The Content Byte

This week on the podcast, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with Virginia Jen, subeditor, writer and now editor. Virginia has worked on some of Australia's most prestigious publications, including Vogue Living, Gourmet Traveller, Home Beautiful and InsideOut. Now at The Local Project, she shares her journey from print to digital and how the two mediums can work together. We also talk about: How she got her start in magazines Getting her dream job The importance of good grammar and syntax Working on multi-platform publications Meeting some of her design heroes Trying to find work/life balance What she's looking for from freelancers Connect with Virginia via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-jen-948297212/  Find The Local Project here: https://thelocalproject.com.au/  Don't forget your tickets to The Content Byte Summit, from September 12-14, 2024 in Sydney, where you can learn about pitching to prestige magazines in the panel on Meet the editors – how to nail the pitch. Sign up for updates for the Summit (or snap up tickets) at our website: https://thecontentbytesummit.com.au  Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com    Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au  Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week it's all about AI. Rachel and Lynne discuss the impacts of AI on freelance writing and marketing with Joe Pulizzi, founder of the Content Marketing Institute and The Tilt.  During a fascinating (and positive) conversation, Joe offers insights on how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing media and marketing landscape, including:  • The importance of niching down and building expertise • Leveraging AI tools for efficiency  • Creating and maintaining owned assets like newsletters and podcasts • Focusing on building real-world relationships and in-person connections Joe also shares practical tips on maintaining a strategic web presence and the value of handwritten notes and print media to foster real-world connections with people and potential clients. Connect with Joe (and check out his new book, Burn the Playbook) through his website: https://www.joepulizzi.com/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co   

This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with Ashley Cisneros Mejia, a freelance communication strategist and host of the 'Talk Freelance to Me' podcast. Ashley shares her journey from agency owner to solo freelancer, highlighting the processes and systems she brought into her current business from larger agencies. We also explore: The value of community and networking for maintaining creativity and client relationships The evolving freelance market Integration of AI in business operations The importance of human connection and the benefits of collaborating with other creatives  How to leverage relationships to secure a successful freelance career What technology she uses to streamline workflows and enhance productivity Connect with Ashley via her website: https://www.ashleycisneros.com or through her podcast: https://talkfreelancetome.com/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co   

This week, Rachel Smith and Lynne discuss essential health habits for freelancers with guest Lucie Robazza. Lucie, a certified health coach and personal trainer, shares practical tips on: Incorporating simple exercise routines The importance of protein-rich diets How to maintain good posture for productivity and long-term health How good health can make you more efficient - and make more money Quick and healthy snack ideas The episode covers habit-building techniques, such as micro habits, and emphasises the significance of sunshine and hydration in everyday routines. Perfect for writers who spend long hours at their desks looking to improve both their physical well-being and business performance. Her methods are easy, achievable and shame-free.  Download Lucie's free 5-day challenge, https://www.strenxia.com/writer-reset Connect with Lucie via her website: https://www.strenxia.com/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co   

This week Rachel and Lynne are chatting with marketing expert Mia Fileman about marketing strategies for freelancers.  We talk about: The concept of the 'trust recession' Mia's 'Honest Marketing Method' that emphasises transparency, connection, creativity, and conversation Effective community engagement Unconventional collaborations The importance of one-on-one client interactions, which help freelancers build genuine trust and stand out in a crowded market The episode also provides an overview of the Ripple Festival, Mia's innovative small business event combining business discussions with live music, comedy, and art.  Find out all about the Ripple Festival at https://www.ripplefestival.au/ Connect with Mia here: https://www.campaigndelmar.com/  and download her amazing Marketing Calendar (handy for 2026 planning)  https://www.campaigndelmar.com/marketing-calendar  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne talk about how to find clients using AI with their guest, Ilise Benun, a business coach for creatives. In a practical and inspiring chat, Ilise takes us through (step-by-step) how to utilise AI for client acquisition, showing how to find your perfect clients and then how you can reach out.  It's a great conversation, talking about: Why you still need to build relationships in real life Identifying target markets with AI Crafting effective AI prompts Approaching new markets and understanding pain points Networking and engaging with people  How to use content marketing and outreach strategies to grow your freelance business AI's limitations Rachel and Lynne also explore practical AI applications such as customised GPTs and chat about emerging trends with AI in the marketing landscape. Find Ilise's AI Kit at: https://go.marketing-mentor.com/free-ai-kit  Connect with her https://www.marketing-mentor.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilisebenun/ Or her podcast, The Marketing Mentor: https://pod.link/279328611  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne discuss productivity, creativity, and the concept of flow states with guest Steven Puri, the founder and CEO of the Sukha Company. Steven shares his career journey, from working on visual effects for blockbuster movies to developing an app that helps knowledge workers focus and minimise distractions.  We chat about: Why it is important to find your "flow state" and practical tips to achieve it Understanding how you work best The importance of a structured routine The impact of environment on creativity How to manage your business as a freelancer The Sukha Company and app is here: https://www.thesukha.co/ or connect with Steven via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week, Rachel and Lynne discuss essential strategies for enhancing freelance productivity with guest Claire Emerson. Claire, a freelance writer and project consultant, shares three key systems that can help you be more productive: •    personal kanban •    six-week project rounds •    structured journaling She says these tools help freelancers manage tasks effectively, focus on personal projects, and reduce mental clutter. Claire also highlights the importance of setting clear, actionable goals and why she loves analog tools to maintain productivity.  Connect with Claire through the following ways:  Flourish Newsletter: https://peopleloveprojects.com/ Free Course - Implement: https://peopleloveprojects.com/free-course/ Free Kanban Challenge: https://peopleloveprojects.com/free-kanban/ Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co    

