When I first started freelancing, I landed two clients in the same week. On paper, both seemed promising—decent pay, regular projects, and interesting brands. But within a month, I learned just how different employers can be.
Client A was old-school. They sent brief emails like, “Need something quick by end of day. Use what we had last year but make it fresh.” There was no brand guide, no direction, and feedback ranged from silence to chaos. Every revision felt like a moving target, and when I dared to ask for clearer instructions, I got a lecture on “just being flexible.” They also insisted I attend a weekly call at 7 a.m.—camera on—because “that’s what our in-house team does.” I was remote, but I felt anything but free.
Client B, though? A breath of fresh air. Before our first project, they shared a detailed brief, tone guidelines, and examples of what had worked well in the past. Deadlines were clear, feedback was thoughtful, and every project felt like a true collaboration. We communicated through a simple project board, and meetings were rare—but purposeful. Best of all? They trusted me to work remotely, asynchronously, and respected the boundaries I set.
That experience taught me something critical: great employers see copywriters as partners, not task-rabbits.
Outdated employers still cling to rigid schedules, glorify burnout, and treat content like a last-minute add-on. They push back on remote work, micromanage writers, and often blur job roles to squeeze “more value” from a single hire.
Modern employers, on the other hand, value strategy, collaboration, and flexibility. They understand that great writing takes thought. They invest in content, embrace remote collaboration, and foster a culture of respect.
If you’re a copywriter, keep your eyes open for the red flags: unclear expectations, unpaid test assignments, vague contracts, and a lack of respect for your time. But also, recognize the green flags: clear briefs, autonomy, remote flexibility, and open communication.
There are still plenty of “B” clients out there. The key is knowing how to spot them and never settling for less.
Like the articles? Check back often, follow us and share this digital publication.