This post was written by TCCS member, Angela Rodgers
Podcasts to help you learn about copywriting even when you’re not at your desk
Are you a copywriter who wants to learn stuff, get better at your craft or just be a better business owner? Then podcasts are where it’s at.
If you’re like me and don’t have a lot of uninterrupted time to read all the books, then podcasts are the next best thing. Maybe even better.
Either way, some of the best tips I ever got for my business were learned while settling or feeding my babies late at night, with one ear glued to a podcast.
Did I mention they’re also free? Yep.
I’ve subscribed (and unsubscribed) to a ridiculous number of podcasts over the past two years. Not to brag or anything, but I probably listen to an average of five per day. So it’s safe to say I know a good one when I hear it.
The hardest part of listening to podcasts is finding good ones. The discovery process isn’t as simple as jumping on Google. And it can take you a few downloads and listens before you figure out if a podcast is right for you or not.
So let me save you the bother. If you’re a copywriter looking for a podcast, here’s where you should start.
Hot Copy with Kate Toon and Belinda Weaver
I had to lead with this one, of course. Hot Copy is the first copywriting podcast I ever listened to, and boy am I glad I did. Kate and Belinda have put together an incredible collection of interviews, practical topics, and honest discussions for freelance copywriters. There’s plenty of newbie-friendly content, but they often dig deeper and get a bit more technical too.
High-Income Business Writing Show with Ed Gandia
I really enjoy this show. Ed does fantastic interviews that have helped open my eyes to the different types of copywriting out there and different business models to consider. And it’s also nice to know copywriting has the potential to make a decent income if you set yourself up right.
The Pete Godfrey Persuasion Show
I’ll be honest. At first, I didn’t really like this show. Maybe it was hearing my own bogan Australian accent reflected back at me. Maybe it was the strong opinions Pete shares. Or maybe the fact that he refers to himself as “The Wizard”.
But I’m glad I stuck with it, because I actually love this show now. Pete’s honest, smart and, yes, opinionated.
Fellow youngsters be warned. He’s pretty old school, and often voices his distaste for social media. So you’re not going to hear a lot about online marketing. But despite that, I’ve come to respect his opinions. Pete clearly knows his stuff about sales copywriting and direct response. And the dynamic between Pete and his co-host/producer Tam is quite funny. Sometimes I can almost hear her rolling her eyes with me on the other end of the call.
Copy Chief Radio with Kevin Rogers
Another fantastic show. Lots of interviews, how-tos, and common copywriting questions answered. I often find myself taking notes during these episodes so I can make the changes to my own offers, processes, and business right away.
The Ray Edwards Show
First of all, this show won’t be for everyone. But I really like it. Ray is super smart and offers excellent tips for copywriting, business, marketing, and life. I’d describe this show as a cross between a business coaching session and a Sunday sermon. I like how he combines faith and business, rather than trying to separate the two. You probably won’t agree with everything he says, but if it’s your jam you’ll love it.
The Copywriter Club with Kira Hug and Rob Marsh
LOVE this podcast. It’s always jam-packed with super useful tips. Rob and Kira mostly do interviews with successful copywriters, and it’s something different every week. The thing I like most about the format is that they don’t shy away from digging deep and asking the questions we all really want to ask. Like, “How did you get into it?”, “What are your processes like?”, “How much do you charge?” and “How do you actually make money?”
I also like that Rob and Kira don’t pretend to have it all figured out. It often feels like they get as much from an interview as I do.
Copywriters Podcast with David Garfinkel
Another good one. David shares many nuggets of wisdom, and he’s an excellent storyteller. I could happily listen to him all day. He puts the focus on making money through sales and copywriting, so it’s always really practical. I find myself thinking bigger about my business after each episode.
Good Copy, Bad Copy
I haven’t listened to this one as much as the others yet. I think I only discovered it recently. (I’m a self-confessed podcast junkie so it’s hard to keep track.) But so far, so good. It’s another really practical one that mainly focuses on B2B copywriting.
Everything else
Just because you’re a copywriter doesn’t mean you should listen only to podcasts about copywriting. Think outside the box about what you might like to learn. Here are some other examples of podcast topics that can help you improve your copywriting techniques and business practices:
- Sales/selling
- Marketing
- Branding
- SEO
- Psychology
- Business
But you could listen to just about anything really. Enriching your knowledge is almost always a worthy investment when you’re a copywriter. (Or maybe that’s just what I tell myself.)
Over to you
Have I missed anything? I’d love to add some more to my list. Leave a comment below with your favourite copywriting (or other) podcasts.
:-) Angela
About Angela
Angela Rodgers is a copywriter in Brisbane. She writes strategic copy and content for smart B2B brands and small business. In between she wrangles two small people and lives off a combination of green tea and chocolate.
