The Copywriter Club Podcast – Episode #437: Landing a “Real” Job with Matt Snyder

Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #437 of The Copywriter Club Podcast, hosts Kira Hug and Rob Marsh delve into the intricate process of securing a full-time or part-time copywriting position within established organizations or agencies. Featuring insights from Matt Snyder, the Head Copywriter at Homestead Studios, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for freelance and contract writers aspiring to transition into more stable employment.

1. Meet Matt Snyder: From Freelance to Agency Leader

Timestamp: [03:54]

Matt Snyder joins Kira Hug to discuss his journey from a freelance copywriter to becoming the Director of Copy at Homestead Studios. With decades of experience, Matt oversees a team of five to six writers, managing a high volume of applications and sharing valuable strategies for standing out in a crowded job market.

2. Matt’s Path into Copywriting

Timestamp: [04:24 - 10:26]

Matt recounts his diverse experiences that led him to copywriting. Starting with an online presence in the early 2000s, his writing skills were recognized by professors and later applied in mission work and nonprofit marketing. His freelance endeavors in email marketing eventually led him to join Homestead Studios after a serendipitous call that evolved from a tentative six-month commitment into a three-year tenure holding a leadership position.

“I ended up an agency, slid into my DMs one day... And my wife and I took a trip to Tulum... I really want to pursue copywriting full time.” – Matt Snyder [04:44]

3. Transitioning to Homestead Studios

Timestamp: [12:48 - 16:29]

Matt explains how networking and genuine connections facilitated his move to Homestead Studios. The initial call with the agency’s partners turned into an offer within hours, highlighting the importance of authenticity and preparedness.

“Be yourself... It was just me, Jacob and Kelly... and I just had nothing to lose in that conversation.” – Matt Snyder [13:09]

4. Demystifying Agency Work at Homestead Studios

Timestamp: [16:29 - 21:25]

Contrary to traditional perceptions of advertising agencies, Homestead Studios focuses on growth marketing, specializing in acquisition and retention services for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands. With a remote and globally dispersed team of over 70 employees, the agency emphasizes quality over quantity, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

“Our goal is not to be the biggest agency, it's to be the best agency... We focus on development, not just hard skills.” – Matt Snyder [17:16]

5. Evolving into a Leadership Role

Timestamp: [21:25 - 25:27]

Matt discusses his ascent to the Director of Copy position, attributing his promotion to consistent high-quality work, leadership abilities, and the ability to mentor and connect with his team. His approach emphasizes nurturing talent and fostering growth within the agency.

“Showing up every day, doing the work, being committed... that added to my value of growing there.” – Matt Snyder [22:05]

6. Common Pitfalls in Copywriter Job Applications

Timestamp: [26:47 - 50:31]

Matt sheds light on frequent mistakes applicants make when seeking copywriting roles:

• Overwhelming Application Volumes: Jobs often receive hundreds of applications, making it crucial to stand out.

• Generic Applications: Generic resumes and cover letters fail to capture attention. Tailoring each application is essential.

• Cold Pitching and Spamming: Mass emails and insincere outreach efforts are detrimental and often land applicants on hiring managers’ "do not hire" lists.

• Lack of Portfolio Specificity: Portfolios not tailored to the job’s requirements or difficult to navigate can hinder chances of success.

• Overusing AI: Reliance on AI-generated responses can make applications seem impersonal and unoriginal.

“Don’t spam my inbox with blanket emails... It comes across in your copy pretty well.” – Matt Snyder [28:28]

7. Crafting Standout Applications: Key Elements

Timestamp: [30:51 - 44:47]

Matt outlines critical components that elevate an application:

• Personalized Cover Letters: Serve as elevator pitches tailored to the agency’s specific needs and culture.

• Comprehensive Portfolios: Should showcase relevant work, be easily accessible, and reflect the type of copy the agency produces.

• Engagement and Networking: Interacting with the agency’s content and team members on platforms like LinkedIn can make applicants more memorable.

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring all application materials are error-free and follow instructions meticulously.

“Your cover letter is your elevator pitch... Make sure you have a designed portfolio that matches the type of copy you’ll be writing.” – Matt Snyder [35:03]

8. Levels of Copywriters at Homestead Studios

Timestamp: [55:48 - 61:09]

Matt explains the structured progression within Homestead Studios:

• Junior Copywriter: Entry-level position focusing on emails and SMS, with an emphasis on learning and growth.

• Copy One and Copy Two: Mid-level roles that expand responsibilities to include landing pages, ads, and broader content strategies.

• Senior Copywriter and Above: Leadership roles involving strategy, client interaction, and overseeing major accounts with higher revenue.

“For a senior role, you're working on bigger accounts with more depth... you're controlling the narrative across paid landing pages, email.” – Matt Snyder [60:01]

9. Cultivating a Positive Agency Culture

Timestamp: [16:57 - 25:27]

Homestead Studios prides itself on fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment. Matt emphasizes that employees are seen as long-term investments, with the agency prioritizing their development and aligning their growth with company objectives.

“We have people traveling all the time... We're really tight-knit and have a very unique culture.” – Matt Snyder [17:19]

10. Final Advice and Resources

Timestamp: [63:19 - 64:21]

Kira Hug and Matt Snyder conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of genuine engagement, continuous learning, and presenting well-crafted applications. They encourage listeners to utilize available resources like the Copywriter Underground and Matt’s own platforms for further development.

“Your portfolio carries more weight to me than your resume... include that stuff in your portfolio for what you’re applying for.” – Matt Snyder [35:03]

Key Takeaways

1. Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume, cover letter, and portfolio for each position to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

2. Showcase Your Work Effectively: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, specific to the job, and demonstrates your ability to handle the required copy types.

3. Engage Authentically: Build genuine connections with potential employers through platforms like LinkedIn and avoid impersonal, mass outreach efforts.

4. Emphasize Growth and Learning: Highlight your eagerness to learn and grow, aligning your career aspirations with the agency’s opportunities.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes: Steer clear of generic applications, spamming, overusing AI in your responses, and ensure all materials are error-free.

Conclusion

Landing a stable copywriting job within a reputable agency like Homestead Studios requires a strategic and personalized approach. By understanding what hiring managers like Matt Snyder are seeking—genuine engagement, tailored applications, and a robust portfolio—aspiring copywriters can significantly enhance their chances of securing their desired positions. Leveraging resources such as the Copywriter Underground and continuously honing one’s craft are essential steps toward achieving professional stability and growth in the competitive field of copywriting.

Resources Mentioned

• Copywriter Underground: A hub for additional training and resources tailored for copywriters seeking stable employment or high-paying freelance clients. Visit thecopywriterclub.com for more information.

• Matt Snyder’s Platforms:

  • LinkedIn: Connect with Matt Snyder on LinkedIn for networking opportunities.
  • Copy Minimalist Newsletter: Subscribe to copyminimalist.com for weekly swipe files and copywriting insights.
  • Playbook on Copy Principles: Available on Matt’s website, offering strategies to keep copy simple and effective.

Awards and Appreciation

Kira Hug emphasizes the value of Matt’s insights and the importance of bringing new skills and ideas to any team. She encourages listeners to apply the discussed strategies to enhance their applications and professional journeys.

“Practice before you flood the inbox of a hiring manager or a client that you want to work with... Follow what Matt shared, it will be a lot better for you.” – Kira Hug [64:18]

Stay Connected

For more episodes and insights on copywriting, visit The Copywriter Club Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Leave a review and share the podcast with fellow writers and freelancers to support the community.