The Content Goodies Podcast

Ever wondered how a brand with all the right ingredients can still fall flat?Today, we’re looking at the wild story of RC Cola – the underdog soda that once went toe-to-toe with Coke and Pepsi but fizzled out of the cola wars before it could properly compete.In this episode, you’ll hear all about: RC Cola’s surprising history and early innovationsIts head-to-head battles with Coke and PepsiThe branding mistakes and misfires that cost them their edgeThe smart strategies that could’ve completely changed the story

Should the em dash be left behind? Is it truly a red flag of AI writing? Listen to Mia's take on her beloved em dash and why she believes that no grammar should be left behind! What do you think, should we be leaving out the em dash or can we keep using it in our content?

Do you work from home? How do you find it? If you find it difficult to work from home then listen to Mia's top tips on how best to work from home. She gives excellent advice on what to do to improve your day and stay focused on your work! Listen to Mia's tips and learn how to work from home in a healthy and productive way.

Want to learn how to write a meta description? Have a listen to this content bite where Mia talks briefly about how to write a meta description and what the best approach for getting visitors to click are. Learn what the best tone and tactic is for writing meta details and if you ever have any questions - reach out! We're always here to help with all things content.

Today's Content Bite, Mia talks about what archetype she is and what archetypes she wishes she was! What archetype do you think you are? Not sure, get in touch with our team at The Content Lab and book in for a brand discovery session with us to discover you company's archetype. Archetypes are perfect for helping businesses and individuals discover how to position themselves better online. See you next time for more content bites!

Mia talks to us about the Pine-Sol and their fantastic social media marketing tactics!Let us know if you have any favourite pieces of content marketing you've seen recently - we love to hear about fun and out there content. Join Mia next time for another content bite!

If staring at a blank Google Doc makes your brain glitch, this one’s for you. Abby and Ciara break down how to actually start creating online content – without getting lost in perfectionism, keyword stress, or copycat territory.What we yapped about:The biggest mistakes newbies make when they sit down to writeThe first piece of content we ever wroteHow to deal with that “everything’s already been said” feelingFree tools for smarter content planningWhen to stop researching and start writingWhat to actually do with content once it’s publishedHonourable mentions:Answer The PublicSE RankingSurferSEO Book recommendations:Intermezzo by Sally RooneyHalide’s Gift by Frances Kazan

Booked the client, opened Zoom… and now you’re just nodding while they explain their childhood dog’s nickname? Yeah, we’ve been there. Great copy starts with a great conversation – but what happens when your kickoff call goes off the rails? In this episode, Abby, Ciara, and Riley hand out our best tips for running copywriting calls that actually get you what you need.What we yapped about:The prep that sets every project up for successHow to get non-marketers to open up (without grilling them)Keeping things on time and gently steering off-topic chatsWhat not to say if someone’s cousin wrote the copyOur weirdest ever client call moments Honourable mentions:Otter.aiFathomStoryBrandKyle Van Dusen from The Admin BarBook recommendations:Wild Irish Women by Marian BroderickHere Is The Beehive by Sarah CrossanWrong Women by Caroline West

Say “well, hello there” to Veronica – Content Lab’s newest writer, certified beach-walker, and recovering teen magazine addict. In this episode, Abby sits down for a proper chat with our resident newbie to talk about breaking into copywriting, finding your writing flow, and why lunch break dance parties (and the occasional shower) are lowkey productivity hacks.What we yapped about:The teen mags that made Veronica fall in love with writingHer not-so-straight road to becoming a copywriterRemote work as an introvert – and what helpsWhat her average day looks like as a content writerUnique things she does to smash through writers’ block The best advice she’s ever been givenHonourable mentions:The Teskey BrothersMåneskinHarry StylesArt AttackBook recommendations: The Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoIkigai by Héctor García & Francesc MirallesThe Women by Kristin HannahEmperor of Rome by Mary Beard

