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MEET MARIAN RICHARDSON HEAD COPYWRITER OF WORDS BY MARIAN
What was your turning point that led you to create Words by Marian?
A: Writing has always been my first love. I went from writing stories in my school notebooks to studying English, journalism and creative writing in college.
When I started my writing career in 2014, I thought technical writing and journalism was the way to go. So, I worked as an SEO copywriter for online businesses and in a couple newsrooms as a reporter for local newspapers.
I didn’t love the competitive nature of journalism, so I turned back to my first love. It happened right at the start of the pandemic in 2020. I decided to monetize my passion. I noticed many other entrepreneurs taking their businesses online, but not realizing how much writing goes into marketing.
Copywriting is more than selling your services and products—it’s building know, like, trust with your target audience through storytelling and sharing value.
I launched Words by Marian that same year to help other entrepreneurs build a true connection with their dream clients with copywriting.
What challenges did you face when launching and how did you overcome them?
A: My biggest challenge was niching down. I was convinced I needed to cover every aspect of copywriting, from SEO to brand strategy. That was because I hadn’t gotten specific about who I wanted to serve. It led me astray from my zone of genius. I overcame that struggle by sticking to what I’m best at (creative copywriting) and creating my dream client profile to help solopreneurs who don’t have the time or energy to write.
Are you happy that you stepped out to start your own company; any regrets?
A: Yes!!! It’s been the best decision of my life so far to start my business. My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner. I envisioned Words by Marian back in 2018, but I was afraid of making mistakes. Now I know that to make mistakes is to learn and grow!
Related link: 6 Businesses You Can Start Overnight with Your Skills
What systems/programs do you use to help with time management and organization to better your business success?
A: I’m a huge fan of Honeybook! It keeps all my clients, leads and projects in one place. It also includes a time tracker, templates for proposals and contracts, and much more to automate my workflow. It’s been a game-changer for me!
What is a typical day like for you? How many hours do you spend on your business? Please breakdown by hours (7:00 am, 8:00 am etc.)
A: I spend about 3-4 hours each work day writing for each client. I work Monday through Thursdays (Fridays are for planning the week ahead, follow-ups, networking, etc.) from about 10:30 am to 3:30 pm with an hour break. My typical work day includes reviewing the copywriting strategies I’ve built for each client before I get started researching, writing and editing their copy for the week.
How do you prevent burnout with managing your clients & growing your business, along with maintaining your day-to-day?
A: I take joy in resting. Working from home can trick you into thinking you don’t need a break because, well, you’re home. But you’re still working, and rest is a major player in productivity. My rest looks like this: 1) Taking an hour break each work day, 2) Clocking out at 3:30 pm and not resuming any business activity until the following day 3) Not working on Saturdays and Sundays. Those days are for family, sleeping in, going to the beach, binge-watching movies and just relaxing!
You launched Copywriting Support and Copywriting Therapy to help solopreneurs avoid the burnout; what was your inspiration to create these packages?
A: My inspiration was just that: Helping solopreneurs avoid burnout from forcing themselves to do it all. Copywriting is an integral part of your marketing strategy—and it can include writing multiple copy types (like web copy, Instagram caption copy, workbook copy, etc.) almost daily if you’re working alone.
That’s a lot of hours spent just writing, especially if you don’t enjoy writing in the first place. Solopreneurs have other business tasks (like client work!) to do, and my copywriting packages relieve them of writing duty so they can get back to what they love!
My Copywriting Support and Copywriting Therapy packages help solopreneurs create a copywriting strategy to write content like social media, blog and email copy to maintain their brand awareness so they don’t have to, and build a connection with their people.
What books would you recommend for entrepreneurs to read? Any books that inspire you?
A: I’m actually not a fan of entrepreneurial books. But I love entrepreneurial blogs! I love reading Wandering Aimfully’s blog about developing your business structure to grow at any stage. They’re super insightful and fun to read.
How did you grow your customer base and following?
A: I grew my customer base by networking with my dream clients. I like to connect with them in Facebook groups and my Instagram by engaging with their posts, and posting copywriting tips to help them improve their writing skills.
How do you balance social media marketing and the day to day administrative tasks of running a business?
A: I have a copywriting strategy for myself that includes batching content for a month at a time, and doing admin tasks throughout the week. I write for my clients Mondays through Thursdays, and do other admin tasks like writing my own content, networking, etc., on Fridays.
How do you protect your peace with clients (business relationships); what boundaries do you set?
A: I clock out from my work day at 3:30 pm and I don’t work on the weekend. Unless it’s an emergency, I’ve established with my clients that any communication after that time will receive a response the following work day.
How does Marian self-care?
A: I love getting outside and being in nature! I can sit on the beach all day, go for a hike in the woods and just soak up the sun for fun.
Outside of Words by Marian do you write creatively (i.e., blog, books, etc).
A: Yes! I love writing Gothic (like Edgar Allan Poe) poetry and short stories. I recently finished my first poetry compilation novel that I’m working to publish and launch this fall!
Living in Florida, do you find it hard to find other womenpreneurs in the digital space?
A: Not particularly. Many of the amazing womenpreneurs I’ve met online are right here in Florida, and we bond over that fact! I’ve yet to meet up with any of them as I’m still practicing COVID-19 precautions, but I’d love to have brunch with my business besties soon!
Do you feel there has been a heightened trend with women of color starting businesses and what are your thoughts on the trend?
A: I wouldn’t call it a trend as I believe finding the courage to start your business and monetize your passion has been on the rise for years. The pandemic just accelerated it. I love seeing so many BIPOC women get creative, fill a gap in the market and deliver amazing products/services for us to enjoy!
Do you feel/see there is a high competition due to the trend and how do you handle it or what advice would you give to stand-out?
A: Not at all. There’s enough money and clients for everyone. If you’re not being seen by your target audience, it’s not because there’s too much competition—it’s because you haven’t found your unique selling proposition yet. Once you uncover your brand message and voice (unique selling proposition), you’re able to write compelling copy that sparks a connection with the people who need YOU.
What was the biggest risk you took with starting Words for Marian?
A: Starting with no safety net. I didn’t have nearly enough money in my savings account to cover me if things went wrong. But I believed in myself and my abilities to help solopreneurs write. I didn’t give up even when it felt like I would never get a client. Once I hit my first $1K month a few months after launch, I had all the confidence I needed to never look back.
Related link: 12 Questions to Ask yourself Before you Launch a Business
What do you feel is the secret to success?
A: Consistency. You can have a great strategy and resources…but if you don’t follow through with them, you won’t see the results you’re after. Staying consistent with your plan will make your dreams your reality!
What’s next for you personally and what’s next for Words for Marian?
You: I’ve recently relocated to Tallahassee and it’s been so exciting! Looking forward to enjoying my new home, visiting more beaches and publishing my poetry book.
Words for Marian: I’ve been so blessed these past two years getting to write for a living, and work with some amazing Black women-owned businesses. What’s next for my business is creating more DIY copywriting tools (like workbooks and courses) for solopreneurs who want to improve their writing skills!
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5 Spotlight Questions!
What is your daily self-care routine?
1) A hot shower followed by a clay mask and strawberry scented body butter
2) a home-cooked meal that includes lots of fresh, sautéed garlic and onions
3) an hour of writing or reading.
Best advice you received…
Favorite thing to do when you have alone time…
Watch old Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock films.
What would you tell your eighteen-year-old self?
Yes, you can be a writer for a living. No, it doesn’t have to be as a reporter. You have a second option: Start your own business! It will be tough but super rewarding!
What would be your natural talent if you weren’t doing this?
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