Nine Things I've Learned in Nine Years as a Yorkshire Copywriter...

I can’t quite believe it either, but next year will be my tenth year in business.

TEN Whole Years as a Yorkshire Copywriter…Almost

As of mid-July though, I’ve been at it for nine years, which I think is achievement enough. When I set out as a copywriter in Yorkshire back in 2014, I didn’t expect to still be ticking along nicely. In fact, I’ve been more than ticking along*; I’ve worked for hundreds of clients - including household names like the NHS and Boots and more one-man bands and brands than I can count.

*Although I realise that sounds like bragging, I’m just glad to be doing what I love daily).

So, if you’re thinking of going freelance too, have a peek at nine things I’ve learned in nine years as a Yorkshire copywriter…

1. Ignoring the b*llocks about ‘getting up at 5am and going for a jog’ is the first step to success

Plenty of LinkedIn' ‘gurus’ will tell you this is the key to doing well as a business owner. The only thing I’ve ever gained from jogging is a stitch. Joking aside, I do like to swim - but I refuse to get up at 5am to do it; the pool’s open til 8pm-ish, so I’ll go after my tea, thank you very much.

2. Getting your tax return done early is always a good idea

Freelance copywriting life can get busy. I’ve left my tax return to the last minute a time or two and I’ve regretted it. Don’t do it too.

3. When you lovingly make a cake for your ‘workplace’, you can look forward to scoffing the lot yourself 

The only tip you need. Make that cake - and share it with yourself. You’re welcome.

4. ‘Friday Feeling’ isn’t really a thing when you’re a Yorkshire copywriter (or anyone else, for that matter), working from home and for yourself

That said, if you’re disciplined enough where your workload is concerned, you can treat yourself to a six-day weekend, if you fancy it. Swings and roundabouts and all that.

5. Freelance mates are as important to your sanity as tea and cake on tap

Cake coming out of your taps, you say? Brilliant!

The ‘Being Freelance’ community is well worth checking out if you’re thinking of working for yourself too.

6. Despite emailing your invoice to their accounts dept on time, filling out 6,456 forms and sending in your passport and a weft of your dead dog’s hair, you - and the payment you’re owed - will still slip through the net

Enough said. It’s annoying, but thankfully it doesn’t happen all that often.

7. If you’re fortunate enough to work with fellow freelancers, you can be sure they understand the importance of paying you on time

We’re the best. We really are.

8. Brew rounds don’t take nearly as long when you’re a ‘team’ of one

“Fancy a cuppa, Lauren?”

“Ah, go on then Lauren”

“Oh, and break out December’s mince pies while you’re at it, lass'“

9. Working for yourself is the best thing since sliced cake.

I learned that one in under a year, but it’s true. Come on in; the water’s lovely! 

I hope you enjoyed my tongue-in-cheek take on the world of self-employment. 

Looking for a Yorkshire-based copywriter? Get in touch!

Why Reviews Are Vital for Your Business

This blog post is brought to you by this raspberry and lemon tart.

Why? Upon perusing the cake counter at Saino’s recently, a very insistent old lady told me these tarts are to die for.

I didn’t even want one, but I put it in my basket anyway. Well, because:

1. I felt obliged to (in a terribly and awkwardly British way)
2. She really was bigging the tart up.

Moral of the story? When it comes to marketing, recommendations are the most powerful tool out there. They give instant credibility, backing up all the good things you say about yourself in your website’s ‘About Us’ page. After all, we can all happily big ourselves up ‘til the cows come home (in the name of drumming up extra business), but what really gives your praise a bit of oomph is displaying similar messages from other folks.

I’ve done the same here on my website (which shouts about all the projects I’ve worked on as a Yorkshire copywriter) and dotted testimonials on most pages, as well as creating a dedicated reviews page (click the link above to have a peep).

So, if you're a business owner, ask your clients for some nice words about your services. Or, as a customer, share some nice words about someone else’s.

Oh, and go and get a raspberry and lemon tart from Sainsbury’s: it really was worth the praise.

Until next time…

PS: Want to work with me - a Yorkshire copywriter? Say hello.

Freelance Copywriter Yorkshire: Why You Need One

Ah, Yorkshire!

If you aren’t from round these parts, you may know it - not for its Yorkshire copywriters - but only for its puds. The savoury kind, you understand. Or perhaps when you think of the county and its folks, you think of broad, ‘can-barely-understand-em’ accents.

Or maybe just tea. Yorkshire Tea. Piping hot and with a drop of milk (I like mine strong and sweet, if you’re asking). A sweetener will do if you’ve run out of sugar.

True, you probably won’t think of copywriters when you imagine the rolling green hills of this fine county (why on earth would you?!) - but alongside running water and working leccy, we have content writers here too - but why do you need a Yorkshire copywriter specifically?

Choose a Yorkshire Copywriter and You Have an Excuse for a Yorkshire Field Trip (If You Want)

I don’t expect you to make the journey to Yorkshire for a catch-up (after all, you’re the client and I’m the copywriter - I’ll happily head over your end) but if you want to, the option’s there.

Anyway, who doesn’t love the opportunity to get away from the office for the day on a kind of grown-up field trip?! So, if you fancy a coffee and a chinwag about your copy in person - and in Yorkshire - it’ll be well worth the trip.

