Women in Words highlights boss women wordsmiths who work behind the scenes crafting written content for others. We’ll get to know new lady boss wordsmiths each Wednesday to learn more about them and appreciate their journey and expertise.
This week we feature Content Writer Lisa Starkey.
In your experience, what are three (or more) significant differences between a copywriter, content writer, and copy editor?
This is a good question because I think it can be confusing, and there is some overlap.
A copywriter writes marketing material with the primary purpose of selling something. The copy they write targets people near the end of the funnel who are ready to decide whether or not to buy. But copy is also what you see on a company’s website, which can include brand stories and other writing meant to inform visitors.
A content writer typically writes material that provides information about a brand or a company’s products that helps people understand the brand or product better and ultimately make a purchase decision. But content can add value for customers in many other ways by packaging and delivering information that informs, inspires, and motivates.
Content is often aimed at people at the top of the funnel in the earlier stages of the buyer’s journey.
A copy editor cleans up the writing that both copy and content writers do. They mostly review copy for grammar, consistency in brand voice, style, and clarity, and possibly even do fact-checking.
How do you explain the difference when working with someone?
Honestly, I don’t need to clarify the difference to prospective clients too often. I am clear on what I offer upfront, so clients will know what to expect before we chat. But I do find myself explaining it to friends and family quite often.
Which do you specialize in and why?
When I started my business, I called myself a copywriter before I was too sure of the difference between copy and content.
Nowadays, I consider myself more of a content writer because I love taking research and distilling it into valuable information people can use. I love to inspire people with words.
I primarily write research-based blogs, which cater to my nerdy side. But I also enjoy creating emails and social media posts, allowing me to unleash my creativity. And I plan to create fact sheets, infographics, and other visual forms of information soon because they integrate art and science and are more memorable for the reader.
I work with businesses trying to positively impact the world and sell products aimed at elevating people’s lives. It’s just what we need more of in the world right now.
Who inspires you?
I spend a fair bit of time on social media, especially LinkedIn and Instagram. Every day, I get inspired by other women putting themselves out there with their own businesses and personal brands. I get super motivated when I see what they’re doing and how much confidence they exude.
Also, though I’m not a big celebrity fan, I will admit to having a slight fascination with Angelina Jolie lately. She has genuinely used her position as a megastar to spread awareness about some serious issues facing less glamorous parts of the world. She inspires me to use my writing and business to advocate for the things I care about, like underserved people and the health of our environment.
What’s a typical workday look like for you?
I like to ease into work. I’m an early riser and love starting with a hot cup of tea or decaf coffee. I feed my dogs because they’re going nuts by then, and then I take them for a nice long walk in the local park.
I’m a big fan of planning my week ahead of time. I create blocks of time to get my tasks done. I usually do a morning block for 2-3 hours, then a long break, and then an afternoon block for 2-3 hours. I prioritize based on deadlines. Lately, the blocks consist of client blog writing, graduate school work, and my own marketing and business tasks.
I am happiest when I can finish my work by 4 or 5 pm and then have time to cook, eat and hang out with my dogs and boyfriend.
What’s something you were surprised to learn about your career path?
I was surprised to learn that writing and starting my own business would be the best therapy I could ever have! Seriously, this journey has taught me so much about myself, shining a bright spotlight on areas of myself that I’ve never developed before. It’s been truly enlightening!
What’s one thing you wish folks knew about what you do and how it differs from other editorial specialties?
I’d love for people to know I chose my specific niche because I’m serious about promoting health and well-being and social and environmental causes. I work with businesses trying to positively impact the world and sell products to elevate people’s lives. It’s just what we need more of in the world right now.
What’s an industry tip for an aspiring copywriter, content writer, or copy editor?
One thing that I would tell other aspiring writers is not to be afraid to choose a niche, one that you want to learn about and that you enjoy. I first learned that it would be better to start as a generalist and take any work I could get. But I decided not to take that advice, and instead, I used my passion for health, wellness, nature, and the environment to find work I genuinely care about. And I believe it’s what got me clients pretty quickly. So follow your passion, and if you don’t know what that is yet, take the time to figure that out first!
What’s your guilty pleasure (fave thing to do when you’re not working/writing)?
My fave thing to do when I’m not working is ride my mountain bike! I can completely take my mind off work, and everything else for that matter, and immerse myself in the trail and the amazing natural scenery around me. It feels like true freedom to me. Eating really dark chocolate is a close 2nd, though.
What’s the best way for folks to connect with you for work or to say hi?
The best way to contact me is by sending me a DM on LinkedIn or email at lisa@grittyinpinkcopywriter.com. I love chatting with people about business or anything, so hit me up!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I plan to do as much good as possible while here on this planet, using my business as a force for good. Oh, and remember to make every day count! 🌞
Lisa Starkey is a conscious health & beauty content writer with Botany and Health Science degrees. She writes about wellness, toxin-free products, sustainability, self-care, the outdoors, and public health advocacy. Her content creates visibility, authority, and loyalty for mission-focused companies. Lisa lives in Salt Lake City and takes full advantage of biking the mountainous landscape surrounding the city when not working. She is also working on earning a Master of Public Health degree. Her philosophy is to make the world better, one word at a time.
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Do you know a boss woman who works with words as a copywriter, content writer, copy editor, proofreader, or another editorial specialty? Send her my way! I’d love to feature her in an issue of Women in Words.
