Hello and welcome to this special festive episode of the Hot Copy Podcast. Belinda and I have come back together to roast some chestnuts, neck some egg nog and talk all things copy.

So if you’re ready to put up your stockings with us and wait for Father Christmas to slip down your copy chimney, this is the episode for you.

Did you know we've been creating this podcast since 2015 -- never missing an episode?

Well, not until 2020.

2020 has been the year of "the surge" for us both.

In this special episode, we go through how we've handled working through the pandemic and what's happening with the Hot Copy podcast.

Spoiler alert: we're mixing things up in 2021!

Did you notice we missed an episode?

You’ve probably got bigger things to worry about right now. Like the C-word. We’re talking about COVID19, of course.

The truth is, we’ve been a bit scrambled too. Belinda is surviving on wine and 80s music.

Lockdown with memberships, communities, courses, launches AND managing the kid’s online learning.

It’s a bit bloody much.

We wanted to talk about that and what we’re doing to stay sane. We also got some questions about writing copy during this time.

We don’t know how useful this will be but we’re talking about it anyway.

Tune in to learn:

We’re revealing our lives right now including:

• How different lockdown is to school holidays
• How we’re managing our workload, relationships, homeschooling and screen time.
• Where our heads are at and how we’re managing our mindset
• Our coping strategies as time goes on
• Avoiding overdone content topics
• Whether you should be giving stuff away for free right now
• Guilty COVID pleasures

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment over on iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to Mejsh87 from Australia from Austraila for this lovely review.

“Am loving the podcast episodes and can’t wait to get through them all and implement the learnings! Just finished #62 and as always it was super practical and interesting with a touch of humour and lightheartedness. Thanks ladies and keep up the great work - it’s appreciated!!”

Even the most experienced copywriters can suffer from confidence wobbles. Those moments you begin to question your writing abilities or your business skills... or both! In this podcast, we chat through some confidence blurts copywriters have kindly shared with us and add our own experiences and tips on overcoming them!

Tune to hear us chat about confidence blurts like:

• Comparing yourself (and your writing) to others
• Answering the phone
• Communicating off the page (verbally)
• Meeting clients to discuss projects
• Preparing quotes and getting clients through the sales process
• Getting negative feedback
• Questioning your writing skills
• Keeping the pipeline consistently full
• Waiting for clients to get back to you
• Lack of experience

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Jenny De Lacy, Lisa Cropman, Jodi Gibson, Rashida Tayabali, Anne Maybus, Nicole Leedham, Matt Fenwick, Katherine Elizabeth, Rose Spagnolo for sharing their wobbles in Kate’s Clever Copywriting School.

• The Clever Copywriting School coaching calls
• Belinda’s copywriting coaching and mentoring
• G+: Clever Copywriting community
• FB Group: The Cult of Copy
• FB Group: Online copywriters

Today we’re talking to Ryan Wallman Head of Copy at Wellmark a Melbourne creative agency that specialising in niche industries and in particular healthcare and pharmaceutical communications.
Ryan has an alter ego Dr Draper on Twitter and is a well known name in copywriting circles.

Tune in to learn:

• What a Head of Copy job entails
• How Ryan started out as a copywriter?
• Advice for copywriters considering specialisation?
• Whether you need qualifications to become a medical copywriter?
• Tips for breaking into agency land?
• Ryan's biggest challenges in his copywriter career
• Ryan's creative process
• Tips for newbie copywriters

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Andrea Rowe from Your Coastal Connection for her fab review, read out on the show.

• Linkedin
• Wellmark blog
• Wellmark
• Twitter

• 'A beautiful constraint’ book 
• Ad Teachings (Suzanne Pope)
• Andy Maslen’s copywriting books 
• Dave Trott’s books 
• Drayton Bird’s books 
• Mark Duffy’s article on unexpected visuals 
• Nick Asbury’s site
• Ogilvy on Advertising
• Product copy agency
• Rory Sutherland’s article

In the last Hot Copy podcast we shared some copywriting techniques to help your clients build trust and credibility with their audience. One of those techniques is getting testimonials and it’s so important for your own business that it deserves a pod of its own. This week we get stuck into getting and using testimonials to power up your marketing.

Tune in to learn:

• Why testimonials are such a powerful tool
• Different types of testimonials and how to get them
• Best questions for awesome testimonials
• Where to use testimonials for maximum impact
• Cheats you can use to power up your testimonials

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

• The Brain Audit by Sean D'Souza
• How to get powerful (and believable) testimonials
• Client testimonials  your questions answered
• Hot Copy podcast Testimonial page
• Copywrite Matters Testimonial page
• Kate Toon Copywriter Testimonial page
• Recipe for SEO Success Testimonial video

When it comes to deciding on whether to do business with someone, trust is key. So if you can help your copywriting clients build trust and credibility with their audience you’re doing a great job.

We’ve put together some top tips to help you write trustworthy copy, inspire confidence and convert readers into customers.

Tune in to learn:

• How to use specifics, stats and facts to earn trust
• The importance of clarity and error free content
• How to use guarantees
• Using testimonials, clients lists and samples
• Why fake scarcity and offers don't work

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

• Hemmingway app
• Podcast 2 – How to find copywriting clients
• Lies in copywriting – Hyperbole Vs Realism

This week we chat with Jacqui Pryor.

Jacqui has more than 16 years of experience in the trademark industry helping businesses protect their intellectual property. She is the founder of Mark My Words Trademark Services Pty Ltd and shares her knowledge on the Flying Solo website. In this podcast we pick her brains about copyright and trademarking.

