Vertu Marketing LLC

**Myths That Prevent The Self-Employed From Reaching Their Potential**

Self-employed individuals often doubt themselves and their ideas or talents. This insecurity can lead to missed opportunities that may limit the ability to grow a business. If you’re self-employed, you may believe some of the myths that often hold entrepreneurs back. By being aware of these common misconceptions, you can avoid letting them hinder your success.

Self-employed individuals are on their own

Even self-employed people need, and are allowed to ask for, help. Whether you need advice from someone who has more experience than yourself, or you need to hire out specific tasks so you can focus on your own strengths, seek help when you need it. A successful self-starter knows how to delegate and how to focus their efforts where they’re most needed.

Growth must be quick for you to be successful

Many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs started out small. It’s expensive and risky to build a huge empire all at once. Staying within your budget is key when you work for yourself because your income is solely reliant on you alone. Depending on your work, you may need to actively network and advertise your brand, but you can do that at a reasonable pace, so you don’t get burnt out and overworked.

Every idea must be groundbreaking

You don’t have to invent or do something completely different to find success when you’re self-employed. You simply must outperform your competitors. Find your edge and use it to your advantage. Stay on top of the trends and technology in your field so that you’re able to adapt your business as the market changes.

When you work for yourself, there is a lot of pressure to find success on your own. But you’re not alone, even when self-employed. It’s essential to ask for help when you need it and to delegate to others when possible. Don’t fall for the myths that you have to grow your business quickly and you must create an entirely new product or service to be successful.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Best Holiday Gifts For Writers**

It’s that time of year when a lot of people are thinking about holiday gift-giving. Buying gifts can be stressful, especially if you’re buying for someone that you don’t know well. But if you know some of their interests, the gift buying process can be much easier. When it comes to anyone who enjoys writing, whether professionally or just for fun, there are some gifts that are likely to please. So, if you have a writer in your life, the following tips may help you find the perfect gift for this holiday season.

Writing tools

While much writing is done on a computer screen, many writers still appreciate the act of putting pen to paper. There is something satisfying about using a good pen on high-quality paper to write a story or even the weekly grocery list. Good pens aren’t cheap, but they are much appreciated by those who enjoy the act of writing. Calligraphy pens and fountain pens are popular among many writers and they allow for much creativity when writing on paper.

Quality notebooks

To some, a notebook is a notebook. But for writers, paper quality matters. Good paper holds up to ink and doesn’t allow the ink to bleed through. It has a sturdy feel when you’re writing on it and for a writing enthusiast, the feel of the paper is important. Notebooks come with different types of paper. They may be lined or unlined and some include features like ribbon bookmarks, page numbers, and thick covers to protect the pages inside.

Gadgets

While paper and pen are timeless, there is something to be said for technology that allows someone to write on the go. Digital notebooks can be ideal for those who travel frequently, especially if they’re constantly taking notes or writing down new ideas. Some digital pens can even transcribe words written on paper using Bluetooth technology, sending the words directly to the linked device.

Gift-giving season is upon us, but choosing gifts can add stress to an already hectic time of year. If you have a writer in your life, consider giving them a gift they will enjoy. A good pen or a high-quality notebook is sure to make most any writer happy. If you want to splurge, consider a writing gadget designed to make writing, whether for work or for fun, more enjoyable.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Common Misconceptions You May Encounter As A Freelancer**

When you work as a freelancer, you may come across people who don’t really understand what you do. Because it’s a non-traditional way of living, you may get questions from your friends and family about your work. No one wants to be criticized about what they do to make a living, and most people who question you are probably genuinely curious, so it’s a good idea to have some answers ready when you get the inevitable questions about your job as a freelancer.

You’re not working a real job

If you don’t work a traditional 9-5, many people wonder what you do all day. When you’re a freelancer, you may have odd hours and probably work from home often. While working from home is more common now than ever, if you work for yourself, others may perceive you as being lazy and just sitting around at home all day. If someone is curious about what you do, tell them about the projects you’re working on and how much time it takes you to complete a project.

You’re not making an honest living

Because freelancers are generally paid by the project, many people equate that to not making an honest wage. You may get questions about how you’re paid and what you make per project. In most circles, this is considered rude, and people usually would never outright ask someone how much money they make. Feel free to share if you feel comfortable, but don’t feel obligated to talk about your financial situation if it makes you uncomfortable.

You think you’re better than “traditional” workers

Some people believe that anyone who chooses a non-conventional career path sees themselves as superior. However, people choose to freelance for many reasons. You can explain your reasons for choosing the freelance lifestyle which may include independence, a desire for a different type of work schedule, or the freedom to choose which projects you want to work on.

