
In this quick video, Copy Sharks founder Mike Swigunski delivers a personal welcome message into the program, giving a few key details about his background and what the has to offer you as a Copy Sharks mentor.
In this video, Copy Sharks co-founder Thomas Tenova delivers a personal welcome message in this video. Like Mike, Tom explains his background in writing, his career trajectory thus far, and what he hopes to share with you as a member of this program
So, what is freelancing anyways? In order to be well prepared to dive into the freelance economy, it's important to understand your role as a freelancer in today's freelance marketplace.
Mike dives into the importance of finding a niche within writing that pays and you have some level of passion towards, one of the unexpected perks of a role like this.
Also explained is the role that platforms like Upwork play in the Copy Sharks methodology. Upwork is our preferred platform of choice when using marketplaces to obtain freelance work, and with a sound understanding of the company itself, you're all the more prepared to hit the ground running!
There's an old saying that says something to the effect of "the riches are in the niches," and in the case of freelance writing, this is absolutely the case!
A huge part of our philosophy here at Copy Sharks is to focus not just on what works but to double down on the most effective means to the ends you're seeking and eschew all else. There are freelance writers who make $1,000 per year, and those who make $1,000,000 per year, all while doing almost the same amount of work.
What is the difference here? The difference is in the niches chosen!
Put simply, some types of writing pay far better than others, and if you're a smart freelancer, you'll be seeking out those that pay the best and, in due time, letting the less-than-stellar opportunities slide.
Now, as a beginner, it's important just to get your feet wet and start ASAP with whatever you can get your hands on. However, on a macro level, it is key to remember that, once again...the riches are in the niches.
In this video, Tom discusses the following...
Search Engine Optimization - articles that are specifically written to rank on Google.
Affiliate Blog Posts - blog posts designed to help sell a product, earning the publisher a commission for each sale.
Financial Writing - specialized writing in the financial industry, often having to do with cryptocurrency, stock trading, or currencies.
In addition to sharing the various niches one can write in, Tom shares a few key tips on finding jobs on platforms like Upwork and how to optimize your experience when submitting proposals.
When it comes to locking down the initial gigs that will kickstart your career, the name of the game is to be careful, measured, and precise.
This is not an area where you should "spray and pray" proposals out to all and any content writing jobs that you fancy. Instead, it's time to be as diligent as possible when actually reaching out to potential clients.
Remember: the LAST thing you EVER want to do as a freelancer is just copy and paste the same message to dozens, if not hundreds of would-be clients.
Seriously guys, don't do this!
Nothing turns off a potential buyer more than them feeling like they're just one of the thousands of people you've spammed that month.
Luckily for you, there's a better, more effective way of moving forward. In the above module, Mike shares his custom search strategy and a few key tips for standing out amongst the hungry masses in today's freelance economy.
This is one of the most important modules in this entire course, so watch it twice if you have to. Skip it at your own peril!
As the old adage states, "First impressions are everything." While this is true for personal relationships, it's also critical in the business world as well.
Your Upwork portfolio is the first point of contact a potential client is going to have with you. As such, it is an absolute necessity to follow all of the best practices laid out in this video.
Remember: you are aiming to be in the top 1% of freelancers, not just some run-of-the-mill person who happens to work online sometimes.
In the above video, Thomas highlights a few key sections of your Upwork profile, including testimonials, skills, and choosing an optimal profile picture.
This is an area where a little preparation can pay off BIG time. Do not be afraid to spend a little time getting feedback from others and really diving into making your profile all that it can be.
Marketing & sales are often seen as scary words to creative folks, who may rather wax poetically in a word document than engage in transactions, business, and accounting.
Luckily for you, to be a top 1% freelance writer, you hardly have to be a hardcore salesperson. In fact, most of the time, you just have to be better than the 99% of the competition in your rear-view mirror.
In the above module, Mike goes through a few key tips on how to actually land clients that will line your pockets and keep you as busy as possible, covering the most crucial mistakes that keep plenty of freelance writers broke and without work, stressing the importance of featuring example work in your Upwork profile.
Let me ask you a question: if you paid someone a hefty fee to get something done for you...would you expect top-dollar treatment in return?
You bet you would! In the above video, Thomas shares his philosophy on how to treat a client so that they become a lifetime customer of yours.
Customer service in the freelance game is all about applying a "white glove" service standard to those who have trusted you enough to buy from you.
In the business world, this means you are accessible, polite, and aiming to please!
Remember: as a freelancer, you are in the "services" business. You are here to serve others.
Think of a time when you've experienced superior customer service. Maybe it was that Amazon representative who immediately sent you a new item when your package didn't arrive or that waiter who knows your favorite order at that great little Italian restaurant you love so much.
Maybe it was that attentive hotel concierge who suggested the perfect destinations to visit on your last vacation, or maybe it is the mailman who always brings your packages up to your house instead of leaving them in the mailbox.
Regardless of your background, you know what it's like to feel as if someone truly cares about you and the outcome of your relationship, whether transactional or not.
This, my friends, is the crux of delivering excellent service as a freelance writer.
Interestingly enough, writing itself is just one aspect of the game of becoming a successful freelancer.
While it is, arguably, the most important part of the process of going from 0 to freelance hero, you won't be doing much writing if you don't have the above modules nailed down!
So, if you've skipped straight to this part of the course, we would suggest making sure that you fully understand the process of optimizing your profile as well as client outreach before diving in here.
If you've done all of the above—great!
In the above module, Thomas delivers a crash course on some of the key points to keep in mind when writing any type of paid work. This can include ensuring a strong thesis statement exists within your first (or first few) paragraphs, that your supporting details are clearly identifiable in your body paragraphs, and that your conclusion aptly sums the content itself up nicely.
