The Savvy Scribe

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Welcome to The Savvy Scribe podcast! In this special year-end episode, I’m sharing a quick recap of the highlights and challenges of my business in 2023.

Challenges Faced in 2023

Economic uncertainty in 2023 raised concerns about client budgets, impacting my agency’s goals. Despite the challenges, I set ambitious goals for my businesses, emphasizing the importance of aiming high.

Progress and Successes

Write RN (Content Agency)

• I hired a coach, Clodaugh, to enhance the agency’s structure, core values, value propositions, website copy, and branding.
• Shifted focus to target highly profitable and larger enterprise clients.
• Emphasized the importance of honing in on systems and processes, leading to increased efficiency.
• Expanded the team with the addition of a virtual assistant, Shayne, and an internal editor, Nicole.
• Implemented a writer vetting process involving a sample submission and a four to five-star rating system.

Savvy Nurse Writer (Course and Membership)

• Planned podcasts for the year in advance, ensuring valuable content for listeners.
• Overhauled the entire course, updating it to 2023 standards for a more gamified experience.
• Simplified the membership structure by offering a single monthly payment for access to all resources.
• Successfully authored and published a book, achieving number-one status on Amazon.

Looking Forward to 2024

• I acknowledge the challenging yet rewarding aspects of the past year.
• I’m expressing my gratitude to my team (Shayne, Cheryl, and Nicole) and nurse writers for their contributions.
• Outlines the focus for 2024: Growth. My goal is to help more individuals and companies through expansion.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

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Welcome back to another insightful episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast. We’ve invited marketing expert Tracey Munn to share new SEO growth strategies and how to implement them to help your business succeed in marketing.

Joining us today is Tracey Munn, an Australian marketing psychologist, award-winning Google Partner and digital marketing all-rounder specializing in brand growth strategy. She is based in Australia, but working with clients in the US.

Implementing SEO Growth Strategies and More Key Takeaways:

1. Cookie-cutter solutions often don’t work in business, and understanding the business owner’s personality, goals, and customer interactions is crucial for effective strategies.
2. This conversation focuses on SEO growth strategies for podcasts, but many principles apply to other businesses as well.
3. Keyword research is essential to understand what people are searching for related to your podcast. Use tools like Wordtracker for this purpose.
4. Long-tail keywords can be valuable, but don’t shy away from targeting high-volume keywords if they are relevant to your content.
5. Transcripts of podcast episodes are essential for SEO and accessibility, helping Google index your content and catering to a broader audience.
6. Having a website for your podcast is crucial for centralizing information, embedding episodes, and hosting transcripts.
7. Episode titles and descriptions should include relevant keywords to improve search visibility on platforms like Spotify and iTunes.
8. Social media plays a role in SEO as well, as it provides another platform for using keywords and increasing visibility.
9. SEO is a long-term strategy, and measuring its effectiveness can be challenging due to the lack of centralized podcast analytics tools.
10. While AI-generated content like Chat GPT can help generate ideas, it’s essential to use it as a starting point and customize the content to maintain quality and authenticity.
11. SEO practices evolve, and it’s important to stay updated with industry trends and best practices.
12. Natural link-building is preferred over artificially acquiring backlinks to improve SEO.
13. Copywriters may face challenges with the rise of AI-generated content, but copy editing and content refinement will remain essential skills.
14. In some industries, such as health, having experienced writers and reviewers is crucial to maintaining credibility and expertise in content creation.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

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We are delighted to welcome another exceptional guest, Tim Noetzel, who graciously joins us today to divulge the strategies he employed in growing his thriving freelance business. Tim successfully expanded his venture from a starting point of $0 in 2019 to an impressive solo business generating $480,000 annually.

About the guest:

Tim Noetzel is the founder of FreelanceGPS.com, where he coaches how to start and grow successful freelance businesses. He is a full-stack developer and product designer passionate about creating products people love through front-end development and data-driven design. He has spent his career using quantitative analysis and empathetic research techniques to create experiences that drive real business results.