While you should never feel obligated to defend your method of earning a living, you will likely encounter questions when you work as a freelancer. Answer what you feel comfortable with and ignore the criticism. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a non-traditional job and as long as you’re happy with your situation, the opinions of others don’t matter.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Remote Workers Should Be Aware Of Potential Legal Issues**

Working remotely has many benefits. It saves a lot of time and gas money since you don’t have to commute to work. Working remotely is convenient for people who may not have access to reliable transportation or who prefer to work alone without the distractions of an office. However, there are some legal concerns that remote workers should be aware of. Most are related to where you work remotely and where your employer’s home base is located.

You may not be able to work everywhere

Some people are under the impression that remote workers can just pack up their gear and work while traveling, but this isn’t always the case. Depending on the type of job you have and your employer’s location, you may be restricted to working only in the state in which your employer is licensed. Before taking a job where you’ll be working remotely, be sure you understand your employer’s regulations and know where you’re legally allowed to work. Independent contractors usually don’t have to worry about such regulations since they are considered self-employed.

Taxes, labor laws, and other concerns

In the U.S. tax laws can vary greatly from state to state. Your employer is responsible for paying taxes on all remote workers, but if someone is working out of state, the laws in that state may differ from the laws where the employer is licensed. This can cause complications for the employer and employee. Labor laws can prevent you from legally working in another state. Minimum wages and overtime pay can also vary from one state to another, which can cause legal concerns if you work while traveling.

Remote workers enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with the job, but it’s important to be aware of the legal concerns. When you work remotely, be sure to understand your employer’s guidelines for where you can work and know the laws in your state regarding remote work. Because the tax and labor laws vary so much from one state to another, you should always consult your employer before traveling to another state for remote work. It’s important to avoid encountering legal issues, which could be costly and time-consuming.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**How To Handle The Holidays As A Freelancer**

The holidays can be stressful for everyone. Whether it’s making sure you have time to celebrate with loved ones, dealing with financial concerns, or traveling, you may not feel like you can relax during this busy time of year. Freelance workers often struggle with taking time off for holidays because time off means no income. If you have a project due, it’s often tempting to get in just a few minutes of work even on days when you could be spending time with friends and family. Time off is important for everyone, especially around the end of year holidays. The best way to enjoy your holiday season is to make plans that will allow you to take some time away from work.

Budget and save

If you haven’t already, start a holiday savings account. Put a little bit back each month to buy gifts and other things during the holidays. Come up with a budget based on your expected income and try to stick with it. It can be helpful to take on more work as the holidays approach if you have some extra time and need additional income. The most important thing is to try not to overwork yourself.

Step away from work

When your income is reliant on completing projects, and often dealing with many different clients at a time, you may work as much as possible year-round. But this can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Freelance workers, like everyone else, need time off, especially during busy seasons like the fall and winter holidays. When possible, complete projects early and let your regular clients know that you’ll be unavailable for work on specified dates. If you have a budget in place and have saved throughout the year, you should be able to manage a few days away from work so you can enjoy time with your loved ones.

When planning for the holidays, it’s important to have realistic expectations. When you work freelance, your income is not always steady, and without savings, you may not have enough to buy gifts for everyone on your list. Stick to a budget so you don’t put yourself in a financial bind and start saving for next year so you’re better prepared and can allow yourself to enjoy the holidays with your friends and family.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Improving Your Memory Can Make You A Better Writer**

It’s not uncommon for many people to deal with memory issues as they get older. It isn’t just something that happens in old age but can happen earlier in life than people expect. Memory loss can be frustrating, but it can also affect your ability to work efficiently. If you work in a field like writing, improving your memory skills can actually help you be a better writer.

Recognizing the problem

The first step in improving your memory is realizing when it becomes a problem. As a writer, you may find yourself looking up words or phrases more frequently because you can’t remember how to spell or use them. This can really impact your productivity and it’s also demoralizing when you realize you’re not working as efficiently as you could be. Once you realize that you’re forgetting things more frequently, it’s time to take steps to improve your memory skills.

How to improve your memory skills

The brain needs to be challenged to stay healthy. One of the best ways to challenge your brain, which in turn will improve your ability to remember things, is to learn new skills. This may include learning a new language or a skill like knitting or playing an instrument. Reading and doing brain games or puzzles can also help improve your memory. When you’re working consider using tricks that help you remember, like mnemonic devices or rhymes.

