So you want to be a copywriter with Bernadette Schwerdt

If you’ve ever wondered what digital marketing really is, and how you can leverage it to generate more traffic, more leads, and convert more sales, this is the podcast for you. There are lots of digital marketers out there, but few have the depth, skill, and knowledge that Ben Fewtrell has. As the owner of Digi TLC, he’s run campaigns for a huge range of clients and has got the digital process down to a fine art. In this episode, Ben teaches us how to kick-start a digital marketing campaign, how to create content for it, what to focus on, what to forget about, and provides some simple case studies to demonstrate how he does it and how you can do it too. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Bernadette chats with Penelope Cannata, SEO Content Strategist at StudioHawk, about what it really takes to get found online right now. Penelope unpacks the biggest mistakes businesses make with SEO copy, how to write for both humans and algorithms, and why brands need to double down on trust, quality and purpose if they want to stay relevant in AI-powered search. With 6+ years of experience across education, commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Penelope brings a refreshing mix of strategy, empathy, and clarity to the world of content marketing. Whether you’re a writer, marketer, or business owner, you’ll walk away with a more grounded (and hopeful!) view of where content is headed. In this episode, you’ll learn: The #1 SEO mistake writers still make (and what to do instead) Why content length and quality both matter more than ever The difference between informational and thought leadership content (and when to use each) How to structure content for SERP features and AI overviews Why trust signals and audience-centricity will define the future of SEO What AI is actually pulling into results (and how to get your brand included) How to optimise for voice search and the rise of zero-click content Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI might be dominating headlines, but when it comes to getting found online, Google is still king. In this episode, we’re cutting through the hype and getting back to basics - because no matter how fast AI evolves, knowing how to write an SEO blog that ranks is still essential. To walk us through it, I’ve invited back Matt Farmer - former student, long-time SEO content strategist, and past team member at award-winning agency Studio Hawk. Matt knows exactly what it takes to get content noticed by Google, and in this mini masterclass, he shares practical tips and strategies you can use right now to boost your website rankings. If you want to sharpen your SEO writing skills, this episode is for you. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we chat with Kieran Browning, a consultant with deep expertise in operations and digital marketing. If you’re a copywriter struggling to scale, feeling overwhelmed with client work, or battling endless revisions, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you streamline your business. In this episode, you’ll discover: The biggest bottlenecks copywriters face when scaling. How to efficiently delegate tasks and systemise your business. The simple email tweak that reduces unnecessary revisions. Why onboarding is the key to preventing scope creep. How to manage difficult client expectations without losing them. The best ways to generate leads without it taking up all your time. The "phase two" trick for handling clients who always want more. A streamlined sales process that works for conferences and networking. Follow-up techniques that help close deals (without feeling pushy). Kieran shares invaluable advice on making your business more sustainable, so you can focus on what you do best. Tune in now and start implementing these strategies today! Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting a copywriting business is exciting, but navigating the financial and legal aspects can feel overwhelming. From choosing the proper business structure to understanding tax obligations, there’s a lot to consider. In this episode, Andrew Nicholls, an experienced finance expert and business advisor, breaks it all down in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you’re just starting out or already running your copywriting business, this episode will help you make informed financial decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Andrew shares insights on when to register for GST, how to structure your business for success, what insurances you need and what deductions you can claim. This episode is a goldmine of practical advice for copywriters and small business owners looking to take control of their finances and set up their businesses for success. Whether you're just getting started or thinking about growing, Andrew’s insights will help you navigate the complexities of business finance with confidence. You’ll learn: The different business structures available to copywriters (sole trader vs. company vs. trust) Why you need an ABN and how to get one What to do if you're freelancing on the side while working full-time When you need to start charging GST and what that means for your business The reporting obligations of a GST-registered business When it makes sense to transition from a sole trader to a company The key differences between a bookkeeper and an accountant (and when you need one) What business expenses you can and can’t claim as a copywriter The types of business insurance you need (and which ones you can skip) Common rookie accounting mistakes that get small business owners into trouble with the ATO When to start using accounting software like Xero and how it can help manage your finances Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Lewis is one of the most experienced copywriters working in Australia today and was one of the world’s first web copywriters. Yes, he’s that old, but in a good way because he’s been around and he knows what works and what doesn’t. Steven is a master of writing emails that get noticed and creating content that connects and converts. In this episode, Steven Lewis, founder of Taleist and The Obvious Choice, shares his expertise on writing emails that get opened, creating newsletters that build loyalty, and using AI effectively to complement your copywriting skills. From his early days as one of the first website copywriters to his current role running a copywriting agency, Steven’s no-nonsense approach will challenge conventional wisdom and provide actionable insights. If you’re ready to up your game and make your writing stand out, this episode is for you. You’ll learn: Steven’s 3-step structure for creating engaging emails that build trust and drive action Why plain-text emails and conversational subject lines outperform flashy designs How to deliver meaningful content without giving away too much for free How to train AI tools like ChatGPT to write in your tone and serve your audience better Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant writing is a highly lucrative skill, and the demand for skilled grant writers has never been higher. If you want to master grant writing, attract clients, and confidently charge for your services, this podcast episode is for you. In this episode, Elaine Abery of Unravelling Red Tape shares her invaluable expertise in grant writing, advocacy, and working with government organisations. Whether you’re new to grant writing or want to refine your skills, this conversation is packed with insights to help you become an in-demand grant writer. You’ll learn: What grants are, who offers them, and where to find them How to craft a winning grant application, use the right language, address the criteria and avoid rookie mistakes How to pitch your grant writing services to not-for-profits and build a sustainable business model Where to find lucrative government grant writing opportunities How to approach individual government departments outside the formal tendering process Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sales pages – we’ve all heard of them but do you really know what they are, what they’re designed to do, how they’re different to other web pages, and more importantly, how to write one? Ash Chow is a sales page expert – she’s the ‘go to’ copywriter for those looking to write high converting sales pages. In this episode, Ash gives us the low down on everything you need to write a sales page and shares with us her unique 5-step formula for doing it quickly and effectively - from writing the hero section to addressing audience objections, Ash breaks down the essential elements of a sales page, shares her proven process, and discusses the strategies that make sales pages stand out. Whether you're new to copywriting or looking to sharpen your skills, Ash’s insights will inspire and empower you. You’ll learn how to: Understand the purpose and structure of a sales page Differentiate sales pages differ from other web pages Use Ash’s 5-step process for writing sales pages Meet your audience where they are at and guide them towards a solution Write a compelling hero section and lead Build trust through writing effective bios, testimonials, and objection-busting sections Create clear and irresistible calls to action Avoid common mistakes when writing sales pages Adapt sales pages for B2B vs. B2C audiences Write sales pages for live launches and evergreen offers Offer VIP intensives to generate immediate revenue Structure VIP days to maximise efficiency and offer great value for clients Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like to become an expert at UX copywriting?Would you like to make money from UX copywriting?What even is UX copywriting? UX copywriting is a fascinating and super important sub-genre of copywriting that can turn a good customer experience into a great customer experience. UX stands for User Experience and it's the art of helping users navigate a website in the most efficient way possible. If you've ever been frustrated at how unhelpful a website is, or struggled to find the buy button or the contact us link, chances are those website owners never hired a UX copywriter. If you'd like to learn how to become a UX copywriter and learn key skills to help you write better UX copy for your own website, this is the episode for you. Susan Reoch is a seasoned expert UX copywriter with over 14 years of experience. Her career has taken her from Amsterdam to Australia, working for industry leaders like the juggernaut of tourism - Booking.com. In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of UX writing, how to design user-friendly websites, and how you can add UX copywriting to your suite of services. Whether you're a copywriter looking to expand your skill set or curious about UX principles, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will give you the edge on creating next level copy. Here's what you'll learn: How to understand UX copywriting: Grasp the basics of user experience writing and its role in creating seamless digital interactions. Learn the difference between UX copywriting and traditional conversion copywriting. How to add UX to your copywriting suite of services: From teaching and sales to UX writing at Booking.com, discover how Susan built her diverse skill set and applied it to copywriting. Hear how life experiences, from architecture studies to global travel, shaped her unique perspective. How to create a UX-friendly website: Discover the importance of understanding client goals and user motivations. Learn how to map out user journeys and design website navigation for optimal functionality. How to avoid common UX mistakes: Avoid overwhelming users with too much information. Use customer-friendly language to ensure clarity and connection. Learn how to make your website's purpose immediately clear. How to integrate SEO, brand voice, and UX: Balance user-friendly design with effective SEO strategies. Learn tips for identifying and incorporating brand voice in website copy. How to apply practical UX tools and techniques: Explore resources like the Nielsen Norman Group for learning UX principles. Understand how to collaborate with designers and developers to bring copy to life. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I talk with Lizzie Mulherin, an experienced copywriter, brand strategist, and founder of Create Your Living on Substack. Lizzie has worked with top brands like Red Bull, Afterpay, and David Jones, and she's here to share how she leverages Substack to build an audience, earn recurring income, and offer unique content. If you've ever thought about using Substack to amplify your writing business, this episode is for you.  In this episode, we talk about: What Substack is and why it's valuable: Gain a clear understanding of how Substack works and why it can be an excellent platform for writers Learn the differences between Substack and traditional blogging or newsletter platforms, and how to utilise its unique features Monetising on Substack: Discover strategies for building a subscription-based income on Substack, including how to structure payment tiers Learn about setting up content behind a paywall, and balancing free and paid content to attract and retain subscribers Attracting readers and growing your audience: Explore actionable tips for building a loyal subscriber base, from leveraging social media to using Substack's internal promotion tools like “Notes” Learn how to use cross-promotions with other creators on Substack to expand your reach Creating engaging, consistent content: Understand how to choose compelling topics, structure posts, and find your unique voice to create content that resonates Gain insights into creating a content schedule that fits your workload and keeps readers engaged Personal branding and storytelling: Learn how to build a personal brand that attracts your ideal audience, using storytelling and a consistent tone of voice Discover Lizzie's approach to sharing personal anecdotes to connect deeply with readers and build community Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like to scale your writing business and maybe turn it into an agency? Would you like to have other writers working for you so you don't have to do the actual writing? Or maybe you'd like to get work through a writer's agency? That's what I'll be talking about today with Sarah Howard, the founder of Writers Australia, a content writing agency with some of the biggest brands on its copywriting books. In this episode, Sara Howard shares her journey from solo freelancer to agency founder, offering practical insights and strategies for freelancers who are ready to scale up.  Here's what you'll learn: How to start a copywriting agency  How to find new business How to shift your mindset for growth How to know when to expand beyond solo work How to make your first hires How to choose the right personality fit for your team and business How to maintain work-life balance as you scale How to grow exponentially and scale/streamline your writing process How to plan your exit or succession strategy Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Leanne Shelton, founder of HumanEdge AI Training, about how copywriters can harness the power of AI to write copy quickly and accurately, without losing the human touch.  What you'll learn: How to overcome fear of AI: Discover practical tips to help you embrace AI as a tool that complements, rather than replaces, your creative abilities. How to train AI tools for your needs: Learn how to customise AI tools to fit your unique brand voice and specific client needs, and how to turn AI into your digital assistant rather than your copywriting competitor. How to use AI effectively in content creation: Get a step-by-step roadmap for setting up the right AI tools for your writing projects, including how to brief the AI tools using the right prompts, and how to refine the output to match your voice and creative standards. How to avoid common AI pitfalls: Discover why and how AI "hallucinates," and other common mistakes that can trip you up, and learn how to use prompts that ensure the AI tools delivers you content that is authoritative and credible from the stated sources. How to stay ahead of AI trends: Gain insights into how to keep up with rapid changes in AI technology without feeling overwhelmed, and get a curated list of the best tools for copywriters. How to integrate AI into small business content strategies: Discover how to use AI to generate content for your clients - from generating ideas to crafting headlines and more, including how to write an entire campaign deck in a few minutes - all while maintaining a personal, human touch. How to position yourlf as a Human-Centric AI expert: Learn why balancing AI with human creativity is crucial in today's marketing landscape and how to position yourself as a leader in AI-enhanced copywriting. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you struggle to price your copywriting services? Do you constantly undercharge and feel undervalued? Do you see others less talented than you getting paid more> If any of that resonates with you and you feel just a little bit annoyed that you're not getting paid what you're worth, this is the episode is for you! Today, we dive into a topic that many creatives struggle with: pricing their services. In our chat today Andrew Griffiths shares his insights on how to charge what you're worth and build a successful, profitable copywriting business. Andrew is a business coach and the author of a book called ‘Someone has to be the most expensive – why not make it you', one of the best books I've read for how to change your mindset and management practices around pricing.  With decades of experience on how to build a high paying clientele, his practical advice will give you a blueprint for how you can always get paid top dollar for the work you do. In this episode, Andrew discusses: His journey from poverty mentality to running a successful business The importance of mindset and self-worth in pricing your services Strategies for building credibility and showcasing your value How to handle pricing conversations with potential clients Practical tips for increasing your rates and attracting better clients Why consistency in your business is critical to success How to differentiate yourself in a competitive market The importance of doing what others aren't willing to do Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like to earn a six figure income from copywriting?  