Ever feel like some marketing is just... manipulative? Fake urgency, guilt trips, fear tactics – yeah, we hate that too. In this episode, Abby and Kelli break down what unethical marketing really looks like, why it’s so common, and how you can grow your business without losing your integrity.What we yapped about:What unethical marketing actually looks like (and how to spot it)The fine line between persuasion and manipulationHow personal ethics shape the clients and causes you chooseDo brands have a moral duty to disclose AI-generated content?Ethical selling tips: why good sales is matchmaking, not manipulationWhy ethical marketing wins in the long runHonourable mentions:Content Goodies UNICEFTermageddonJen Buzza Jonathan Hinshaw Book recommendations:Dead Lions by Mick HerronOn Writing Well by William ZinsserStolen Focus by Johann HarryA Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe

Feeling stuck in a copywriting rut? Abby and Mia have just what you need! In this episode, they sit down to chat about how literary devices can give your copy just the right amount of ‘oomph’. From non-cringeworthy metaphors to dad jokes that actually land, this episode has everything you need to know about spicing up your writing (without going overboard).What we yapped about:The 5 Cs of good copywritingWhy we swear by “clarity over cleverness”The importance of knowing your audience and what language they useWhen to sprinkle some personality in – and when to pull backWhy 3 is, in fact, a magic numberHonourable mentions:InnocentOatlyAir Asia campaignBook recommendations:Citizen Poet by Eavan BolandROPES Literary Journal by University of Galway MA studentsAn Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey into the Magic of Rewilding by Eoghan Daltun

“Best cheap hotels London” doesn’t cut it anymore. Whether someone’s asking Siri, Alexa, or ChatGPT, your content needs to sound natural and answer the damn question. Abby and Ciara walk through what actually works now, how to write like a human (but still rank), and how to make friends with both algorithms and real people.What we yapped about:Voice vs. AI vs. classic Google – what’s the diff?How to rework your keyword strategy for voice and AISchema markup (sounds boring, actually v. important)Local SEO tips for when people ask, “What’s open near me?”The funniest thing we’ve ever asked a voice assistantHonourable mentions:SE RankingAnswerThePublicBook recommendations:I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdyHas Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? by Nicci French

If you’ve ever been caught in revision hell, had a client ghost mid-project, or found yourself rewriting an entire site because the tone was “just off,” this one’s for you. Abby is joined by our resident “spine” (a.k.a. project manager) Riley Barry to walk through how to run a smooth, drama-free website copy process – from kick-off to sign-off.What we yapped about:The must-haves in a good copy briefWhy letting your copywriter chat to the client is keyWhy we always start with the homepage (& you should too)How to give feedback that’s not just “I don’t like it”Red flags that a project’s going off the rails & and how to save itHonourable mentions:SE Ranking & SurferSEO – Our fave SEO toolsGoogle Docs: Because printing out copy edits is… not itBook recommendations:Skeleton Crew by Stephen King, The Nesting by C.J. Cook

Ever read a company’s mission statement and felt… nothing? Or core values that just fall flat? Us too. That’s why this week, Abby and Ciara are here to help you come up with core values, mission, and vision statements that actually mean something – both to you and the people reading them.What we yapped about:Mission, vision, core values – what they are and why you need them.How to write them, so they don't sound like corporate BS.The best brand statements we’ve seen – and the absolute worst.What to do with your values, mission & vision once they’re written.Abby & Ciara’s personal mission statements Honourable mentions:InnocentOrganic BasicsBook recommendations: I Know My Name by C.J. Cooke

Ever thought about what it takes to create engaging content every day? Meet Laura Hand – a lover of puns and silly jokes with a passion for writing compelling copy. This week, Abby and Laura sit down to chat about how she went from working for a non-profit to jumping headfirst into the world of copywriting.What we yapped about: How she finds creativity when the inspiration well runs dry. What a copywriter’s typical day looks like. The books that sparked a lifelong love of reading and writing. Life and work advice that we all need a reminder of.Always dreamed of turning your passion for writing into a full-time gig? Or maybe you just want to get to know one of our amazing writers a little better? Either way, this episode is for you!Honourable mentions:https://surferseo.com/ Book recommendations: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard OsmanRoald Dahl collection