Key takeaways:

1. Not all marketing channels are created equal.
2. One-on-one conversations work well.
3. Identify clients and offer unique value.
4. Increase value and rates over time.
5. Position yourself as an investment.
6. Outsourcing — start only when profitable.
7. Outsource life before business.
8. Experiment and own your marketing.
9. Networking and human connection.
10. Experimentation is key.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Here’s another episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast you can’t miss! Today I am diving into a topic that often stirs up a lot of discussion in the freelance writing world, and it is answering this common question, “Should you ever write for free?” Join me as we explore the nuances of this discussion with an open and inquisitive mind.

Should You Write for Free?

Key takeaways:

• It is acceptable to write for free if it is done under fair circumstances, such as when a client asks for a sample piece of writing to evaluate your skills before hiring you.
• It is also acceptable to write a guest blog for free if you are getting marketing exposure in return.
• When writing for free, it is important to set clear boundaries and expectations with the client.
• You should never write for free if you are being taken advantage of or not being paid fairly.
• Your work still has value, even if you are writing for free.
• You have a lot to offer as a freelance nurse writer.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Join me and my guest, Susan Farese, MSN, RN, owner and President of SJF Communications, a public relations firm located in San Diego, CA. She’s here with us today to share her invaluable tips on how to incorporate PR into your business.

The Basics of PR and Some Key Takeaways

• What is PR?
• How she transitioned from nursing to being a consultant entrepreneur and nurse researcher
• The importance of adapting to the new trends
• How businesses can use PR
• Making your pitches and your PR personalized to whoever you’re reaching out to or whoever you connect with
• How to do PR strategies and how do they translate to freelance writing businesses
• The common mistakes that new business owners make when it comes to PR

Resources:

• LinkedIn – Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN 
• LinkedIn – SJF Communications
• LinkTree
• Website: https://sjfcommunications.com/
• SJF Communications Facebook Page
• Author page: https://sjfcommunications.com/author-shop/
• Twitter
• TikTok

Videos:

• Intro to Public Relations
• PR Pitching
• More videos!

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to The Savvy Scribe Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic that plagues many freelance writers: Should you charge by the word or offer package rates? Freelance writing is an incredibly rewarding career, but structuring your pricing can be one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. In this quick episode, I’ll guide you through this dilemma and offer insights to help you make the right choice.

Key Points:

• Per-word rates offer simplicity and predictability but may incentivize quantity over quality.
• Package rates provide a holistic approach, encompassing research, revisions, and a polished product, ensuring quality over quantity.
• Clearly defined scopes of work and written contracts are crucial to avoid misunderstandings and scope creep.
• Negotiations should be approached thoughtfully, balancing openness with a firm stance on fair rates that reflect skills and effort.

Actionable Tips:

1. Recognize your worth as a nurse writer with valuable healthcare expertise.
2. Clearly define the scope of work, including package rates, to avoid ambiguity.
3. Employ written client contracts outlining prices, deadlines, and expectations.
4. Negotiate thoughtfully, balancing openness with a firm stance on fair rates.
5. Experiment with pricing models to find the best fit for your services.

Additional Resources:

• Free Guide: The Nurse Writer Procrastinator’s Roadmap to Freelance Writing Success

So, should you charge per word or offer package rates?

There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing strategy for freelance nurse writers. Experiment with both per-word and package rates to find the approach that aligns with your skills, effort, and client needs. Prioritize quality over quantity and communicate effectively to establish mutually beneficial relationships.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Gargas, who shares insights on positioning yourself for a strong side hustle. Starting a side hustle requires dedication and obsession, but the rewards are worth it. Many struggle to know when to transition from side hustle to full-time gig, and it’s a unique journey for each individual.

About the Guest:

Jeff Gargas is the COO and Co-founder of the Teach Better Team (Creators of www.teachbetter.com, The Grid Method, and Teach Further) and co-author of the book, “Teach Better.” He works with educators to increase student engagement and improve student success. He also offers 1-on-1 coaching for teachers who have a product or idea they want to share with others to better education.


Key points discussed:

→ Jeff highlights the importance of finding your “sweet spot,” combining your passion and skills to help others.
→ Identifying your target audience and their pain points is crucial.
→ Content creation is key, encompassing podcasts, blog posts, videos, and more.
→ Building an email list is emphasized because it’s something you own and control.
→ Nurturing your email list by providing value is essential to eventually convert subscribers into customers.
→ The conversion doesn’t always mean monetary gain; it can also mean building a community of passionate supporters.
→ Even if your side hustle doesn’t directly relate to your career, it can provide stress relief and creative outlets.
→ Your side hustle can make you a better professional and enhance your overall quality of life.