Alongside running water and electricity, we have quaint little coastal resorts, top views from Huddersfield’s Castle Hill, tea on tap - and even a few homegrown celebs. Parkinson, anyone? Or Dickie Bird…remember him?! We also have a statue of a young Dai Bradley (Billy Caspar from Kes) in Barnsley, don’t ya know.

…About That Tea (You Can Enjoy a Proper Cup While Visiting Your Copywriter in Yorkshire

I shouldn’t really say this on a public forum, but since there’s no such thing as Lancashire tea (or is there?!), Yorkshire Tea will (more than) have to do.

Well, it does make a mean brew. Of course, you can buy Yorkshire tea up and down the country, but it’s like a cuppa on home soil as opposed to abroad; it always tastes better drank where it should be drank…don’t you think?! Yeah, I know tea’s from China, but just allow me, a Huddersfield copywriter who knows a good cuppa when she drinks one, to make my point. Ta.

You Can Learn a New Language. Well, Kind Of.

Did you know there’s actually a Yorkshire - English dictionary? Proof that learning how the all (they all) spek (speak) ‘ere (here) in Yorkshire is like learning a new language. So, you’ll pick up a bit of useful lingo at the least, or become a fluent Yorkshire man (or woman) at best. Brill. You can then go home and chat to your spouse or kids in riddles. What a hoot.

Luckily for you, I’m not a Yorkshire copywriter* - so you might be able to understand me (I jest, of course; Yorkshire accents aren’t that hard to fathom).

*Well, not as such, While I make a living as a freelance copywriter based here, I’m actually (whisper it) from that there Lancashire.

The best thing about being a copywriter, though? You can work wherever you fancy. Yep, anywhere. Your living room, your kitchen, even your garden. Oh, and definitely in Yorkshire - if you want. Or if you don’t. It’s up to you.

If you’re not from Yorkshire, don’t make distance a barrier; we can have a chat over the phone (or Zoom) and get to work getting to the nitty gritty of your brand.

Go on; let’s chat…

Here's Why and When You Should Write Your Own Content...

Eh…what?

“I’ve seen it all now; why is a professional copywriter telling me to write my own content?!”

Well, I pride myself on my honesty and I won’t let you spend your money if…

You’re Already Doing a Great Job

Have a penchant for words - and putting them together in an entertaining and informative way?

Is your website already gaining enough traction? Or perhaps your social media posts never fail to take off, regardless of the fact you haven’t used the services of a freelance copywriter.

Lovely jubbly, if either of the above applies to you.

In your case, a copywriter can help if you’re short of time, or if you find that you’re no longer enjoying writing your own stuff. We all have days where we struggle to string a sentence together, never mind a 500-word blog post.

Hey, I know this looks like I’m saying a copywriter’s value might only be in helping you free up some time - and that’s because I am. As the old saying goes, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”.

True, a copywriter may help you claw back some hours in your day - and that’s ace, isn’t it?! More time to do the things you want to do in your business.

A copywriter can also provide a unique perspective on your marketing efforts or your target market. They may be able to simply freshen up your current content, when needed. That blog post you’ve been meaning to repurpose. Or that social media status that could well become a longform article.

Everyone can benefit from an extra pair of eyes on their copy (or someone else’s ideas) sometimes - even copywriters. So, we’re here when you need us.

You Don’t Have the Budget

Don’t have the dosh just yet to use a freelance copywriter? Don’t hire a copywriter just because you see fellow business owners using one.

If you really feel that the difference between your brand doing well and not so well is a professional copywriter, consider it. If you’re doing well enough as you are and your budget won’t stretch to a copywriter, there are plenty of resources out there that could help you write your own content in the interim.

Alternatively, many freelance copywriters (including me) offer a payment plan for those who need or want to spread the cost. You might also find that a retainer-based copywriting service (whereby you sign up for a set amount of work or hours per month) is the route for you. This often means that the rate you pay works out cheaper in the long-run; reliable, regular work for your freelance copywriter = a cost saving for you.

Or just wait until you have the dosh. Sure, good copy is nice to have, but it isn’t a matter of life or death.

Something Else Demands Your Attention

Is your website in need of some TLC? Or perhaps you need to invest in a new email marketing service this month.

If something else demands your attention in your business before employing a freelance copywriter, you should prioritise that.

One thing at a time, and all that.

You Have Bags of Time

Fledgling business? Or perhaps you have plenty of free time to write your own content - and use all the resources available to you to make sure it hits the right mark. It might not be as good as the copy a professional can put together, but it may well be ‘good enough’ - and that will do for now.

You Have Trust Issues

Control freak? Hey, I don’t blame you. I’d probably be reluctant to let someone new loose on my website.

You might prefer to have autonomy over your web copy - it’s your business after all.

Have you considered a content audit copywriting service, in that case? This involves you writing the copy and a professional copywriter (i.e. me! “coo-ee!”) taking a look at it, making some minor edits, where needed, and offering some suggestions for improvement. You can then go away and make the edits at your leisure. Guess what? It’s a fair bit cheaper than it is to have your website written from scratch too.

If you’d like to explore how working with a copywriter will benefit you, say hello - if not, keep on keeping on (doing exactly what you’re doing!).

Have you considered writing your own content? Or perhaps you have already and it’s live on your site. Let me know how you found the process by commenting on this blog post (below).

Until next time…