Would you like to leverage your existing career to help you find new copywriting clients?  Would you like to write about something you love and get paid well to do so? If any of that resonates, this episode is for you. In this episode I talk to Sophia Auld, a health and medical copywriter who turned her 25 years of healthcare experience into a successful copywriting career. Sophia shares her unique journey and provides valuable insights on how to pivot your career and harness your background to succeed in the copywriting industry. You'll learn how to: Transition from one career to another Leverage your existing skills to find lucrative copywriting clients Price your services Choose a niche that inspires you and pays you well Cold call clients using an easy-to-follow email pitch template Create a point of difference from other copywriters in your niche Discover your ‘why' that will help you overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome Market your business on a budget Use simple business development techniques to find a consistent stream of new clients Avoid rookie errors when starting out Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever wondered what niching is, or how to niche your copywriting business, this is the episode for you. Whether you're considering specialising in a specific industry or want to understand the benefits and drawbacks of niching, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice to help you make an informed decision. In this episode I talk about: Copy vs Content   Understanding the critical differences between copywriting (selling and persuasion) and content writing (informing and entertaining) What is niching and the kinds of niches available Social Media: Posts, videos, ad copy Email: Newsletters, sequences, sales campaigns Content Marketing: Blogs, case studies, white papers SEO: Web pages, blogs, title tags Ecommerce: Product descriptions, category pages, sales emails Brand Storytelling: Brand narratives, tone of voice, case studies Sales Copywriting: Sales pages, landing pages, direct mail copy Video: YouTube scripts, webinars, course content AI Writing: Emails, product descriptions, technical documents Examples of copywriters who have niched Learn about those who have successfully niched in various industries, how they did it and why Why less glamorous but lucrative industries can be a good source of niche work The pros of niches: Easier business development Reduced time learning new topics Enhanced expertise and reputation Potential for higher fees The cons of niches: Limited variety Risk of boredom Dependence on one customer or industry Time required to establish recognition How to get started in your niche Using the 'hedgehog' concept to identify your niche Leveraging platforms like Eventbrite to discover niche opportunities Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrian Elton is an award-winning creative who has worked for some of the world's biggest brands including Disney, Sesame Street, Australia Post, Fairfax and many others.  Adrian's career journey is as eclectic as it is inspiring. He started by studying interior design, transitioned to graphic design, evolved into an art director, became a musician, and finally found his calling as a copywriter. His work spans multiple sectors, and he's known for his creative strategy and compelling copywriting. Tune in to discover how Adrian's diverse background shapes his approach to copywriting and learn valuable tips for creating award winning copy. In this episode, you will learn how to: 1. How to Identify and Develop Your Creative Talents: Discover the steps Adrian took to transition from interior design to graphic design, and eventually to copywriting. Learn how diverse creative skills can be integrated and leveraged across different mediums. 2. How to Break Into the Copywriting Industry: Gain insights into Adrian's unconventional journey into copywriting and how he turned opportunities into long-term success. Understand the importance of taking on different roles and projects to build a robust portfolio. 3. How to Create Impactful Brand Messages: Explore Adrian's approach to balancing design and copywriting to create powerful and cohesive brand narratives. Learn the significance of headlines and brand positioning in advertising. 4. How to Leverage Short-Form Content: Understand why Adrian prefers short, impactful copy and how to excel in creating concise and compelling messages. Get tips on writing effective headlines and brand positioning lines. 5. How to Apply Creative Philosophies: Discover the influence of Bauhaus architect Adolf Loos on Adrian's work and the principle of "God is in the details." Learn how meticulousness in creative decisions can elevate the quality of your work. 6. How to Excel in Outdoor Advertising: Learn why billboards and outdoor advertising are considered the primary unit of advertising   Get tips on how to craft messages that capture attention. 7. How to Use Songwriting to Enhance Copywriting: Understand how songwriting helps develop a keen sense for language and rhythm in copywriting. Learn the parallels between crafting lyrics and writing compelling ad copy. 8. How to Maintain Creative Momentum: Learn the importance of continually practising and developing new ideas, even outside of client briefs. Discover how personal projects can keep your creative skills sharp and lead to unexpected opportunities. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm the author, ghostwriter and coauthor of 7 books about entrepreneurship. I've interviewed some of the biggest names in business. Ruslan Kogan from Kogan. Gabby Leibovich from Catch of the Day. Jane Lu from Show Po. Naomi Simson from Red Balloon. Simon Griffiths from Who Gives a Crap. And many more.  