Sometimes the shorter the post, the more meaty the subject. So this one will be short and to the point.

Copywriting is a creative BUSINESS, not a personal expression of your art.
(Everyone of my coaching students has heard this phrase from me at least once, and for good reason.)

Too many creatives, copywriters and graphic artists, tend to bill
haphazardly and collect lackadaiscally. I hear it all the time, "Roberta, I
hate this part of copywriting. I just wanna write."  Unless you’re independently wealthy (I’m certainly not), copywriting is about earning a living and putting food on the table. Therefore, it’s up to you to run your business like a professional because no one else will — and clients, smelling a lack of will on your part, will take advantage of your good nature.

So here’s a few of Roberta’s Rules:

• Get a deposit (and signed contract) for every job with a new client.
• The moment a job is completed and approved, bill the client immediately. You can mail it, fax it, or email it.
• When a client doesn’t pay to term (I usually give 5 business days for bookkeeping vagaries), email them with a gentle reminder first, but don’t hesitate to move to a phone call (or two) to the company bookkeeper for a status on payment.
• If a client is habitually late with payment, go ahead and require them to prepay. (Remember, you are not a bank or a credit card company.)

On the flip side, pay your own vendors on time, too.

I always pay to term and no one has to chase their money. (And if there is a problem, I’m always given the benefit of the doubt.) You can’t overestimate the value of creditworthiness and it’s value to your business.

If you don’t want to go the big accounting software route, consider PayPal’s super-easy, no-hassle newest offering:
Invoice Efficiently and Get Paid Faster with PayPal’s Free
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Essential Takeway Point
Bill immediately, collect your fees on time, and use a reliable method to keep you on track. Whatever you decide to use, be judicious and consistent. There’s a lot to be said for a dependable, reliable and positive cashflow. (Did she say "cashflow?" Yes, because you’re running a business!
 
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