The Copywriter Club Podcast: Episode #422 Summary

Title: Starting and Growing a Business with Megan Smyth
Hosts: Kira Hug and Rob Marsh
Guest: Megan Smyth
Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction

In Episode #422 of The Copywriter Club Podcast, hosts Rob Marsh and Kira Hug sit down with Megan Smyth, a successful copywriter and launch consultant. Megan shares her inspiring journey from a pre-med student to building a thriving copywriting business, offering valuable insights for both emerging and established copywriters.

Megan’s Journey: From Pre-Med to Copywriting ([02:38] - [05:12])

Megan begins by recounting her unexpected transition from a pre-med student to a copywriter. Initially enrolled in a rigorous medical program, she felt unfulfilled despite external markers of success. “There was just this voice in the back of my head that was like, this is not it. Something's not right” ([02:51]). Seeking clarity, Megan took a bold step by traveling to Thailand and Bali, where she discovered her passion for writing and the freedom to work remotely.

After leaving her day job in medical research, Megan launched her copywriting business. However, the initial phase was challenging as clients did not come easily. It wasn’t until she joined The Copywriter Accelerator that her business began to flourish.

Joining The Copywriter Accelerator ([05:12] - [08:38])

Rob highlights the pivotal role the Copywriter Accelerator played in Megan’s success. “That program is no longer available, at least in the format that Megan participated in it,” Rob explains, mentioning the transition to the Accelerator Fast Track. Megan echoes the transformative experience, detailing how the program enhanced her business acumen: “I soaked up everything from you and Kira like a little sponge” ([08:38]).

Through the accelerator, Megan transitioned from a side hustle mindset to treating copywriting as a full-fledged business. She learned vital aspects such as marketing strategy, branding, and client acquisition, which were instrumental in her subsequent growth.

Evolving Her Business and Niche ([07:15] - [09:37])

Initially focused on female business coaches, Megan expanded her target audience to encompass “purpose-driven brands” ([08:48]). This broader niche includes women committed to making a positive impact, whether in coaching, sustainability, or other fields. By doing so, Megan avoided pigeonholing herself and allowed for greater flexibility in her client engagements.

Her specialty remains in launch and sales copy, including evergreen funnel copy. However, Megan emphasizes the importance of brand messaging, often becoming a long-term partner for her clients beyond mere copywriting.

Client Engagement and Strategic Approach ([09:43] - [13:11])

Megan underscores that exceptional copywriting is ineffective without a solid strategy. “Great copy is useless without a strategy behind it” ([10:34]). From the outset, she integrates strategy into her services, ensuring that her clients’ marketing efforts are cohesive and effective. Her process involves:

1. Initial Consultation: Diagnosing the client’s needs without pitching a specific service.
2. Strategy Mapping: Collaborating with clients to outline their marketing and funnel strategies.
3. Copywriting Phase: Developing the necessary copy based on the mapped strategy.
4. Implementation and Debrief: Assisting with implementation and analyzing results for continuous improvement.

This structured approach ensures that Megan’s clients not only receive compelling copy but also a sustainable system for ongoing success.

Pricing Evolution: From $20/hr to Premium Services ([13:17] - [14:44])

Reflecting on her early days, Megan shares that she initially charged around $20/hr for her services at the age of 19. “Money at the time I was like, I have made it. I have arrived” ([14:05]). Today, her consulting services start at $3,000 USD per project, a testament to her growth and the value she provides. Megan notes her ambitious goal: “My goal since starting my copywriting business has been to make more money than I would have as a doctor” ([14:52]), emphasizing both financial success and a better work-life balance.

Expanding Offerings: Courses and Memberships ([15:16] - [20:25])

Megan has diversified her business by introducing Sales Liberation, a course designed to help entrepreneurs create long-term revenue-generating assets, much like she does for her clients. “Instead of creating fresh content every week… I create revenue-generating assets” ([15:38]).