This week, Rachel and Lynne explore the importance of creating inclusive and accessible content with award-winning journalist and disability advocate Zoe Simmons.   Zoe shares her experiences with chronic illness and disability, discussing how these have shaped her career and advocacy work.   Key topics include: The significance of using accessible language Practical tips for making content more accessible The impact of lived experiences in storytelling Zoe also touches on managing multiple income streams as a freelancer and the challenges of ensuring fair compensation for lived experience and advocacy work.   Connect with Zoe through her website: https://zoesimmons.com.au/    or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-simmons-7119a994/    Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/     Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne delve into the benefits of having a services guide with guest Kendall Cherry, founder of The Candid Collective. Kendall shares insights on: What a services guide is Creating and utilising a services guide to qualify leads, streamline the sales process, and protect creative energy How a services guide can help build an email list Why freelancers should be displaying their rates, even if your pricing can vary The essential elements for a compelling services guide  Tips for incorporating authentic brand voice and storytelling Connect with Kendall through her website: https://candidcollective.co/  or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cherry/  Sign up for her newsletter via: https://wallflowerfridays.com/  Listen to the Beyond Margins podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l5VbkGzhcZvUot9optKPf?si=nXFQIPaITIeynS3Y9cJw4g  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne are joined by Maggie Patterson, creator of BS Free Business and author of 'Staying Solo', talking all about how Boundaries Are a Business Strategy. We explore: The importance of setting firm boundaries in freelance work Strategies to control your schedule How to build a sustainable, stress-free business The benefits of having clear communication and expectations with clients to foster trust and long-term business success Transitioning from spreadsheets to automated systems The value of onboarding processes Tips for maintaining client relationships without sacrificing personal time Listen to Maggie's podcast, Staying Solo: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/staying-solo/id1098466347  Take a look at her free workshop at https://bsfreebusiness.com/byte   Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne discuss freelance finances, branding, and ethical marketing with guest Liv Steigrad. Liv, a brand strategist and copywriter, shares her insights on using psychology in branding, the importance of maintaining financial visibility, and offers practical advice for freelancers.  We also chat about: How to effectively position your services The impact of AI on freelancing Liv's experiences with financial transparency through her 'Dirty Money' series Liv's podcast, which is focused on neurodivergence in business Connect with Liv via these links: Mindset & Markets course: https://mindset-and-markets-masterclass.teachery.co/get-acess Podcast: The One That Works For You https://open.spotify.com/show/4WQ5rnPR0EXqyNg7MQquC3?si=1394a4220cbd460b Website: https://theidentitydept.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidentitydept/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theidentitydept Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/    Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week Rachel and Lynne explore how you can use trauma as a catalyst to change your freelance career with guest Chris Stead, an award-winning journalist and content producer. Chris shares how an e-bike explosion in his home and the subsequent fire led to re-evaluating work priorities, embracing family travel, and developing new income streams as he talks about the profound impact this traumatic event had on his professional and personal life. It's a fascinating chat as we dive into Chris's journey from traditional journalism to running a YouTube channel, self-publishing children's books, and offering consulting services. It will make you think about how to manage multiple income streams, leverage technology for content creation, and how you can use personal experiences as a catalyst for growth. Connect with Chris via  Old Mate Media, https://oldmatemedia.com/ or Motivated Travel https://www.youtube.com/@motivated_travel Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/   Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com  Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

