The Copywriter Club Podcast: Episode #453 – "Finding Clients with Rob Marsh"

Release Date: June 24, 2025

In this landmark episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast, host Rob Marsh breaks new ground by presenting a solo, in-depth exploration of effective strategies for copywriters to secure and grow their client base. Departing from the show's usual format of featuring guest interviews, Rob engages listeners with a comprehensive discussion centered around 21 actionable ideas for finding clients, complemented by essential do’s and don’ts to enhance outreach efforts.

Introduction

Rob Marsh sets the stage by highlighting the episode's unique format and its focus on client acquisition. He acknowledges the wealth of insights previously shared by various guests over eight years but emphasizes the need for a consolidated guide to assist copywriters in finding clients effectively.

“In this episode, I'm going to share 21 different ideas... you're probably going to find five or six ideas that will work for you.”
— Rob Marsh [00:24]

Preparing for Client Acquisition

Before diving into strategies, Rob underscores the foundational truth that a copywriting business cannot exist without paying clients. He advises against investing excessive time in building business assets like websites or portfolios before securing initial clients.

“Don't spend any time getting ready in your business... What you need is a client.”
— Rob Marsh [04:06]

Rob recommends landing the first three clients without the crutch of extensive business infrastructure. This hands-on approach not only validates your capability but also provides real-world experience and testimonials.

21 Ideas for Finding Clients

Rob meticulously outlines 21 strategies for copywriters to attract and retain clients. Below are the key ideas discussed:

1. Networking ([14:50] - [17:26])

   • Description: Leveraging your existing network, including friends, family, acquaintances, and casual contacts.
   • Quote: “Your network is the number one way for you to find and connect with clients.”
     — Rob Marsh [17:15]

2. Engaging in Online Groups ([17:26] - [19:11])

   • Description: Participating actively in Facebook, LinkedIn, Telegram, and Slack groups relevant to your niche.
   • Quote: “Demonstrate your expertise... people will start to notice and even recommend you as the expert.”
     — Rob Marsh [18:56]

3. Online Job Marketplaces ([19:11] - [22:48])

   • Description: Utilizing platforms like Upwork, Craigslist, and specialized job boards to find freelance opportunities.
   • Advice: Focus on intermediate and expert projects to avoid competing for low-paying gigs.

4. Job Boards ([22:01] - [22:48])

   • Description: Searching for freelance copywriting roles on various job boards, including LinkedIn and niche-specific sites.
   • Tip: Customize your responses to stand out among numerous applicants.

5. LinkedIn Strategies ([22:48] - [25:46])

   • Description: Optimizing your LinkedIn profile, posting relevant content, and engaging with potential clients through thoughtful comments and direct messages.
   • Quote: “Reaching out with a direct message... offering to help with whatever problem they have.”
     — Rob Marsh [25:41]

6. Social Media Marketing ([25:46] - [26:45])

   • Description: Sharing content that highlights the problems you solve, including case studies, testimonials, and detailed process explanations.
   • Strategy: Engage with comments and follow up with interested prospects.

7. Starting Your Own Group ([26:45] - [28:10])

   • Description: Creating and leading groups on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Discord, or Slack tailored to your target clientele.
   • Benefit: Positions you as a thought leader and attracts a steady stream of clients.

8. Cold Emailing ([28:10] - [29:17])

   • Description: Directly reaching out to potential clients via personalized emails, avoiding generic templates.
   • Tool Recommendation: Hunter IO for finding professional email addresses.

9. Snail Mail ([29:17] - [31:17])

   • Description: Sending physical mailers, such as personalized letters or creative “shock and awe” packages, to stand out from digital pitches.
   • Success Story: A copywriter using this method built a client roster generating over a million dollars annually.

10. Connecting with Fellow Copywriters ([31:17] - [33:20])

    • Description: Building relationships with other copywriters who can refer leads that don’t fit their scope.
    • Quote: “One friendship made in one group... resulted in almost six figures worth of work.”
      — Rob Marsh [33:11]

11. Building Partnerships ([33:20] - [34:42])

    • Description: Partnering with agencies, SEO firms, and design studios needing supplementary copywriting services.
    • Pricing Tip: Offer competitive rates to accommodate agency markups.

12. Hobnobbing at Conferences ([34:42] - [37:30])

    • Description: Attending industry-specific events to establish face-to-face connections with potential clients.
    • Techniques: Wear branded attire, ask insightful questions during presentations, and distribute promotional materials like stickers or pens.

