Freelancing ain’t always sunshine and rainbows.
Here’s the story:
After working with clients for an extended period of time… they have more moolah coming into their bank account than they know what to do with.
For example:
I helped one of my clients make more revenue from email alone in 2021 than the entire business made in 2019.
And while massive changes in the fabled bottom line give us reason to celebrate…
It also spawns an insidious beast who wants to ravage our success.
What’s this beast?
Shiny object syndrome.
It’s something that happens to all business owners I know as they grow and scale their business to heights they haven’t even dreamed about.
So, it’s not exclusive to my clients. If’n you have your own business, it’s something you need to be mindful of as well. Heck, it’s even happened to me.
But out of all the bright shiny objects, there’s one in particular which grinds my gears the worst:
Changing email software.
Changing your email software is an excruciating and painful process.
You have to export and import your lists, segments, email templates, basic automations, evergreen automations and recurring promotions, and the list goes on.
Sometimes you have to “warm up” your new IP because if you send a bunch of emails in a new platform right out of the gate, our humble tech overlords won’t deliver your message. (So nice of them!)
And then my personal favorite:
Email software companies trying to poach your client always overpromises and underdelivers. They promise making this switch will solve any minor problems. But it usually creates much bigger and important problems.
And on a selfish note:
As an email copywriter, if you switch platforms, you lose all your impressive screenshots for social proof.
On a not-so-selfish note:
You siphon time away from writing better emails that make sales to do a bunch of behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t make any immediate sales.
That’s the backstory.
One of my clients wants to switch out of a platform we’ve been using for a few years for a bunch of reasons we won’t get into here.
That’s why I had to chew him out.
I sent over a lengthy email about all the problems this would cause, why it wouldn’t be good for the business, and I voiced my hesitation to switching.
Of course, the ball’s in his court. But I gave my opinion.
Which reminds me of an “unintended” benefit of working with an email expert.
Yes, I’ll help you clarify and improve your messaging.
Yes, I’ll develop an email strategy for you so you don’t have to rely on discounts to make sales.
Yes, I’ll write emails in a way where your audience can’t help but open, read, and buy from them.
And yes, I can help your business generate more revenue from email than the entire business did a few years before.
But I’ll also give you my raw, unfiltered opinion about things which sound nice in theory, but create a nightmarish business situation in real life.
If you’re a fellow email copywriter or freelancer, heed this advice:
You’re not an employee. You’re more of a partner.
And partners give their honest opinion (even when they don’t want to).
I didn’t want to potentially break my client’s heart. But as an expert, I needed to speak up before we make a mistake we’ll regret.
And you know what?
This “unintended” benefit is one of the best ways to retain your clients longer than a couple months.
Anyway, if you want to potentially make more from email this year alone than your entire business made in 2020 without lifting a single finger, hit reply. Let’s chat and see if it makes sense to work together.
And as an added bonus, I’ll reel you back in when Shiny Object Syndrome strikes.
P.S. No list or offer? I’ll send you a fat, one-time 50% commission on any client you refer to me.