Writing that Works - Aaron's Copywriting
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in freelancing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aaron Slack, Founder of Aaron's Copywriting, located in Rochester, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a freelance copywriter providing other businesses with marketable content. My most popular services are website landing pages, e-mails, and articles, but copywriting has endless applications. My clients come from diverse industries, including marketing, real estate, manufacturing, retail, and professional services. Each of them has unique goals, but all of them hire me to make a bold business impact.
Tell us about yourself
Before I was a freelancer, I was hopping from job to job, trying to find anything I could make a career out of. I've never been afraid of hard work, but every job has its drawbacks. Whether it's forty hours a week in a stale office environment or getting home so exhausted you just want to sleep; it's no wonder so many describe their professions as "soul-crushing." After the millionth time reviewing a job description with outrageous requirements for an insulting wage, I had enough. I remembered a conversation with a friend who said she did freelance writing to supplement her income. Out of curiosity, I researched if people could make a viable living from this type of work. I found that even the median income of freelance writers was way higher than I could "work my way up to" at any other job I've had. More importantly, I wouldn't have to sink decades of my life into a cubicle. Now, I work at home with my cat as my coworker. I have more motivation because my hard work actually pays off. I'm not grinding away, making someone else richer for a $1.00 raise at the end of the year. My efforts, my business, and my services are all things I can take pride in and call my own.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My business is too young to have impressive accolades yet, but Upwork named me a "Top-Rated Freelancer," for whatever that's worth. The fact that I built my business from nothing but a penchant for writing is my biggest accomplishment so far, but I'm excited to see what the future holds. I have many ideas I'd like to develop.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Getting started. In the beginning, you have nothing to show. No reviews, no presence, and only a tiny portfolio. This starting point is hard to break past, but even the biggest businesses had to begin at square one.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan. The more you figure out before you launch, the less stressful it will be to get started. This is why so many people start their businesses as a side project. It takes time to figure out your product, positioning, market, competitors, and all the other logistics of a business. Don't just plan your next step. Plan the next ten.
- Treat every client like a million-dollar account. Even small sales can turn into repeat business or a referral. Plus, you're only as good as your most recent work.
- Be persistent. The road to success is paved with rejection letters. Don't take it personally; just get back to the grindstone.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://aaronscopywriting.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaroncopywrites
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronslackcopywriting/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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