The Wordmistress

www.wordmistress.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

Make every word count! I offer professional copywriting services to all kinds of businesses, along with marketing and social media consultancy. I specialise in writing for the web as it's a different 'animal' to print media. Having said that, I'm experienced in the writing of all kinds of sales messages ... print, online, spoken and so on.

2. When and why did you start your business?

I've been writing professionally for around 6 years but established 'the wordmistress' in January 2010 after working as a National Sales Manager for two and a half years for a consumer product. Writing had previously been a part-time role. I started it so that I could devote all my working time to the tasks I was most interested in; specifically, helping others to promote their businesses, raise their credibility and increase their success.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with your business?

I have worked towards raising the profile of copywriting services because many small businesses either don't know such a service exists, or think it's something only available to large corporations.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

I find pricing strategies a challenge. I want to provide high quality services to businesses who may have a low budget, but there has to be a balance between helping them achieve their goals, and trying to achieve my own.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

Social media, particularly Twitter, is of enormous benefit to my business. I use it for raising my profile, developing my credibility, networking, advertising, promotion and to seek services from others. I also have my own blog on my website, comment on others' blogs, participate in web forums and attend networking events, workshops and masterclasses.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

Less successful has been PPC advertising. Google Adwords doesn't work as well for me because competition is so high in my relevant keywords. I find that the less I spend on promotion, the more successful it is. The reason for this is that social media, online and in-person networking and being visible are more appropriate channels for what I do. For the most part, these activities cost little to nothing.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

I love that I can make a difference to others' businesses, by helping them articulate their offering more clearly, by consulting about marketing and social media opportunities and by taking the time to discuss their business. Sometimes, it helps just to be heard. I often find that from a free consultation, I gain a new client anyway.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

Oprah Winfrey has long been an inspiration to me for her business acumen, her generosity and her amusement at her own success. I also admire Richard Branson for his joie de vivre and never-say-die attitude. Businesses that inspire me include haul, Catch of the Day, Rentoid, Spreets, Bluewire Media, wotif.com, engagemarketing.com.au, smallbusinessforum.com.au, flyingsolo.com.au.

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

I want to become MORE involved in the marketing and social media consultancy so that clients can benefit from a greater, broader offering than just the copywriting. I believe each element is as important as the others.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Business karma is real. Do good, get good. It's all about being authentic and doing the best you can. If something is beyond your capabilities, say so, refer someone else and move on.

Visit us at: www.wordmistress.com.au