An interview with Ashleigh, Copywriter
Tell us about what you do for Centric Squared.
Answer: I’m your gal for all things copy. That means emails, blog posts, opt-in documents, social posts; you name it, and I write it. I also dabble in a little project management where I make sure everything flows from the start of each task to final publishing. Think of me as the bridge between content ideas and execution.
What kind of skillset do you have to do this role?
Answer: Writing, which is a no-brainer. But beyond that, I’d say that the most important skills I bring to this role are the ability to research and be creative. Just stringing words together (as good as they might sound) won’t move the needle, won’t resonate with the readers, and it certainly won’t make them click. On the softer side, I’d say that being able to humbly accept and incorporate feedback is a skill I have (having a great editor makes this easy, big ups to Emily)!
What’s something you’d love to share with others about managing copy assignments?
Answer: One of the best things I’ve learned is to set clear expectations from the start, e.g. what I’m able to do and when I can do it. On the opposite side, a solid brief with goals, tone, and key messaging saves so much back-and-forth later. Also, I can’t emphasize this enough, overcommunication is better than assumptions.
Can you describe the path that led you to Centric Squared?
Answer: Over the past few years, I’ve worked with different brands as an in-house copywriter before eventually going freelance. My introduction to Centric Squared was actually through Sara, who I came across on LinkedIn. She made a post about meeting up with some of the team members of Centric Squared and I was immediately impressed with how down to earth she was. I went looking through Centric Squared’s website and saw they had a vacancy for a copywriter and the rest is history.
What’s different about working as a freelancer vs. an agency setting for you?
Answer: As a freelancer, you have full autonomy, but that means you wear all the hats. What’s different and what I appreciate about working in an agency is the ability to collaborate. We bounce ideas off each other, refine strategies together, and depend on each other’s expertise. I enjoy the ability to have creative ownership over my work while being a part of a team.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned since joining the team?
Answer: It’s not a new lesson, but certainly one that has been reinforced: the importance of communication. We’re a remote team, scattered across time zones so making an intentional attempt to have everyone adequately informed on the different progresses is a big must have.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a copywriter?
Answer: Start! Sure you’ll do research about all the different copywriting techniques and frameworks and read copious blog posts on “The Best Subject Lines,” but you have to put some skin in the game. That may mean volunteering your services a bit so that you can practice your copy chops but you also get to improve them with the opportunity to develop a portfolio (which you will need). Offer to write for a local business, a nonprofit, or even create mock projects for brands you admire. Platforms like Catchafire are great for getting experience while helping a cause.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
Answer: You can find me baking chocolate chip cookies, doing some other creative project like painting or pottery, or reading.
What’s one book on your bookshelf right now?
Answer: Tons because I tend to buy books faster than I can read them. But, right now I’m reading Mythos-The Greek Myths Reimagined by Stephen Fry. It’s a change of pace from what I usually read but I love Fry’s delightful storytelling. Next up is a reread of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Are you interested in joining our team? Please visit our about page to learn more and apply!