Copywriter on Call®

On this episode of the Copywriter on Call podcast, Sara interviews Colie James, family filmmaker and systems strategist.

- What Colie misses (and doesn't miss!) about teaching

- Colie's favorite ways to use Airtable and her Leads & Clients Hub product

- Why Colie thinks the idea that systems are impersonal just doesn't add up

- How to make automations and workflows feel personal

🎙️ MEET COLIE JAMES:

Colie James is a Disney-loving family filmmaker, Workflow & Automations Guru, and the host of the Business-First Creatives podcast. Based in Denver, Colorado, her heart pumps in helping photographers & creative service providers automate their systems, reclaim their time and get back to living! She believes “if it does not bring you joy, automate that sh*t.” 

With 11+ years in the creative space, Colie believes every creative deserves to build a business that is sustainable and profitable, and no one should quit their 9 to 5 only to work 24/7 [in their business].

The truth—automated systems can save us all from being overworked and overwhelmed.

When Colie isn’t building killer workflows and automations, you can find her spending some much needed time with her husband, James, daughter Chloe, or [you guessed it] at Disneyland. 

📚 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

✨ Colie James' Systems Shop: https://coliejames.com/systems-shop/

⭐ SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/copywriter-on-call/id1675583578

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https://open.spotify.com/show/34JSQze17ISQs83SDpIQ6U?si=f5292021ae7b4792&nd=1

CONNECT WITH SARA:

🌐 Website: https://whatsarasaid.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellosaragillis/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hellosaragillis

On this episode of the Copywriter on Call podcast, Sara reflects on what she calls her "year of launching" in 2023 and what she learned.

- Meeting her copywriting guru, Ashlyn Carter of Ashlyn Writes

- Launching this podcast in April 2023

- Launching Storysale, her group coaching program

- Black Friday Prep School inside The Content Huddle, her membership program

- Launching Words That Click, a website copy course for photographers

📚 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

✨ Storysale: https://whatsarasaid.com/coaching

✨ The Content Huddle: https://whatsarasaid.com/contenthuddle

✨ Words That Click: https://whatsarasaid.com/course

⭐ SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/copywriter-on-call/id1675583578

⭐SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A REVIEW ON SPOTIFY

https://open.spotify.com/show/34JSQze17ISQs83SDpIQ6U?si=f5292021ae7b4792&nd=1

CONNECT WITH SARA:

🌐 Website: https://whatsarasaid.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellosaragillis/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hellosaragillis

On this episode of the Copywriter on Call podcast, Sara chats with Jade Boyd, who is a business and productivity coach for service providers. Jade helps busy service providers simplify and scale their business with strategy and systems, so they can earn more, work less, and create a freedom-first business. She uses her signature Business Minimalist™ Framework to help women focus on doing less but better in their business.

- The first step to take today to foster productivity

- Why clarity is so important to leading a productive business and life

- How to use social media productively

📚 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Access Jade's Weekly Review Checklist

FOLLOW ALONG WITH JADE BOYD HERE:

🎙️ Podcast

🌐 Website

💌 Email List

📸 Instagram

⭐ SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS

⭐ SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A REVIEW ON SPOTIFY

CONNECT WITH SARA:

🌐 Website

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

Your “Contact” page needs to be written strategically. All too often, I see a lot of clients who will just insert the generic contact form element, use a header with words like, “get in touch” or “say hello,” and call it a day.

That's just not going to cut it. 

And it might be enough to get your website off the ground, because, hello, we've all been there, but it's just not what I would suggest doing if you really want your website to work for you. In this episode, I share how to optimize your “Contact” page and really dig into why it matters so much for your clients.

