Beginning a new business can bring excitement, new challenges and many struggles, but Belinda Weaver could not have asked for a better startup for her copywriting company. Before starting her business, Copywrite Matters, Belinda developed and implemented marketing strategies for clients in Australia and overseas. Working as a marketing coordinator, Belinda wrote copy every single day and she knew it was something she was good at. Belinda decided to start her copywriting business when she realised that a two-hour plus commuting trip to work each day was not going to be very family friendly. After attending a marketing seminar on becoming a freelance copywriter, Belinda started to think about freelancing. Setting up a business was a lot scarier than she expected, but she was confident in her skills as a marketer and copywriter.
“When I was employed as a marketing coordinator, I learned what worked and what didn’t and now I offer that experience to others. In real life, that means, I understand the big picture of marketing for others and what it takes to get the message out to the right people.”
Copywrite Matters helps business owners put personality and action back into their marketing. The business provides online marketing services (e.g. websites, blogs, newsletters and e-mail marketing), as well as offline marketing (e.g. brochures, posters and company profiles).
“Copywrite Matters is more than just finding words, we find the right words. The words that will get people excited enough to click, to call and to buy.”
Belinda’s favourite aspect of running the business is her love for working with clients who really appreciate the value of a specialist. She puts extra effort into making sure she really understands her clients and their business.
“Capturing the essence of someone you’ve never met, and a business you’ve never worked with, is very rewarding. I feel such joy when we get to the end of a copywriting project and the client is proud to show off their new copy.”
Beginning as a freelancer can be difficult and Belinda wishes she’d been armed with these three pieces of advice:
- Pricing is hard and you’ll always be tinkering with it. Charge what you think is fair – plus a bit more (because you’re probably under pricing).
- Think about your sales and admin processes from day one. The more you can systemise things, the more consistent your customer experience.
- Don’t spend too much time trying to code your own website. Save up and hire a professional.
The Australian Businesswomen’s Network has helped Belinda overcome business challenges by providing education, which has helped her gain new ideas for improvement. Belinda has had guidance in confirming when she is on the right track, and has been strengthened by the knowledge that her business is heading in the right direction.
“The ABN has helped with everything from making some processes more efficient to creative marketing. When you’re doing everything yourself, or even when you’re not and you’re just flat out, it can be hard to find time to sit back and review what you’re looking to improve.”
Belinda recommends that having skills and knowledge in tax and financial obligations, social media marketing and content marketing is essential.
Belinda Weaver’s advice for starting a business:
- Dismiss social media at your peril! If you aren’t familiar with social media, learn it and get to know it.
- Don’t forget to keep up with face-to-face networking opportunities. They are good for your confidence and good for business.
- Learn how to do things yourself before you outsource. You’ll have a much better understanding of what’s needed. You’ll also value the work being done.
