So you want to be a copywriter with Bernadette Schwerdt

COPYWRITER 084: How to write newsletters, master AI, and tell great stories with Steven Lewis

Feb 2, 2025

In this conversation with Steven Lewis, a veteran Australian copywriter and founder of Taleist, listeners dive into the art of crafting engaging newsletters and effective email marketing. Steven reveals his 3-step structure for writing emails that inspire trust and action. He emphasizes the power of plain-text emails and relatable content over flashy designs. Plus, discover how to harness AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance your writing while preserving your unique voice, making this discussion a must-listen for aspiring copywriters.

39:32

Creator website

Episode guests

Steven Lewis

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Creating engaging email newsletters requires a balance of entertaining content and valuable insights to attract and retain readers.

Effectively training AI tools like ChatGPT enhances copywriting by allowing writers to customize content in their unique tone for specific audiences.

Deep dives

The Power of Email Newsletters

Email newsletters serve as crucial tools for engaging an audience, and they must stand out to be effective. Creating a newsletter requires a distinct personality to attract readers who may be skimming through their inbox while seeking entertainment or diversion. A successful newsletter should aim for a length of at least 400-500 words and mix entertainment with valuable insights, ensuring readers feel compelled to engage with the content. Adding a pivot to something useful after an entertaining opener strengthens the connection with the audience while achieving the writer's objectives.

Intro

2min

The Art of Captivating Email Newsletters

2min

Crafting Engaging Newsletters

18min

Strategies for Email List Growth

7min

AI's Impact on Copywriting

9min

Honest Insights and Practical Techniques in Copywriting

2min

Steven Lewis is one of the most experienced copywriters working in Australia today and was one of the world’s first web copywriters. Yes, he’s that old, but in a good way because he’s been around and he knows what works and what doesn’t.

Steven is a master of writing emails that get noticed and creating content that connects and converts.

In this episode, Steven Lewis, founder of Taleist and The Obvious Choice, shares his expertise on writing emails that get opened, creating newsletters that build loyalty, and using AI effectively to complement your copywriting skills.

From his early days as one of the first website copywriters to his current role running a copywriting agency, Steven’s no-nonsense approach will challenge conventional wisdom and provide actionable insights. If you’re ready to up your game and make your writing stand out, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn:

Steven’s 3-step structure for creating engaging emails that build trust and drive action
Why plain-text emails and conversational subject lines outperform flashy designs
How to deliver meaningful content without giving away too much for free
How to train AI tools like ChatGPT to write in your tone and serve your audience better

Read the show notes

This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers' Centre. WritersCentre.com.au

Join our community of copywriters at CopyClub.com.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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So you want to be a copywriter with Bernadette Schwerdt

COPYWRITER 084: How to write newsletters, master AI, and tell great stories with Steven Lewis

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Power of Email Newsletters

Daily Newsletters: A Necessity for Engagement

Effective Copywriting Structure

Harnessing AI for Improved Copywriting

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts