Knowing when to say no is always a challenge.

As a human race, we are people pleasers; we want to be able to help.

And when copywriting is always about helping and supporting businesses, it can be hard to know when to say no.

Learning how to prioritise ourselves is a life lesson we are continually learning (has anyone ever actually fully figured this out?…asking for a friend), but it’s crucial to know when to do this in your copywriting business.

When you have a full plate

Saying no when you are overloaded with work already reduces the likelihood of overworking yourself. You don’t have to work yourself into the ground. Just because your freelancing weekly and even daily hours are always fluctuating allows you to wriggle things in, you still don’t have to sacrifice your free time to accommodate everyone.

But secondly, it also means the quality of your work won’t suffer for trying to squeeze everyone in. Apologies for using a cliché, but it’s true; Don’t put your eggs in too many baskets —it will show.

When you won’t enjoy it

This is a tricky one to balance. We are taught that work is work, and sometimes you do just have to get on with it. However, if you are asked to write a piece on something you don’t believe in, understand, or have any vague intrigue in, chances are your piece will show it.

You should enjoy the research process, the crafting process, and be excited to deliver your piece to your client. If not, perhaps you are not suited to one another for this particular brief and that’s okay.

When you aren’t being treated fairly

Whether it’s pay, the volume of work expected in an unrealistic set of time, or even revisions. If you feel like you are being used or undervalued say no.

This applies to work experience and internships too, there has to be a balance and a mutual level of respect. Value your skillset and don’t let others take advantage of it or undermine it.

Beginner or expert, saying no is a positive and not a negative. Know your boundaries and keep producing excellent copy you enjoy for businesses.

If you are looking for a copywriter, please do get in touch. I’d love to discuss what you’re looking for and help create a flourishing bit of copy for you and your readers.