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 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:
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!!”
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 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.
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:
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.
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
It’s nearly Christmas and that statement either makes you CHEER or BOO.
Christmas is a time when our clients usually shut up shop. We can start getting anxious as we don’t have work lined up… We can enjoy some much needed time off ourselves… Or we can use the time to work on our business.
In this special Christmas episode of the Hot Copy, we’re digging into how we survive Christmas AND answering some questions from you.
Tune in to learn:
What are you up to this Christmas? Work, rest or play?
Share your story 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 Claire Gamble | Unhooked Comms from UK for a fantastic review of the show.
Our last episode focused on beating the blank page and getting your first draft ready.
You’ve hit send… but now what?
How do you manage the revisions process (especially when it seems to derail everything) and get the client through to approval?
If you weren’t nervous enough staring at a blank page, this stage of a copywriting project can have you questioning your career choices.
But we’re here to help. So stay tuned for some serious process bombs.
Tune in to learn:
Have you had to manage difficult revisions? How did it change your process?
Share your story 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 Di @ Whistle Communications for a fantastic review of the show. We appreciate it!
So, you’ve finally finished writing your client’s copy.
The homepage is ‘Wow,’ the content pages are engaging and you’ve done just the right amount of SEO to keep those pesky Google hummingbirds singing.
But you’ve forgotten something.
That’s right — your microcopy.
We know, we know. Microcopy isn’t sexy. And it’s certainly not the kind of copy people rave about. In fact, if microcopy were at a party it would be lurking by the door, pointing out where the toilets are, while sales copy was busy showing off to the crowd.
But these teeny tiny snippets of text can have a huge impact on the success of your site. So in this week’s podcast, we’re going to tell you how to write awesome microcopy.
Tune in to learn:
Have you had much experience writing microcopy?
Share your story 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 Katie Matthews from the UK for a fantastic review of the show.
Many of us are familiar with Google AdWords as part of our knowledge of SEO. But can Google AdWords shortcut your SEO efforts and get to page 1?
And are writing Google AdWords a profitable part of a copywriter’s portfolio of projects?
Today we’re talking to Google AdWords expert, Melinda Samson. She’s going to give us the lowdown on Google AdWords: the good, the bad and how to write them.
Tune in to learn:
Have you written Google AdWords for yourself or others?
Share your story on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!
Melinda, co-owner of Click-Winning Content, is a Premier Google Partner and Google AdWords & Analytics Consultant, Speaker and Trainer. She works with businesses to increase their leads and sales. Mel is committed to never using an acronym without explaining it first and also likes grand slam tennis, greyhounds and Melbourne sunsets.
Basically what she does is help businesses get maximum value from their AdWords campaigns. I live, love and breathe AdWords!
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 Frelsun for a fantastic review of the show.
Deciding to change jobs is a big decision. Deciding to actually ditch your job (and the loveliness of a regular salary) to become a freelancer can seem like an enormous risk.
So, how can you prepare for and transition into life as a freelance copywriter?
That’s what we’re talking about today! We share our tips and experience on making it a smooth transition. We cover preparing for the change, when to make the leap, getting your name out there and making sure your bills are being paid.
Kate and Belinda have had significantly different experiences in this area so you’ll be able to hear two approaches.
Tune in to learn:
How did you transition to life as a full-time copywriter?
Share your story 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 Louise Brogan @SocialBeeNI from the UK for a fantastic review of the show.
Could your business survive a cold? Probably. But what about an unexpected illness that takes you out of action for weeks?
Whether it’s a cold, a hangover or something more long-term, when we work for ourselves the ramifications to our business can be serious. Especially if we’re talking about extended periods of illness.
How do you avoid your business going offline when you do?
Tune in to learn:
We’d love to know if your business could survive an unexpected illness. What’s your big action from this pod?
You can 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 dlcm70 from the US for a fantastic review of the show.
Facebook, some of us love it, some of us hate it. But there’s no denying it’s a powerful marketing tool, both for ourselves and our clients.
But one area that still bemuses many of us is the dark art of Facebook advertising. We know from experience that randomly boosting posts has very little impact!
So today we’ve invited my friend and business buddy Loren Bartley to talk all things Facebook advertising.
She’s going to give us the low down on how to create successful Facebook advertising campaigns that will deliver clicks and customers.
Tune in to learn:
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 ‘A lover and a writer’ for their lovely testimonial.
Loren Bartley is a social media strategist, speaker and consultant. She the Founder and CEO of digital marketing agency, Impactiv8, as well as being the co-host and producer of the top-rated podcast, #BusinessAddicts.
Loren’s superpower is creating Facebook Ads that attract, nurture and convert your ideal customers. She is on a personal mission to help remove the overwhelm, confusion and headaches that many businesses experience when it comes to Facebook Advertising by teaching you how to implement those strategies that work!
Are you and your business unique? Are your clients? Of course not.
We’re calling uniqueness out as a marketing myth and yet, we all search for it when we write copy.
In this episode we’re going to be tackling some techniques to uncover the distinctive superpower of a business - yours and your clients’.
Tune in to learn:
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 Lizzcluk from Australia for a fantastic review of the show.
Are you and your business unique? Are your clients? Of course not.
We’re calling uniqueness out as a marketing myth and yet, we all search for it when we write copy.
In this episode we’re going to be tackling some techniques to uncover the distinctive superpower of a business - yours and your clients’.