Connecting with Jeff:

Jeff can be found at teachbetter.com.
Social media handles: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jefftf) and @_JeffGargas (Instagram).
Reach out via email at [email protected].
He offers one-on-one coaching and is happy to connect for brainstorming and guidance.
He believes in supporting people in their pursuit of happiness and fulfillment through their side hustles.

Free resources to check out: https://teachbetter.com/free-resources/

Positioning Yourself for a Strong Side Hustle With Jeff Gargas

Success varies for each person, and it’s essential not to compare your journey to others. Celebrate your wins and remember that everything takes time. Your side hustle can be a unique path to fulfillment and happiness.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Today, let’s discuss the pros and cons of pitching vs. applying to jobs for freelance writers.

Is Applying to Jobs Easier Than Pitching?

Key takeaways:

→ Pitching puts you in the driver’s seat and allows you to target specific clients.

→ Pitching saves you time and helps you build relationships with potential clients.

→ Pitching gives you more room to negotiate your rates.

Challenges of Pitching:

Requires confidence, networking skills, and the ability to handle rejection

Additional resources to check out:

Download for FREE: The Nurse Writer Procrastinator Roadmap to Freelance Writing Success

Pitching is a great way to gain clients and grow your freelance writing business. While it can be challenging, the rewards are worth it.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast and today, we are going to talk about sales and networking. My guest, Maddy Osman, shares her tips for freelancers on how to use online marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork to find clients and grow their businesses. She also discusses how to add value to your services and increase your earnings.

Key Takeaways:

→ Online marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork can be a great way to find clients when you’re starting out.

→ There are a number of ways to add value to your services and increase your earnings, such as offering add-ons, collaborating with other freelancers, and shortening turnaround times.

→ It’s important to be mindful of the fees that these online marketplaces charge.

→ Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use a variety of methods to find clients.

→ Maddy discusses the importance of diversifying your client acquisition efforts

Additional Resources:

→ 6 Download the appendix for the bestselling book “Writing for Humans and Robots: The New Rules of Content Style” for helpful tools + links to The Blogsmith’s internal process documents to create a great reader experience within your content: https://blgsmth.tips/appendix

→ Maddy also shares a style guide for creating a great reader experience in content: blgsmth.tips/style-guide

Visit Maddy’s website – https://www.theblogsmith.com

Check her out on socials!

Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for joining me again for another episode of The Savvy Scribe podcast. Today, we’re diving into a crucial question for freelance writers: Is it time to hire a team of freelancers for your freelance writing business? Many freelancers start as solo operators, relishing the freedom and autonomy, but challenges arise as the workload grows. In this episode, we’ll discuss the signs that indicate when it’s the right time to expand your team.

The Signs to Hire a Team

Sign #1: Work Overload

Feeling overwhelmed and missing deadlines? It’s a sign you need help. Recognize the importance of maintaining the quality of your work.

Sign #2: Leaving Money on the Table

If you’re turning down projects due to capacity issues, you’re not maximizing your potential. Having a steady stream of work you can’t take on is a clear signal.

Sign #3: Complementary Skills

A team with diverse skills can take on more varied projects. Leverage your team’s strengths to enhance your business.

Sign #4: Financial Capacity

Invest in your team to free up time and grow your business. Increased income often follows wise hiring decisions.

Sign #5: Client Base

Ensure your client base can support the addition of team members. Begin with part-time contractors to manage income fluctuations.

The decision to hire a team for your freelance writing business is a significant one. Factors like increasing workload, client base, missed deadlines, and a sense of dread can guide you. If you’re experiencing these signs, it might be time to take the next step.

Welcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and visit savvynursewriter.com to help you get started today!

Support the show

FOLLOW & REVIEW THE SAVVY SCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS

I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNES

And if you love it, can I ask for a review? Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”

If you’re ready to start exploring if freelance writing is your next PRN job or even full-time, I invite you to check out the Savvy Nurse Writer Community on Facebook and the Plan Produce Profit  + Writing Skills Course to help you get started today!