Andy Strote Profile Banner
Andy Strote Profile
Andy Strote

@StroteBook

4,313
Followers
3,290
Following
764
Media
26,525
Statuses

Business advice for freelancers and agency owners. Freelancer, 2X successful agency founder, author. Lots of useful tips on the blog.

FREE Book Chapter 👉
Joined November 2020
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Pinned Tweet
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 months
Oh look, new book, new graphics. The freelancer book, out now on Amazon at special pre-order price.
Tweet media one
2
3
12
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
7 months
@natmiletic Until you spend a few days shovelling animal shit out of the barn or having your cash crop destroyed by a hailstorm… and you think doing a bit of programming for 5 figures in a nice dry room sounds pretty good.
39
86
2K
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Quick thread on idea generation: I was a young copywriter at a big ad agency. They paired me with Paul, an experienced art director. Here’s how we came up with ad concepts... (lessons at the end)
41
178
879
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
8 months
Freelancer resolution: From now on, I will collect deposits on all projects. For small jobs, it will be 100% (because it's not worth having more than one invoice on a small project). For larger jobs, at least 50% up front. If they say no, they're not my client. Agree?
94
15
374
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
4 months
@AmandaMGoetz Once again, 🇨🇦 Kid did a faceplant off his skateboard. Nasty gash on his forehead. Off to emerg. 20 minutes later, he’s getting four stitches. Cost $0. And no our taxes aren’t way higher. Just a bit. But, no insurance cos or weird bills. Good deal for everyone.
104
12
336
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@rosemary_egbo With low-paying clients, you get the full package: Don’t want to pay much Don’t know what they’re doing Change their mind frequently Unhappy no matter what Job turns to shit—not for portfolio Take forever, if ever, to pay If your first talks are about lowering your price, run!
5
52
319
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Just start. Don’t “wait for ideas”. Get to work. Have fun. The muse likes people who are working. It will show up for them. Lastly, practice. Thanks Paul. I still owe you... End Thread.
14
14
264
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@Desincarne @Stellotape56 @rclarkie Brings to mind one of my mother’s favorite quotes (from Reader’s Digest I would guess): You’re not completely useless, you can always serve as a bad example. 😆
4
11
226
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
Freelancer resolution: From now on, I will collect deposits on all projects. For small jobs, it will be 100% (because it's not worth having more than one invoice on a small project). For larger jobs, at least 50% up front. If they say no, they're not my client. Agree?
33
10
164
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Here are the clients you DON'T WANT: One-off project (don't usually market) No written brief (I'll just tell you) No defined budget ($0) No experience marketing (know it when I see it) No research (too much work) Needs it done quickly (of course) What else?
28
37
166
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
Freelancer resolution: From now on, I will collect deposits on all projects. For small jobs, it will be 100% (because it's not worth having more than one invoice on a small project). For larger jobs, at least 50% up front. If they say no, they're not my client. Agree?
41
13
165
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
7 months
Mind if I pour boiling oil into your ear?
Tweet media one
25
6
122
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
7 months
@sucantare Twice. Copywriting for a full set of kitchen appliances (double wall oven, stovetop, fridge, dishwasher, microwave) and at my second agency, a website for office furniture, chairs, filing cabinets. Happy both times. But how about work for equity shares? Did that twice too.
2
13
112
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Use a pad of paper and a Sharpie. I know we work on computers and use stock images for placeholders. That's way too slow. You'll spend all morning looking for the right image. It's the wrong time to do that. Scribble, as fast as possible. Just get the ideas out.
1
3
112
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
Freelancers: anyone here had success on Fiverr or UpWork? Interested in hearing your stories.
62
7
101
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@_interestingguy Job, job, maybe another job, then startup. Learn how different businesses work first. Don’t make every noob mistake yourself. Your jobs are training for your startup. Keep your eyes and ears open. Take notes. Then crush your startup.
2
11
93
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Start at the most obvious place. Go with a minimum of fuss. No editing or fixing. Always say yes. No criticisms, no second thoughts. Nothing rejected. At this stage, quantity is more important than quality. 25 is good, 100 is better. One idea at a time. Move on.