I'm often asked, ‘What have you learnt by interviewing over 100 of Australia's top entrepreneurs? Do they have anything in common? And if so, what? Did they all get lucky or did they do something others didn't? I've learnt a lot from these people about entrepreneurship so I thought I'd dedicate an episode to sharing with you what I have learned from them all. We'll cover how to: build a culture  use language to shape the mindset of a company make your own luck – there is a 3-step formulas use your weaknesses to create a super power strength compete with the big firms even when you're on a tiny budget level the management hierarchy so you are seen as being ‘one of the team' start a meeting and break the ice write a cultural statement that sets your company up for success – with examples from Swisse Vitamins that saw them win “Best Employer” over multiple years give feedback  create a content machine that delivers outstanding results Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you'd like to launch your own podcast to promote your copywriting business, this is the podcast for you. Lyndal Harris is one of Australia's top podcasting consultants. She's launched hundreds of podcasts for a huge range of businesses and she's here today to share her knowledge about how copywriters and any other small business owner - can start, launch and market their podcast. In this episode, you'll learn: How a podcast can build your business What a podcast is and how it differs from other audio and video mediums Why an audio podcast often trumps a video podcast The best duration and publishing schedule for a podcast How to invite high-profile guests onto your podcast (even if you don't have any listeners) How to build an audience for your podcast using email and social media Why evergreen content of a few episodes can be as powerful as creating ongoing episodes The technical elements of launching a podcast – hosting, editing, formats, platforms, software etc. How to find the right statistics to measure the success of your podcast How to find paid sponsors who can fund the production of your podcast About Lyndal: Lyndal Harris is a Podcast Consultant and is passionate about simplifying your podcasting journey and getting your message out to the world. She is the founder and creative force behind Podcast VA, who have launched hundreds of podcasts for both Australian and international clients, who collectively captivate millions of listeners worldwide. And quite a number of these shows have hit #1 in the charts!  Lyndal and the team reduce the stress and make your podcasting journey simple by offering a variety of launch and management done-for-support services, online training, as well as coaching and audits. She started supporting clients with podcasting in 2015 and niched her VA business back in 2016 and was the first Australian VA to provide podcast-only support.   Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like to land a copywriting job in an advertising agency working with blue chip clients? How about working in New York in the heart of advertising land? What about using your copywriting skills to write a bestselling novel? If you like to learn how to do any of these, then you need to listen to Philip Taffs. He has worked as a Senior Writer and Creative Director in both Melbourne and Manhattan. He's worked with major players like Menulog and Playstation and helped launch the Honda CR-V & Odyssey into Australia.  He has taught copywriting at AWARD School, Strategic Communications at LaTrobe University, Public Relations at Deakin University, and Advertising, Media and Social at Swinburne, and his bestselling novel, Bubby, was recently re-released in the U.S. to great acclaim.  You'll hear how he did it all and some important lessons on how you can get your foot in the door to launch your copywriting career even if you don't have any experience. Here's what else you'll learn: The connection between copywriting and novel writing How to market a novel and find an agent Advice for copywriters looking to write a novel How he'd market his novel differently if he had the time over again How he got his foot in the door of the advertising industry How to connect with Creative Directors of leading advertising agencies, even if you don't know them How he launched the Honda CR-V into Australia; the highlights, the low-lights and everything in between The importance of being ‘nice' in business and why it will win you work How he landed a job in New York How to network and find the right people to speak to What advertising life in NY was like and the differences in writing copy for the United States How novice copywriters can get noticed and find work even if they don't have any experience What he thinks of AI and how it is being used in copy and branding Insights/techniques/formulas/processes he teaches that resonate most with the students About Philip: Philip Taffs has worked as a Senior Writer and Creative Director in both Melbourne and Manhattan.  He still has a client out of London and handled recent projects for Menulog and Playstation. Major brand experience includes Honda (helped launch the Honda CR-V & Odyssey into Australia), Esanda Finance (headed up the account at Publicis Mojo), Australia Post (Joint Creative Director), and Cabrini Health (Creative Director).  As well as running his own creative consultancy, he has taught copywriting at RMIT and AWARD, Strategic Communications at LaTrobe University, Public Relations at Deakin University, and Advertising, Media and Social at Swinburne. Philip's novel, The Evil Inside, was published by Quercus London in 2014.  (Same publishers as Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.)  In February 2024, it was re-released in the U.S. under the new title, Bubby. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Baker knows more than most about AI and where it's headed. As an AI futurist and lecturer in Computational Linguistics at Macquarie University, Greg educates students on the intricacies of Artificial Intelligence for Text and Vision, and blends his theoretical insights with practical applications.  He helps the C-suite understand the future of labour, how to maximise AI productivity gains and how to gain a deep technical understanding of what is possible. He is a director at the Institute for Open Systems Technologies and has worked at Google and CSIRO and is a leading voice in how to understand the opportunities that AI offers us today and into the future. If you're looking to discover how AI is impacting copywriters and the writing industry, this is the episode you have been waiting for.  Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like to add copy editing, project editing and proofing to your suite of services? If so, then this is the episode for you. Matt Davies is a leading copy editor. He specialises in the health care and government sectors and has created a thriving business that lets him work on his terms so that he has the time and space to pursue his true passion – writing novels. He's already written three and he is just going from strength to strength. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever considered adding ghostwriting of business memoirs to your suite of services? In today's episode, we explore the riveting tale behind the meteoric rise of Swisse Wellness, as recounted in the new book, "How to Build a Billion-Dollar Business" by Radek Sali, the visionary entrepreneur and former Swisse CEO. I happened to be his co-author on this project so I thought it'd be interesting to have a chat with Radek about the ghost-writing process and to share some hints and tips on how you too can add ghostwriting to your suite of services. The book details how Radek and his team turned a company that had $15 million in revenue and 30 employees, into a colossal $2.1 billion empire with over 1000 employees. He openly shares the highs and lows of his incredible journey, from teetering on personal bankruptcy, to engaging the world's top celebrities as ambassadors. The book also covers how he steered Swisse from the brink of collapse and spearheaded the sale of Swisse to the Hong Kong based Biostime, which became one of Australia's largest ever private business transactions. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a leading journalist with The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, there's not a lot that Jewel Topsfield hasn't written about. Social affairs, politics, immigration, education, and global affairs are just a few of her specialty areas. Beyond journalism, Jewel is a sought-after speaker, lecturer at universities and schools, and has led a team that won a Walkley Award and served as a Walkley Awards judge.   I'm talking to Jewel today about her life as a journalist and how her writing life has changed over the years in response to the changing media landscape, in response to the ways that we consume media, and in response to the way in which the success or otherwise of a story is measured and much more. If you'd like a masterclass in how to research a topic quickly, and come up with world class content quickly that you know is going to be read by thousands of people, that has the potential to spark Senate enquiries – as her story on people smuggling did - you could take a leaf out of Jewel's writing life.   Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have a passion for a topic and would like to turn that passion into profit, you may want to build an online course so you can teach it. Amber Renae is many things. She started out as an engineer and then pivoted, seamlessly into becoming a celebrity stylist. It's a logical next step, isn't it?   She quickly realised she has a talent for not just making people look good, but helping their content look good too and so she created a course that helped others monetise their expertise. She is now a leading specialist in helping entrepreneurs and influencers create online courses so they can live their dream life.  Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI and copywriting. Everyone's talking about it but someone who's really getting deep into the weeds of how it all works is Leanne Shelton. Leanne is a copywriter who has taken a right turn and has reinvented her brand to become a specialist in copy and AI.  Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anxiety. We all have it, or elements of it, but some of us have it more than others. Writers, it would seem, have more of it than most. In this revealing podcast, Kerri Sackville, one of Australia's most prominent columnists and popular writers discusses her writing life, and in particular, her unique relationship to, and with anxiety – how it helps her, hinders her and why it's the creative force that underpins much of her work. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To niche or not to niche? It's a question I get asked a lot so I thought I'd interview Lynne Testoni, a leading content creator and copywriter. Lynne specialises in some of the most coveted topics – interior design, homewares, gardening, food, cookbooks and much more. She has carved out a niche writing career that enables her to write about what she wants, when she wants, and to work with the people she wants. If you'd like to learn how to successfully niche your copywriting business, become a subject matter authority and get paid what you're worth, this is the episode for you. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're a copywriter and you'd like to expand your services and create a long term stream of income, you should consider becoming a ghostwriter. What even is a ghost writer? In many senses, a copywriter is the ultimate ghost writer in that we write content for a specific client, we are largely invisible, we don't seek credit for the work and we work hard to become the voice of that brand. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you'd like to explore how your copywriting skills can help you, or your client, write a book and become an authority in your industry, this is the episode for you. Anna Featherstone is an expert author, publicist, independent book marketer. In this podcast, she reveals her inside secrets on how you can publish a book to increase your writing revenue. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Rachel Smith, the founder of Rachel's list It's not every day you get to speak to the eponymous founder of a successful business but today I get to speak to Rachel, the Rachel in Rachel's list. If you haven't heard of it, the list is an online platform that showcases a huge range of fantastic jobs for journalists, copywriters, content creators and branding specialists. If you're looking for paid work, this is the place to start. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you like to sell your copywriting business for a million dollars, or even $10 million dollars? It's possible, and Kobi Simmat is going to show us how.  