I would just jump straight in and introduce everyone to Marissa, who was one of the trailblazers from the last round of Beyond Web Copy. So I would just love to hear Marissa a little bit about you and your business.
Okay, so I originally started my business, I thought I was going to start my business as proofreading and editing and then, which is a bit of a yawn, to be honest, but I thought that was like where the need was. And then someone suggested, ah, like, you should just be a copywriter. I was like, yeah, totally. And then I just went off to Google what copywriting was, and it sounded like my dream job. So I just tacked it on the end of my business and then just was in like a flurry of learning. So I just tried to like learn everything I could. And then basically, as soon as I launched my business all I had were copywriting clients coming to me, and that's really like the need of the time there. There's so much need out there for copywriters. Yes. So I Yes, so I've been in business for about eight months now officially. And it's all been copywriting. So I'm about to kind of rebrand, do a rename, and my new niche is going to be copywriting for brands that don't do boring. So yeah, moving into that field, with obviously like the backbone of UX strategy, as another tool to my belt thanks to you.
So how did you find the experience of writing web copy before Beyond Web Copy? I guess.
So. I mean, I am, I've always thought that I'm, you know, a good writer. And I thought copywriting is my dream job, like, I'm going to love it so much, I'm going to be good at this. You know, just to toot my own horn, but you know, when you know that something's like your thing. But then actually, you are as a copywriter, the architect of a site, essentially, you're the first one that gets your hands on it, you're designing that site. And that is like a whole other skill set. And so that is pretty overwhelming.
And I remember in the first couple of months, I just happened to Zoom this chick I'd been messaging on Instagram, and she was kind of a designer and helps people with their processes. And she said, Oh, you know, what's your process for writing, you know, approaching your copy? And I was like, I start writing the copy. Like, that's my process. And I was like, I feel like that was the wrong answer. And I just didn't have any idea about the research, the strategy, you know, how to properly compile the pain points, then target that properly, and then put that into a functional site that actually moves people through to the goal that you want. So yeah, long story long, it was overwhelming.
I know that
investing in Beyond Web Copy wasn't an easy decision for you. But I would love to hear a little bit about what was the tipping point for you to say, because there'll be a lot of people in your same position where they're like, not sure. So what was it that got you into that: "Okay, yes, I'm going for this..."
Okay, so I'm a bit of a tighter arse. And I am just like, I can just get all this free information everywhere. Like I don't need anyone's course. Well, that's kind of what I thought before investing in the course. And I was spending, like, so much of my time, doing free podcasts and free, whatever, just to get all this information. And so I just thought, you know, I can do this, it might take me a little bit longer, but I can get all that information. So that's where kind of I approached anyone coming at me with a course. But that was kind of my thinking. And I hadn't invested in any courses prior to yours. So yours was the first one.
That I remember a Live that you said: "UX is like getting into blogging in the 90s" So I'm new to this there's a lot of copywriters already doing their thing, like how can I be different? And what tool can I add to my toolkit that's really going to be attractive to clients? Yeah, there's so many businesses or businesses that are online there's like the apps that are being created by the second they all need UX writers.
Can you tell everyone a little bit about your experience inside the programme itself?
So the first very quickly I realised all this has been designed really well in terms of the pacing and so besides the pacing, I just found it a really like comfortable, safe and nurturing space that you have such a good manner with everyone and there was no dumb questions even though there was a range of people from beginners to some quite experienced copywriters. You just really listened intently to everything that all of the members said and you really thought hard and gave really meaningful responses. And on top of like the pacing, I loved the live sessions or the live sessions were kind of attached to the end of each module. And I think only made three, but each one was so valuable. And they all just went on different tangents. So they were all kind of rich with different information. So overall, my experience, I just found it really comfortable. It wasn't intimidating. And the information was easy to digest. And super, super helpful.
So what was your favourite part of beyond web copy?
My favourite part was definitely the templates. So there's one in particular, the user journey stories that just just just like paint by numbers, and that's the first thing I look at before starting my copy. And then after I've finished a section or a page, I refer back and I make sure that I've ticked off those pain points. So that's been really pivotal for me. And it's just that beginning process has just become really clear. And I also loved the module on CTAs. I thought that was like really helpful, concrete information
This is the bit that I'm most excited to hear about, I know that you've had some incredible results. So quickly, which really is a testament to how you have just immerse yourself fully in this world and really committed to what you've learned as well and implemented it. But yes, share with us some of the results that you've been getting so far.
Well, the first was at the first or the second website project that I had after doing Beyond Web Copy. I just did it as normal. And then I followed the templates. And I actually, when you had designed the templates and and talked us through them, and of course you say, "you might not necessarily want to show the client this". But I was like, "No, I'm going to show the client everything" to like make them really impressed with me *slash* you. And just see how much work and effort goes on behind the scenes and how much strategy and I'm like such a genius. That was my thinking anyway, so I do a video walkthrough of my copy with them. And then I showed that templates and all the pre planning stages, and then my copy. And I didn't realise but this client, he works in web design. And he works with a lot of UX copywriters, and he came back and he was like, "Oh, my gosh, this is like the best UX copywriting I've ever seen. This is like, blown my mind. I've worked with so many UX writers in the past." And then I could just and when I said I'd done this course he said, I could just totally tell you had UX writing chops. So for me when I when I heard that I was completely buzzing. And I obviously messaged you to tell you that because it's one thing, investing in the course. And then it's another hearing back from a client that actually this investment has paid off. And then he's gone on to like recommend me to other companies that have that need UX writers. So that was so exciting for me. And that feedback was all the confirmation that I needed, that the investment was well worth it.
Last two questions. How is the programme changed... We've already touched on this a little bit. But just to wrap it up, how has it, the programme, changed the way you write copy?
It's just become a lot easier honestly. I think with approaching writing copy, there's this whole, like, it's not procrastination, but in your brain, there's like a whole lot of emotions attached to it, like I'm not overwhelmed. Am I going to have a creative block? How am I going to pull all these strands together, because it's like a puzzle piece writing a website. But this just gives such a clear cut process. So just I guess clarity and like a streamlined process has been what I've got from it, and also the confidence because I have all of your amazing knowledge.
And I'm actually just working through the course again for a second time to make sure that I realised that I really, that that really sinks in is just the confidence to really back myself and be like, No, this strategy is like a proven strategy that works. And here's why.
What would you say to yourself, because you were that person that was sitting on the fence and not sure. So what would you say to yourself back then?
Yeah, I mean, honestly, it's just that old thing that you just have to invest in yourself to grow. And you don't know, like it feels scary the money but what's on the other side of that money, like what is going to be the new copywriter that's going to emerge on the other side of that investment? And for me, it was a copywriter with more confidence, more clarity over processes. And just like feeling Like I was more of a boss, really.
I know that Marisa back then would have been so reassured by those words. So I'm sure they're connecting with plenty of other people around the world right now, which is another cool part of Beyond Web Copy is that everyone is from everywhere and you get this awesome network as well, which I like.
Yeah, that was actually really cool the diversity of members. I really liked that and hearing from not only like diverse from different countries, but the diverse type of copywriting and a diverse level of experience as well.
