Cracking Copy

In Episode 4 of our mini-series on writing copy for your website, Ella Hoyos talks with Linda Melone, an award-winning health and fitness copywriter. Linda shares her journey of crafting and optimizing website copy, emphasizing the importance of treating writing and editing as separate processes.    Together, they explore seven essential copy checkpoints to ensure your content is polished and ready to publish.   Listen as we delve into the nuances of editing copy, the impact of clichés, and the art of maintaining voice and tone consistency. Discover how to make your copy clear, engaging, and conversion-ready. Linda also shares insights from her extensive career, offering practical tips and takeaways for creative entrepreneurs and savvy business owners looking to enhance their copywriting skills.   - Introduction to Linda Malone and her journey in copywriting - The importance of separating writing and editing processes - Seven copy checkpoints for effective editing - The impact of clichés and maintaining originality - Ensuring clarity and consistency in voice and tone - Using testimonials and emotional triggers for engagement - Structuring your website for optimal user experience - Linda's resources and services for copy optimization   Be sure to subscribe to Cracking Copy for more episodes filled with expert advice and writing inspiration.   Contact Linda   Connect with Linda Melone on LinkedIn Explore her website, The Copy Worx https://thecopyworx.com, for more insights and free resources   Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think of this episode, or what topics you'd like to hear about.Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business. Hang out with us on social, here: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a 

Welcome to Episode 3 in our writing for websites series. In this episode we are looking at the three essential pages of your website. The welcome or home page, your about page and the contact page.   This episode follows on from our previous 2 episodes in this series.   Every company is different so the pages will vary from business to business but there are three pages that are really non negotiable for any business whether you are product, service, community or resources website..   The three essential pages are:   The Welcome/Home page The nerve centre of your site How can you make it informative, compelling and generate leads?   Your About Page Your secret weapon - what’s the secret to writing a killer About Page?    Your Contact Page. Why just a link isn’t enough. How can you make it a converting page?   Are you making the most of these pages? If you are looking for tips on how best to maximise the effectiveness of your website then this episode is for you.   Resources    Cracking Copy Episode on storytelling with bestselling author of The Business of Stories, Susan Payton - Unlock the Power of Storytelling for your business (August 2023)   To combine the personalised touch of human face-to-face interactions with the efficiency of automation Ella mentioned VideoAsk as an option Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee

In this second episode in our Writing for Websites Series, we are going to give you some tips on how to ensure that the copy in your website will align with your target audience.   We will be covering   Revisiting your website’s purpose  Your target audience and how to craft your writing to different personas/decision makers The visitor journey through your website pages UX - User Experience User Testing and why this is a good idea Don’t forget, we’re going to release new episodes in this Writing for Websites Series fortnightly so don’t forget to hit subscribe to ensure you don’t miss an episode.   We will be deep diving into topics including SEO, User Experience, what you need to think about including in your essential pages and lots more. If you’re looking to revamp or completely redo your website THIS SERIES IS FOR YOU! Resources    Cracking Copy Episode with Claire Cunningham - UX Writing for a Great User Experience (January 2024)   Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee  

This is the first episode in our series about writing websites.   How do you know if you even need a website in the first place?   This episode still applies if you don’t yet have a website because we are going to be discussing:   Why you need one The signs to look for that indicate it's time to review your copy if you’ve had one for a while. Why is it important to keep it up to date? Why you might need to hire a pro copywriter And we are going to talk about a checklist of what you might want your website to contain This new series will be invaluable in helping you focus on one of the most important marketing assets in your business.    We will release episodes fortnightly so don’t forget to hit subscribe to ensure you don’t miss an episode.   We will be deep-diving into topics including SEO, UX (User Experience), what you need to think about including in your essential pages and lots more. If you’re looking to revamp or completely redo your website THIS SERIES IS FOR YOU! Resources  Many wireframe templates can be found in Google search but you can check out: Miro Figma   Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee

Do you know what the most profitable levers and high leverage activities are in your business?  The answer might surprise you - especially when you are consumed with the day to day operations, so busy with clients & delivery that you've lost focus on your ROI. In this episode, Ella Hoyos gets chatty with Frenchie Ferenczi, a seasoned revenue strategist and business consultant. Frenchie has some brilliant insights on optimising revenue pathways for copywriters and business owners.   She shares strategies that will keep your eyes on the money so you can grow a sustainable business.  This one's for you if you're ready to maximise your financial impact without the hustle and grind. We delve into: The concept of "staying close to the money" and how it can revolutionise your business approach Common financial pitfalls creatives face and strategies to avoid them The importance of tracking income streams and planning for future business health Utilising marketing levers beyond lead generation to enhance business growth Setting up pricing and business models to maximise profitability Frenchie also shares practical tips on leveraging existing networks and customer relationships, allowing you to work smarter, not harder. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these insights will help you navigate the complexities of running a successful business. About Frenchie  Frenchie Ferenczi is a business consultant and advisor who helps founders, creatives, and business leaders optimize their path to revenue and impact. Frenchie’s mission is to build thriving business leaders who get meaningful results, leave a mark on others, and feel proud of their work daily. In her career, Frenchie has scaled $100 million businesses like The Wing, managed teams of over 50 people, and mentored 1000+ entrepreneurs. Frenchie has been featured in Forbes and Fast Company, among others and lives in New York City. Contact Frenchie: Website: https://www.frenchieferenczi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchie.ferenczi/ Resources: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/ More... Explore Frenchie's programmes and workshops, including "Revenue School," which provides actionable strategies to enhance your financial outcomes.  Connect with Frenchie on social media or drop her a message to learn more about staying close to the money. She also has no nonsense podcast called Strategy Snacks - short and punchy 5-10 min episodes with no fluff titles like “F*ck manifesting!” Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover. Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy ➡️ Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful You can also find us at: Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co...

 This episode of Cracking Copy addresses the importance of the brief. The copywriting brief is all the information you need to nail your copy in the first draft. This episode is a must listen if you are:   The client doing the briefing A copywriter taking a brief from a client or If you’re looking to write your own copy, because you will need to undertake the same preparation   Minnie talks to marketing pro, Cindy Herraman-Stowers. Cindy has over two decades of marketing experience from both client and agency side and brings a wealth of experience and really useful tips to the conversation.   If you want to know what makes a good brief and deep dive into the nitty gritty of pre-writing preparation then this episode is for you. Contact Cindy Herraman-Stowers   Contact Cindy by email here   Resources   Download your useful Brief Checklist here   Download Minnie’s Marketing Plan template here Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee

In this episode of Cracking Copy, Ella Hoyos welcomes Billy Broas, author of "Simple Marketing for Smart People" and creator of the Five Light Bulbs framework.   Billy shares his journey from corporate life to becoming a marketing strategist, and how his passion for beer brewing led him to discover the power of effective copywriting. This episode is for you if you've ever been unsure about how to deliver the right message at the right time to attract the customers you need.   We explore:     The importance of understanding your customer's beliefs and how to address them   The Five Light Bulbs framework and how it can transform your messaging strategy   The role of storytelling in compelling copy and how to integrate it effectively   Real-life success stories of businesses that have thrived using Billy’s framework   Billy also delves into the significance of upstream and downstream marketing, and how focusing on core messaging can maximise your marketing efforts. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, just starting out, (or you simply have a taste for craft beers and real ales like we do!), this episode is packed with practical insights and strategies to elevate your copywriting game.    About Billy Broas Billy Broas is a marketing philosopher and messaging strategist known for his Five Light Bulbs framework.  He helped hundreds of entrepreneurs translate their complex products and services into simple yet powerful language that drives sales and builds brands. Billy is the creator of the popular Five Lightbulbs® messaging framework, which has been described as a revolutionary approach to marketing.  He lives in San Diego with his wife and two wonderful children and enjoys frequent trips to Mexico. Contact Billy Website: https://simplemarketingbook.com Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billybroas/   Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover. Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy   ➡️ Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful   You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast. We are professional copywriters and marketers. We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast! If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a