1
3
93
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
We did this until the floor was littered. “Next...” At least 25 sheets of paper. The first 10 ideas were absolute shit. Trite, boring clichés. Why did we even bother putting them on paper? To get them out of our heads. So we wouldn’t have to think about them again...
1
3
92
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
I’m going to write about how to PREVENT SCOPE CREEP and get paid what you’re worth. Interested?
16
2
92
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
7 months
@lindayaX Please have more imagination. Everyone and his dog is “video first”. We can read. We like to read. We like text. There are billions of us.
4
0
91
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@AliTheCFO There are only two things any creative needs to know about accounting: The phone number and email address of their accountant. Focus on your business. Let your accountant deal with the numbers. The trick is to find the right one for you. So worth it!
7
3
89
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
4 years
@lawrencekingyo Here’s an unpopular opinion: How about you tax the rich like you tax everyone else, without all the loopholes that were written just for them? So a flat tax rate, no exceptions.
6
1
82
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Have faith. Trust in the process. Get in the flow. The ideas will come. Once the “floor is littered” take a break. You’ll be mentally tired. Go for a walk. Take paper and pencil. Sometimes, when you’re exhausted, more ideas show up. Be ready. The biggest lesson...
1
4
85
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@rohitkokane_ Here's the beer rule: When a brewery introduces a new beer, they know within 3 months whether it will be a hit or flop. A percentage of beer drinkers see the ads and try the new beer. Within 3 months (max), they should have bought a second case. No second case sales = flop.
8
7
75
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Now we could move on. The crap was out of the way. The next bunch of ideas were much more interesting. We explored different tangents, approaches. We said yes to every crazy thought. Scribble, scribble. Never no. Just kept the flow going.
1
0
70
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
Freelancer resolution: From now on, I will collect deposits on all projects. For small jobs, it will be 100% (because it's not worth having more than one invoice on a small project). For larger jobs, at least 50% up front. If they say no, they're not my client. Agree?
12
2
70
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
@mu2myoc Yeah, what was the question?
Tweet media one
8
1
66
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
4 years
@bestinsio @sjfalard Uh, no. That’s not a cover letter. Company doesn’t care what you want. Besides, it’s no different than what everyone wants, a job. Company cares about what you can do for them and why you can do it better than anyone else. Say that in your cover letter. Do some research first.
54
3
64
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
@Ginalilvol Toronto. It’s Toronno. That last t is silent. 😉
10
1
63
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Another benefit of an agency 9-5 before you launch a freelance career. Your network. Not just the creatives, but the account people too. Why? Because they often get marketing jobs client-side. Jobs with big budgets. You want them in your network. They could be your clients.
5
6
62
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Don't start writing an estimate until you have these 3 things: 1. A written brief from the client 2. A budget range—is this project $1,000, $5,000, or $25,000? 3. An understanding of any fixed deadline Clients owe you this. Your time is valuable!
5
8
62
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
How do you find time to work on your own stuff (update your site, etc.) with all the client work? Try this: do your own work the first two hours of the day. Client work starts at hour 3. Be ruthless, block that time. That way, if you're working late, it's client work. Try it!
6
5
60
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@BlakieCodes If you’re a web developer looking for clients: Your own site should show off your skills Needs a portfolio with project descriptions Communicate clearly – what you do, for whom, w/ benefits Testimonials from happy clients Contact info Start there. Drive traffic to your site
5
6
52
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
11 months
Usually I tweet about freelancing, running your own business, how to get paid etc. But sometimes I go out with my camera. Right now I’m on Canada’s wet coast, so there’s fog. Time to shoot.
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
Tweet media three
Tweet media four
10
2
52
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Finally, we had enough. We took a break. Came back, looked at everything, started grouping them, played mix and match. We then refined three concepts we were proud of. Spent a day tweaking them, getting ready for presentation. Here are the lessons...
1
0
50
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
@AdriSheares Red flags for freelancers: No defined budget. Personal money, not corporate. No marketing person on their side. No written brief. No deadline. Oh wait, we need it tomorrow. Hearing you’re the fifth writer they’ve recently hired – the other four were no good. 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
2
3
51
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
What do clients value most in a freelancer or small agency? It’s not lowest price. (That came in 5th out of 5). It’s not even talent. (That came in 2nd.) What then? Reliability! Someone who meets deadlines, keeps promises, does what they say they’ll do. Surprised?