03:30 — What your “Contact” page needs to do specifically for your business 

03:53 — 4 different ways to optimize your “Contact” page

10:53 — How your “Contact” page can convert more leads and referrals 

📚MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🌐 Headline Analyzer Tool

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JOIN US INSIDE WORDS THAT CLICK

If "update my website copy" is sitting unchecked on your to do list, but you aren't quite ready to swing copywriting at a done-for-you price, Word That Click, a website copy course for photographers, is for you. In this self-study course, from What Sara Said, you will learn how to craft website pages that showcase who you are, your heart for what you do, and the value of your work.

As a special bonus, just for my podcast listeners use code oncall for $50 off the course at whatsarasaid.com/course

Join us inside Words that Click!

—

From a website copy polish or a custom long-form sales page to an email welcome or launch sequence, I’ll flex my done-for-you muscles and take on your top-priority to-dos in a half-day or full-day VIP experience.

VIP Days

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🌐 Website

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

VIP Days

There are four different types of buyers, and they all need something different. 

So it's important that your photography website appeals to all four of these types of buyers, otherwise you’re missing out on booking a client. 

As a photographer or another creative service provider, pretty images or great testimonials in a portfolio on your website just aren't enough. 

You need the right copy that speaks specifically to their buying needs, too. 

01:11 — Understand what analytical buyers need to feel confident in hiring you

03:13 — ​​How to speak to amiable buyers, who are relationship oriented 

05:44 — Speak to results and goals to appeal to a drive buyer

08:43 — Why storytelling converts expressive buyers

📚MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Buyer Types (my blog post): https://whatsarasaid.com/2023/05/18/why-your-portfolio-on-your-website-isnt-enough/

• Buyer Types (from Salesforce): https://www.salesforcesearch.com/blog/how-sell-different-personality-types/

• Analytical Buyers - Client Example: https://sabrinagebhardt.com/dallas-fort-worth-family-photography/

• Amiable Buyers - Client Example: https://npsphotography.com/photography-services/dc-family-lifestyle-sessions/

• Driver Buyers - Client Example: https://sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind/

• Expressive Buyers - Client Example: https://arccreativecompany.com/services

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JOIN US INSIDE WORDS THAT CLICK

If "update my website copy" is sitting unchecked on your to do list, but you aren't quite ready to swing copywriting at a done-for-you price, Word That Click, a website copy course for photographers, is for you. In this self-study course, from What Sara Said, you will learn how to craft website pages that showcase who you are, your heart for what you do, and the value of your work.

As a special bonus, just for my podcast listeners use code oncall for $50 off the course at whatsarasaid.com/course

Join us inside Words that Click!

—

From a website copy polish or a custom long-form sales page to an email welcome or launch sequence, I’ll flex my done-for-you muscles and take on your top-priority to-dos in a half-day or full-day VIP experience.

VIP Days

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🌐 Website

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

VIP Days

As your business evolves and grows, and as you shift and change as a service provider and a business owner, your photography website needs to do the same.

If it's been a while since you've taken a peek at your photography website copy to ensure that it's communicating your value to your ideal client in the way you want it to do so, here’s my list of must-dos before you change up your website copy strategy so you can make meaningful and effective updates.

01:21 — How to clarify your ideal photography client 

03:36 — Identifying what needs to change on your photography website

05:30 — How to make sure your client testimonials are highlighting the full scope of your offers

08:22 — Why you need to take advantage of inspiration when it strikes

📚 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• 3:20 - Episode 4 of this podcast: https://youtu.be/Ub-6n2CbsMI?si=xzwadKQUhHiBuJNs

• 8:08 - Episode 21 of this podcast: https://youtu.be/w4T_Ikp15jw

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JOIN US INSIDE WORDS THAT CLICK

If "update my website copy" is sitting unchecked on your to do list, but you aren't quite ready to swing copywriting at a done-for-you price, Word That Click, a website copy course for photographers, is for you. In this self-study course, from What Sara Said, you will learn how to craft website pages that showcase who you are, your heart for what you do, and the value of your work.

As a special bonus, just for my podcast listeners use code oncall for $50 off the course at whatsarasaid.com/course

Join us inside Words that Click!

