Can your words get you sued? (Copywriters - must listen!) (S5E151)

Can your words get you sued? (Copywriters - must listen!) (S5E151)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs August 10, 2020 Duration: 31:47

The words you write help business owners sell their products or services like hotcakes. Word of mouth is starting to do its thing and you've got a waitlist of people dying to have you write copy for their emails, sales page, or website.

So how do you make sure you grow your copywriting business legally? Do you really need to form an LLC or get business insurance? And how do you make sure you're protected when (not if!) your relationship with a client gets sticky?

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • How a solid proposal can really make or break a copywriting gig
  • Why you really need both a proposal and a contract
  • The essential information your contract should always include
  • What a "pause clause" is and why you should consider including it in your contract
  • How you can use ownership of rights to your work as leverage if you're not getting paid
  • The essential legal documents you need to be sure are on your website
  • The must-have contract to use if you start growing your team with one or more independent contractors
  • Whether you need to form an LLC or worry about insurance in your copywriting business

BONUS:  If you're starting something new, or this episode has spotlighted areas of your business that have you worried, now is a great time to make sure your business is in good shape legally. Download our free legal checklist to make sure your business has a strong legal foundation at www.awbfirm.com/podcast151!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode 147 of the Legal Road Map® podcast for branding and graphic designers: www.awbfirm.com/podcast147

Client Proposal template: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/client-proposal-template

Website documents bundle: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/website-pages-bundle

Independent Contractor agreement template: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/independent-contractor-contract-template

Creative Service Provider bundle: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/creative-service-provider-bundle 

Client Agreement contract template: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/client-contract-template

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
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