So you want to be a copywriter with Bernadette Schwerdt

Without a doubt, hiring staff is one of the hardest, yet arguably, the most important parts of building a business. Whether you’re hiring a Virtual Assistant to update your database or hiring a CEO to run your business, getting the right team together is critical. A few know better how to put a team together than Meahan Callaghan, the current Chief People and Culture Officer at Red Bubble (now known as Articore) and has held senior HR roles at Afterpay, Mecca, Seek and Foxtel. Meahan has hired and, let’s be honest, fired a lot of people, and she knows exactly how to find the right person for a role and build a winning culture. In this episode, we take a look at how one of the best in the business goes about hiring and firing people, what it’s like to work with some of the most famous founders in the country, and how to go about hiring the right people for your business. 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.

What if your side hobby could land you on the set of How to Train Your Dragon or in the same room as Timothée Chalamet? That’s the wild reality for Lachlan and Austin Macfarlane  – aka the Macfarlane Brothers –  two self-taught filmmakers whose short-form videos have clocked more than 500 million views online. Starting with a childhood curiosity and a second-hand camera, they’ve grown into full-time content creators, directors, and award-winning storytellers for global brands like Warner Bros., Netflix, and Universal Pictures. In this episode, they unpack the creative process behind their viral videos, how they turn 15 seconds into a storytelling masterclass, and what it really takes to build an audience that sticks around. Plus, they share what goes into landing brand deals, writing sponsored content that doesn’t suck, and why they’re aiming to direct feature films next. Whether you're a marketer, copywriter, or creator at heart—this one’s packed with practical gold. 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.

We’ve all heard about the TikTok video that goes viral for no apparent reason or the unsuspecting tradie who becomes an overnight sensation off the back of one post. Well, it turns out there’s a method to that madness, and the one with the keys to unlocking that method is Michelle Melky.   Michelle is the Global Creative Director of a marketing agency called Amplify. They represent the top influencers and broker the deals for them.   Michelle has created cutting-edge content for brands including Estee Lauder, Warner Bros. and Google. She also co-produced Love Songs, the world’s first narrative web series for TikTok. Her work has been nominated for a TikTok Ad Award, three Mumbrella Awards and in 2024, she was shortlisted for the B&T 30 Under 30 Awards. In this episode, we talk about what it means to be an influencer – or content creator, as Michelle prefers to call them. She gives us the low down on how to create that content, land a brand deal, find clients willing to pay you the big bucks and why you don’t need as many followers as you might think to start calling yourself an influencer. If you’ve ever wanted to monetise your knowledge about anything and learn how to negotiate and navigate the new media landscape, this is the episode for you. 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.

If you’ve ever wondered what digital marketing really is, and how you can leverage it to generate more traffic, more leads, and convert more sales, this is the podcast for you. There are lots of digital marketers out there, but few have the depth, skill, and knowledge that Ben Fewtrell has. As the owner of Digi TLC, he’s run campaigns for a huge range of clients and has got the digital process down to a fine art.   In this episode, Ben teaches us how to kick-start a digital marketing campaign, how to create content for it, what to focus on, what to forget about, and provides some simple case studies to demonstrate how he does it and how you can do it too. 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.

In this episode, Bernadette chats with Penelope Cannata, SEO Content Strategist at StudioHawk, about what it really takes to get found online right now. Penelope unpacks the biggest mistakes businesses make with SEO copy, how to write for both humans and algorithms, and why brands need to double down on trust, quality and purpose if they want to stay relevant in AI-powered search. With 6+ years of experience across education, commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Penelope brings a refreshing mix of strategy, empathy, and clarity to the world of content marketing. Whether you’re a writer, marketer, or business owner, you’ll walk away with a more grounded (and hopeful!) view of where content is headed. In this episode, you’ll learn: The #1 SEO mistake writers still make (and what to do instead) Why content length and quality both matter more than ever The difference between informational and thought leadership content (and when to use each) How to structure content for SERP features and AI overviews Why trust signals and audience-centricity will define the future of SEO What AI is actually pulling into results (and how to get your brand included) How to optimise for voice search and the rise of zero-click content 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.

AI might be dominating headlines, but when it comes to getting found online, Google is still king. In this episode, we’re cutting through the hype and getting back to basics - because no matter how fast AI evolves, knowing how to write an SEO blog that ranks is still essential. To walk us through it, I’ve invited back Matt Farmer - former student, long-time SEO content strategist, and past team member at award-winning agency Studio Hawk. Matt knows exactly what it takes to get content noticed by Google, and in this mini masterclass, he shares practical tips and strategies you can use right now to boost your website rankings. If you want to sharpen your SEO writing skills, this episode is for you. 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.

In this episode, we chat with Kieran Browning, a consultant with deep expertise in operations and digital marketing. If you’re a copywriter struggling to scale, feeling overwhelmed with client work, or battling endless revisions, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you streamline your business. In this episode, you’ll discover: The biggest bottlenecks copywriters face when scaling. How to efficiently delegate tasks and systemise your business. The simple email tweak that reduces unnecessary revisions. Why onboarding is the key to preventing scope creep. How to manage difficult client expectations without losing them. The best ways to generate leads without it taking up all your time. The "phase two" trick for handling clients who always want more. A streamlined sales process that works for conferences and networking. Follow-up techniques that help close deals (without feeling pushy). Kieran shares invaluable advice on making your business more sustainable, so you can focus on what you do best. Tune in now and start implementing these strategies today! 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.

Andrew Nicholls, an experienced finance expert and business advisor, shares his invaluable insights on setting up a successful copywriting business. He breaks down essential topics like choosing the right business structure, understanding GST registration, and the importance of obtaining an ABN. Nicholls also emphasizes the significance of insurance and the advantages of modern accounting software for managing finances. His practical advice empowers aspiring copywriters to navigate financial complexities with confidence, ensuring they avoid common pitfalls and thrive in their entrepreneurial journey.

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.

Discover the lucrative world of grant writing and how it intertwines with copywriting. Learn what grants are, where to find them, and how to craft winning applications. Dive into effective strategies for pitching your services to not-for-profits and the importance of transparency in financial estimations. Explore opportunities in government procurement and the challenges faced by small businesses in this field. Gain insights into building connections within the grant writing community and the vital skills needed for success.