The Copywriter Collaborative

When North Star started, we initially resisted requests to create persuasive copy for our clients, because we didn’t know how to write it without feeling a bit...skeezy. 

Part of the reason we felt hesitant was because we didn’t have a structure, and we certainly didn’t want to sound like used car salespeople. And then Marie discovered Amy Hoy and Alex Hillman's formula called PDF: Pain Dream Fix.

In this episode, Jessi and Marie will discuss applying those three components to persuasive copy. 

Traditional marketing aims to poke the pain. It intends to make the target audience acutely aware of what they don’t have. Although effective, at North Star we believe it’s an awful approach to marketing, because it encourages people to buy from a place of lack, fear, or upset. 

You can acknowledge your audience’s struggles without belittling, demeaning, or painting a picture of “gloom and doom” if they don’t move forward with the product or service you’re offering. In this episode, Jessi and Marie talk about how empathy makes all the difference.

Big or small, surprise shifts can send entire content plans flying out the window. When that happens, it can feel like all the work you’ve done is for nothing. As frustrating as sudden strategy shifts can be, there are ways to manage {and prepare} for change. 

Jessi + Marie are back to share stories, tips, and strategies around what to do when your content strategy shifts.

Saying “I’m a writer” can mean SO many different things. For some, it implies being an author, for others it’s writing a vast array of content for clients. Regardless, writing is a real, respected, skilled, and valuable profession.  

So, how can you succinctly explain the work you do in a way that communicates its importance and uniqueness, without confusing people? 

In this week's episode, you'll learn some tips from co-hosts and North Star Writer Mentors, Maggie and Madeline.

Most copywriters choose this line of work because they love writing, but most of us probably didn’t discover this love through writing copy. If you’re anything like us, you likely grew up reading and writing fiction and continued to develop your writing skills, eventually making it into a profession. 

Getting paid to do what you love sounds like the ultimate dream, but how do you achieve work-life balance when the practice you’re most passionate about is ALSO your job? In this episode we'll tell you how!

Most writers are accustomed to operating behind-the-scenes, so interviewing clients can be intimidating—let alone for 90 minutes! But that’s exactly what the Brand Voice Intensive (BVI) is, and it’s the foundation of North Star’s Brand Voice Process. 

In this episode, North Star Writer Mentors and guest co-hosts Madeline and Maggie give listeners a peek behind the curtain of the BVI from the writer’s perspective.

Imposter syndrome is the experience of feeling undeserving or unqualified, despite your education, experience, or abilities. For writers, imposter syndrome can come up in many ways. 

Guest co-hosts Maggie and Madeline share their own stories of encountering imposter syndrome throughout their writing careers, and how they combat feelings of self-doubt.

Working on weekends? Pushing deadlines? Sunday scaries {writers edition}? 

If you’re a content creator or writer, you can probably relate. 

We all recognize the concept of time management and its importance, but why is it so hard to actually implement the practices?

On this week’s episode, guest co-hosts and North Star Writers + Mentors Madeline Crone and Maggie Grimson break down the topic of time management—specifically, how to apply time management principles to your life and career as a writer.

Well, we’re thrilled Madeline decided to take his advice to heart, because she has since authored an array of stories, essays, poems, parodies, and successful marketing content. North Star is her first professional writing gig {she joined the team in October 2020} but she’s had several unique opportunities along the way, including at a salon + spa and a music school. Learn more about Madeline in this episode!

Today, we’re introducing you to one of the Brand Your Voice podcast’s upcoming guest co-hosts, Maggie Grimason. Maggie was the first writer to join the North Star team, and she now serves as a mentor for the other writers, answering questions and helping everyone stay on top of the latest best practices.