[Tweet "Podcast 21: Know your rights when it comes to copyright? Hot Copy interview with expert, Jacqui Pryor  #hotcopy #copywriting"]

Tune in to learn:

• The difference between copywrite and copyright
• How copywriters can protect the words they write
• Clients ownership of the copy you write for them
• Why you should consider trademarking your business identity
• What you can do if you find someone is copying your words or products

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

• Australian Copyright Council
• Mark My Words Trademarks
• Say hi to Jacqui on Facebook

You've won the copywriting project. Whoo hoo. But now the hard work begins.

Although many copywriters might be great writers, they're often not so good at project management. Belinda and Kate believe that your process, particularly when it comes to sign offs - can make a huge difference to both your client's satisfaction levels and your sanity levels.

Tune in to learn:

• Why process is so important
• How managing your sign offs carefully can boost your income
• How to deal with too many amends
• Managing final sign off
• Who has the copyright?

• Anna Butler's How to use track changes video
• Proposal template
  
• Work in Progress template
• End of Project Sign off template

This week we're talking copywriting fees, what to charge, when to charge and how to charge. We'll explain how we charge our clients, how we put together our estimates, how we use deposits to ensure cash flow and why we're not big fans of charging by the word.

Tune in to learn:

• How to work out your hourly rate
• Different ways to charge for your copywriting work
• How to use retainer agreements
• Our quoting formula
• Why getting a deposit is so important
• How to chase up later payers

• Copywriting rates: How much should I charge
• How to quote for copywriting: My experience is your shortcut!
• Recommend rates for Australia Copywriters
• Copywriter rate card
• Suggest rates for hiring copywriters (UK)
• Hourly rate calculator

This week we chat with Valerie Khoo.

Valerie is a well-known Australian author, founder and National Director of the Australian Writer’s Centre, journalist, keynote speaker and host of not one but two podcasts (So you want to be a writer, with Allison Tate and So you want to be a photographer, with Gina Milica).

Tune in to learn:

• When Valerie began to consider writing a viable career choice
• What let her to create the Australian Writer's Centre
• Valerie's advice on dealing with failure
• Valerie's big tips to new (and seasoned) copywriters

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

• Valerie Khoo’s website
• Australian Writer’s Centre
• Valerie on Facebook
• Valerie on Google Plus
• Valerie on LinkedIn
• Valerie on Twitter
• Valerie on Facebook
• Valerie on Instagram

A brand new year is about to begin. This is the time we usually reflect on the year that has been and the year ahead. Maybe you’re setting SMART goals or maybe your goals are a little more sweeping.

In this New Year’s Eve episode Belinda and Kate discuss their goal setting habits and share their own goals – business and personal – for 2016.

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

We both LOVE Christmas but it can be a tricky time of year, juggling copywriting deadlines and family plans. Often we’re burned out and ready for some time off to recharge!

We hosted a special Hot Copy Christmas party on Blab and asked other successful copywriters what they do to make sure they – and their copywriting businesses - survive the Christmas period.

Tune in to learn:

• Who is having holidays and who is working through
• How to respond to client who need rush work over Christmas
• How to wrap up straggling projects so you can take a break
• Crucial tips on getting essential down time away from your computer
• How to prepare for the busy new year
• Who sends gifts to their copywriting clients and what they buy

And a very Merry Christmas to all our listeners! 

Some industries have a very straight-forward process to buy. I have a problem. I research alternatives. I choose one. I give them some money and I get something in return.

All very simple.

Other industries have a much more complex process. Very big (and expensive) projects often begin with a tendering process. Writing tenders for civil engineering and construction industries might seem like a dry idea to some but that’s what our guest today specialising in… and it’s way more interesting than you think.

Tune in to learn:

• How different tender writing is from other copywriting
• What are the different types of tender documents and the most common ones
• What goes into a tender and how long the average project takes
• How to charge and manage a tender writing project
• What the tender writing revision process looks like
• Where Estelle finds her clients
• The Do's and don'ts of tender writing
• Why Estelle chose this niche and how others an get started in it
• What kind of copywriter tender writing suits
• Estelle’s number one tender writing tip.

Estelle is a tender and SEO Copywriter who's been trying to find the Words That Fit for business for over 20 years. She cut her teeth on tenders and proposals for the recruitment sector before finding her absolute love working in the civil engineering and construction industry. These days she combines the two and has a lot of fun taking businesses through the tender process and beyond: from tender ready to web-ready to award ready.

Is tender writing something you'd consider after listening? Share your thoughts on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to GINA GODEEN from the USA for her lovely testimonial.

Kate and Belinda are always so fun to listen to (and not just because of their accents!). They have tons of great advice and are always willing to share their best copywriting tips. Great show.

• Website
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

In this episode of the Hot Copy podcast we talk about whether it’s possible to be a copywriter and find time for creative copywriting. Or if the two are mutually exclusive.

Tune in to learn:

• Kate’s writing achievements and why she put her creative writing on hold
• Belinda’s surprising admission about her creative writing
• What other copywriters think about this!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

• Tony Asher - copywriter turned song writer
• Charlotte Calder
• Jodie Mcleod

In this extra special episode of the Hot Copy podcast we answer some copywriting questions from our lovely listeners! This was so much fun that we plan on making it a regular feature.

Thanks to Kate Merryweather, Angela Denly. Jennifer Morton and MaryClark Rardin for submitting their copywriting questions and conundrums.

Want to know more?

Tune in to learn:

• How frequently you should blog for SEO payoff
• How to get into the head space of a target audience (to understand their motives)
• How to navigate the tricky world of doing work for friends and family
• Persuading small, local business to give you copywriting work
• The difference between copywriting and content

Tom Albrighton is the founder and director at ABC Copywriting based in Norwich in the United Kingdom.