How can you define yourself and your messages in an online sea of sameness?   In the age of generative AI, personal branding is ever more important when promoting yourself and your services online.   In this episode, Ella Hoyos chats to Barbara Shimasaki. Barbara has over 30 years of experience as a marketing designer, mentor and motivational speaker. With her design background she recognises patterns in communication and created her messaging framework, “1-2-3, Your POV”, to help coaches, creatives and service providers to stand out online.    Developed for LinkedIn, this framework is a simple structure to replicate wherever you show up in the online space.   This simple framework provides structure and scaffolding to your messaging strategy and a vital gameplan to define yourself in a sea of billions of others.   This episode is for you if you’re looking to    Simplify your marketing strategy  Hone down your messaging Learn about personal branding Avoid overwhelm Elevate your presence online So tune in, sit back, listen, and let us know what you think of this episode. Continue the conversation by leaving us a message and getting in touch. Contact deets below.   About Barbara Shimasaki    Barbara is a conversion copywriter specializing in Linked In content design. She  helps experts and leaders share their points of view with a wider LinkedIn audience, one succinct carousel at a time. Her latest experiment is turning guided conversations into content for LinkedIn, newsletters, articles, and emails. Barb believes your point of view is your key differentiator in a very noisy world.   Contact Barbara on LinkedIn here  Email: barb@barkingdogsdigital.com Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee ...

In this episode of Cracking Copy, Ella Hoyos is joined by Valentina Turchetti, co-founder of Your Digital Web, an SEO and digital marketing agency based in Italy. Valentina shares her expertise on content marketing for lead generation and SEO, providing invaluable insights for businesses looking to transform website sessions into conversions.   We delve into:   - The difference between content for branding versus content for lead generation and SEO - Common mistakes businesses make when creating content for lead generation - How to effectively drive traffic from social media to your website or email list - The importance of balancing organic content with advertising - Measuring the success of your content strategy through various KPIs - Best practices for link sharing and call-to-actions on social media platforms   Valentina also discusses the significance of understanding your target audience deeply, the role of educational and engaging content, and the power of data-driven approaches in crafting winning content strategies. About Valentina   Valentina Turchetti is International Content Lead, Cofounder of YourDigitalweb and Marketing Business Summit, Founder of POPcontent, Author and Speaker.   She helps B2B and B2C brands getting real results with Content for Lead Generation: she doesn’t care about how many sessions your website has, but if these sessions bring you leads and sales.   Her marketing & communication approach is data-driven.   Contact Valentina   Website: https://www.yourdigitalweb.com/en/   Email: valentina@yourdigitalweb.com   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/valentinaturchetti Contact us   Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee

In this episode we are looking at what’s involved in writing a sales page for your online product or service and the key things to think about.   Minnie interviews co-host, Ella, as she is brilliant at them and has tons of experience of successful product/service launches by crafting killer sales pages.   We will cover:   The difference between a sales page and a landing page Tips for landing pages  How you decide which suits your needs best Long sales page vs short sales page? What does this mean and when should you use them? The advantages/disadvantages of short vs long sales pages and Ella’s top tips for both Where to go in terms of designing your sales page   If you’re looking to write your own sales page or are seeking an understanding of what you might need to consider if you are briefing a professional copywriter to do this for you then you need to tune in. This episode is a must for you.   Resources    Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller can be bought here Five Second Test to test your sales page at https://fivesecondtest.com For your swipe files try Awesome Screen Shot  Check out Ella’s Website here   Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee

Without a deep understanding of who you are selling to, your chances of writing successful copy that converts is going to be a damn sight harder.   In this episode of Cracking Copy, Ella Hoyos delves into the essential world of customer research with special guest Dr. Mimi Zhou.    Mimi, a conversion copywriter and email strategist, highlights the pivotal role of research in crafting compelling copy. The episode reveals how Mimi acquires accurate customer data without unintentionally introducing bias into the process.   You’ll learn her methods for gathering valuable insights, including mining reviews, conducting surveys, and performing interviews. And discover Mimi's techniques for making interviewees comfortable and the strategies she employs to ensure the reliability and accuracy of her data.   Copyhackers supremo, Jo Wiebe describes her as “One of those quiet, unexpected copywriting talents very interested in the planning and strategy side of email which is rare to find. [She’s] really curious about how to write emails that convert better and better all the time”.   The conversation also explores how to translate research findings into effective copy, using frameworks like the “jobs-to-be-done” timeline and the forces at “the switch”. Mimi shares practical examples and tips for copywriters new to conducting research, emphasising the importance of defining research goals and starting with review mining.   Whether you're a seasoned copywriter or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insights to help you harness the power of customer research in your copywriting projects. 00:00 - Cracking Copy is a marketing and copywriting podcast where we discuss effective copy 01:02 - Research is a crucial skill for any copywriter 02:32 - Mimi is a conversion copywriter for coaches and service providers 04:29 - Why is customer research so important in the context of copywriting and marketing 07:27 - The different types of research that effective copywriters do 09:17 - Does email list size impact the kind of research you do? 10:58 - What systems work best for capturing responses and data for research projects? 13:21 - Techniques for making interviewees feel comfortable and open up 17:38 - The reason you shouldn’t get too friendly during interviews 21:16 - How to glean insights from research interviews 24:42 - Ensuring that research insights are reliable and representative of target audience 26:11 - How do you translate insights into compelling copy? 33:08 - What advice would you give to copywriters new to conducting market research   Resources mentioned in this episode:  Airstory https://www.airstory.co/ Capture research and use it in your writing - no matter where you write online. Put an end to copying and pasting interesting quotes, data points, images and more you find online.   About Mimi Dr. Mimi Zhou revels in customer research--because when you understand what your audience wants, you don't need to guess what they'll pay you for. Her conversion copywriting projects are built on a thorough research foundation where she studies info your audience provides through reviews, surveys, interviews, and more. Her ability to parse data into numerical information and read between the lines to hear what customers say beneath the surface helps her understand what customers want even when they don't tell you directly. A fun fact about Mimi: Her path to becoming a pro...

If you’re looking to launch an online course or product, what do you need to think about with regard to marketing collateral and messaging?   In this episode of Cracking Copy, Ella and Minnie are looking at the customer journey, from building awareness to the buying stage. And we give you our insights into what you will need to create how to communicate your messaging.   Having now been involved in our own course launch, we think we have a far greater insight into what’s involved: all the areas where messaging is important and the need to sometimes tweak your messaging along the way,   In this episode, we tell you what we did, what worked and how we could have done it better for the next time we launch.   We are going to talk, warts and all, about what we did using our own launch as an example:   What did we do? How we did our research How we planned And how we delivered it If you’re wanting to create a course or product launch now or in the future, you need to tune in, as this episode is for you.   Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee

In this episode, Ella Hoyos sits down with Konrad Sanders, the CEO of The Creative Copywriter, to delve into the transformative power of frameworks in copywriting and content strategy.    Konrad shares how his journey from philosophy graduate, to charity work in Australia, then jobless in Israel, were all necessary prerequisites to heading up a thriving London-based agency.     He reveals how practicing copywriting, figuring out SEO strategy and sharing what he was learning on social media, led to the birth of a business that now boasts an impressive client roster, including Krispy Kreme and Adidas.    We explore the challenges and triumphs of agency life, the importance of a strong team culture, and the delicate dance of maintaining a work-life balance in a remote working world. Konrad also highlights the significance of establishing a meticulous onboarding process that sets the tone for client relationships and ensures a mutual fit.   The heart of our conversation beats around "The 13 Lenses" - The Creative Copywriter's proprietary framework that has become their north star in quality assurance and client conversion. Konrad breaks down the concept behind this innovative approach and how it has become a key differentiator in a sea of sameness.    As we look to the future, Konrad offers his insights on generative AI's impact on the industry and advises on the importance of embracing technology while maintaining the creative edge that only human copywriters can provide.    This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their copywriting game, differentiate their services, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.   About Our Guest:   Konrad Sanders is the CEO of The Creative Copywriter, a London-based copywriting and content strategy agency. With a background in SEO and a passion for creative writing, Konrad has led his team to success by combining data-driven strategies with the art of persuasive copy.   Contact Konrad:   LinkedIn: Konrad Sanders - www.linkedin.com/in/KonradSanders Subscribe to his LinkedIn newsletter "Word Science" for more insights.   Contact the Cracking Copy show hosts:   Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover. Or send an email us at: hello@crackingcopy.co.uk   ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.  

Tempted to peak behind the curtain to see how a podcast is assembled?  Then this episode is for you! In this 30 minute show, we break down our process for Cracking Copy, from planning to recording, editing to hosting and promotion to publishing. It's the second part of our 2 part mini-series on how we started the podcast and what's involved on a week by week basis. We also explore some of the key factors in determining what will make YOUR show a success, should you want to start your own podcast.    Know this - it's totally within your reach!  *************************************** LEARN HOW  Did you know we have created a fantastic short course for wannabe Indie Podcasters who want to learn the skills of podcasting for themselves? To whet your appetite we have a FREE masterclass taking place on Thursday 15 Feb, to kick off the launch.  Join us as we help you bring your inkling of an idea kicking and screaming into life.  We'll help you nail your concept and align it with your business goals.   It’s from 1-2pm GMT on Thursday 15th February. Register your interest HERE. You’ll then be on the list to receive all the details. We'll also be spilling the beans on our brand new 90 day program to Launch Your Indie Podcast.  It comes with 30 days of live support, accountability and weekly coaching to ensure that you have everything you need to get up and running on your very own podcasting journey. The course serves business owners, marketing managers and service providers who want to create their own podcast for themselves or their company.  It offers immense value for two distinct groups of people.  It's for YOU if you want to start your own podcast, AND it's for YOU if you want to learn the skills of podcasting so you can offer this as a service to your clients and colleagues. *********************************** Hop back to the previous episode (part 1 of Podcasting for Beginners) to discover: An overview of the podcasting industry, why it’s booming and the opportunities out there The challenges that you might face and how to overcome them Our podcasting story. An insight into why we started and how it’s going. It’s also ‘National Storytelling Week’ so it’s timely! Finding your why Your podcasting goals So tune in, sit back, listen, and let us know what you think of this episode and get in touch if you have great hooks to share with us. Do continue the conversation by leaving us a message and getting in touch. Contact deets below.   Resources   Free Podcasting Webinar Workshop 15/02/24 @1.00pm GMT, Launch Your Indie Podcast    Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover. ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn:

Today’s episode of Cracking Copy is the first of a two-parter on podcasting for beginners.   It is a subject a little removed from our usual copywriting tips, however it has been and is, a great marketing tool for both of us and we wanted to share our own pod-story to hopefully inspire you to think seriously about whether you have a podcast in you too!   Cracking Copy is 18 months old now and we have learnt so much about this incredible medium and we want to share some insider tips with you from our audio broadcasting journey.   Why? Because if you’re anything like us, passionate about our craft and authentic community building, you are possibly a tiny bit curious about how podcasting works and if it’s worth it. You may have no idea what you might podcast about or maybe you’re brimming with ideas but you have an inkling that podcasting might be a good move for you.   In this first part episode we’re talking about:   An overview of the podcasting industry, why it’s booming and the opportunities out there The challenges that you might face and how to overcome them Our podcasting story. An insight into why we started and how it’s going. It’s also ‘National Storytelling Week’ so it’s timely! Finding your why Your podcasting goals   Next time in part 2 we are going into the nitty gritty of the production process: pre-planning, planning, recording, editing, publishing and promoting. We’ll also dive into audience and competitor research tactics, market research, content pillars and what we do! If you don’t want to miss out on the next episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe in your podcast player.   FREE WORKSHOP    If you are interested in exploring your podcasting ideas further we are hosting a free webinar workshop designed to help you work through what and how you might podcast. It’s from 1-2pm GMT on Thursday 15th February. Register your interest HERE.   So tune in, sit back, listen, and let us know what you think of this episode and get in touch if you have great hooks to share with us. Do continue the conversation by leaving us a message and getting in touch. Contact deets below.   Resources   Free Podcasting Webinar Workshop 15/02/24 @1.00pm GMT, Launch Your Indie Podcast    Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professiona...

In this episode, Ella sits down with a remarkable guest, Claire Cunningham, a former school teacher turned copywriter, who not only cracked the code to writing captivating copy but also expanded her skills to specialise in website and UX copywriting. It’s another dive deep into the world of writing that sells, persuades, and connects.    In this 30-minute episode you will learn:   ✔️ Why writers must consider the reader's journey as much as the message they deliver ✔️ How Claire pivoted from teaching to proofreading to powerhouse copywriting ✔️ What a great user experience journey looks like ✔️ Understanding the users journey via a well-known brand that has UX nailed  ✔️ How to figure out what a great UX journey looks like for your audience  ✔️How you can apply UX copywriting principles to your own business ⭐ Episode Highlights ⭐   Claire shares her inspiring journey from a humble start in proofreading to becoming a force in the world of copywriting. How did her teaching background shape her approach to crafting compelling narratives? Listen in to find out.   We explore the pivotal role of website and UX copy in creating an immersive online experience for users with real-life examples.   In an era where attention spans are shorter than ever, we emphasise the importance of considering the user's journey when crafting online content. Learn how to guide your readers seamlessly through your website while delivering a powerful message.   Claire breaks down the symbiotic relationship between user experience (UX) and copy. Discover how a well-crafted user experience can enhance the impact of your copy and drive meaningful engagement.   Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting out, Claire shares practical tips on how to integrate user experience considerations into your writing process. Uncover the secrets to keeping your audience engaged from the first click to the final call to action.   Join us for an eye-opening conversation that proves the power of words extends beyond the message itself. Elevate your copywriting game and enhance the online experience for your audience, so they come back time after time.    About Claire Cunningham   Claire is a UX-informed copywriter and mum from North East Scotland who is passionate about crafting engaging website copy that elevates user experiences. Specialising in aligning brand voice with user-friendly, conversion-focused content, Claire’s business, Word Craft, offers services including website copy, SEO-driven blogs, email campaigns and case studies. With a specialism in crafting strategic websites with a deep understanding of UX principles, Claire understands how words (and design!) are crucial in shaping user experience.  With a background as an English teacher and school leader, founding Word Craft was fuelled by a passion for refining ideas and messaging. Claire has a nurturing approach to supporting small business owners providing not just copy but the tools and strategies to empower their own content creation. Offering a flexible approach, no project is too small or too big — Claire offers tailored support to meet diverse needs.    Contact Claire   Website: www.wordcraftservices.co.uk Email: hello@wordcraftservices.co.uk Connect with her community on Instagram Connect with her on

Reviews and testimonials only tell half of your customers’ stories. Having evidence-based case studies detailing how you helped a customer solve their problem is a highly effective marketing and lead-generation tool for your business. Today on the podcast, Minnie chats with Tam Henderson, founder of CopyKooks online school for copywriters, B2B copywriter and queen of case studies. In this 30-minute episode you will learn: ✔️ What we mean by a case study ✔️ Why businesses like yours should be using them ✔️ Where to use them ✔️ How to give them longevity and additional value through repurposing ✔️ The anatomy of a great case study ✔️ Tam’s top tips for researching and writing a case study Whether you are a copywriter looking for tips for writing case studies for clients or a business curious to understand why and how they could be making the most out of your customer stories OR perhaps you are interested in enrolling on one of Tam’s courses and want to know more, then today’s episode is for you.  About Tam Henderson  Tam runs an online school, CopyKooks, for freelance copywriters. She is also an expert copywriter specialising in business-building case studies. In addition, she is a course tutor on Udemy, an online platform, where you can buy her copywriting courses.  Contact Tam Website: https://www.copykooks.com/ Magic Emails Freebee Copywriting Courses on Udemy  Connect with her community on Facebook  Connect with her on LinkedIn Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover. Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at: Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee

How much more productive could you be, or how empowered would you feel, if you had a coach or mentor to guide you? Ella Hoyos explores this topic with Dr. Nicole Janz, a seasoned writing coach, and the mastermind behind a groundbreaking tool for writers.  This episode is for you if you’ve ever struggled in writing alone.  We talk about some of the simple but genius ways to build your writing muscles, overcome writing blocks, set effective goals and build a sustainable writing routine. The show unlocks a bundle of writing insights you may not have considered before. Tune in to reveal:   The Mystery of Three Writing Hats Nicole introduces an intriguing concept - three writing hats. Discover how the three hats hold the key to unlocking productivity and enhancing your writing journey. What are these hats, and how can they transform your writing process?   A Vision for Your Writing Future Explore the power of having a vision for your writing future. Delve into its role in providing motivation and guidance. How does envisioning your writing future impact your daily writing routine, and what secrets does it hold for your success?   A Practical Planning Toolkit Uncover the origin story of a revolutionary tool for writers—the Write Habit Planner. More than just a planner, it promises to go beyond traditional methods.  You’ll find out what prompts it offers, and how it can foster a sense of community among writers.   Navigating the Writing Challenge Maze We talk about the benefits and potential pitfalls of writing challenges and sprints. What are the hidden challenges writers might face, and how mindfulness and self-awareness can play a role in navigating these hurdles.   Transforming into Your Future Self Take inspiration from Nicole's vision of her future self. What does a life with more published books, increased creative time, and peace of mind look like? How did she transition from burnout to finding serenity in sharing valuable insights?   —   About Our Guest   Dr Nicole Janz empowers authors to bring their impactful non-fiction stories to life. With a rich background in journalism, academia, and coaching, she passionately believes in the transformative power of writing to make a profound impact on the world. She’s the author of The Write Habit Planner - a productivity planner and workbook for writers to beat procrastination, www.thewritehabitplanner.com   Resources:   Buy the Write Habit Planner on Amazon   Connect with Dr Nicole Janz: [Website] www.nicolejanz.com [LinkedIn] https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolejanz [X] https://twitter.com/camwritinghub   Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with som...

