It’s always exciting to read about successful business owners who started out like most of us – working entry-level, 9-to-5 jobs. We all have to start somewhere, right?
Today, we’re interviewing Susan Greene, a successful self-employed copywriting entrepreneur who began her journey as an entry-level account coordinator for an ad agency right after college.
To date, Susan has over 25 years of copywriting experience and has written persuasive and compelling copy for hundreds of clients in a diverse range of industries. She even has a handful of copywriters who act as her team to help her manage the workload.
Allow me to introduce Founder, Susan Greene…
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I’ve been a professional copywriter for over 25 years. I’ve always loved writing and knew from about age six that I would find a way to make it into a career.
I majored in journalism in college, and the writing skills gleaned in school have been directly applicable to my work. Looking back, I’ve written for hundreds of clients in diverse industries and helped them be successful through the use of persuasive copy.
When working with a new client, I set up a phone or video chat meeting. I ask a lot of questions to try to understand their products, their industry, and their competitors. We then discuss the marketing materials they feel they need – website, press release, ads, etc. I provide an estimate, and we get to work!
My first job out of college was with an advertising agency. From an entry-level account coordinator, I eventually grew into a copywriting position. I enjoyed my work at the agency but always knew I would eventually be self-employed. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs on both sides of my family.
After about three years, I left the agency and began building a freelance writing business. I’ve stayed the course for over 25 years and still thoroughly enjoy my work.
My best marketing tool has been my website. I was one of the first copywriters to have an online presence, which made it easy to stand out. Launching my website was a major turning point, as I was suddenly able to get clients to reach out to me as opposed to me pursuing prospects.
Now, of course, I have loads of competition, and getting visibility on the crowded web is more challenging. I do, though, continue to attract new customers who come across my site.
Once I get a customer, I work hard to retain them and also get their referrals. I provide high-quality work at a fair price, often going beyond what the client expects. I’m proud to say some of my clients have been with me for 20+ years!
I’m on the mailing list for HubSpot, Neil Patel, and Bob Bly, all of whom provide excellent copywriting guidance. I’ve also read lots of books on SEO and the art of persuasion.
Right now things are good. I have no shortage of assignments, and I even have half a dozen freelance copywriters who I consider “my team” and who handle projects and help me manage the workload.
With the emergence of AI on the copywriting scene, I can’t predict what the future will bring. Currently, I don’t think the quality of AI rivals what I and my team bring to the table, but as AI improves, it might prove to be a formidable competitor.
For now, I’m keeping a close eye and at the same time continuing to prove my worth to clients every day to ensure they keep choosing to work with me.
Find excuses to write anywhere and anything. Don’t worry about setting up your business or what niche to pursue. Look for every opportunity to write.
Taking writing courses and reading books is valuable, however, you actually have to practice writing in order to see improvement. Don’t procrastinate because you feel you lack skills. Work on gaining those skills by doing – today, now!
My website is www.SusanGreeneCopywriter.com. I’m also on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/susangreene/.
What’s the difference between inspiration and motivation?
Motivation lights a fire under your ass. Inspiration sparks thoughts in your mind
"Startups don't usually fail because they grow too late.
They usually fail because they grow too early."
- Matt Mochary
Sales get a bad rap.
But it's the most important skill you can develop.
Unlike being a star basketball player, sales can be learned by anyone.
Some people are born with more sales talent. But anyone can become world-class through learning and practice.
So, what is sales?
Whenever I get to a low point where I think “Why do I even bother?”
I just try to remind myself “This is where most people stop, and this is why they don’t win.”