He’s also the Co-Founder of Professional Copywriters’ Network - the UK’s largest membership organisation for commercial writers. He’s an extremely well respected and well-known copywriter, who I discovered when I was starting my own business back in 2006.

We particularly loved his home page slider copy – which you should definitely check out.

Tune in to learn:

• What Tom did before he became a copywriter
• The lowest points and biggest mistakes in his career, and how he bounced back
• His writing routine
• What the Professional Copywriters' Network is, and how it works
• Tip for newbie copywriters

• ABC Copywriting website
• Tom on Twitter
• Tom on LinkedIn
• The Professional Copywriters’ Network

We’re very excited to welcome Kelly Exeter to the Hot Copy podcast. Kelly is a highly successful and popular blogger at A life Less Frantic and manager of Swish Design.

She was a finalist in the Australian Writers’ Centre Best Blogs Competition in 2014 and has spoken at Australia’s biggest blogging conference, ProBlogger.

Kelly is editor at Flying Solo, Australia’s biggest online community of solopreneurs and microbusinesses and the published author of Your Best Year Ever.

Over the years she’s had up to four blogs at any given time while writing for others, including Mamamia and Kidspot.

Tune in to learn:

• How Kelly started her writing career
• How she built such a loyal following for her blog
• Her top tips on blog writing
• How she started her book (and finished it)

Brainstorming benefits from features is an essential copywriting technique. One you really have to master if you want to write compelling copy. But many copywriters fall short of nailing the real benefit on the table. Do you?

In this episode we get technical, talking about features and benefits with some surprising differences and techniques to help your brainstorming.

Want to know more?

Tune in to learn:

• Belinda and Kate’s technique for going from features to advantages and finally, to the benefits that matter to customers
• Examples of that technique in action
• When to use features rather than benefits
• The surprising reason why including disadvantages actually boost your copywriting

Is there a good age to become a copywriter? Is it better to start when you’re young and enthusiastic, or when you’re older, wiser and totally exhausted by life!

In this week’s podcast we’ll talk about copywriters of all ages, from those straight out of school to those heading into retirement. We’ll discuss the challenges and positives of each age group and try to discover the perfect age to start your copywriting business.

Want to know more?

Tune in to learn:

• Whether starting your copywriting career straight out of school is a good idea
• How copywriters in their 20s have some real advantages
• The problems copywriters face in their 30s and 40s
• How mature copywriters might have it made

Darren Rowse is a globally renowned blogger and speaker. Just as many people know him as the founder of Problogger as for his other business, Digital Photography School. He inspires bloggers every year at the Problogger training event and we grabbed him to pick his brain about writing, routines and being a totes famous introvert.

Tune in to learn:

• How Darren finds the time and inclination to write in his ultra-busy schedule
• Where he gets his inspiration
• How he turns negative comments into conversation
• How an introvert keeps his energy levels topped up after big events
• How Darren gets through his (enormous) to do list
• The ONE question you should ask yourself before you start writing.

If you’re a working copywriter you’re likely to have seen a big increase in the number of customers requesting video scripts. But if you haven’t written one before they can be daunting. In this week’s podcast Kate and Belinda will give you the top tips and advice you need to get started.

Want to know more?

Tune in to learn:

• Some interesting statistics about videos and why they works so well
• The different types of videos scripts you can write
• Kate’s top 8 tips on writing great video scripts
• The common mistake make copywriters make when writing video scripts
• How SEO works with Video scripts

When you’ve been a copywriter for a while, you learn which copywriting apps and tools help you most, day to day. Some apps help you be a more creative copywriter. Some apps help you manage your time. Some of them help you offer a better service to your copywriting clients.

In this episode of Hot Copy, Belinda and Kate share their ten favourite copywriting apps and tools.

Tune in to learn:

• Our ten favourite copywriting apps and tools
• What we love most out about then
• How much they cost
• Alternatives you can consider

Attracting clients is just half of the copywriting battle. How do you turn a copywriting enquiry into a copywriting client? In this podcast, Belinda and I will talk about different ways of ‘on boarding’ potential clients, how to get them to complete a brief, sign off your proposal and actually start work.

Want to know more?

Tune in to learn:

• How to deal with client enquries by phone and email
• When is the best time to send the client brief
• What you should include in your proposal
• Deposits, how much to charge and when
• Which project management and accounting software we use

How many times have you Googled a symptom? Hands up. We all have. The need to make complex medical information accessible and readable has flourished with the advent of Google and the prevalence of internet access.

WHO NEEDS DOCTORS?

We do. Of course.

But as patients we’re more informed than ever and who writes the content we use to research the latest thoughts on medical science?

Medical copywriters!

Today we’re talking about medical copywriting -- accurately representing clinical data in a way that is clear, concise, and engaging. And we’re got specialist Nerissa Bentley to shed some light on this for us.

Tune in to learn:

• How Nerissa found her medical copywriting niche
• How she built her client-base in beginning
• Why understanding the rules and regulations is vital to medical copywriting
• The role research and referencing plays in medical copywriting
• The potential risks and hazards of medical copywriting
• Authority v approachability – how to nail the patient voice, and have authority without clinical jargon.
• Where Nerissa finds her clients now
• Whether medical copywriting is more lucrative than other forms of copywriting
• Whether writing medical copywriting takes longer
• The peaks and the pitfalls of working with international clients
• The quirkiest medical topic Nerissa’s ever written about
• Nerissa’s number one tip for newbie medical copywriters

Share your thoughts on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes, Spotify or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Traceluke from Australia for a fantastic review of the show.

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

In this episode we’re going to be talking about a particularly important aspect of your copywriting – the tone of voice. Did you know the tone of voice will influence how effective your copywriting is? Well it does. And now you know!

