Copy MBA

How This Freelancer Built a $7M/Year Copywriting Empire in 3 Years

December 28th, 2024

Founded By

Cardinal Mason

Monthly Revenue

$583K

Profitable

Yes

Year Started

2020

Customer

B2B

Founded By
Cardinal Mason: Monthly Revenue
$583K

Profitable
Yes: Year Started
2020

Customer
B2B

Who is Cardinal Mason?

Cardinal Mason is a self-taught copywriter from the U.S. who dropped out of college and quickly built a profitable copywriting business, leveraging his skills to create the Copy MBA education program for aspiring freelancers.

Cardinal Mason

What problem does Copy MBA solve?

Copy MBA helps people earn a living through copywriting by providing clear, practical guidance for those struggling to start or improve their writing skills.

Founder-Market Fit

Skills

What skills did Cardinal Mason have that led to their success?

No Code

How did Cardinal come up with the idea for Copy MBA?

Mason, the founder of Copy MBA, discovered the potential of copywriting almost by accident. While trying to make money online as a college dropout, he stumbled upon freelance copywriting and quickly realized how powerful it could be. The realization hit when he saw just how many businesses needed compelling writing to engage their customers, yet struggled to do it themselves.

He began by immersing himself in the craft, learning everything he could and practicing relentlessly. His initial ventures were modest, but they provided valuable insights into the challenges businesses faced with communication. This hands-on experience convinced him of the widespread need for effective copywriting and validated his belief that there was a real opportunity to help others learn the skill.

Mason constantly refined his approach through feedback and practical experience, learning from every interaction. He understood that not every business owner had the time or desire to learn copywriting, which fueled his motivation to simplify and educate others about the craft. His persistence and willingness to address these gaps in the market are what ultimately led to the creation of Copy MBA.

How did Cardinal Mason build the initial version of Copy MBA?

Copy MBA was built by Cardinal Mason through a straightforward yet effective process. The product centers around copywriting education and tips, leveraging Mason's personal success in the copywriting field. To create the educational content, Mason relied on accessible digital tools, such as a basic website platform like Carrd for the landing page and Google Domains for the domain setup. The development of the content itself was straightforward, focusing on simple, relatable insights drawn from Mason’s personal experience as a copywriter. The initial phase didn't require a large tech stack since it focused more on delivering valuable content rather than complex features. Mason's experience as a copywriter informed the structure and iterating process, enabling him to quickly adapt to user feedback to refine the offering. Building the product was intense yet quick given Mason’s immersion in the subject, and while seamless for content creation, the challenge lay in self-teaching the technical aspects needed to get the platform running.

What was the growth strategy for Copy MBA and how did they scale?

Cold Email Outreach

Copy MBA, led by Cardinal Mason, relied heavily on cold emailing as a key strategy to acquire clients. Mason would identify potential clients by scrolling through Instagram ads and then research to find the founders' email addresses. He sent personalized cold emails to reach out to them, offering his copywriting services.

Why it worked: This approach was effective because it targeted businesses already spending on advertising, implying a budget for marketing services. Personalized emails highlighted his understanding of each client's needs, making them more likely to engage in a conversation. This method directly connected him with decision-makers, leading to high conversion rates.

Networking and Relationship Building

Mason's growth was significantly influenced by networking, notably his strategic move to connect with Chase, a well-known figure in the copywriting community. Mason created a personalized gift to catch Chase's attention, which led to opportunities and collaborations.

Why it worked: Networking enabled Mason to leverage the reputation and connections of established industry figures. This approach provided him with credibility, introductions to potential clients, and collaboration opportunities that helped expand his business reach quickly and effectively.

By being active on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, Mason not only promoted his services but also shared insights and tips on copywriting, thereby building a personal brand and attracting followers interested in his expertise.

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Why it worked: Social media platforms served as a free marketing channel where Mason could showcase his knowledge and success. This strategy built trust and authority in the field, attracting clients who valued his expertise, ultimately leading to business growth.

Educational Content

Copy MBA expanded its influence by creating educational programs and content aimed at teaching others about copywriting. This initiative helped position the brand as a thought leader and a valuable resource in the industry.

Why it worked: Offering educational content allowed Mason to engage with a broader audience beyond those looking to hire a copywriter. By sharing his knowledge, he built a community of followers who could potentially become paying customers, either through purchasing courses or hiring his services.

What's the pricing strategy for Copy MBA?

Copy MBA offers a one-time course purchase for $297, focusing on copywriting skills and strategies to attract recurring clients.

What were the biggest lessons learned from building Copy MBA?

Embrace Humble Beginnings: Mason started with very low paying gigs and gradually built up his skills and clientele. This highlights the importance of starting small and scaling as you gain experience.
Harness Your Network: Building strategic relationships, like Mason's connection with Chase, can open doors in your industry. Always look for creative ways to connect and add value to others.
Don't Fear Mistakes: Mason acknowledges that early missteps were part of his learning curve. Mistakes are inevitable but treating them as lessons rather than setbacks can lead to growth.
Prioritize Retainers Over One-offs: Shifting from one-time gigs to ongoing retainers provided a stable income stream. Aspiring founders should focus on creating long-term value for clients.
Adapt and Scale: Transitioning from freelancer to agency owner required new skills and adaptability. Be prepared to take on new roles and challenges as your business grows.

What platform/tools does Copy MBA use?

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