Lastly, Thomas touches on the importance of "matching the energy" of the brands you are collaborating with. A bohemian hemp clothing company's article will read differently than a company selling sports supplements, and as a creator, it is on you to match the tone of each client.
Writing is an artform, and it is here that we dive into the flowery, creative side of the craft.
So...what's next?
Well, first off, you are owed a hearty congratulations! You've completed the program.
You now have a base of knowledge that can be scaled out into a nice little side hustle to earn some extra money for yourself.
You've done what 99% of others cannot do: get started, and with what we've taught you so far, you are ready to jump into the freelance marketplace.
BUT...let's say that you wanted to take it a step further, shoot for the stars, and aim to become a six-figure freelancer.
If that sounds like you, you my need a bit more help.
That is exactly where Copy Sharks - The Freelance Writer Bootcamp comes in handy.
Copy Sharks is the only course of its kind, a program designed to show you how to replace your current income entirely and become a self-made, self-paid freelancer.
Now...you might be asking yourself, "Wait! Didn't I just complete a course on this stuff? Aren't I ready to get started NOW?"
Well, yes, and no.
You see, learning to become a successful freelance writer is an ongoing process that takes many years to master. While our Udemy program is a fantastic way to hit the ground running, for 90% of you, you will need a bit more guidance, especially if you want to make the big bucks.
Once you've got the basics down, and if you're hungry to quit your day job and join the elite freelancers who are travelling the world while working remotely, you can apply to join Copy Sharks - The Freelance Writer Bootcamp.
You can apply at the following link: https://www.copysharks.com/call
This program is essentially the "little brother" of Copy Sharks, and for $20, we've given you a very thorough rundown of the freelance game. But, if you want to break through and "make it," you will probably need more training.
That's where Copy Sharks comes in.
Copy Sharks is the only program of its kind, giving you a 360-degree view of today's freelance market and how to dominate it. In addition to a complete 6-week bootcamp that is designed to show you how to make $3,000 to $9,000 per month, the program offers another set of unique benefits...
1. Private Community Access - All current and prior students of Copy Sharks have access to our Slack channel, where you can collaborate with a larger community of writers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. We have discussions almost every week about the ins and outs of freelancing and the most common questions that pop up. Collaborating with others and being in a supportive environment is crucial to your success as a freelancer, and our community does exactly this!
2. Exclusive 24/7 Chat Access to Mike + Tom - As a member of the Copy Sharks program, Mike and Tom are available to personally work with you every step of your freelance life. Whether it's how to submit a proposal on Upwork to personalized feedback on one of your pieces, your instructors will be there to help.
3. Monthly Private Training Seminars - Every month, the Copy Sharks crew releases a private training seminar that is exclusively reserved for our community. We aim to stay on the razor's edge of the content-writing industry with our webinars, keeping you up to date on what is what within the industry,
4. First Paid Gig Guarantee + Paid Agency Referral of $1k Per Month - As a member of Copy Sharks, we can guarantee to get you your first PAID gig. On top of this, Copy Sharks students are given the chance to work directly with an agency that can promise $1,000 per month in income upon completing the program. Yes, that's right, we can directly connect you with an employer upon completing the program. We are the only program of our kind that offers paid placements to successful alumni, and you could be next.
So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a call with us to apply today to join the Copy Sharks Freelance Writing Bootcamp. This gives you the chance to personally meet Mike and Tom, talk about where you're at as a freelancer, and figure out how we can get you to live a life of freelance freedom.
Book a Free Call With #1 Bestselling Author, Forbes Contributor and Nomadic Entrepreneur to learn more about the Copy Sharks program below.
https://www.copysharks.com/call
PS...these calls are very limited so if you see the link here make sure to book a call today!
Not ready yet? Well, if you want a sneak peek at our program...take a look no further. The below two modules are a preview of some of our favorite lessons!
This freelance writing course will teach you to make money online in weeks, even if you are a complete beginner! Over the years, the instructors have built six, seven, and even eight-figure online businesses, written a best-selling book, and even published for prestigious publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Lonely Planet.
This is the place to start if you want to make money with freelance writing with Upwork!
In this program, you'll learn the following...
1. Introduction To Your Instructors: Mike Swigunski & Thomas Tenova
Meet Mike Swigunski: Bestselling Author, Forbes/Entrepreneur Contributor, and Nomadic Entrepreneur that has brokered more than $120M worth of online businesses and assets
Meet Thomas Tenova: Professional DJ turned Freelance Writer who now operates a seven-figure writing agency with 60+ writers spanning the globe!
2. Freelance Writing Overview + Upwork For Beginners
Learn precisely what is freelancing and freelance writing and how it works.
Find out the exact process and formula to make an income and build a side hustle with freelance writing.
Learn about who you are writing for and how the freelance writing process works
What is UpWork? How does it work? We will teach you everything you need to know.
3. Top Three Secret Pillars of Freelance Success
Being a SUCCESSFUL Freelance Writer takes more than just being a writer. We show you the three pillars of success.
Pillar #1: Profitable Niche Selection (How To Turn Words Into Dollars)
Pillar #2: Landing Your Initial Gigs (How To 10x Your Pitches)
Pillar #3: Optimizing Your Freelance Portfolio (How To Rank SEO + Convert)
4. Main Three Key Skills of the Top 1% of Freelancers
Marketing & Sales: Winning the TOP Paying gigs and a profile that converts
Customer Service: Delivering a high-quality customer experience to your clients
Writing Process: How to deliver the best writing your client has ever seen in a streamlined process
5. Conclusion + Scaling Up!
Did you love this program? If so, you are in luck since you can continue to learn more about the Copy Sharks - The Freelance Writing Bootcamp that will allow you to LEVEL up even further and build a six-figure side hustle in six weeks.