Tune in to learn:
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 Lizzcluk from Australia for a fantastic review of the show.
We've been recording these podcasts for nearly 2 years now. It may be longer. Our memory isn't what it was.
And we're still not consummate professionals, by any means.
In this episode, we get the giggles - a LOT. If two copywriters laughing is not your thing, feel free to skip this episode. But just be warned if you do, you'll also miss out on some really good answers to really good questions.
Tune in to learn:
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 Rachael Layton for a fantastic review of the show.
How well do you manage your time? Are you a time management master or are you constantly feeling like you’re out of time?
In this episode, we share some tricks on making sure you have enough time to write awesome copy, find new clients and build your business - when you’re quiet when you’re busy and every time in between.
Tune in to learn:
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 Top Scout from Australia for a fantastic review of the show.
We’d love to know whether you’d prefer a holiday on a quiet beach or a busy houseboat. You can let us know on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!
Today we’re talking websites and the essential elements your website needs to ensure it’s bringing fresh juicy copywriting customers to your virtual door every single day of the week.
In fact, we’re going to give you a checklist of our 10 most important website bits and bobs - so keep your ears peeled and see if you can tick every single box.
Tune in to learn:
Check out the show notes at http://www.hotcopypodcast.com/e55-10-elements-every-copywriting-website-must-have
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 Kurt Bouma for a fantastic review of the show.
We’d love to know if you were a square or a rebel at school. Or a different stereotype altogether! You can let us know on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!
Anyone who signs up for Jumpchart using THIS LINK will receive 50% off their subscription for life. The promo will run through the end of August 2017.
Blogging certainly isn’t new but it is a source of anxiety for many new copywriters, especially when it feels like it’s all been done before.
In this episode, Kate and Belinda break down the walls of blogging, sharing their views on the importance of blogging and how to get your blog working hard for your business.
Tune to learn:
And thanks to Melissa East for her 5 star review of the show. We appreciate it!
Leave your thoughts and ideas on the Hot Copy website.
And subscribe on: iTunes | Android | RSS
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!
And a big shout out to Melissa East for her 5 star review of the show. We appreciate it!
In this week’s episode we’re talking about something pretty special; Australia’s first dedicated copywriting conference. It happened in Sydney just a few weeks ago and we’re going to share the key takeaways from the event.
So if you want some tips on how to truly embrace your copywriting career, learn new skills, beat your confidence demons and stop procrastinating, this is the episode for you!
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 Rochelle Bright for a fantastic review of the show.
We’d love to know which copywriters (alive or dead) you’d like to meet. You can let us know on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!
Today we’re talking about email subject lines today. You might be writing emails to your clients or writing email marketing for your clients. Either way, your email is clawing for inbox space.
These days your email is not only competing against other company emails, you’re competing against family and friends.
Tune in to learn:
We’d love to know what you wish you did a little bit better. Or a lot better. You can 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 a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!
Thanks to Veggo85 from Sweden for a fantastic review of the show.
Today we’re chatting business books - and whether writing one can help boost your copywriting business.
As writers, many of us have a burning designer to be a published author. Some of us even have a secret novel on the go, that we never manage to work on due to client demands.
But can we channel those book writing urges into publishing a business book? And if we do what impact will it have on our business. We’ll chat through the pros, cons, the practicalities and the challenges from a published author - Kate Toon!
In this episode you’ll learn:
We’d love to know where YOU would holiday, given no restrictions on time or money. Let us know on Twitter or our Facebook page! #hotcopy
If you like what you’re hearing on Hot Copy, the best way to support the show is to take a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks!
Thanks to DW Copy for your fantastic review of the show!
Many copywriters – Kate and Belinda – are balancing their business and writing time with personal and family time. But is it possible?
Can you stay sane? Does something have to give?
Tune in to learn:
And we’d love to know YOUR most used phone app.
Let us know on Twitter or our Facebook page! #hotcopy
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 Amanda Vanelderen for your fantastic testimonial and your mention on Monkey Magic!
In this episode, we’ll share our own resolutions and give you some tips on setting resolutions that will make 2017 your best year.
Tune in to learn:
Leave your thoughts and ideas on the Hot Copy website. And tell us if you prefer to write or type!
And subscribe on: iTunes | Android | RSS
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 Jenny De Lacey from Writing Works for her fantastic testimonial.
In this week’s pod we’re talking about our favourite podcasts and how they help us become better writers, better business people and better humans.
We think you’re going to love this episode because it’s packed full of some of iTunes best. We’re sharing our faves podcasts, what we learn from them and how we use them to grow and improve our businesses.
Tune in to learn:
Leave your thoughts and ideas on the Hot Copy website.
And subscribe on: iTunes | Android | RSS
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 Matt Fenwick from truenorthwriting.com.au.
Every now and then we host a very special Hot Copy episode and invite our listeners to send us their questions. This is one of those episodes!
Sit back, relax and listen to our best answers to some questions you might even have wondered about.
Thanks to Kylie Saunder, Johanna Kohler (Compelling Copy), Sarah Winterbine, Lisa Cropman (The Word Nest), Kelly O'Donnell, Angela Denly and Jenny De Lacy (Writing Works) for their questions!
Tune in to learn:
Leave your thoughts and ideas on the Hot Copy website.
And subscribe on: iTunes | Android | RSS
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 Newbie Writer!