7
9
50
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
5 months
Freelancers: have you ever fired a client? Once? More than once? What made you do it? Any helpful tips for when you should/shouldn't fire a client?
43
3
44
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
We’d start. “OK, what if....” He’d start drawing a layout. Stick figures. “And the headline could be something like...” and he’d scribble it in. In a minute, he’d tear it off the pad, throw it on the floor. “Next...”
1
0
42
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Unpopular writing opinion: Shorter is not always better. How long should it be? As long as it’s interesting.
7
3
43
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
11 months
Here’s Halloween on our street in Toronto… about 500 kids.
Tweet media one
4
2
39
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
4 years
Hey, today’s a special day for 3 reasons: I hit 400 followers 👏👏👏 And @griner reminded us it’s the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century If that isn’t fabulous enough, it’s my birthday! 🥂🎉🍰 Do I have any birthday brothers or sisters here?
14
0
38
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
11 months
Grammarly wants me to talk about "more giant corporations". Uh, ok...
Tweet media one
8
4
37
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
I’d go into Paul's office (yeah we all had offices), and he’d be sitting with his feet up on his desk, a big newsprint notepad in his lap, and a Sharpie. Paul: “OK, let’s go....” Me: “But I don’t have any ideas yet.” Paul: “I know. Let’s go...”
2
0
37
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
For freelancer marketer / creatives, there are four ways to bill: 1. Time (hour, day, week) 2. Fixed price per project 3. Value price 4. Retainer Which way do you use? One method, or a combination? Did you start one way and move to another? Let’s talk money 🚀⏳💰🙏
12
9
34
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
10 months
Freelancers: What are your terms and conditions for revisions? We would typically say, “Includes up to 2 rounds of revisions. Further revisions will be estimated if necessary." That limits it. Price it into your estimate. At revision 2, let the client know. No surprises!
11
3
35
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Another tip for copywriters: If you have a list of 25 bullets, organize them into small groups, separated by subheads and copy. One long list of bullets discourages readership. Readers zone out. Make it easy for the reader.
2
5
35
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Deep inhale. OMG! If you search my name on Amazon you get this...
Tweet media one
11
3
33
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
If you’re in your late 30s in the marketing / advertising / design business, you should be thinking about owning a part of or all of a company. This is not a “gold watch after 25 years” business. It may feel riskier, but having your own business is much safer. Agree?
7
3
31
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
11 months
Unpopular opinion: Don't call yourself a freelancer. Oh, we call ourselves that, but don't use it with clients. Why not? There's nothing positive about it. It suggests a lack of commitment. What to call yourself? A writer, designer, developer. You work for clients. Fini.
9
3
33
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Oh look, 999 followers. Would you be my +1?
8
0
33
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Freelancers: Always remember you're running a business. Businesses have processes for achieving results. How are your processes? Do they work for you and the client, or is it time to revise them? Clients respect processes. You'll get paid more.
2
3
33
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
I was going to charge $997 for this tweet, but decided to give it away free. . . . That’s the tweet. . . . Now can we stop this nonsense? 🤷‍♂️
10
2
34
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Time for a sales report: After 1 day on Amazon Kindle, I sold 8 copies of my book! Not topping the bestseller lists yet, but I’m thrilled 🙌 Sales in USA, Canada, UK and Germany. Thank you! 🙏
9
0
32
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
4 years
A big thank you to @ThatChristinaG and everyone on #MarketingTwitter Surely the friendliest corner on Twitter. Happy New Year! 🥂🎉🍰
1
1
31
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@ClaireSuellen Could I make a suggestion? Try to avoid quoting hourly rates. Quote by defined project. Include lots of details in your estimate to limit it. Yes, you need an internal rate to calculate. So, is a $10K project 100 hrs at $100/ hr or 50 hrs at $200/hr? None of their business.
4
0
31
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
9 months
Today I spent 2 hours on a video call with a young entrepreneur from NJ. He bought my book because he’s starting an agency. He had questions and ideas he wanted to explore. He made a ton of notes and has lots to think about. Yeah, it was gratis. Thanks for buying my book. 🙏
4
1
30
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
4 years
Progress... book cover designed, thank you @SimonBurnCreate editing underway. Launch date early 2021. Meanwhile, agency launch tips coming...
