How has your business changed since your first Member Spotlight interview?
It’s grown, for sure! When I first started out as a copywriter 4 years ago, I spent a lot of time growing contacts and expanding the business. I’d never freelanced before, so I literally had to grow it from scratch.
I still do some of that, but a lot of my diary is now packed with work from clients that have reached out to me directly, which is amazing.
What’s been your biggest success since your first Member Spotlight interview?
I got headhunted to write a speech for a very high-profile individual for a prestigious event. I can’t say any more, but I was hired based on my portfolio alone. I was so grateful for that opportunity, and it led to other amazing work with worldwide brands.
Why did you decide to focus on the kind of work you’re doing now?
I decided to be a ‘Jack of all trades’ in the copywriting sector, because there’s always more demand for your services as a result. It shows that you’re not just a one-trick pony.
My experience spans everything from law, finance and business, to all the lifestyle-based subjects like travel, fashion and health. I can do SEO, UX, consultancy too. Plus, if you can get into a wide range of sectors, you’ll never be bored! Every day is different.
What are you enjoying most about your industry or niche?
I don’t have a niche, but the industry is having an exciting transition – with more demand for UX copywriting, which I’ve been doing more of.
What are you working on just now?
Various beauty and travel projects, and a very large project for arguably the world’s largest bank.
Describe your desk and what’s on it
On my desk, I have 2 computers (one desktop with a huge screen, and one laptop), and a monthly planner. It’s old-school, but it’s the easiest way to organise and plan my day.
From my window, I can see into my garden and my fish pond, which is very calming.
Tell us about your side projects
I’m working with my graphic designer, David Haddington, to redesign my website with a new portfolio. I’m too busy working on other people’s websites to do my own! I’m finally getting around to it!
How has your writing process evolved?
I think as you read and write more with age, you just get naturally better with language, and finding the right words more quickly. My brain is like a thesaurus sometimes!
It helps me to adjust to many different kinds of tone and style guides for clients in varying industries.
What do you wish copywriters were more honest about?
I don’t know how to answer that one!
What advice do you often hear given to newbies, but you don’t agree with? Why?
That you have to do free work when you start out. If an employer or client/agency wants free work, they’re not worth your time. (Even free tasks for interviews – be very selective). If you’re good at what you do, people will pay for your expertise and skill. If you have to do a free writing task to get a job, consider it carefully. Your time is precious.
Any lessons you’re still learning?
Always – many of them about UX and usability research. You have to keep up with trends in your sector. Because I’m qualified in law, I’m always learning lots of new legislation, too.
What’s something about your work that makes your inner copywriting nerd happy, but you’re not able to chat about enough?
Probably editing and polishing copy. I used to be a magazine editor, and I guess that urge to correct stuff grammatically never really leaves you. I offer editing services, but most of the time my work is all about copywriting, and that’s fine with me!