With a modest email list of fewer than 200 subscribers, Megan successfully launched her course through strategic email marketing, achieving high conversion rates by delivering value-packed content. Building on this success, she plans to transform the course into a group coaching program, offering personalized support and fostering a community for enhanced learning and accountability.

Podcasting for Community Building ([21:09] - [24:03])

In addition to her copywriting and coaching services, Megan launched her own podcast, Blaze. The podcast aims to create a safe space for honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs in entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship can be a really lonely journey” ([21:28]), and Megan sought to address this by encouraging open dialogue and community support. The podcast aligns with her brand’s ethos of breaking away from traditional, male-centric business models and fostering a supportive environment for women.

Branding and Visual Identity ([25:09] - [29:19])

Megan’s brand is a deliberate departure from the conventional, male-dominated business aesthetics she observed growing up. Collaborating with a messaging strategist and a talented designer, she crafted a visual identity symbolizing a woman confidently entering an old-school bar, claiming her space and inspiring others to follow. “Shaking things up and burning the old sales playbook” ([26:07]) encapsulates her brand’s mission to redefine sales and marketing in a more authentic and empowering manner.

Work-Life Balance and Travel ([30:05] - [31:50])

Balancing a successful business with personal life, Megan works between 10 to 30 hours a week, allowing her ample time to travel and relax. She recently enjoyed two months in Greece, aligning her work hours with the local time zone to maximize productivity while immersing herself in new cultures. “I wanted to get out and explore and enjoy my time” ([30:05]) is a testament to her commitment to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Building a Supportive Team ([31:50] - [32:51])

Megan attributes much of her success to her dedicated team. Her sister serves as her bookkeeper and operations manager, ensuring organizational efficiency. Additionally, she employs a virtual assistant for podcast editing and marketing tasks. This support system allows Megan to focus on her creative and strategic strengths while maintaining smooth business operations.

Future Plans and Upcoming Launches ([32:51] - [33:44])

Megan’s primary focus is the upcoming group coaching program, designed to provide interactive and personalized support to entrepreneurs. She is also excited about hosting workshops that will offer free value and deeper insights into creating sustainable income streams while maintaining flexible work hours.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs ([34:03] - [35:43])

Reflecting on her unconventional path, Megan advises young entrepreneurs to “stop worrying about what everyone else wants and do your own thing” ([34:03]). She emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself, embracing creativity, and pursuing what genuinely excites you. Megan encourages others to find joy in their work, aligning their careers with their passions to achieve both personal and professional satisfaction.

Conclusion

Rob and Kira commend Megan for her remarkable achievements and the authentic, supportive community she fosters through her services and podcast. They reinforce the episode’s key takeaway: the importance of taking risks and putting oneself out there. As Rob aptly summarizes, “You have to put yourself out there. You have to try new things. You have to take risks” ([37:50]).

Listeners are encouraged to visit Megan’s website at megansmythe.com and subscribe to her podcast, Blaze, to stay updated on her latest offerings and insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan Smyth at [02:51]: “There was just this voice in the back of my head that was like, this is not it. Something's not right.”
• Megan Smyth at [05:22]: “I had the guts to apply for this job and I basically said in my application, I have no experience, I have no qualifications, but I am willing to work so hard and I think I could do this.”
• Megan Smyth at [10:34]: “Great copy is useless without a strategy behind it.”
• Megan Smyth at [14:52]: “My goal since starting my copywriting business has been to make more money than I would have as a doctor.”
• Megan Smyth at [34:03]: “Stop worrying about what everyone else wants and do your own thing.”

Connect with Megan Smyth:

• Website: megansmythe.com
• Podcast: Blaze on Spotify and other platforms
• Join her email list: Visit her website to stay informed about her upcoming group coaching launch

This episode serves as an inspiring blueprint for copywriters and entrepreneurs alike, illustrating the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and authentic branding in building a successful and fulfilling business.