In the Spotlight: Claudia Bouma, Copywriter

Claudia Bouma is an SEO copywriter and Brand Strategist who works with big brands and small businesses to develop their tone of voice to craft copy that engages, compels and sells.

Claudia sat down with us to answer a few curly questions about solo life and her business.

You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?

Hang out with one of my four gorgeous kids, who are homeschooled. They’re growing up so fast and I don’t want to miss a moment of their lives.

They also keep me grounded because they simply want me to spend time with them and don’t care whether I’ve just landed a huge project or business is a little quiet.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt this year?

The past 12 months have been dominated by COVID-19 and all the economic uncertainty that has followed. In the midst of these crazy times, including Victorian lockdowns, I discovered it was a time of incredible opportunity.

I finally updated my website after procrastinating for three years and started writing my own blogs. There’s always a diamond in the dust, you just have to eyes to see it.

What’s the best bit of feedback you’ve ever had?

I was once told I’m an inspiration thanks to my can-do attitude and willingness to encourage others to go down the less-travelled road of running your own business.

The majority of people around me prefer the 9-5 job with the steady income though that might’ve changed in the past 12 months as a result of the pandemic.

What’s the one resource you’d never be without?

The online thesaurus is my best friend. I use it for all my writing to make sure my copy doesn’t become repetitive or boring.

What’s the most obscure business request you’ve ever had?

What or who has the most grounding influence on you?

What’s the biggest challenge you face at work?

Impostor syndrome is undoubtedly the single biggest challenge I face as a sole trader. It’s been an interesting journey over the past 11 years to view myself as a professional copywriter who produces top-shelf work.

What’s the best thing about being a soloist? And the worst thing?

The freedom to do the things you want to do without someone telling you can’t. Grabbing a hold of new opportunities and giving everything a go.

As an extravert, I sometimes struggle working from home as I miss the social interaction. However, an awesome online copywriting group has given me the connection I’ve been looking for.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

Stop trying to be a carbon copy of another business owner. Instead, discover who you are and what you have to offer.

Where and when do you have your best ideas?

In the shower or lying in bed when I don’t have paper and pen handy. It’s not unusual for me to jump out of bed, startling my husband, to quickly grab a bit of paper to write down a new idea for an article.

What would be your advice to aspiring soloists?

Never stop believing in yourself and learn to think outside the box. The going will get tough at times but if you persevere, you’ll come out the other end stronger and better equipped.

What would your mum say is your greatest strength? And weakness?

My mum is blown away by my ability to connect with people but she also knows that I have foot-and-mouth disease. Oh boy, I’ve managed to get into some serious trouble because I tend not to think before I speak.

What’s one thing about you few people know?

I spell out words in my head as people are speaking. I’m a total word nerd.

What is the one regret you do not want to have in this lifetime?

Missing an opportunity to encourage someone to go out on a limb, take a risk and discover their purpose in life.

What inspires you most about your work?

The people I meet and the discussions I have especially when clients are willing to be transparent and open about their struggles.

Where can we find out more? (FS directory page/Website/Twitter/Facebook/Google+)

FS: //corestage-cdn.flyingsolo.com.au/profile/claudia-bouma-copywriter-a-way-with-words

W: https://claudiaboumacopywriter.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudiaboumacopywriter

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