I write copy that creates a vision of the future in the mind of the reader — because that’s the key to turning browsers into buyers.
Let's get the boring guff out of the way first. I'm sure you want to know what I can do for you, rather than who I am.
I'm a professional copywriter from Newcastle upon Tyne who specialises in website and marketing content. As a former newspaper journalist, I also write engaging press releases I know will make it past editorial teams. I've been known to dabble in email, social media, and newsletter copywriting projects, too!
While I'm a creative writer at heart, I'm able to pay the bills by delivering outcome-focused copy that connects with target audiences. OK, that's all the housekeeping out of the way. Who is Malcolm Cox? Good question.
I'm one of life's creatives. I always have been. While I have absolutely no art skills to speak of, my creativity comes in the form of the written word.
I read obsessively at school. And as is often the way, I wrote obsessively, too. When it was time to think of careers, I decided to become a journalist specialising in politics. So, in September 1994, I enrolled on a politics course at Northumbria University. And in December 1994, I decided it wasn't for me.
That's when I decided to cut straight to the chase. I reached out to multiple local newspapers in North East England for work experience opportunities. And after getting several articles published as a 'civilian', I applied for a place on the NCTJ Newspaper Journalism course.
After around a year as a junior reporter, I became disillusioned. While I once imagined myself as a hotshot investigative journalist – fighting to uncover the truth and tackle injustice wherever it lay – the reality was very different. My average day consisted of court reporting (with daily threats of violence), vox pops, and press release editing.
So, I decided to take a 15-year sabbatical while I pursued a career in retail and hospitality.
In 2012, I quit my job. I just walked out. I sat in my car and pondered the existential crossroads that lay in front of me. Drive away, and I was on my own – and probably blacklisted from the industry. Stay, and a little part of my soul would continue to die every day.
I drove away.
Copywriting was tough at first. I risked bankruptcy by taking on the smallest, most menial tasks and charging pennies for the privilege. But things got better. I amassed a good client base. And I did it through a handful of freelancer websites and word of mouth.
But AI changed everything. Having made a very good living on the likes of Fiverr and UpWork, it soon became apparent that I'd have to increase my online presence to survive. So, here I am. In preservation mode.
But I get the sense that I'm with friends. One good thing to come from the emergence of AI is the fact that only genuinely talented copywriters will continue to earn decent money. And from what I can see, most of them are right here in the Pro Copywriters community.
As for what I can do, I'll share some of my portfolio over the coming days. For now, give me a tinkle or drop me a message if you need the kind of content that paints a vivid picture in the mind of your customers.
What I Do
While I call myself a copywriter for marketing purposes, I guess I consider myself a storyteller.
Most of my work is website copywriting, but I've turned my hand to many forms of writing over the years.
I've written email copy, social media copy, white papers, company bios, product descriptions, UX copy, brand books, and much more.
But like I said, I'm a storyteller at heart. I take the time to immerse myself in the worlds of my clients – as well as the minds of my readers. I know how to create content that resonates with specific demographic groups. But most importantly, I understand the emotional triggers that underly most conversions.
So, if you're ready to tell YOUR story, let's talk. Give me a tinkle on 07386 704 956.