These days we’re all aiming to make a deeper, more real connection with our customers, and we know the way to do this is through conversational copy.
Instead of stuffy, overly formal content we want to create warm, engaging, friendly wordage. Copy that makes it feel like we’re chatting with an authoritative, but affable buddy.
But how do we write great conversational copy? Today we’re talking with Vicki Ross, and we’re going to share our top tips for chatty, non-cheesy copy.
Tune in to learn:
Vikki has been writing copy for 22 years.
Her clients include huge UK entertainment brands like Sky, NOW TV and ITV, and she regularly works with creative agencies like Sapient, WCRS, and Portas.
She specialises in Branding and Tone of Voice, and runs workshops around the world for D&AD and Creative Equals, as well as teaching copywriting at London's School of Communication Arts.
She’s a regular judge on international creative awards panels like D&AD, D&AD New Blood, DMA, Creative Circle, and AD STARS Korea, and last year was named one of Campaign magazine’s top 30 female creative leaders.
On Twitter, she created the #copywritersunite hashtag to connect copywriters online every day, and in person at quarterly #copywritersunite meet-ups across the UK. She also created #thingsyouhearinagencies, which you can find at @AgencyQuotes.
Two years ago, Vikki and fellow British copywriter Andy Maslen created Copy Cabana - an annual seaside event to celebrate copywriting. It’s all change this year so keep an eye out for an exciting announcement very soon.
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.
As copywriters, we know that one thing we have far too little of is time. But is it actually possible to delegate some of your work to others?
We’re not talking about sub-contracting copywriting work to more junior writers. We’re talking about handing off the day-to-day admin to another human. Sounds good right?
In today’s episode, we’re talking about working with Virtual Assistants or VAs.
Is this a good way to grow your copywriting business? We’re sharing our experiences and advice on making the most of your VA relationship and the common pitfalls to avoid.
So, if you’ve ever wondered if a VA could be the solution to your admin nightmares, this is the episode for you.
Tune in to learn:
Do you use a VA, how has it changed your business?
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 Readwritelearnwell from the US 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.
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:
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!
Darren Rowse is a blogger, speaker, consultant and founder of several blogs and blog networks, including b5media, ProBlogger.net and digital-photography-school.com. He lives in Melbourne, Australia.
We know that many copywriters love the idea of writing copy for charities and Not For Profits, it’s a way of using our copywriting superpowers for good.
But what are the challenges of working with charities?
Should you charge less?
What are the differences between writing copy for charities and regular clients?
To find out, we’ve got experienced copywriter Andrea Rowe on the show!
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 ‘Jody Carey’ for their lovely testimonial.
Andrea Rowe is a copywriter and campaign strategist helping not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises increase awareness, attract supporters and retain donors. She also helps coastal and government organisations create engaging words and identify tactical approaches for PR and fundraising campaigns, digital and website content and community report and grant writing.
Although we love being copywriters we know it’s not all unicorns and rainbows. There are the ups and the downs, the highs and the woes.
And while we can create a template for a copy deck it’s not so easy to come up with a cheatsheet for happiness.
Today we’re talking to my good friend Sharon Chisholm all about staying happy and motivated as a copywriter. So if you feel like you’ve lost your mojo down the back of the sofa cushions, this is the episode for you.
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 Gareth for his extra lovely testimonial. Kate blushed!
Sharon is an award-winning coach, mental health advocate, writer and speaker living on the east coast of Australia.
She works with entrepreneurs and small business owners helping them with a variety of challenges from low confidence and self-esteem, through to mind health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Sharon writes for a number of publications and regularly speaks about her own lived experience with mental illness, as well as hosting her own podcast called the "Mental as Anything Podcast".
She also facilitates workshops on mental health in the workplace and advises government bodies on how they can better support the small business owner living with mind health issues.
Today we’re going to talk about copywriting formulas. Is using a formula cheating or is it smart copywriting? Spoiler: It’s both.
In this episode, we share our favourite copywriting formulas and how to use them. If you’ve ever wondered, WHERE ON EARTH DO I BEGIN? this episode is for you.
