So you want to be a copywriter with Bernadette Schwerdt

Would you like to become an influencer? Would you like a step-by-step playbook for how to get that career up and running? If you’ve ever wanted to monetise your passions and turn your knowledge into profit, this is the episode for you. Kat Moses is the founder of MGMT, one of Australia’s leading influencer talent agencies. She manages many of the big names in Australia and knows what’s what and who’s who in the world of influencer marketing, influencer management, brand collabs and much more. I sat down with Kat to talk about all things influencers, but what I loved most about our chat was that she gave me a blow-by-blow summary of how I could become an influencer – and it’s a guide that you could use to do the same. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Kat transitioned from working for others to being the founder of her own agency. Why she moved to Los Angeles to grow the business. A day in the life of a successful influencer. How anyone can turn their knowledge into actionable insights people would pay for. What she looks for in an influencer and how to find representation. Why authenticity and consistency always beat follower count. How to create a compelling content plan. How creators can future-proof themselves in the face of AI, fatigue, and shifting platforms. The exact blueprint Kat uses to help new talent find their niche, grow fast, and get paid. Why influencer marketing is far from over, and where it’s heading next. 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.

It seems like everyone has got a podcast right now, but few know how to turn their podcast into a content empire like Glen James. Glen started out life as a financial planner, and when he realised what impact he was making on people’s lives, he decided to scale up his business and use podcasting to reach more people. Podcasting is just one pillar in his content empire, but if you’re interested in learning how someone has turned their passion for a topic into a very profitable content business, this is the episode for you. You’ll learn: How Glen went from teen investing nerd to podcast founder and author How he monetises his podcast How he uses two clear guidelines to decide where he puts his time and energy How to ensure your podcast guests promote the podcast for you How to create magnificent lead magnets that work How to use the podcast to find new clients How to future-proof your content business.  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.

Josh Piterman is no stranger to pressure. As the only Australian to play both the Phantom in London’s West End and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, he knows what it’s like to perform at elite levels and what it takes to keep showing up when your inner critic won’t sit down. Now also a coach, author, and podcast host, Josh shares how mindset, breathwork, meditation and self-awareness have transformed not only his performances but also his life. In this episode, we go deep into: The crossover between performers and high-performing leaders What really fuels imposter syndrome, and how to shift it Using breathwork and heart rate variability to handle fear and stress The difference between achievement and fulfilment Josh’s “6 Ps” of performance, and why play matters more than perfection Behind the Mask: Why Josh wrote his deeply personal memoir-meets-self-help guide Why vulnerability is the most underrated leadership tool Whether you're heading into a boardroom, onto a stage, or just trying to show up more authentically in life, this conversation is a masterclass in mindset. 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.

Without a doubt, hiring staff is one of the hardest, yet arguably, the most important parts of building a business. Whether you’re hiring a Virtual Assistant to update your database or hiring a CEO to run your business, getting the right team together is critical. A few know better how to put a team together than Meahan Callaghan, the current Chief People and Culture Officer at Red Bubble (now known as Articore) and has held senior HR roles at Afterpay, Mecca, Seek and Foxtel. Meahan has hired and, let’s be honest, fired a lot of people, and she knows exactly how to find the right person for a role and build a winning culture. In this episode, we take a look at how one of the best in the business goes about hiring and firing people, what it’s like to work with some of the most famous founders in the country, and how to go about hiring the right people for your business. 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.

What if your side hobby could land you on the set of How to Train Your Dragon or in the same room as Timothée Chalamet? That’s the wild reality for Lachlan and Austin Macfarlane  – aka the Macfarlane Brothers –  two self-taught filmmakers whose short-form videos have clocked more than 500 million views online. Starting with a childhood curiosity and a second-hand camera, they’ve grown into full-time content creators, directors, and award-winning storytellers for global brands like Warner Bros., Netflix, and Universal Pictures. In this episode, they unpack the creative process behind their viral videos, how they turn 15 seconds into a storytelling masterclass, and what it really takes to build an audience that sticks around. Plus, they share what goes into landing brand deals, writing sponsored content that doesn’t suck, and why they’re aiming to direct feature films next. Whether you're a marketer, copywriter, or creator at heart—this one’s packed with practical gold. 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.

We’ve all heard about the TikTok video that goes viral for no apparent reason or the unsuspecting tradie who becomes an overnight sensation off the back of one post. Well, it turns out there’s a method to that madness, and the one with the keys to unlocking that method is Michelle Melky.   Michelle is the Global Creative Director of a marketing agency called Amplify. They represent the top influencers and broker the deals for them.   Michelle has created cutting-edge content for brands including Estee Lauder, Warner Bros. and Google. She also co-produced Love Songs, the world’s first narrative web series for TikTok. Her work has been nominated for a TikTok Ad Award, three Mumbrella Awards and in 2024, she was shortlisted for the B&T 30 Under 30 Awards. In this episode, we talk about what it means to be an influencer – or content creator, as Michelle prefers to call them. She gives us the low down on how to create that content, land a brand deal, find clients willing to pay you the big bucks and why you don’t need as many followers as you might think to start calling yourself an influencer. If you’ve ever wanted to monetise your knowledge about anything and learn how to negotiate and navigate the new media landscape, 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’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 Sara 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.