—

From a website copy polish or a custom long-form sales page to an email welcome or launch sequence, I’ll flex my done-for-you muscles and take on your top-priority to-dos in a half-day or full-day VIP experience.

VIP Days

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🌐 Website

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

VIP Days

Sabrina Gebhardt is a photographer and coach with two distinct audiences, and she was having a difficult time speaking to two people with one website. 

After we worked together, her website became her home base that communicated everything she does in a cohesive way that also spotlights her personality.

In this episode, Sabrina shares how her business has evolved, so she can do the work she loves doing with the clients she loves working with and how leading with her authenticity has contributed to her success. 

03:21 — The challenge with having two different offers and audiences

06:06 — How Sabrina developed her two offers overtime to make an offer suite she loves 

10:51 — Creating alignment between social media and your website

15:08 — How personality-packed website copy helps you reach more clients beyond converting more of your website visitors

18:10 — What it's like to have someone translate your personality and ideas into effective copy

👋 CONNECT WITH SABRINA GEBHARDT (SHE/HER)

As a lifestyle photographer of more than 12 years and a business coach for photographers and other entrepreneurs, Sabrina calls Fort Worth, Texas, home. In her life, Sabrina practices what she teaches: as a busy wife to her college sweetheart and a busy mom to their three children and two dogs, she knows what it means to balance work and life with a whole lot of heart and caffeine. An Enneagram 3 who loves emojis, color, and reading, she’s learned that her business (and her sanity) benefit from slowing down, and she’s on a mission to show other female business owners how to do just that.

Root to Rise Mastermind — use code SARAG for $150 off:  https://sabrinagebhardt.com/mastermind/

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JOIN US INSIDE WORDS THAT CLICK

If "update my website copy" is sitting unchecked on your to do list, but you aren't quite ready to swing copywriting at a done-for-you price, Word That Click, a website copy course for photographers, is for you. In this self-study course, from What Sara Said, you will learn how to craft website pages that showcase who you are, your heart for what you do, and the value of your work.

As a special bonus, just for my podcast listeners use code oncall for $50 off the course at whatsarasaid.com/course

Join us inside Words that Click!

—

From a website copy polish or a custom long-form sales page to an email welcome or launch sequence, I’ll flex my done-for-you muscles and take on your top-priority to-dos in a half-day or full-day VIP experience.

VIP Days

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🌐 Website

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

VIP Days

When you tell stories that stick with your audience, you automatically move from selling the service to selling the experience, and that is what moves people into confident action. 

Your potential clients are currently facing a problem in their life that they're looking to address or solve, and your photography service might be that solution, but they can't clearly see that when you only lead with what you get the deliverables.

01:05 — Why you need to include storytelling on your services page as a photographer

03:23 — People want to know what transformation they can expect to receive

04:08 — Relying on deliverables won't sell your service as effectively as storytelling

📚MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Get the Services Page Swipe File: https://whatsarasaid.thrivecart.com/services-page-swipe-file/

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JOIN US INSIDE WORDS THAT CLICK

If "update my website copy" is sitting unchecked on your to do list, but you aren't quite ready to swing copywriting at a done-for-you price, Word That Click, a website copy course for photographers, is for you. In this self-study course, from What Sara Said, you will learn how to craft website pages that showcase who you are, your heart for what you do, and the value of your work.

As a special bonus, just for my podcast listeners use code oncall for $50 off the course at whatsarasaid.com/course

Join us inside Words that Click!

—

From a website copy polish or a custom long-form sales page to an email welcome or launch sequence, I’ll flex my done-for-you muscles and take on your top-priority to-dos in a half-day or full-day VIP experience.

VIP Days

—

🌐 Website

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

VIP Days

Website design goes hand-in-hand with your copy to make your sales page convert. 

Your design communicates your personality, it can evoke emotion, and it’s what ensures your dream clients can easily read your copy and know how to work with you. 