Kobi is one of Australia's most successful business improvement specialists. He recently achieved a $20 million valuation and then a successful sale of his own business and now helps others unlock the full potential of their businesses. He wrote a book called ‘How to Build a Business Others Want to Buy' and, full disclosure, I was his ghostwriter so I got to spend a lot of time hearing how he did it and how others can too. I think you're going to love what he has to say. And the good news? A copywriting business is the perfect business to sell because our clients don't just need one piece of content; they need lots of content on a monthly basis which makes a copywriting business a very attractive proposition. And why is that? Because the # 1 thing that buyers look for is monthly recurring revenue. What a coincidence. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you always wanted to be paid to travel?  Would you like to stay in luxurious resorts for free?  If you'd like to indulge your passion for food, wine, wellness or any other passion and get paid to do so, this is the episode for you. You may not realise it, but there's a massive connection between travel writing and copywriting. If you can write copy, you are well positioned to become a travel writer too. You find out why in this episode. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theresa Miller is a seasoned journalist and media guru. She possesses a remarkable talent for helping individuals master the art of media storytelling. With an impressive background working for prestigious news organisations like Good Morning Britain, Sky News, and CNN, Theresa now shows business experts how to leverage the media and share their stories with the world. If you would like to learn how to get your story out the world, win the attraction of a journalist and get the attention your story deserves, this is the podcast for you. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attention, Copywriters! We need to address the elephant in the room: procrastination.  It hinders productivity, stifles creativity and creates stress. And of course, the longer we leave it, the harder is gets to start and that creates even more stress. Meanwhile time is ticking, the deadline is looming and you haven't' even started and what does create? Fear. And that is a really bad place from which to write because it paralyses our creative process.   So how can we eliminate procrastination? I've got 13 tried and tested ways to help. And the reason I know they work is because I've been a procrastinator, I still am, I don't think you ever really stop being one, but I've found some really useful strategies that have helped me overcome this pernicious habit and I'd like to share them with you. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're looking for practical strategies to transform your business and maximise customer growth this is the podcast for you. Amy Miocevich is one of Australia's leading digital marketers and the author of "The Very Good Marketing Guide: How to Grow Your Business on a Budget." In this episode I talk to Amy about the many ways that we as copywriters can market our businesses and do it on a budget. Amy has created a simple yet powerful 5 step framework that maps out the customer journey, and turns strangers into devoted fans. If you don't like doing business development but want a steady stream of consistent work, you'll love what Amy has to say. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've coached over 10,000 people to become freelance copywriters. When you coach that many people, and you watch what they do with the information you give them, it's fascinating to see what happens.  Some people take the tools and run with them and create wildly successful copywriting careers – and get all the requisite benefits that come from being a successful copywriter – freedom to work where you want, when you want, with whom you want and the satisfaction of getting paid very well to do something you love.    Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has ChatGPT made copywriters redundant?  Far from it, according to Greg Baker, a lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Linguistics at Macquarie University. Greg, more than most, has his finger on the pulse on not just where ChatGPT is heading but how it actually works!   He has spent his life researching natural language processing and has a deep knowledge of what these tools can do and more importantly, how we copywriters and creative folk can harness them to our advantage. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They say that a big business is just a small business with systems. So how do you create the systems? How do you know what systems to create? What even is a system? If you're a copywriter looking to fast track the success of a business and want some inside secrets on how you can do more with less and turn your fledgling business into a six or seven figure juggernaut, this is the podcast for you. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Stewart is the founder of StewArt Media, one of Australia's most successful digital marketing agencies. He works with clients like Booktopia, Telstra and Simply Energy to help them build their digital presence, drive leads and generate revenue. In this podcast, I talk with Jim about the potential of ChatGPT – the artificial intelligence tool that is taking the content world by storm.  We discuss how it will change the digital marketing industry, the opportunities it will present for content creators, the threats it may bring to us and those in the advertising sector, and how to harness this powerful tool to generate more content than ever before in half the time. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Copywriters of the future! If you'd like to stay relevant, charge more and harness the power of Artificial Intelligence and human-centred design to help you write your copy, this is the podcast for you! Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Launching a podcast is a brilliant way to build your copywriting business. It helps you build your authority, find new clients and create new connections with interesting and high-profile people.  If you've ever wanted a map for how to build, launch and promote your podcast, this is the episode for you. Ash Roy is a podcast and digital marketing expert and is a global authority on productivity and business growth. He has attracted big names to appear on his podcast, including Seth Godin, Brian Tracy, the motivational expert, Brian Clarke, the founder of Copy Blogger and Rand Fishkin one of the original co-founders of Moz.com. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 95% of beginner copywriters, finding clients is the bane of their existence. Well, what if I told you there was a way you could avoid all that? This approach has clients clicking on YOUR profile, and directly messaging YOU — not you painfully messaging them. No more Upwork, Fiverr, or yet another job application with 50 other potential candidates.  Best part? You become the prize, and with that, you instantly command higher rates because you have a flurry of piping hot leads begging to work with you.  Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Email is not dead, never was, never will be. In this podcast you'll learn how to prepare a welcome sequence so that you can kick start your email automations, communicate easily with prospects and turn casual visitors into paying customers.    We also take a look at the ultimate checklist of how to prepare and write an email campaign so that no matter what level of knowledge you have or what level of sophistication you are working to, you will be able to launch an email campaign with ease and confidence. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dani Paige started her career in the oil and gas fields of Canada and quickly realised ‘this is not going to work.' It's just too cold! So she did some digging, pardon the pun, found copywriting, and in particular copywriting for sales pages. She launched her business and within one year of leaving her full-time job, was earning over $100,000, and her business continues to grow year-on-year. In this episode, she outlines how she got started, why she chose sales pages as her niche, the tricks and tips for writing high-performing sales pages, how you too can charge $5000 for 5 days of work, how to find clients, and much more. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruth Megan started her life as a crystal healer. In her own words, she loves a bit of ‘whoo hoo' in her life. But when she discovered that she could make a living from writing about wine, she decided to make that her career. She now spends her time visiting some of Australia's top wineries, taste testing the best of the best and writing about it all. In Ruth's own words: it is her dream job. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After six months of being a business, Helen Knight had more clients than she could poke a stick at. She emailed me to ask me if I had any copywriters I could refer to her and she has never looked back.  What a wonderful way to kickstart your copywriting career.    In this episode, I talked to Helen about found all those clients and what she did in order to generate so much work she needed to outsource it. As a former English teacher at a prestigious school Helen did not have a business background so she was really starting from scratch but has gone on to create her dream job.   Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Simovic is a man on a mission. At just 22 years old and with only 10 months under his belt as a copywriter, he's already earning $15,000 to $20,000 per email sequence and gaining an enviable client list. He is one of the few copywriters who offer a no-results-no pay model. Risky? Yes, but it works and in this session he shows us exactly how he created this business model, why his clients love it, the pitfalls attached to it and how he came to be so confident at such a young age. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charging the right fee for your copywriting services can be a hit and miss affair. Some people charge thousands and have no trouble finding clients. Others charge a pittance and can't get a sale. What's the difference? Here's the truth - it's not what you charge, it's how you charge. Sure, your hourly rate or project fee is hugely important and can determine if you get the job or not. But it's how that fee is framed that makes all the difference.  Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Criticism. We've all had it and for as long as we continue to be copywriters we'll continue to get it.  But it's how we deal with it that makes all the difference. It can set us up to be better at what we do or it can cut us to the quick and stop us from doing what we were born to do. In this podcast I talk to Zara and Troy Love, two of Australia's foremost performance and speech coaches. They've worked with politicians, actors and sports stars to help them craft their public persona, write their speeches and coach them to shine on stage.    Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever wanted to offer PR services to your clients but you've never really known what PR is or how to offer it, this is the episode for you. Jules Brooks is one of Australia's top publicists and PR coaches. She specialises in helping SMEs do their own PR so they can get free coverage in print, press on radio, TV and online. Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting something new is always hard. But have you found that once you get going, it gets easier? Finding your first copywriting client is no different. Once you get that first job under your belt you'll find it gets a whole lot easier. This episode is a little bit different to others. It's an excerpt from a video I recorded for Copy Club, Australia's most exciting community for emerging and experienced copywriters. Join Copy Club and you'll get access to a whole range of benefits including a massive training hub filled with education training videos, templates and much more. (Check out copyclub.com.au for more). Read the show notes This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.