Want to know more?

Tune in to learn:

• What tone of voice is and what it isn’t – the critical elements you have to consider
• How to develop your own unique tone of voice
• Our favourite examples of a unique tone of voice
• Top tips on nailing different tones in your copywriting

We’re very excited to welcome Glenn Murray to the Hot Copy podcast. Glenn is a hugely respected copywriter in Australia (and around the world) and we ask him to share his secrets of being a successful copywriter.

Tune in to learn:

• How Glenn got started as a copywriter
• Glenn’s possibly controversial thoughts on leading copywriters
• Excellent books Glenn has never finished (but recommends we read)
• His big business mistake that you can learn from
• The surprising emotions Glenn experiences when he begins copywriting projects
• Expert homepage copywriting tips
• Glenn’s writing fetish and perversions
• Glenn’s excellent tip for new copywriters – Not to miss.

Hang out until the end to hear the outtake!

As we’re going to be in your ear quite regularly, you probably want to know who we are, right? In this inaugural episode of the Hot Copy podcast, copywriters Kate and Belinda interview each other so you can get to know your hosts a little better.

Tune in to discover how long they have been in the business of copywriting, Kate’s first copywriting project, Belinda’s surprising career before copywriting and the writer’s fetish they will admit on air.

Okay, so you’ve decided to be come a copywriter, awesome!! But learning how to write copy is just the first step. Many copywriters fail in their first year because they simply can’t find enough clients. Friends and family are a great place to start, but where on earth do you track down awesome potential copywriting clients with money to spend?

In this week’s podcast Belinda Weaver and Kate Toon will be giving you their insiders tips on how to find copywriting clients.

Tune in to learn:

• Our key ways to find copywriitng clients
• Whether freelancing websites are worth the effort
• Our number one new client tip

In the episode of the Hot Copy podcast, Belinda and Kate discuss copywriting swipe files. Belinda uses them quite a lot but Kate doesn’t use them at all. Dun dun duuuuuuun. Will drama ensue?!

Tune in to learn:

• What a copywriting swipe file actually is
• How to use a swipe files
• How agency copywriters get inspired

The truth is most copywriters write solo, alone, with no one around but perhaps a farting dog, or keyboard obsessed cat.
We need silence and solitude to rouse the creative muse.

But can working with another creative brain be a good thing?

In agency life we’re often paired with designers (shudders) to work on concepts as a team, but how about being paired with another copywriter, and writing pages of copy TOGETHER!!

Dun Dun Der.
Is that even a thing?

In this episode, we chat about the challenges of writing together, the highs, the lows and some tips on how to make this a viable and enjoyable option for your business.

Tune in to learn:

We’ll be sharing our top 7 tips including.

• Know your personality flaws
• Match personality types
• Divide and conquer
• Stay open
• Work out your process
• Expect challenges
• Enjoy the adventure

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to Steve Melbourne from Australia for his lovely testimonial.

Does cold emailing get you in a cold sweat? Is it something you’ve put off because you don’t want to be accused of being a spammer… Or face rejection, over and over again?

Many of us will find anything to do aside from sending a cold pitch email. We create and share content. We go to networking events. We participate in forums and FB groups where our ideal customers hang out.

All great marketing strategies but there comes a time when we need to get proactive about our lead generation.

Today’s episode features special guest, Laura Lopuch, and it will empower you to get on the front foot and start sending emails to bring in more work.

Tune in to learn:

• The career Laura left to become a conversion copywriter
• How she uncovered sending cold emails as her superpower
• Whether cold emailing is just a numbers game (and how to win)
• Tips on preparing to send an email to someone who you don’t know
• The structure of an effective cold email
• Surprisingly simple follow up tips
• How to get your mojo right to send a great cold email

Do you embrace proactive lead generation like cold emailing? Or does it terrify you?

Share your thoughts on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Kgb_kgb from Canada for a fantastic review of the show.

Laura is an email conversion copywriter + strategist for startups, service professionals, and SaaS companies who want to send those infamous, money-makin’ emails you’ve heard so dang much about.

Her expertise lies in cold emails. Which are the hardest email marketing channel to master. Laura’s work has been seen on websites like Kissmetrics, Crazy Egg, Get Response, Copy Hackers, and MailShake. One of her cold emails brought in $20,000 in revenue.

Thanks to her work with many clients (including online biggies like Joanna Wiebe and Selena Soo), she’s seen firsthand that being ultra-relevant to your email reader is pure magic for getting sales.

• The 2 x cold email templates Laura made available to Confident Copywriters
• Laura’s FB live on the 7 Types of cold emails
• Boomerang (email scheduler and more for Gmail)
• Streak (CRM for Gmail)

• On Twitter
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instie

SEO is a topic we've often see discussed in copywriting Facebook groups and across the web.

And most copywriters either seem scared of it, confused by it or just overwhelmed by how to package it and sell it to clients.

The question most often asked? What does an SEO copywriter actually do?

And can you even call yourself an online writer if you don’t have mad SEO skills?

In today’s episode, we walk you through what we think SEO copywriting really means, how to do it, and how it can become a valuable arrow in your copywriting quiver.

Tune in to learn:

• What is SEO copywriting
• What SEO copywriting involves
• Can you really be an SEO copywriter if you don’t understand the big picture?
• Essential SEO know-how for copywriters
• How to package your SEO copywriting service
• The trick to making sure keyword research doesn’t steal all your time
• Kate’s keyword research strategy
• How to set client expectations of your SEO service
• Some rough guidelines on times for SEO packages

Do you think SEO copywriting is an essential skill? Do you feel confident about offering it?

Share your thoughts on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to GinaGodeen from USA for a fantastic review of the show.