Changing your lifestyle can also help with brain health. Consider eating more whole foods, especially those that boost brain health like green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and whole grains. Try to eat less sugar and processed foods as those can impair your memory. Be sure to get enough sleep and avoid bright screens before going to bed. Staying active through regular exercise can also improve your memory.

As with any profession, writers can benefit from having a good memory. If you find yourself forgetting things more often, it may be time to work on your memory skills. Your brain benefits from staying active just like the rest of the body. If you take some time to challenge your brain, you can improve your memory, which may help you be a better writer.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**How To Succeed As A Fulltime Copywriter**

Many people start out with copywriting as a way to make some extra money on the side. There are so many different opportunities where you can find freelance copywriting work and some clients have very few requirements of beginner copywriters as long as the work is completed on time. Copywriting is a popular part-time side gig. But there are also plenty of copywriters who’ve figured out how to make a full-time career of it.

Overcoming the challenges of transitioning to full-time

Making the move to work as a full-time copywriter may seem difficult, especially if you work another job and are accustomed to doing part-time copywriting work. But, there are job opportunities for full-time copywriters. One of the challenges you may run into is how to sell yourself to a client or company looking for a full-time copywriter. You may not have a traditional resume if you’ve worked freelance. So, you must be creative when showcasing your skills. Put together a portfolio of your best work. If you have clients you’ve worked with before, ask them to write recommendations for you so you can include those when applying for full-time copywriting jobs.

Finding success as a full-time copywriter

You don’t necessarily need to find a position with one company or client to work full-time in copywriting. As a freelancer, you can continue to build your list of clients by consistently providing content that is on time and fitting to what your client wants. Eventually, you may build a client list that provides you with enough work each week that will provide the hours and income you need to work solely in copywriting.

Copywriting is generally thought of as a part-time side hustle. However, many people have figured out how to make the move to work as a full-time copywriter. For some writers, this means building up their current client list to add more work to their weekly schedule. For others, it could mean finding a full-time copywriting job with a company. No matter how you go about it, if you’re determined and motivated to be successful, don’t give up your dream to be a full-time copywriter.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Money Saving Tips For Gig Workers**

When you work freelance, you may not always have a steady stream of income. This can lead to times in your life where paying the bills may be difficult. Everyone already knows how important it is to save money, but gig workers can struggle with saving enough to make it through hard times. One of the best ways to save more money is to see where you’re wasting money and to find alternatives that can help you put that money that would otherwise be wasted into your emergency savings.

Common ways to waste money

Busy people are always looking for ways to save time, but saving time often means spending more money. While your time is certainly valuable, if you want to save more money, you may have to stop using convenience items like packaged foods and takeout. Making more food at home and making your own coffee, instead of buying from a coffee shop, can save a lot of money throughout the year.

Be conscious of all the subscriptions you’re paying for. If you don’t use a streaming service for a while, you may forget that you’re paying for it. Check your monthly bank and credit card statements closely and look for subscriptions that you don’t use regularly. When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free options to choose from that can allow you to divert that money to a savings account.

Be conscious of your spending

Finding the best deal on something you want or need can be time-consuming, but for big-ticket items, you can save a lot of money by taking advantage of a sale or special deal. You may not be able to buy what you want immediately, but the savings are usually worth it when you wait. Consider using cash-back apps or credit cards that give you money back. Just be sure not to get in over your head in credit card debt.

Gig workers may go through times when work is hard to find, making emergency savings essential to getting by until work is available again. Saving enough money can be difficult, especially for those who work freelance. One of the best ways to save money is to eliminate waste. Most people don’t realize how much money they spend on unnecessary services or products. Figure out where you can cut back and put every penny into savings so that it’s there when you need it.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Finding Your Niche As A Copywriter**

When you start working as a copywriter, you may feel like you should take every work opportunity you can find just to get some experience in the field. But once you learn more about copywriting, you may wish to find a niche to specialize in. Niche writing can earn you more money and help you gain a reputation as a good writer. But finding your niche is the challenge.

The benefits of niche writing

When you understand more about a particular topic, and know how to write effectively about that topic, you can reach the target audience and get them to act based on what your client wants. Copywriting niche content means you can specialize in specific topics that cater to the needs of a certain demographic. This means you can charge more for your work and be pickier about who you choose to work with. Not only does this give you more flexibility, but it also means you can continue to expand your skills and work towards finding new clients who need your specific writing style.

Choosing your niche

When you’re choosing your niche, you may decide to work within a specific industry or focus on a certain type of copy. Consider your experiences in life and the topics you’re very knowledgeable about. These can be a good starting point when you’re trying to decide which niche to work in. You don’t have to limit yourself to one specialty, especially if you have a lot of knowledge and interest in more than one subject. Some common niche topics include medical, health and fitness, food and recipes, travel, legal, and financial. If you choose instead to focus on a specific type of copy, you can choose from social media, email, or blogs. There are nearly endless niches to choose from.

When you work in copywriting, you must find ways to stand out against other writers. Finding your niche is one of the best ways to make yourself more desirable to clients. Consider your talents and life experiences when deciding on your niche. Once you find it, you’ll continue to gain knowledge, making you a better copywriter.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**How To Plan For Vacation Time As A Freelancer**

There are many perks to being a freelance worker. You usually have a flexible schedule and there is often freedom and independence that comes with gig work. But there are also some downsides that freelancers must deal with. One of these is finding ways to take time off from work. When you pay yourself, and your income is based on how much work you’re taking in, you may find it hard to take vacation time. Whether it’s because of financial reasons or you simply don’t want to take time away from work, not taking vacation time can be problematic.

Choosing the right time

When you work as a freelancer, you run the risk of losing clients if you’re away for a long period of time. Choose your vacation time wisely and try to schedule your days off when work is slow. If you have regular clients, be sure to inform them ahead of time when you’re not going to be available to take on new jobs. You also have the option of working while away, but it’s important not to schedule too much work or you won’t be able to fully enjoy your vacation time.

Prepare financially

Finances are a common reason for freelancers to avoid taking time off. Set up a savings account that’s just for vacation funds and be sure to have enough saved so that you won’t be hurt financially by taking time off from work. Add to your account regularly and avoid taking money from the account unless there is an emergency. Your vacation fund will provide you with comfort knowing that you can afford that much-needed time away from work.

Don’t feel guilty when planning vacation time as a freelance worker. Time away from work is important for your mental well-being. You may worry about losing work while away, but there are ways to avoid losing clients. Most people understand the value of time off and are unlikely to stop working with you if you give them notice that you’ll be unavailable. Start saving for your vacation ahead of time so it doesn’t hurt your financial situation. While taking vacation time can be difficult, it’s important to prioritize time for relaxation.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Can You Get A Mortgage Working As A Freelancer?**

If your main source of income comes from freelancing or gig work, you may worry about your ability to be approved for a mortgage. Lenders are in the business of making money and they want to work with homebuyers who they believe have the income to afford the monthly payments. While some lenders may be cautious about working with you, there are still ways you can be approved for a mortgage if home ownership is your goal.

Be prepared with documentation

As a freelancer, you may not have a steady income over time. Mortgage lenders will likely put you into the category of “self-employed” since you don’t get the traditional W-2 from an employer. Lenders will want to see proof that you can afford to pay your loan payments every month. Even if you don’t have a steady income, you may still be able to prove that you have the income required by the mortgage lender. Be prepared to provide documentation from your tax returns for the past two years. Some lenders may want to go back even further.

Other factors to consider

While income is important, it’s not the only factor that determines whether you will be approved for a mortgage. Your credit score is also important, and it’s not related to your status as a self-employed individual. Even with a steady income and a decent credit rating, you may still be denied a traditional mortgage, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have other options. Look into non-traditional mortgages like those that don’t require as much documentation. If you choose this route, you may be limited in the amount you’re able to finance. You may also need to come up with a larger down payment to be approved.

For many people, home ownership is an important goal. However gig workers and freelancers can struggle with obtaining mortgages due to the non-traditional way they earn money. If you wish to own a home as a freelancer, know that you may have to provide additional documentation to get approved. You may also wish to choose an alternative to the standard mortgage. Continue to build your credit score and save for a down payment, both of which can help you afford the home of your dreams.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Do You Need A Degree To Work In Copywriting?**

If you want a career in copywriting, you need to understand the qualifications required for the job. Copywriting is unlike most other types of written creative expression. The goal of a copywriter is to convince readers to do something. That something can vary greatly depending on the copywriter’s client’s goals. There is no degree in copywriting and many copywriters can find success without a formal college education. But having a degree in certain fields and having a solid knowledge of marketing and writing can be beneficial if you want to find work in copywriting.

What degrees can help you become a copywriter

You may find clients who don’t care what degree you have, they just want proof that you have a solid educational background. But there are some degrees that can improve your chances of working as a copywriter. These degrees include marketing, advertising, communications, and English. A basic business program can also be helpful. These degree programs are designed to help you learn the art of writing, while also providing you guidance in using words persuasively and understanding how to know your market.