Tweet media one
3
1
31
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
8 months
Some people think the world is working against them. It’s not. The world barely knows you exist. What’s working against you? Your mindset, your thoughts. Change your mindset, change your life. It’s not easy. It won’t happen in a day. But you can do it.
3
2
30
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
For new freelancers: Don't worry about your niche too soon. It will come to you. As you do more projects that are similar to each other, the niche will appear. It finds you. You don't need to go looking for it.
6
4
31
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Let’s talk about client retention. Holding onto clients for years. Getting job after job with no competition. What is the longest you’ve worked with a client? Years? Months? I have an unfair advantage. I’m an old guy. One client: 20 yrs+. Another 15 yrs+. Start bragging!
10
3
31
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
Freelancers and small agency owners: Let’s talk about rates. Or rather, let’s not. At my agencies we never talked rates with clients. We asked for a briefing and provided an estimate. We never discussed hourly rates, # of hours. Worked for us. You?
8
1
30
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@iamhaileylucas Freelancing is: • 90% not giving up and saying yes to the right opportunities • 10% saying no to the bottom feeders who don’t know what they’re doing and don’t value your time and expertise • 100% the way to control your own destiny
1
3
29
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
@thepatwalls What kind of a hair shirt life is that? Life is short and unpredictable. Do what brings you genuine pleasure. Don’t let it take over your life. If you enjoy coffee and alcohol, then fine. If it causes you grief, stop. Simple.
1
1
30
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@PRisUs A2 #FreelanceChat "I'd do it myself if I weren't so busy." "We only pay when the job is done and we're 100% happy." "I don't have much of a budget for this project, but for future projects $$$." "We're very budget-conscious, but we have lots of projects." "You're the 6th writer"
6
1
29
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
If you’re in your late 30s in the marketing / advertising / design business, you should be thinking about owning a part of or all of a company. This is not a “gold watch after 25 years” business. It may feel riskier, but having your own business is much safer. Agree?
3
3
28
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Freelancers: What are your terms and conditions for revisions? We would typically say, “Includes up to 2 rounds of revisions. Further revisions will be estimated if necessary." That limits it. Price it into your estimate. At revision 2, let the client know. No surprises!
5
3
28
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Anyone need a drink?
Tweet media one
6
3
27
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
If you’re working freelance or have started your creative agency, think really hard about who you want for clients. It’s not just “anyone with money”.
5
10
27
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@SuzMcBrideBooks Thankful to be living in Toronto. Perhaps Canadians are overly cautious but here you can’t go into any store/building without a mask. You just can’t. It’s the law. 100% compliance. Even the anti-mask, anti-vaxx crowd follows the rules. I see Vegas is in party mode. Good luck!
1
4
25
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
Guess who's in my new blog post? @AngelaTague @AasthaDuggal3 @davegetssocial @PRisUs @jenphillipsapri @realBrookNash @Kjellvdv @banikaur1997 @gardenwriterguy @ericasmyname What are they doing there? Examples of people doing Twitter right. Follow them and see... Blog post link ☝️
9
4
25
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
4 months
@CB_5_56_ First question: you need that in hours? Really? Second question: how much?
3
0
25
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
The question was: Multiple small clients or A few big clients? My answer: A few big clients every time. Why? ~ Bigger projects, more money ~ Likely to have repeat business ~ Work more professionally ~ More referrals ~ Portfolio with bigger names Read about it in my book 👆
3
5
26
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
@davegerhardt Here’s the trick: buy a car coming off a 3-year lease. It will have low mileage and be dealer maintained. It’s barely broken in. Bought like that two years ago. New, it would have cost $75K CDN. Like new, $27K CDN. Very happy with it. Paid cash. No payments.
3
0
23
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
Ran into a guy wearing a hoodie we should all have…
Tweet media one
1
1
25
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Y'all fully vaccinated, right? I mean seriously....