Want to know what it’s like to create awesome, engaging content every day? Get ready to meet Simone Smith – a certified word nerd with a serious talent for taking tricky topics and breaking them down so anyone can understand. In this episode, Abby chats with Simone about her journey from being a court reporter covering murder trials (yes, really!) to becoming a pro at turning complex ideas into compelling content.What we yapped about: What she loves about her day-to-day as a copywriter. Her best tips for overcoming writer’s block (which may or may not involve dog cuddles). Her favourite projects (which also may or may not involve dogs). Some words of wisdom that everyone needs to hear.Curious about how you can get into copywriting or just want to get to know another of our lovely writers? Then you won’t want to miss this episode!Honourable mentions:https://swipefile.com/ Book recommendations: Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola EstésFranny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger

Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an international copywriter? Meet Kelli Cleary—a Texas native with a knack for persuasive copywriting (and an impressive green thumb). In this episode, Abby and Kelli sit down to discuss how Kelli went from working in the non-profit world to crafting beautiful blogs and compelling copy. What we yapped about: Her creative tips to overcome writer's block. Why children’s books should be on every adult’s reading list.  What an average day looks like, plus some of her fave projects so far. Some solid life advice that we all need to hear. Dreaming of how you can turn your passion for writing into a full-time career? Or maybe you just want to get to know one of our lovely writers? Then this episode’s for you! Honourable mentions: https://annhandley.com/blog/  The Digital Marketing Podcast Book recommendations: Botany for Gardeners by Brian CaponCharlotte’s Web by E.B. WhiteEast of Eden by John Steinbeck

How do you take an okay first draft and turn it into a polished, compelling piece of content? That’s the magic of a talented editor and proofreader at work. This week, Abby sits down with Mia Vance, our very own in-house eagle-eyed editor, to talk about what brought her to our lovely little country, and how she got into editing and general word wizardry. What we yapped about: The subtle—but important—differences between proofreading and editing. Mia’s top 3 self-editing tips if you don’t have an editor handy. How she finds her creative groove again when inspiration runs dry. Answers to rapid fire questions with some stellar book recommendations. If you’ve thought about turning your sharp eye for typos into a fulfilling career, or you just want to meet our lovely editor, you won’t want to miss this episode! Honourable mentions: Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” book. https://academy.hubspot.com/courses  https://surferseo.com/  https://hemingwayapp.com/  Book recommendations: The Scorpio Races by Maggie StiefvaterDearly: Poems by Margaret AtwoodHagstone by Sinéad Gleeson

Want to know what it’s really like to work as a project manager at a content agency? Get ready to meet Riley Barry—project manager, professional writer, and the person who keeps this content show on the road. This week, Abby chats with Riley about how they got into the wonderful world of copywriting and project management and what they love about working with a team of certified word nerds. What we yapped about: Riley’s beautiful beginnings at The Content Lab as Abby’s first full-time hire. What a day as a busy project manager looks like. (It may or may not involve copious amounts of caffeine.) Riley’s top tips for project managing like a pro. Their favourite books and priceless words of wisdom. If you’re looking for a different angle on getting into content writing, this episode’s for you! Honourable mentions: www.monday.com  https://www.gohighlevel.com/ 

Should your content charm readers or suck up to Google? Trick question—it should do both. Abby and Ciara tackle one of the most common (and confusing) questions in the content world: how to balance writing for humans and algorithms.  What we yapped about: Why people-first content beats keyword stuffing every time. How to write for real humans while optimising for SEO. Why authenticity—and leaning into your brand voice—are the ultimate SEO hacks. What’s changing in SEO that writers need to know about. If you’re tired of wondering whether you’re doing content “right”—this one's for you! Hit play, and let’s make SEO-friendly content feel human again. Honourable mentions: https://storybrand.com/downloads/your-brand-is-not-the-hero.pdf