• SEO Nibbles course
• Kate’s 10 Day SEO Challenge
• Kate’s SEO group on FB
• Kate’s SEO Copywriting rant on Youtube
• The WordPress Guy
• Pricing episode of Hot Copy Podcast
• Keyword Sheeter
• Uber Suggest 

Christmas is a great time of the year to take a break from your business as your clients are on holidays. It’s also a great time to knuckle down and get some strategic work done… because your clients are all on holidays!

In this episode, Kate and Belinda share their own plans for Christmas 2019 and how they’re setting themselves up for success in 2020.

Did someone say INTENTION WORD?

Then, we go into infomercial mode because the Hot Copy Mastermind is 100% happening in early 2020 and we want to tell you all about it.

(You can actually hear Belinda chirping with excitement).

If you’re not interested in the Mastermind, you’ll still get a lot of great tips in the first half of the ep.

Dig in and enjoy!

Tune in to learn:

• How Belinda and Kate are spending their time off this year
• How they’re making sure school holidays don’t catch them by surprise (AGAIN)
• The word/s they’re using to focus their work in 2020
• Why a good wall planner is essential
• How YOU can tick off some strategic projects in 2020
• The benefits of planning personal time into your 2020
• What the Hot Copy Mastermind is all about including how it will work and who it’s for

How do you approach the end of the year? Do you take time off or work through? Do you plan the coming year or let it unfold as it happens?

Let us know on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Evan Postier, Minnesota, USA for saying that we’re funny in his fantastic review of the show.

• Hot Copy Mastermind waitlist
• Hot Copy: Is copywriting making you a bad parent

Today, Kate is talking to Glenn Fisher, from All Good Copy. He’s an Author, Copywriter, Podcast and Speaker.

His book ‘The Art of The Click’ was shortlisted as the business book of the year in 2019. And his podcast - The All Good Copy Podcast - has had a string of awesome guests on it, including me. He has a dog called Pablo, a Crime podcast loving partner called Ruth and lives in merry old England.

But as well as being a copywriting celebrity, Glenn is also a working writer, and he specialises in direct response. He’s worked with a string of sexy clients helping them drive sales and win over clients and today he’s sharing his secrets with us.

Tune in to learn:

• When you talk about being a direct response copywriter - what do you mean by that?
• A lot of people assume direct response is all about long copy. Is that true?
• How do you go about writing a 10,000 word long copy sales letter?
• Should you handwrite out letters?
• How can people study direct response?
• What mistakes do most direct copywriters make?
• Who have been your biggest influences in your career?
• What’s the one book you’d recommend all copywriters read?
• Who was Glenn’s favourite podcast guest?

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to thatsmekq for their lovely testimonial.

Glenn Fisher was born in Grimsby in 1981. After a number of years working in the local council, he left to become a copywriter and founded AllGoodCopy.com, a free online resource for direct response copywriters and marketers. For over a decade, he worked with The Agora, a multi-million-pound international financial publisher and in 2018, having helped launch and grow Agora Financial in the UK, he left to write copy on a freelance basis, focus on coaching aspiring copywriters and publish his first book, The Art of the Click. He now regularly speaks at industry events and hosts The All Good Copy Podcast, where he interviews some of the biggest names in the business. He lives happily with his partner Ruth and dog Pablo on the east coast of England.

• Twitter
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• Website

• Ogilvy on Advertising
• Dan Ariely Predictably Irrational
• Mac and Moore podcast

Ghostwriting is pretty much what we do as copywriters. We write the words that others get to claim as their own. 

But have you ever been asked to write something more substantial than a blog, web copy or brochure? Have you ever been asked to write to someone else’s BOOK?

That’s the kind of ghostwriting we’re talking about today. What you need to know to add it to your portfolio of services.

Tune in to learn:

• How Cindy went from a Ph.D. in English to a ghostwriter
• Her favourite type of book to write
• Her favourite books to read
• How she approaches the task of writing someone else’s story
• The challenges that led to the creation of her Write My Book BlueprintTM framework
• How to package a ghostwriting service
• Warning signs that your client isn’t ready for their book
• Tips to get into writing books for others
• Cindy’s best resources

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Mike Sullivan (or Sully) from USA for a fantastic review of the show.

Dr. Cindy, The Expert’s Ghostwriter, is a ghostwriter and book editor for coaches and consultants that go on to achieve Amazon Bestseller status, book TEDx Talks, build coaching businesses, and create nonprofits.

She developed her Write My Book BlueprintTM framework to create reading experiences that encourage reviews and turn readers into lifelong fans of the author. Her best clients want to publish books that make an impact, and she’s committed to write and edit their books to look and feel like any other bestseller at a major bookstore.

Dr. Cindy holds a Ph.D. in English and teaches creative writing classes at Writespace Houston and is a foster mom with Citizens for Animal Protection in Houston, TX. She most recently fostered three underweight tortoise-shell kittens that are now awaiting their furrever homes.

• Cindy’s website
• Cindy on Facebook
• Cindy on LinkedIn

• Ingram Spark (self-publishing)
• Jen Freedman
• The Creative Penn
• Writer's League of Texas

Steve Follard is the host of the ‘Being Freelance’ Podcast and the ‘Doing it for the Kids’ Podcast. He’s also a video and audio freelancer.

He’s talked to countless freelancers about the challenges of our strange rollercoaster life and he wanted to share the biggest lessons with the Hot Copy listeners.

Just a note this episode was recorded as a Masterclass for my Clever Copywriting Community, so if you hear anything strange that’s why.