In this week's episode, Rachel and Lynne chat with Joanna Savill, a bit of a legend in the food industry. Joanna shares her career evolution from subtitle translator to a food journalism icon, including her work with SBS TV and The Sydney Morning Herald.   The discussion covers: The transformation of Australia's food media over the years Integrating immersive experiences in events How to leverage your transferable skills  Managing the ups and downs of freelance life The early days of food websites Joanna also reflects on her role in community-focused government work and her current focus on sustainability in hospitality.   Connect with Joanna via Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joanna_savill/    Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/    Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com  Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with award-winning director and writer Jane Manning. The discussion delves into Jane's impressive career in television and documentary films, which includes being one of the early female directors on Home & Away (and why programs like that matter), as well as significant projects such as Who Do You Think You Are? and Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation. During our chat, Jane shares: Her journey from documentary filmmaking to TV drama Her creative processes The challenges of storytelling in both documentary and drama How a TV series or documentary comes to life What it's like being in a writer's room Advice for freelancers looking to transition into television writing and production Connect with Jane via her website: https://www.thresholdpics.com/ or via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-manning-98079321/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co   

This week on the podcast, hosts Rachel and Lynne chat with Megan Osborne, editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Megan shares her career journey from food writing to leading large-scale content strategies at prominent brands and now to editing Australia's largest circulation (paid) magazine.  She discusses: the evolving role of a magazine editor the integration of print and digital content why you need to understand audience data leveraging social media to engage younger audiences what she's looking for from freelance contributors (and even shares her email address!) Megan offers invaluable advice for freelancers aiming to get published and shares her favourite productivity tools and tech tips. Connect with Megan via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/osbornemegan/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details.  Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

This week, Rachel and Lynne chat with Evelina Kaganovitch, a high-conversion fashion copywriter, about the intricacies and strategies of freelance copywriting. Evelina shares her journey from sustainable fashion to copywriting and discusses the importance of clear messaging over using too much jargon.  The conversation covers: Niching down in the freelance world Using social listening tools and AI to improve copy quality Finding the balance between the personal touch and technological help How to create effective email marketing strategies Maintaining trust and community in your audience ... and practical tips for freelancers who are navigating the evolving creator economy Connect with Evelina Kaganovitch (and find her downloads) on her website: https://www.evelinakreative.com/  or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelinakreative/  Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/  Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

In this episode, Rachel and Lynne delve back into the topic of niching down as a freelancer with Sabrina Rogers-Anderson, a health and fitness writer. The discussion covers the challenges and benefits of finding and committing to a specific niche, how to charge what you're worth, and managing finances. Sabrina shares her journey from generalist to specialist, overcoming personal adversities, and the pivotal role a business coach played in her transformation. The episode also touches upon the impact of AI on health writing, the importance of credible, evidence-based content, and she shares practical tips for maintaining a steady cash flow as a freelancer. Connect with Sabrina through her website: https://sabrinarogersanderson.com/ or via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinarogersanderson/   Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode: https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/ Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au  for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

We all know that it's so much easier to keep your existing clients rather than constantly hustle for new ones, so this week Rachel & Lynne are chatting with customer retention expert Nadine Nethery. Nadine, an audience-driven copywriter and retention strategist, discusses the importance of retaining clients over constantly hustling for new ones. It's a great episode, as Nadine shares insights on: How to create personalised customer experiences Using tools for personal video messages Automating customer touchpoints with email marketing platforms. The value of referral partner programs  How AI is impacting freelance copywriters How freelancers can position themselves as strategic partners rather than transactional vendors Listen to Nadine's podcast, What Would They Do here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-would-they-do-the-customer-experience-podcast/id1796323283 Connect with Nadine at www.candocontent.com And find her Virtual Scratchie Card: https://link.candocontent.com/content-byte-scratchie   Visit The Content Byte website for a transcription of this episode:  https://thecontentbyte.com/episodes/    Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com   Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au      Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au      Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au ), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co 

In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, hosts Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni discuss the impact of AI on freelance writing and marketing with guest Steven Lewis. Steven, a seasoned journalist and copywriter, offers a deep dive into using AI, specifically custom GPT, to streamline marketing tasks for freelancers. He explains: the practical steps to creating a custom GPT how it can maintain consistent client communication how it can give feedback on your copy to ensure it is on-brand how it can help freelancers focus on high-value creative tasks the ethical considerations of AI use and the importance of human connection in an increasingly automated world Connect with Steven on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenlewissydney/  The link to the course he talks about is:   https://aicmocourse.com   And listeners can get a 10% discount using the coupon code CONTENTBYTE25 Find Lynne www.lynnetestoni.com  Find Rachel www.rachelsmith.com.au  Rachel's List www.rachelslist.com.au   Thanks (as always) to our sponsors Rounded (www.rounded.com.au), an easy invoicing and accounting solution that helps freelancers run their businesses with confidence. Looking to take advantage of the discount for Rachel's List Gold Members? Email us at: hello@rachelslist.com.au for the details. Episode edited by Marker Creative Co www.markercreative.co