Wall of Fame

AWAI Member Since: 2009
Age: 37

What's your current occupation?

Web Copywriter

What's your former occupation?

Billing Systems Specialist

What was the first project you landed?

The first project was one of my ex-bosses who I'd stayed in touch with over the years (networking!) and had started her own web design company. We immediately began talking about the eMarketing opportunities of the internet and I mentioned that I'd just completed Nick Usborne's Copywriting course through AWAI, and how fascinating I found it. I mentioned how I'd optimised my own site, and offered to do a "mock up" of a site for her new business venture. She loved all my ideas, and hired me on the spot. I re-wrote her entire website, re-positioned page elements and optimised copy. The results were positive and she has since recommended me to at least two other clients of hers, who need web copy.

What are your current projects?

I've recently completed a complete website overhaul for a environmentally friendly packaging company in the USA. I'm based in South Africa, so it's great I'm getting International clients in my first year of 'business'. I also completed a project for a local South African project management firm who needed well written copy for their website. They didn't even realize the advantage of SEO copy, they only wanted it to read well. Well, I think I more than impressed them with the results, and they've since giving me a glowing testimonial which I've used on my own site!

What has been your proudest copywriting moment?

My proudest moment was when I contacted Phil Gosling (Internet Publishing Revolution) in the UK with a question on affiliate tracking and he told me he'd had a look at my sales letter website for this particular project and he thought it was really good. Coming from Phil it was a huge compliment, and it was at that moment I started to take myself seriously as a copywriter, and to price my services accordingly.

What's your favorite niche to write for?

B2C Copy and Individuals, especially women, who are going it alone, running companies and achieving success.

What's your income goal for this year?

$300,000 (one and a half times my yearly salary as a billing systems specialist)

What's your writing routine?

I get up and take my young son to school, get back home and am at the computer by 9am. I work solidly till 2pm, when I fetch him. Then after he goes to bed at 8pm, I finish up and prepare for the following day. That way when I sit down at my PC the next morning I can get started right away.

Please give us an example of how your life has changed since becoming a copywriter.

I am no longer stuck in a 8 to 5 job in an industry in which I have little interest, for a decidedly average salary, which allows me very little time with my son. It's made all the difference in the world.

What success tip would you like to share with your fellow writers?

Do not give up. And I used my current salary as a guide. When I started matching it through freelance work, that's when I quit. It's a tough decision to make, especially if you're the sole bread winner like me but it's worth it and you need to have confidence in your abilities.

When did you realize you were living the copywriter's life?

When I didn't have to rush everywhere. It was then that I realized I am my own boss and in charge of my own destiny. There's nothing more satisfying.