Each month we’re singling out one of our members for extra love! The lucky member this month is Angela Denly.
In this post Angela will tell us a little about her copywriting journey and the challenges she’s faced so far.
Angela Denly | Bio
Angela Denly is a copywriter and communications consultant who primarily works with small businesses.
Before becoming a copywriter, Angela worked for a range of small and mid-sized public relations firms across technology, healthcare and financial services sectors. She also helped with the administration and events management for Surf Life Saving NSW.
When she’s not writing copy for clients, Angela can be found managing the demands of a four-year-old despot, and playing taxi driver to an eight-year-old warrior.
Tell us about life before you became a copywriter, what did you do?
Before becoming a copywriter, I was a senior account manager at a technology public relations firm, working for big brands like IBM. Prior to that, I worked in admin and event support for Surf Life Saving NSW.
Why did you decide that copywriting was the right career for you?
Writing was the part of public relations that I liked the most, so I wanted something that was writing focused and that would also fit around my children. Copywriting seemed like a great option that would allow me to blend writing with my marketing experience.
What challenges have you faced since becoming a copywriter?
The biggest challenge is just believing in myself and backing myself to do it. Each time I have a lull, I think I’m never going to win another client, but then, sure enough I get a new enquiry which converts and all is right in the world again.
Tell us about about your favourite client so far?
Ooooo, that’s a tricky one. I’ve actually been blessed with mostly awesome clients so it’s hard to pick a favourite. This year, I greatly enjoyed working with a mothercraft nurse on editing content for her baby app as it was a different medium and a topic that I felt close to, having had two babies that weren’t great sleepers!
Tell us about your worst client experience so far and the lessons you learned?
Every time things have gone badly, it’s been because I’ve cut corners on the briefing process and made assumptions. There’s no such thing as too many questions – keep asking until you get the answers. And trust your gut – if it’s telling you that the client isn’t a good fit for you, it’s probably right.
How has becoming a copywriter changed your day to day life?
I have the ability to do fulfilling and challenging work in a way that fits in with my family commitments and the type of parent I want to be. I have control over the type of work I do and the clients I work with. I’m constantly learning new skills and about new industries, so that’s great for someone like me who can be easily bored.
What one tip would you pass on to someone looking to make the move into copywriting?
I would recommend wannabe copywriters to read a lot, and widely – lots of different styles, genres, mediums etc. I’d also obviously recommend writing! Don’t be put off by criticism – it’s how you learn. And to always remember that sometimes you’re not going to be right for everyone, and that’s ok.
Over to you
Have you had any similar experiences to Angela? Please share in the comments below.