Tune in to learn:

1. Why you shouldn’t freak out
2. Why it’s important to understand your finances
3. The lesson of Knowing yourself.
4. How to be Yourself
5. Why nice guys get paid last
6. How to stop being so available
7. How to Learn to say NO
8. Why Steve schedules life first
9. How to make opportunities for yourself
10. Why Other Freelancers are NOT the competition.

What’s your biggest freelance lesson?

Share your thoughts on Twitter or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher.

Thanks! Thanks to urban_wanderer from the USA for a fantastic review of the show.

Steve is a video & audio creator. Usually for businesses, but as you can tell, he has a habit of doing it for the freelance community too.

That’s what he does now. For years he worked in radio.

In 2013 he swapped early starts for a life being freelance: to be his own boss, to be with his two kids, to be more awake.

He’s always freelanced alongside ‘full time’ jobs though: radio producer, presenter, scriptwriter, voiceover or copywriter.

He started the Being Freelance podcast in January 2015.

In 2016 he started documenting his freelance life with the Being Freelance vlog.

In 2018 he started speaking at events on the subject of freelancing and finding work-life balance.

2019 saw him launch the Being Freelance Community and become the co-host of a second podcast for freelance parents: Doing It For The Kids podcast.

He loves cake.

He runs because he knows he should.

Sometimes it’s past a bakers.

• Being Freelance podcast
• Facebook group

Have you ever felt cooped up in a corporate office, staring outside at the trees, wishing you could leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind?

Waking up mid-morning, taking a coffee onto the veranda, and staring out at wide-open pastures with birds chirping?

While it’s a nice daydream to have, many of us stick it out and stay put.

Others, like our guest today, put in the tough hours to make it a reality.

It’s not all lazy sleep-ins and fresh country air, but it IS freedom from the constraints of the city, and as far as copywriting goes - it’s a whole new demographic.

We’re excited to find out the difference location can make to your writing strategies from The Rural Copywriter herself!

Tune in to learn:

• How Sarah Walkerden became The Rural Copywriter
• Common misconceptions about country-living
• City VS Country copy
• The secrets of writing in a “down to earth style”
• The challenges of working with rural businesses
• How Sarah’s workday changed.

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment over on iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to Kate Crocker for her lovely testimonial.

“I love the Hot Copy Podcast. It's engaging, funny, and informative. It covers a huge range of copywriting topics, always with practical tips.

Belinda and Kate also interview some legends of the biz and obviously enjoy themselves.

This podcast is a must for any copywriter.”

The Rural Copywriter helps rural and regionally based businesses (including the agricultural and equestrian industries, boost their Google rankings and win over scores of adoring customers, through effective digital marketing messaging and strategy.

Specialising in writing SEO-friendly website copy and sales funnel copywriting, Sarah also helps businesses to develop effective content marketing strategies for blogs and social media.

Fun fact: Sarah also loves the smell of leather and horse sweat!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• The Rural Copywriter

Have you missed us? If you’re a regular listener to the Hot Copy podcast, you may have noticed that we’ve been AWOL for a few weeks.

In this episode, we explain what we’ve been up to, how it derailed our podding schedule and the lessons we’ve taken from the work we’ve been doing.

We’re also announcing a VERY exciting new project in 2020. If you’re a copywriter and you’d love to work with us more closely, tune in.

Tune in to learn:

• What Kate and Belinda have been up to
• What they’ve learned from sticky business moments
• Why Belinda is so excited about the end of October
• How to work with Kate and Belinda more closely in 2020

Have you ever been on a retreat or been part of a Mastermind? What was your experience?

Share your thoughts on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Sarah Artis for a fantastic review of the show.

• Mastermind waitlist

Lead magnets have been part of our marketing vernacular for years now. You offer a thing of value and people give you their email address (and permission to email them).

But is there any money to be made from writing these?

Absolutely! 

To share HOW copywriters to land some high paying ebook projects, we’re talking to Steve Slaunwhite.

Tune in to learn:

• What we mean when we talk about an ebook
• What an exceptional ebook should include
• How to pick the best topic for an ebook
• Expert tips on structuring your ebook service
• Tips on landing profitable ebook projects

Do you offer ebooks writing services? What tips can you add?

Share your thoughts on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to urban_wanderer from USA for leaving a fantastic review of the show.

Steve Slaunwhite has been a copywriter and copywriting trainer for 20+ years.

He’s the creator of many popular online courses the author of “The Everything Guide to Writing Copy” and AWAI’s 2016 Copywriter Of The Year.

In his spare time, Steve likes to paint (poorly), cycle, read and hang out with his family.

Check Steve out at www.CopywritingCoach.com

How do you get copywriting clients?

It’s a question we get asked all the time. We even did an episode on it covering some of the most common lead gen tactics.

But there are some platforms and techniques that might surprise you. Like Instagram.

It’s a HUGE platform but many people dismiss it because it’s (gasp) images. And we deal with words

In this episode, Belinda talks to a copywriter who is nailing Instie and picks her brain on how we can too!

Tune in to learn:

• How Ami shifted from craft to copywriting
• Why she loves Instagram so much and her strategy for success
• Why copywriters often struggle with Instie and her tips on nailing it
• How often you should post and what type of content works best
• The hidden power of stories to maximise your reach
• How to make your posts more readable
• Super tips to boost your bio

Question for the listeners!

Do you get leads from Instagram? Tell us about your strategy! Share your thoughts on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Sharon Well for a fantastic review of the show.

Ami is a writer of personality-driven copy, lover of a good laugh and slightly evil genius. She helps brands get clear on their personality so that they can show up consistently, stand out in a noisy marketplace and attract their dream customers.

Damn Write
Instagram

When we start out as copywriters, obviously the aim is to be successful. But what does that even mean?

In this episode, Belinda and Kate are honest about the upsides and downsides of being successful.

