One of the best things about digital copywriting is the sheer volume of opportunity.
It’s like the snake in the can gag… you pop the top and a lot more comes flying out than even seemed possible.
It’s exciting and exhilarating.
But I also know from talking to writers that it’s overwhelming.
When there are so many possibilities, how do you know where to focus? How do you take the first step when it seems like there are so many different “first step” options? Which one is the right one?
This uncertainty about moving forward leads to a common mindset trap. You start waiting for someone to tell you what the next step is. Sometimes you reach out and ask what your next step should be, which is absolutely fine when you’re feeling stuck. More than fine, it shows good initiative.
Except… you also need to learn to trust yourself. Because nobody can make your writer’s life happen but you.
If you’re feeling stuck on your first step or your next step, try these three things to break out of that “nervous about doing something wrong” mindset and adopt an “I’m not afraid to try things” mindset instead.
Start Small and Escalate
It’s natural to feel worried about making a mistake. I can remember getting started and thinking that if I made a mistake, somehow everyone would know and no one would want to hire me.
But while it’s natural to feel worried about mistakes, it’s also silly. We all make mistakes. Most of them are no big deal and go wholly unnoticed by the world. Some of them we have to work to set right. That’s life, and it’s also part of owning a business.
To get past this fear about taking the wrong step, start by taking a small step. Do you want to get on LinkedIn, but imposter syndrome sets in when you think about posting? Start by commenting on other people’s posts… And then share other people’s stuff with your own thoughts… And then start sharing your own original posts.
This type of progression lets you gain confidence while building the habit of taking bigger and bolder actions.
Be Accountable
Whether it’s to a friend, your spouse, or an accountability group, having someone you’re accountable to can help you decide what steps you want to take — you have someone to bounce your ideas off of to see what makes the most sense for you. And then being accountable can encourage you to follow through — it’s uncomfortable having to tell your accountability partners that you haven’t made any progress.
But, here’s the catch about being accountable. You have to decide on your next step. You can talk it through with your partner or group, but ultimately what action you take is your call.
Being accountable in this way can help you gain confidence about the decisions you make and your ability to follow through on them.
Have a Staring Contest with Your Fears
If you’re having a hard time choosing what to do next and you’re waiting for someone to tell you how to move forward, I’d be willing to bet there’s a fear lying underneath your hesitation.
Human beings are notorious for ignoring, masking, and rationalizing their fears.
So ask yourself, “Why am I afraid to make a choice here? What am I worried will happen if I get it wrong?”
I don’t know what your answer will be. From experience, it could be that you’re afraid of wasting your time… you’re afraid of looking silly… you’re afraid of failing… you’re afraid of succeeding… you’re afraid of letting someone down.
Get very honest with yourself about what scares you. And then, ask yourself what happens if you don’t do anything, if you don’t move forward. Usually, your fears pale in comparison to the consequences of doing nothing.
Uncertainty is uncomfortable and not moving forward when you’re unsure is normal. But you don’t have to be normal. Use these three strategies to make yourself exceptional… and start building a writing business you’ll love.
Don’t Forget!
There’s an open Practice Assignment right now. This is a chance for you to tackle a Pay-Per-Click ad. Visit this page to read the brief (it’s for a made-up company but reflects the kind of information you can expect to receive from clients), and then give PPC ad writing a shot. Submit your work to me by April 21 for a chance to have it reviewed in a live webinar session.
Did You Miss This?
One of the ways you can demonstrate your professionalism is by turning in polished, ready-to-publish copy. To do that, you need solid proofreading skills. In this recent addition to our Web & SEO Content column, Jonna Jerome explores 13 different ways you can make sure your copy is ready for its close-up. Give it a read!
Working on standing out on social media? For a professional writer like yourself, LinkedIn is the place to be. Even better, LinkedIn provides some excellent ways for you to get in front of your target audience. Bonnie Fanning walks you through using newsletters, live events, and hashtags to increase your reach and following. You can find her tips here.
And don’t miss Jennifer Ayling’s newest Reality Blog. Inside she shares a way to offer your services to clients you might not have considered. See how VIP Days might fit into your own services lineup.
Coming Up on Digital Copywriter
April 18: On Tuesday, Nick Usborne is joining me for a fun, fast-paced interview where we’ll explore the ins and outs of choosing a topic for your Money-Making Website. If you love the idea of this kind of site but keep getting hung up on what to write about, this event is tailor-made for you. More details coming soon.
April 27: Learn more about writing an effective Pay-Per-Click ad by joining us for a live review of ads submitted by your fellow Digital Copywriter members. You’ll see how to recognize what’s working and how to make your weaker elements stronger. This is a great way to hone your skills on a project that companies need! Details will be posted soon.
3 Things I Thought You Might Enjoy
Hat tip to Ann Handley for sharing this LinkedIn carousel tool. If you’ve ever wondered how you can create your own LinkedIn carousel posts, this is the tool you need.
You were meant to be outside more! See how time in nature can benefit your health — both physical and mental. I don’t know about you, but I write better when I feel good, so a little more time outside could lead to better writing.
Help your clients get more conversions by understanding different types of buyers. From The Good.
That’s all for now. Have a great weekend!