13. Online Advertising ([37:30] - [38:40])

    • Description: Running targeted ads on platforms such as Facebook, Google, YouTube, and LinkedIn to reach your ideal clientele.
    • Budget Tip: Start with a modest daily budget (e.g., $10-$20) and focus on high-impact ad content.

14. Connecting with Marketing Consultants ([38:40] - [39:40])

    • Description: Collaborating with marketing consultants who require copywriting services for their projects.
    • Benefit: Steady workflow without direct client acquisition efforts.

15. Free Ideas Method ([39:40] - [40:40])

    • Description: Offering free audits or critiques of potential clients' marketing materials to showcase your expertise and suggest improvements.
    • Caution: Maintain a positive tone and avoid making clients feel criticized.

16. Remarkable Content ([40:40] - [42:48])

    • Description: Publishing high-quality, distinctive content on platforms like LinkedIn and Medium to attract attention from ideal clients.
    • Example: Conducting industry-specific surveys to generate unique insights.

17. Guest Posting ([42:48] - [43:06])

    • Description: Contributing articles to established websites and newsletters with substantial readerships in your target niche.
    • Strategy: Use targeted search terms like “submit a guest post” to find opportunities.

18. Regular Newsletter ([43:06] - [44:39])

    • Description: Creating a focused newsletter on platforms like Substack or ConvertKit to engage and grow your audience.
    • Advanced Tip: Consider sending hard copies to make a memorable impression.

19. Ad Placement in Existing Newsletters ([44:39] - [45:55])

    • Description: Purchasing ad space in popular industry newsletters to promote your services directly to a large, relevant audience.

20. Podcast Appearances ([45:55] - [46:40])

    • Description: Being a guest on podcasts that cater to your target market to share your expertise and attract potential clients.
    • Preparation Tip: Pitch unique topics to podcast hosts by researching their recent episodes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Reaching Out to Clients

Rob concludes the episode with crucial advice on best practices and pitfalls to avoid during client outreach:

Do’s:

• Be Proactive: Actively seek out opportunities rather than waiting for clients to find you.
• Clearly Communicate Value: Articulate the specific problems you solve and the value you bring to clients.
• Use Personalized Pitches: Tailor your communication to resonate with each potential client’s unique needs.

Don'ts:

1. Wait to Be Chosen ([47:50] - [48:00])

   • Advice: Don’t rely on passive methods like waiting for referrals or perfect business setups. Instead, take initiative to present your services.

2. Beg for Work ([48:01] - [48:30])

   • Advice: Maintain professionalism and confidence. Desperation can undermine your perceived expertise and deter potential clients.

3. Convince Reluctant Clients ([48:49] - [50:40])

   • Advice: Focus on engaging clients who already recognize the value of copywriting. Avoid expending time on those who remain unconvinced despite evidence.

4. Work for Free Without Benefits ([50:40] - [50:52])

   • Advice: If offering services pro bono, ensure you receive tangible benefits in return, such as portfolio samples, case studies, or referrals.

“Don’t ever beg for work, no matter how desperate you are.”
— Rob Marsh [48:30]

Resources and Further Support

Rob highlights several resources available to listeners seeking to implement the strategies discussed:

• Client Finding Ignition Kit: A comprehensive 36-page report with workshops on Upwork, LinkedIn, and immediate client acquisition strategies. Includes a one-time coaching call.
  ➔ thecopywriterclub.com Ignition Kit

• Copywriter Underground: A hub for additional resources, including leads, workshops, coaching, and a community network.
  ➔ thecopywriterclub.com/tcu2

• P7 Client Acquisition System: A proven framework for warming up cold leads and converting them into paying clients.
  ➔ thecopywriterclub.com P7

Rob encourages listeners to provide feedback and suggest future topics via email to enhance the podcast’s value further.

“Tell me if this is helpful and I can share more thoughts on other topics.”
— Rob Marsh [51:39]

Conclusion

Episode #453 of The Copywriter Club Podcast serves as an essential guide for copywriters aiming to expand their client base. Through 21 diverse strategies, Rob Marsh equips listeners with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the competitive landscape of freelance copywriting. Additionally, his candid discussion on effective outreach practices and common mistakes offers invaluable insights to foster sustainable business growth.

Whether you're a seasoned copywriter or just starting, this episode provides a treasure trove of ideas to help you connect with the right clients and build a thriving copywriting business.

Share the Episode: If you found this episode insightful, consider sharing it with fellow copywriters or friends through social media, email, or podcast platforms to help others grow their client networks.

Stay Connected: For more resources, visit The Copywriter Club and join the community at Copywriter Underground.