Today we are keeping it brief in our new series of shorts with a 20-minute episode on hooks and tips on how to hook your ideal customer.   What do we mean by a hook?   Well, Ella and Minnie are talking about the golden words that stop your ideal customer in their scrolling tracks. You have a momentary window of time to persuade someone to stop and find out more about you and your product or service.    We look at: The anatomy of a hook The types of hooks you can think about using And we look at where you can use them.   Whether you are struggling to craft great hooks for your business or rocking hooks but could do with a refresher or perhaps some new ideas, today’s episode is for you.   So tune in, sit back, listen, and let us know what you think of this episode and get in touch if you have great hooks to share with us. Do continue the conversation by leaving us a message and getting in touch. Contact deets below.   Resources   Book: Brendan Cane, Hook Point Kieran Drew, creator on X/Twitter  Niall Harbison (street dog rescuer in Thailand) on Instagram and X/Twitter   Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are professional copywriters and marketers.  We deep dive into a different aspect of copywriting in each ‘snack-sized’ episode so that we can help you become better writers for your business.   Support this podcast!   If you found this episode helpful you can show your appreciation by making a donation!  This helps offset the costs of producing the show and we’ll love you for it :)    Buy me a coffee

It’s been said that everyone has a book inside them.   But how many of us take up that challenge?    In this week’s episode, Minnie talks to the wonderful Emma Simpson, who did just that and gave up her high-paid job to be a full-time writer.   Emma talks candidly about how and why she decided to be a writer of narrative non-fiction. She highlights the joy of being able to gather and share the stories of others and weave this into her own, very personal journey.   Emma talks about what’s important to her, what inspires her and how she connects with her audience through her authentic, insightful and beautiful writing, helping people feel uplifted and less alone.    She also talks about her creative process and regularly publishes new work on her Substack, Lemon Soul. And she spills the beans on whether there’s money to be made blogging.   Her first book, Breaking Waves, will be published soon, and she gives an overview of other books in the pipeline.   Whether you are an aspiring author, you want to know if it’s possible to make a living writing, or you just want to listen to a wonderfully inspiring conversation with an incredible writer, then today’s episode is for you.    About Emma Simpson   Emma is a wild swimmer and lifelong hobbyist writer specialising in narrative non-fiction, and now a full-time writer.  She spent two decades in a career as an air traffic controller. After experiencing two life-wrenching events, she rediscovered her pen and her passion for storytelling while discovering how transformational cold-water swimming was for her health, wellbeing, and sense of connection with the world. Emma is also trained in coaching psychology, and combines her years as an observer of human behaviour in high-stress environments with a love for listening to people’s tales around the shores of a lake; a mug of steaming hot tea in hand.    Her first book, Breaking Waves, to be published soon, is an exploration into the primal powers of femininity and water; with stories gathered from around the world that demonstrate the power of connection and humanity in an increasingly crazy society.    Contact Emma Website: https://emmasimpsonauthor.com/ Read and subscribe to her Substack Blog -  Lemon Soul Connect with her on Instagram    Contact us Please drop us a voice note at memo.fm/crackingcopy and let us know what you think or what topics you want us to cover.   Twitter @cracking_copy Facebook @crackingcopy    ➡️  Share this podcast with someone who’ll find it useful     You can also find us at:   Instagram: Ella Hoyos - @flurrymarketing Minnie McBride - @minnie__writes   LinkedIn: Ella Hoyos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellahoyos Minnie McBride - https://www.linkedin.com/in/minniemcbride   Ella Hoyos and Minnie McBride are co-hosts of this podcast.  We are p...