Tune in to learn:
[Tweet "Hot Copy #64: Copywriting formulas: Smart copywriting? Or cheating? #copywriting #hotcopy"]
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 Leigh Gree from the USA for a five-star 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.
When do you start introducing yourself as a writer? When you’ve written some copy? When you’re regularly creating content that is shared around the world? When you’ve written a book on content marketing. Or two?
Our guest today has done all those things, and in our interview she shares her journey from non-writer to writer as well as some essential nuggets from her book on content marketing.
Tune in to learn:
Pamela Wilson is an award-winning graphic designer and marketer. Through her business Big Brand System, she has helped companies of all sizes create profitable, unforgettable online businesses. She was Executive Vice President of Educational Content for Copyblogger and Rainmaker Digital. She’s a keynote speaker, and now she adds author to that list, with a new book on content marketing.
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 AussieRachel from Australia for a fantastic review of the show.
We’d love to know whether you prefer it neat or messy? You can let us know on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!
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 are taking the lead from our faithful listeners and will be answering the top 11 copywriter questions. Yes, all of those background conundrums that have been niggling at you for some time will finally be resolved.
If you are on a mission to boost your copywriting business and fine tune your writing skills then this podcast is for you.
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!
What is something fun you did this week? We’d love to hear all about it. You can let us know on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!
We got to chatting about who listens to our podcast and we wondered how many listeners have been with us from the beginning. How many of you know much about us at all?
With that question in mind, we thought it would be fun to replay our very first episode. We didn't have a fancy recording set up so the sound is sketchy but we had a lot of fun. And this episode has the best outtake ever.
Tune in to discover how long we've been in the business of copywriting, Kate’s first copywriting project, Belinda’s surprising career before copywriting and the writer’s fetish we admit to on air.
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!
Today we’re talking to with fellow copywriter and podcaster Kira Hug. Kira is a conversion copywriter based just outside New York. She set up Kira Hug marketing in 2014 and names the likes of Joanna Weibe as a mentor.
She also used to love dressing up as a pirate.
In today’s episode going to be comparing the lives of Australian and American copywriters to find out if it’s all bit easier in the US of A, and why Americans are so obsessed with long, long sales letters.
Tune in to learn:
Kira Hug is a Brooklyn-based conversion copywriter who takes your copy seriously—but doesn't take herself too seriously. In a past life, she worked with global brands like Estee Lauder and venture-backed start-ups like ActionableBooks.com. She’s also the co-host of The Copywriter Club podcast.
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 Chief White Rabbit for a fantastic review of the show.
We’d love to know if you've ever visited the States or Australia! 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.
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!
The humble call to action is a critical part of effective copywriting and that’s what we’re talking about today. Because a great call to action is so much more than a verb directing action.
A great call to action taps into audience needs so effectively, they cannot help but take the next step.
We’re sharing the tips we’ve relied on to write calls to action over years of copywriting.
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 Allison Jane Smith for an extremely well suited review of the show.
We’d love to know what animal you wish you had as a pet. You can let us know on Twitter (@hotcopypodcast) or our Facebook page!
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 getting serious and talking about rejection. Because every copywriter will not only be told a client doesn’t want to go ahead, they will also face the awkwardness of a client not liking the copy they’ve written.
We’ve both been there, done that many times over and we’re sharing our tips on surviving those moments (with your dignity and professionalism intact).
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 a big shout out to oatesorama for their fantastic review of the show.
Today we’re talking personal branding - something I know a lot of you copywriters out there in podcast world struggle with. Many believe that branding is just the colour of the logo and the font you choose for your website, but it’s much deeper than that.
Having a clear and focused brand can help with all your marketing and messaging, it can even help you attract the kinds of clients you’ve always wanted to work with!
So if you’re brand is as bland as vanilla ice cream - this episode is for you.
Tune in to learn:
Eleanor Goold is owner and founder of Kreativ Copywriting a forward thinking and friendly writing, copywriting and content creation service. She also has her own branded website EleanorGoold.com where she provides business owners with smart ideas, copy tips, the art of storytelling and access to free social media strategies to boost their business success. She also runs The Copywriter Facebook Group.
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 Sama167 for their lovely testimonial.