Is it all it’s cracked up to be? Is the grass really greener or are there just different prickles?

Oh, and this is our 100th episode!

Tune in to learn:

• How Kate and Belinda define success
• How their definitely of success has changed
• The upsides of success
• The downsides of success
• What would they do differently?

Question for you!

How do YOU define success?

Share your thoughts on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!

Share the pod love

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Thanks to Ngaire Clare from Australia for a fantastic review of the show.

As copywriters and business owners, we seek the warmth and security of financial consistency. Many of us believe if you can wriggle in with agency clients, we’ll have just that.

But what are agencies all about? Are they something you should consider working harder to build relationships with? Are there any downfalls for working with agencies? And how do you even your little toe in the door? Kate Merryweather joins us today and will be answering each of these elusive questions.

Tune in to learn:

• How to approach agencies
• Ways to stay front of mind with agencies
• How to stay visible in an agency
• Management tools to boost your impact
• How agency relationships workHow to charge for agency work
• The pros of taking on agency clients
• The cons for taking on agency clients
• How to get agencies on retainer
• The legalities of working with agencies

Are you struggling to run your copywriting business around your family?

Do you worry about too much screen time… or (gasp) future therapy bills because you’re meeting deadlines rather than taking your kids to the park?

It’s easy to trowel guilt on ourselves when we see copywriters running 6 or 7 figure businesses. Or landing 5 figure projects.

What are we doing with our lives? Are we ruining our children trying to grow our copywriting businesses? Are we just THE WORST?

We’re going to stop you right there.

We are copywriters. We are parents. We are business owners.

This episode shares our thoughts on making it all work.

Stay tuned to feel a lot more awesome about your life as a copywriter.

Shout out to Alicia Littel for inspiring this episode!

Tune in to learn:

● How we lived and worked before children
● A rundown of our work days
● Where we beat ourselves up when it comes to parenting and business-ing
● Belinda’s experience with 5am starts
● Kate’s super tip on how you view the time you have with your kids
● Belinda’s controversial take on having it all
● Our tips on kicking guilt to the curb

Share the pod love

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, support the show by leaving us a rating and review on iTunes or Stitcher. We’ll read your name and review out on the show and send you lots of virtual love.

Huge props to Andrew Bracey for listening and leaving a super review.

Question for you

What’s your big AHA moment from this pod? Do you feel the feels we talked about?

Let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter.

Useful links

● Hot Copy: Time-saving tips with Kate Christie
● The third space theory
● Hot Copy: Subcontracting guide
● Seth Godin: Business/busyness

We went to a copywriting conference in New York City in March 2019. It was Brooklyn but let’s not facts spoil the glamour.

It was TCC IRL (The Copywriter Club In Real Life) and while we had a BLAST hanging out together – you would be surprised how many years it’s been since we hung out in real life – we also took the chance to pick the brains of the speakers.

We asked as many speakers as we could grab in the breaks, “What is ONE THING you wish you’d know when you started your copywriting career.”

We didn’t tell anyone what the other tips were and every single person delivered something unique. And they are some stellar tips too.

This is your chance to grab a shortcut to the mindset and process tips these copywriters have gleaned over years and years of working the job.

Cool, huh?

Tune in to hear from:

• Kevin James (Copy Chief)
• Kira Hug (The Copywriter Club)
• Joanna Weibe (Copy Hackers)
• Justin Blackman (Pretty Fly Copy)
• Michal Eisikowitz (Michal Eisikowitz Copywriting)
• Bond Halbert (Bond Halbert Publishing)
• Chantelle Zak (Chanti Zak)
• Liana Patch (Punchline Conversion Copywriting)
• Parris Lampropoulos
• Prerna Malik (Content Bistro)
• Abbey Woodcock (On Life and Writing)
• Tarzan Kay Kalryzian (Tarzan Kay)

Thank you to all our guests for coming up with BRILLIANT answers on the spot.

What is your favourite tip from this episode?

Let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter.

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, support the show by leaving us a rating and review on iTunes or Stitcher. We’ll read your name and review out on the show and send you lots of virtual love.

Huge props to Pixelhappystudio for her super review.

• Kevin James: Copy Chief
• Kira Hug: The Copywriter Club
• Joanna Weibe: Copy Hackers
• Justin Blackman: Pretty Fly Copy
• Michal Eisikowitz: Michal Eisikowitz Copywriting
• Bond Halbert: Bond Halbert Publishing
• Chantelle Zak: Chanti Zak
• Liana Patch: Punchline Conversion Copywriting
• Prerna Malik: Content Bistro
• Abbey Woodcock: On Life and Writing
• Tarzan Kay Kalryzian: Tarzan Kay

To swear (in copy) or not to swear (in copy) that is the question.

As copywriters, we’re always having to change the way we write to adapt to the times. And these days everyone seems to love to eff and blind like a mofo, right? What once packed a punch, is now old school.  And some things that seem edgy are not as great as they’re cracked up to be - or make you sound like a try-hard teen.

Today, we look at the pros and cons of writing sweary copy. Is it a good tactic to add to your belt or is it putting readers off? We’ve even got some fancy psychology and stats around copy with swear words.

Is writing sweary copy something to try or try-hard? Let’s dig in and find out.

Tune in to learn:

• Different types of swearing
• Belinda and Kate's tolerance levels for swearing (one is a sailor, one is not)
• What happened when Kate swore, once
• The vocabulary payoff for swear-bears
• How to respond to a client who asks for swearing
• Different ways you can add swearing to your copy, without swearing in your copy

What do you think when you see swearing in copywriting? Do you love it or hate? Have you written sweary copy before? Let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter.