Octavia Elease, a Showit Website Design Partner and HoneyBook Pro, joins me to talk through some of the design considerations for building a sales page that converts. She also shares how you can showcase more of your personality through your website design.

01:38 — The role website design plays in showcasing your personality to attract right-fit clients 

03:05 — How to bring your authenticity to your website 

04:42 — Navigating the challenge to show up as your full self online 

10:22 — What makes up an effective sales page 

12:19 — What to include in your sales page design so it converts 

16:33 — Leveraging FAQs in the right way 

19:27 — How to make you calls to actions stand out 

👋 CONNECT WITH OCTAVIA ELEASE (SHE/HER)

Octavia Elease, a web designer and systems strategist, believes that blending strategy with personality is the key to success in business. She has assisted over 100 business owners in highlighting their value and showcasing their expertise through revitalized websites and workflows. Her ultimate goal is to help entrepreneurs create a strategic, connection-driven client experience. As a Showit Design Partner and HoneyBook Pro, she is committed to improving the online presence of the independent business community. In addition to being a passionate entrepreneur, Octavia is a devoted boy mom and devout believer. When she is not designing or teaching, you can catch her spending time with Mickey and friends at Disneyland.

Website: https://octaviaeleasedesigns.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octaviaeleasedesigns/?hl=en

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JOIN US INSIDE WORDS THAT CLICK

If "update my website copy" is sitting unchecked on your to do list, but you aren't quite ready to swing copywriting at a done-for-you price, Word That Click, a website copy course for photographers, is for you. In this self-study course, from What Sara Said, you will learn how to craft website pages that showcase who you are, your heart for what you do, and the value of your work.

As a special bonus, just for my podcast listeners use code oncall for $50 off the course at whatsarasaid.com/course

Join us inside Words that Click!

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Discover your brand voice type, so that you can feel confident in standing out through your words.

Quiz

—

From a website copy polish or a custom long-form sales page to an email welcome or launch sequence, I’ll flex my done-for-you muscles and take on your top-priority to-dos in a half-day or full-day VIP experience.

VIP Days

—

🌐 Website

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

VIP Days

Your photography website homepage is the first stop for your dream clients, so it’s key to have a homepage that guides your dream clients from stranger to client. 

After working on dozens of photography websites, I have a proven checklist of what needs to be included in your online welcome mat, a.k.a. your homepage. 

Tune in to hear the six must-have elements, so you can be sure you’ve included all of these on your homepage. 

01:54 — Capture attention with a results-based headline that speaks to your ideal client

03:06 — How to use Mindset Motivators to speak to your client's deepest emotions and desires

05:14 — Position yourself as the easy-yes choice for your dream photography clients 

08:31 — Use a "Let Me" statement to invite your website visitors to take the next step

10:07 — Sharing a glimpse of your services or your offers

13:21 — Great customer testimonials can grow your business faster than practically any other kind of content

18:34 — Take the time to tell them who you are to create an immediate connection 

📚MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Website Checklist: https://whatsarasaid.myflodesk.com/homepagechecklist

•  StoryBrand book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/building-a-storybrand-clarify-your-message-so-customers-will-listen-donald-miller/9308684

•  StoryBrand Blog Post on Client Testimonials: https://buildingastorybrand.com/get-customer-testimonials/

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JOIN US INSIDE WORDS THAT CLICK

If "update my website copy" is sitting unchecked on your to do list, but you aren't quite ready to swing copywriting at a done-for-you price, Word That Click, a website copy course for photographers, is for you. In this self-study course, from What Sara Said, you will learn how to craft website pages that showcase who you are, your heart for what you do, and the value of your work.

As a special bonus, just for my podcast listeners use code oncall for $50 off the course at whatsarasaid.com/course

Join us inside Words that Click!

—

From a website copy polish or a custom long-form sales page to an email welcome or launch sequence, I’ll flex my done-for-you muscles and take on your top-priority to-dos in a half-day or full-day VIP experience.

VIP Days

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🌐 Website

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

VIP Days