7
2
22
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
The question was: Multiple small clients or A few big clients? My answer: A few big clients every time. Why? ~ Bigger projects, more money ~ Likely to have repeat business ~ Work more professionally ~ More referrals ~ Portfolio with bigger names Read about it in my book 👆
5
8
24
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
We’ve been talking about AI. Stolen from The New Yorker.
Tweet media one
1
7
22
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
If you’re in your late 30s in the marketing / advertising / design business, you should be thinking about owning a part of or all of a company. This is not a “gold watch after 25 years” business. It may feel riskier, but having your own business is much safer. Agree?
8
3
23
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
You stop caring what everyone thinks of you… when you realize they don't.
4
4
24
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Your goal as a freelance copywriter should be to get a few good clients who give you project after project without competition. That’s the tweet. What do you think?
4
4
23
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
@DomKent No ankle bracelet to track her every move? Yeah, no….
1
0
24
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
Brand designers and anyone presenting creative concepts… Here’s a good look at how a small agency created distinct brand options for a new company. Worth your time. 👀
@Goodside_Studio
Goodside
1 year
(1/8) Last week we launched a very special brand for our friends at Superorganism—the first venture firm for biodiversity. To celebrate, we’re sharing the full process we took to get here with an in-depth look behind the brand. Read the full post here:
6
7
85
2
1
23
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
When you’re in the café of the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, you have to go with the Mozart torte for dessert. I think it’s mandatory 🤷‍♂️ (It was delicious 🍰)
Tweet media one
6
1
21
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
1 year
So much pablum “advice”. Makes me just a bit crazy. Looking for your road to riches? Here you go. Easy… 🤦‍♂️
Tweet media one
12
1
22
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
Some days, you just have to hold back and not post what you really think. Just saw a guy with 51K followers post the worst fluffy “advice” for beginning freelancers. Sounded great, but totally impractical and useless. Such a disservice to anyone wanting to freelance. 😡
9
2
22
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
11 months
Oh hey, it’s Friday again. But if you’re a freelancer, working for yourself, does it really matter? You could work Saturday and take off Monday and / or Tuesday. Funny how conditioned we are to the 9 - 5 world even if we don’t live there.
7
2
23
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
5 months
Freelancers: have you ever been scammed by a truly evil “client”? Someone who gets you to do a job but then has no intention of paying? They make excuses or just plain ghost 👻 you? Let’s hear the stories, especially if you did finally collect.
16
0
23
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Everyone advises you to have a niche. There's more $$$ in a niche. You can define a niche two ways: In a vertical niche, you specialize in a market segment, eg, fashion or packaged goods. In a horizontal niche, you focus on a technology such as email marketing. Either work.
2
4
23
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
What do clients value most in a freelancer or small agency? It’s not lowest price. (That came in 5th out of 5). It’s not even talent. (That came in 2nd.) What then? Reliability! Someone who meets deadlines, keeps promises, does what they say they’ll do. Surprised?
2
1
22
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
If you’re working freelance or have started your creative agency, think really hard about who you want for clients. It’s not just “anyone with money”.
1
4
19
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Oh look what finally arrived... author’s copies of my book. Took a while but nice to hold it. Like the way it turned out. Although I have a lot of digital books, still love them in paper too.
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
1
2
20
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
If you are a freelance creator, you are a business owner. You are in service to your clients. But you're not a servant. Set your terms. Create processes that work for you. Stick to them.
2
4
21
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
@thejustinwelsh If you want it very business focused, form a “virtual agency”. If you’re a copywriter, find a designer and developer to work with. Now you can deliver complete projects. Each of you bring appropriate work to the group. Clients love it. You take care of the whole job.
2
0
22
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
Starting your own company = ultimate adulting.
2
3
22
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
4 years
@HayleyCMaguire Write your headline last. Write the copy, get it roughly where you want it, then write the headline. You may have to re-write your first sentence to go with the head.
1
1
20
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
2 years
I wonder who hit send on this email?
Tweet media one
8
2
20
@StroteBook
Andy Strote
3 years
@realBrookNash Advice for freelancers: Make sure you practice your craft at a level that is “good enough” for your clients. Get a 9-5 to learn your craft while someone else is paying you. Set up processes for your business. Choose clients wisely. Be prepared to say no. Keep learning.
0
1
21