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to Mandy Yoxall from Australia for her lovely testimonial.

• Kate’s infamous Instagram post
• Tone of Voice Template (Clever Copywriting School)
• Science Says That People Who Curse a Lot Have Better Vocabularies Than Those Who Don't
• BA_Dissertation_What_the_F*ck
• 5 brands using profanity-based wordplay to stir up attention
• 5 F*cking Awesome Examples of Brands Swearing in their Marketing

Rob Marsh has been a little name and then a big name.

He mastered the copywriting world, working with some of the biggest names and wearing many hats, founding communities, conferences, courses and more. He co hosts the second best copywriting podcast too!

The golden question is of course “How did he do it? And how does he fit it all in?”

Today, we’ll delve into the Whens, Whats, Whys and Hows.

Rob will give us a sneak peek into how his career unfolded and how you can leverage his experience to boost your own.

Tune in to learn:

• How Rob’s copywriting journey began and why he expanded into other marketing areas
• Which of Rob’s kids he loves most
• The 3 biggests challenges Rob faced in his copywriting career
• How Rob increased his brand and mastered copywriting
• Different approaches to international copywriting
• If Americans or Australians are more open to the hard sell and why
• The challenges Rob faced when launching his podcast, course and community
• The biggest shortfall Rob sees in copywriters today and how to avoid it

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to Draisydre from USA for his lovely testimonial.

Rob is an expert marketer, writer and entrepreneur. He has worked as a Copywriter, Producer and Creative Director at various companies including FranklinCovey, Publicis, and Hewlett Packard. So he has “big company” and “agency” experience.

In 2004, he joined a startup that revolutionized the online production of design (the predecessor to companies like UpWork and 99Designs). In 2012, he started his own SaaS business. So he understands small biz too.

Today he is part of the copywriting duo (with Kira Hug) that hosts The Copywriter Club Podcast and community for copywriters of all talent levels. He also consults with a variety of technology and wellness companies, to create effective landing pages, conversion funnels, and marketing campaigns at Brandstory Copy and Content. He is the author of the book, Telling Your Brand Story (available at Amazon, hint, hint). He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, four kids, and westie.

• The Copywriter Club
• Facebook Group
• Twitter
• Instagram

Are you ready for a journey into the past?

We're going back in time for a special flashback. In this episode, we're sharing 16 types of copywriting clients almost every copywriter will get to work with. Some are awesome and some… are not. Plus our tips on spotting them and how to work with them (so your copywriting project is smooth sailing).

Tune to learn:

• Our favourites types of clients
• How to deal with scope creep and requests for free work
• How to guide clients who can’t tell you what to change
• The best way to organise disorganised clients
• When (and how) to tell a client to step back
• And more. So much more!

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

We read out a review at the end of each show and today, we’re giving a shout out to Jan for her FAB review. Thanks Jan!

• Empty copywriting portfolio? How to make up client-wowing samples
• Crappy clients: How to spot, avoid, manage and fire them
• Good client. Bad client.
• The Zen Guide to Shitty Clients

Figuring out what makes you unique is a tough but essential part of marketing your copywriting services.

What if you’ve written for every type of business?
What if you’ve seen it all and written the copy?
Can oodles of experience be your USP?

The answer is yes and we’re excited to talk to a copywriter who celebrates not only her age and experience but her knack for reinvention… and how that’s shaped her copywriting business.

Tune in to learn:

• Life and writing experience – when you’ve seen it, done it, made it work (even when ‘it didn’t’)
• The process of reinvention and how to know if you need one
• The new dimension of imposter syndrome (aka ‘how can I possibly still be here doing this at my age?!’)
• Wrinkles and grey hair in the era of Facebook live
• Advice for grey-haired word nerds contemplating freelance copywriting
  The joy of nailing your brand

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to kazzaround from Australia for this lovely testimonial.

An old dog learning new tricks and really enjoying this podcast. Presented so well by Kate who is engaging, entertaining and informing on all things on copywriting. This is the best podcast in a while and I can’t get enough.

Mary Cameron is an SEO Copywriter, Kiwi with Scots roots, now living ‘la vie bretonne’ in regional France.

A writer of clear, convincing words for exacting humans for over 40 years.

Distance runner turned endurance cyclist. Saltwater enthusiast. Bossed by a ginger cat. Wife to darling husband and mother to a lovely lad. Grumpy loser of board games.

• The Wrinkly Writer
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Writer Helen Garner on the insults of age

Cold calls. Telemarketing. Infomercials. These words send a chilling shiver down my spine. In a world where folk are over the abundance of “buy my thing” being shouted at them, how do you avoid being lumped in with the salesy slime? How can we tailor our copy to make our users feel comfortable?

Today, Cath Fowler joins me to uncover how you can use psychology based copy to persuade and sell. We’ll delve into using clever copywriting to break down trust barriers and create a message your clients will remember.

Tune in to learn:

• Why you should consider psychology when writing copy 
• Using active voice and repetition to make your message memorable
• Why metaphors and similes work so well
• Using concrete claims to build trust
• The best way to convey percentages and time
• Getting bullet points right
• How to overcome objections
• The power of because
• How to create curiosity 

If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!

Oh and big hugs to smilinsamiam from Australia  for the lovely testimonial.

Cath Fowler is an SEO consultant and copywriter who helps businesses get found and look good online.

Using SEO smarts and compelling copy she will establish your brand as the leader in your local area or industry. She loves working with financial services clients and regional businesses of all kinds - to help the little guys compete on the big stage.

Don't make her pick which type of client she prefers out of those two. That would be like make her pick between her two cheeky daughters and she just won't do it.

• Cath Fowler Marketing website
• Facebook
• LinkedIn