Creativity and Tech Overload as a Freelance Copywriter

We now live in a digital-first world and with that freelance copywriters have access to a wealth of technology that is designed to make copywriting a lot easier. From AI writing assistants (Grammarly and Word Tune) to project management software (Trello and Asana). Copywriting couldn’t be more accessible. While these tools can enhance productivity and streamline workflow, there is the issue of tech overload that can become counter-productive. Too many apps, notifications and general digital distractions are overwhelming for a freelance copywriter, which may lead to digital burnout and a creative block. Let’s take a look at the main downsides of technology for freelance copywriters and tips for maintaining creative flow while managing tech overload.

The Downside of Technology

Distractions – A freelance copywriter’s kryptonite. Between pop-up notifications on your phone and computer, pings from emails, group chats and social media, there’s constant interruption, making it difficult to stay focused on deep, creative work.

Burnout – All freelancers will face burnout at one point during their career. Not only because of the ‘hustle’ culture that comes with being a freelancer – having to accept any project that comes your way, reply to clients and general admin you have to keep on top of, for instance. Thanks to the tech world we live in, there is an expectation to be online and available at all times. Remote work tools make it hard to disconnect, you end up working long hours, raising stress levels and often the line between work and rest can become blurred.

Over-reliance on Gadgets – Between deadlines, high-demands from clients and competitive salaries, there’s an allure to using tech for every part of the writing process. In turn this can stifle your creativity. Instead of letting inspiration come naturally, copywriters can become dependent on writing tools or worse, they are dependent on AI to generate ideas or create content.

Maintain Creativity while Managing Tech Overload

Here’s where some of our tips may seem obvious, while others could be the key to overcoming procrastination and achieving a successful creative outcome.

Set Boundaries Between You and Technology

• Let’s start with the most obvious. Do not Disturb. Every smartphone has this option. This prevents notifications from appearing, taking away that urge to check your phone every 5 minutes. Trust us when we say, for the sake of your mental health, “it can wait”.
• Apps such as Focus@Will provide music and audio that is designed to help you focus and retain information. There is also the Freedom app, which lets you block distracting websites and apps on all your devices.
• If you are one who automatically clicks onto gaming or social media apps the moment there is a pause in your workflow, the One Sec app is a game changer. The idea is that, when you unconsciously click on to the distracting app or website, the One Sec tool kicks into motion, encouraging you to take a deep breath before proceeding. Good news is that it has been proven that this app can curb your social media usage by half and reduce stress. Using these types of productivity tools helps to balance focused work with necessary breaks. This method ensures that you stay productive without experiencing burnout.
• Create specific work hours where you’re fully immersed in your work. Block off hours in your work calendar, put your phone in a drawer, turn on the ‘do not disturb’ function and dedicate your time to deep work. No questions asked.

Prioritise Essential Tech Tools

There are so many work-solution tools out there and they’re constantly being recommended to us. Hell, this article already mentions three of them! Try each and every one of them, if you want. But don’t get bogged down on which one is the best for your workflow.

Streamline your tech stack by focusing only on the tools that truly enhance your workflow. A tool like Word Tune for writing, Concord’s top IT Support for general software maintenance from tech professionals and a project management tool like Trello. Stick to a select few tools that will boost your efficiency.

Set clear goals when using tech-based tools. For example, use an AI tool for brainstorming, but challenge yourself to refine and improve the initial ideas on your own.

If you already work with a number of different tools and platforms, take an hour to assess which ones are actually adding value to your creative process to those that are simply adding noise.

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Incorporate a Creative Routine Away From Technology

You can incorporate this into your morning routine before sitting down at your computer. If mornings aren’t ideal, try setting aside an hour or so after your workday. Either way, dedicating some time each day to a creative project and stepping away from your screen can work wonders for your creative thinking, ultimately boosting your creativity in your career.

This could be as simple as jotting down your thoughts in a notebook, whatever comes to mind, or finally getting round to starting that novel you’ve always wanted to write. If you have a creative hobby outside of writing, like painting or photography, make time each day to nurture it.

Additionally, activities like taking a walk, reading a few pages of a book, or recording your thoughts and ideas daily are creative rituals that help recharge your mind and foster creative thinking—all without the need for technology.