.

DEVELOP A PORTFOLIO + WRITING SAMPLES

A portfolio helps set you apart from the competition and demonstrate
your expertise. Step-by-step in this program, develop work samples so you
graduate with a polished portfolio that SELLS your expertise and value.

LEARN EXACTLY HOW TO GET CLIENTS

Many courses teach people to write, but none teach you how to get
clients and position yourself to earn premium rates. This one teaches
all of the above and even provides your very first client leads.

GET PERSONALIZED SUPPORT ON LIVE COACHING CALLS

Optional live weekly coaching calls answer your questions and connect you
with like-minded entrepreneurs. Your life is the average of the five people you
spend the most time with, so this community will support your DREAM life.

GET ACTUAL FEEDBACK ON YOUR WRITING SAMPLES

Receive (gentle) feedback to become a better writer and develop work samples that
SELL. The fastest way to improve is to have a mentor weigh in instead of guessing
your way through everything. NO other course offers this much 1:1 feedback!

POSITION YOURSELF TO CHARGE PREMIUM RATES

Many copywriters settle for $15/hour when, with the right strategy and
positioning, they could charge up to $100/hour. Learn exactly how to
demonstrate your expertise so clients are happy to pay you well.
 CONTENT
BUSINESS
BLUEPRINT
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