Consider furthering your education

If you don’t have a degree but wish to take some classes to help you learn to be a good copywriter, consider classes that help you learn to edit, research, and understand how to market to a specific group. Classes that teach digital marketing, analytics, and social media management can prepare you for creating content that reaches an online audience. College-level writing classes can also help you learn to be a better writer and editor.

While you don’t necessarily need to have a college degree to work as a copywriter, you may increase your chances of success by taking classes that help you understand more about writing and marketing. Working as a copywriter means you need to be able to write content that speaks to a specific audience. It requires good writing skills, but a good copywriter is more than just a good writer. If you want to work as a copywriter, you need to have some basic knowledge of marketing and market analytics. Writing engaging content for your client doesn’t help them out if your content never reaches the target audience. If you want to work in copywriting, focus not only on being a better writer, but also on learning how to use your writing skills to persuade a reader to act.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Investing Wisely As A Freelancer**

When you work as a freelancer, you don’t have access to the same employer-sponsored investment opportunities. But this doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to invest on your own so you can have money for your future, and especially for retirement. If you’re new to investing, the whole process can seem intimidating. Learning the differences between stocks, annuities, and other methods of investing your money may seem difficult, but investing wisely for your future is important if you want to be able to retire on your own terms.

Many people prefer to start with safer investments

When you work for yourself, there is a feeling of freedom because you are fully independent and responsible for your income. But with this freedom can come fear because you don’t have access to employer contributions or guided investments. Many people who are learning how to invest their money on their own prefer to start with safe investments. Playing the stock market can pay off if you know what you’re doing, but it’s also very risky. Safer investments may grow your money more slowly, but you don’t run the risk of losing everything in a volatile market.

Diversifying is important

Just because you may not have access to a traditional 401k, doesn’t mean you don’t have options. IRAs are popular amongst many people and there are different ones available to freelance workers that will allow you to invest based on the risk you’re comfortable with. Annuities are also available for non-traditional workers. Many financially savvy people keep a diverse portfolio of investments, which provides stability and helps you feel comfortable that your money is relatively safe.

Retirement may seem like a long way off, but the earlier you start to prepare, the more you can save so you’re prepared when the time is right. As a freelancer, you may not have access to an employer-funded investment account, but you still have plenty of options. Stocks, annuities, and IRAs can be used to create a portfolio that stays within your comfort level based on financial gain and risk. Whatever investment strategy you choose, don’t be afraid to ask for help and work with a professional financial planner so that you feel confident you’ll be ready for retirement financially and professionally.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC

**Alternative Methods Of Finding Freelance Copywriting Work**

If there is one thing that many freelance writers have in common, it’s the struggle to find new clients to work with. While there are many commonly used resources for finding clients looking for copywriters, there are also plenty of alternative ways to find clients, many of which some copywriters may not be familiar with. If you’re a copywriter struggling to find more gigs, maybe some of these ideas can help you.

Use your contacts

One of the easiest ways to find new writing gigs is to check in with former colleagues you remained friendly with. They may currently know clients looking for content or may be able to give you ideas on where to inquire. It’s also helpful to keep professional social media pages with current information that lets your followers and friends know that you’re currently looking for new clients.

Create an online profile and share it constantly

Copywriters can benefit from having an easily accessible online profile that showcases their previous work. Be sure to link this profile on your social media accounts, include it as a signature in your emails, and share it anywhere else that you think is appropriate. The more potential clients that see your portfolio, the more work you’re likely to get.

Create a newsletter and build your email list

While emails are not the most current way of online communication, they are still widely used professionally. Create a newsletter advertising your services and showcasing your work. Build your email subscriber list by providing valuable information based on your target market and what you offer to your clients. A weekly or monthly newsletter may be just the reminder a future client needs to contact you for a new gig.

Use alternative social media to get your name out

Think about your target client and what they’re looking for. Where do you think the client will look for a copywriter to work with? You may wish to increase your visibility be starting a podcast or creating videos for online streaming that showcase who you are and what you do. Consider joining writing groups through social media where you can contact other writers for leads.

Finding work as a freelance copywriter can be one of the hardest parts of the job. You may have times when you have more work than you can handle and other times when you can’t find anything to do. But there are ways to maintain a steady stream of work. It’s important to build a network of potential clients and keep yourself recognizable and easily accessible to potential clients when they need you. You never know when that next big project will present itself.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC