writing Archives - Kirsty France Writes

Posted on 7th July 20257th July 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

How do you use AI?

You might think a copywriter like me will run away screaming when AI is mentioned. That might have been the case once, but I’m coming around to the idea that I can use AI as a tool to support my business and creativity. Here are four ways I use AI and another that I’m contemplating. How do you use AI?

Brainstorming

Have you ever felt as if you’ve said it all? Unless you constantly have new products to share, the main purpose of your marketing is to let people know what you do and how that helps them. You can highlight different details or benefits and share case studies to talk about your clients, but you can still end up feeling like you’re repeating yourself. Sometimes I’m utterly bored with my marketing, even though I know most of my followers won’t see it most of the time. AI can help me find a new angle and talk about the same things in a different way.

Filling in the gaps

I’m a woman of a certain age, so the brain fog is real. There’s also a risk that I’ll forget something important when I’m writing a new piece. We all grow up seeing life through our own lens, which can make things tricky if we want to write in a way that empathises with our customers’ point of view. I’ve used AI for research, asking about particular businesses’ challenges. If I’m writing a long article, I’ll also use it to create subheadings covering any angles I might have missed in my original research.

Catchy headlines

I enjoy writing headlines, but sometimes I get completely stuck. A good headline lets readers know what to expect, sums up the content and encourages people to click through. Start by telling your favourite AI what you’re writing about and who it’s for. Then ask it to come up with some suggested headlines. If I’m stuck, it helps to get things moving. I’ve never cut and pasted a headline straight from ChatGPT, mainly because they can be incredibly cheesy. It’s helped me to combine different elements and sparked new ideas.

Getting the creative juices flowing

I’ve started to use AI for random research and getting my creative juices flowing. I’m a member of a networking group where we take a prop to each meeting to help make our business memorable. In the first couple of meetings, I did all the predictable ones, like a notepad and pen. I’ve also taken Christmas lights (because I’ll help you shine a light on your business) and a reusable mug (because most of my business conversations start with a cup of tea). Then, I began to struggle. It felt wrong, I mean, I’m supposed to be creative! So, I asked Chat for some ideas and it gave me loads. Some were a bit naff, but others have been useful and inspired me to use items I have around the house.

Prioritising tasks

I haven’t tried this one yet, but I know lots of people who do. They ask ChatGPT to prioritise their workload or help them decide which ideas will help them achieve their business goals. If you ever feel overwhelmed or need your head unscrambling (as I often do), AI can help. Telling an AI about your business goals and asking for help could be a good way forward.

Ready for a chat?

If you want words with the human touch, let’s have a chat. When you work with me, I’ll get to know you and your business and write content that sounds like the best version of you and that your audience will love. That could be monthly blog posts or articles, social media posts, emails or pretty much anything else you can think of!

Please email me to arrange a chat or book a Zoom call to find out more.

Alternatively, sign up for my mailing list, and I’ll send you a free copy of my eBook with fifty (yes, 50) topic ideas for your marketing as a thank you. It also includes hints and tips to help you structure your posts if you’re currently writing your content yourself.

Posted on 30th June 202530th June 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

Who do copywriters help? Here’s one answer

Who do copywriters help? You might have asked that question and assumed there’s a simple answer, but no. I feel as if I’m putting my ex-solicitor hat on when I say it depends on you, the copywriter and what you need. Copywriters help with different projects, whether they are working in-house or on freelance projects. Some of us have a niche based on the type of project, while others prefer to work with a particular kind of client or industry.

As you can guess, I can’t answer for everyone, but I can tell you how it works for me. I’ve been reflecting a lot on the type of work I enjoy and who I love working with, and here’s what I’ve come up with so far.

Lessons I’ve learned since COVID

Yes, I know, you’re still trying to forget about it. Me too. Five years ago, COVID restrictions had started to lift, but there were still restrictions on numbers and the venues allowed to reopen. I remember hearing comments from people who couldn’t understand why self-employed people were struggling, because “you all work from home anyway”. They didn’t realise how much time I spend networking.

Some of my networking groups continued online, which was great for advice and support, but it just wasn’t the same as meeting in person. All of my favourite networking events involve seeing people face to face. Netwalking, coffee catch-ups and huge conferences all have their place. (Some more often than others.) Getting together in person is a natural human instinct, even for introverts like me. Lockdown made me realise how important it was, and it’s influenced how I work now. I like working with people that I get to see in person some of the time.

It’s all about the service

I’ve often struggled when people ask me what kind of clients I enjoy working with. I mostly work with one-person businesses because I like getting your voice into your marketing. I want to help your clients imagine having a conversation with you when they read your blog or social media posts.

That bit’s easy, but I don’t have a preferred industry. I used to be a solicitor, so I understand how legal and financial brains work. I can write about law, accountancy and insurance, but I’d get bored if I did it all the time. Then I realised that my favourite businesses focus on service. The details of the product or service we talk about might change, but how you care for your customers doesn’t.

What about AI?

AI is everywhere. In fact, this post was inspired by a slightly depressing conversation with my husband when he described how AI has now replaced tasks that would once have been his whole job. It made me realise that AI can do many things, but doesn’t offer the personal touch. AI can’t meet you in a coffee shop or gift wrap a present.

It helped me feel slightly less glum about my future prospects. You can ask AI to write your content and even train it to sound like you, but it still needs your input. Copywriters help you shape your message, whether you deliver it on social media, in a blog or via email. It can give you insight into your customers’ challenges, but it can’t share your experience. I use AI to brainstorm ideas, and it often comes up with things that aren’t relevant to me or my audience, but might be for someone else.

Ready for a chat?

If you’d like to learn more about how copywriters help you create content with the human touch, let’s have a chat. When you work with me, I’ll get to know you and your business and write content that sounds like the best version of you and that your audience will love. That could be monthly blog posts or articles, social media posts, emails or pretty much anything else you can think of!

Please email me to arrange a chat or book a Zoom call to find out more.

Posted on 9th June 20259th June 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

Your business isn’t boring!

(So you need to talk about it in your marketing.)

Have you ever described your work as boring? I’ve heard variations of it so many times, where people describe their business as being ‘not very interesting’. It often means you avoid talking about your work in your marketing, so you could be missing out on new customers. You might not be an acrobat or rescue people from burning buildings, but you still have something of value to offer. So, I’m here to let you know that your business isn’t boring and share the reasons why you need to talk about it in your marketing.

What’s the problem with being boring?

When you think of your business as boring or dull, it stops you from sharing your knowledge in your marketing. You might assume that other people aren’t interested in your work. While they might not want to do what you do, they’ll want to know about it if they need your skills.

I also wonder how it affects your self-esteem. Your work has probably become second nature to you over the years, which could make it feel routine. I’m willing to bet you still enjoy it, though. Don’t let your assumptions hold you back from talking about your business, even if you think people know all about your work and the information they need is already out there.

Your customers need you

We all have different talents, skills and experience, and your customers need yours. The first person I ever heard saying their job was boring was an accountant. She knew loads about business accounting, VAT, and tax allowances that went far beyond what most people in the room understood. You could also ask questions, and she’d answer without making you feel stupid.

Even if you think your knowledge isn’t very exciting, other people need it. They might not know the same things as you, or they might just want to outsource their routine tasks to someone with the right skills. Sharing your knowledge in your marketing helps them find you.

You aren’t the same as everyone else

There are probably loads of businesses that offer what you do, and they’re all different. Your customers need your skills, but they might also want someone they can talk to. They might find the idea of talking to an accountant or a legal professional daunting or want someone who understands their situation.

Combining your knowledge and personality in your marketing helps you stand out. You might be a bookkeeper who specialises in working with sole traders and believes there’s no such thing as a silly question. There might be something in your background that gives you valuable insight into your customers’ lives. Boundaries are important, but giving your future clients a glimpse of your personality can make a real difference.

Ready for a chat?

I hope I’ve helped you realise that your business isn’t boring. If it’s been holding you back from marketing your business, I also hope I’ve encouraged you to come out of your shell. If you’d like some help creating marketing that’s far from boring, I can help. When you work with me, I’ll get to know you and your business and write content that sounds like the best version of you and that your audience will love. That could be monthly blog posts or articles, social media posts, emails or pretty much anything else you can think of!

Please email me to arrange a chat or book a Zoom c a ll to find out more.

Posted on 25th March 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

Case study: website copy for Communicate OCE

The website copy for Communicate OCE will be live soon.

Making changes in your business can take time, and it’s wise to reflect as you go through the process. When I first met Heather Sanders from Communicate OCE, she had already thought long and hard about whether she needed a website and what she wanted to achieve. Here’s how we worked together to write website copy for her new speech therapy site.

Heather’s business

Heather works with her clients to provide functional speech therapy. She regularly works with clients who have experienced catastrophic brain injuries, so they often have complex needs. We had met at networking events, but our first meeting to discuss her website was the first time I’d heard her talk about her business in detail. Her love for her work was infectious. She described working with young people who needed to learn how to speak in real-life situations, from catching a bus on their own to going shopping or accessing dating apps. She carries out assessments at home, school or any environment her clients find challenging.

Communicate OCE’s website copy needed to speak to two different audiences. They work with professionals such as solicitors, whose clients have often been involved in catastrophic accidents. While Heather doesn’t prepare expert reports for legal proceedings, she frequently works with clients involved in claims. The website also needed to speak to parents whose children need support.

The first draft

During our initial chat, Heather and I discussed the information her website needed to include and how we’d structure it to make it clear which sections were for which clients. OCE is typically fully booked via referrals, so they needed a brochure website where potential clients could learn more about the business and the team behind it.

We agreed on what pages I would write, and Heather sent me more information about some points we discussed. Then, I got to work on the first draft.

Feedback

One of the reasons I started my business was because I wanted to have the flexibility to spend time with my family and go on holiday without waiting for the boss to approve a leave request. This means that I often end up working with people who have the same priorities. After our initial chat and the first draft, Heather and I both went on holiday with our families, and our lives got hectic in various ways. We kept in touch so we both knew what timeline was realistic.

The great thing was that by the time Heather emailed me with her feedback, she’d had time to sit and look at it properly without feeling rushed. She could see how the copy looked on the page and realised there were a few things she wanted to expand on.

Live edits

Sometimes, the best way to incorporate a client’s feedback into your copy is to get them on a call and make changes as you talk. You won’t always get the final version that way. Sometimes, I need to go away and think about the best way to approach things. Live edits are great for discussing how a word or phrase comes across and how readers might interpret it. Sometimes, an initial conversation gets lost in translation and needs adjusting to reflect reality.

That’s exactly what Heather and I did over Zoom. I could make suggestions, and she could clarify what specific terms mean in speech therapy circles. It’s a lot more fun than endless emails. After our call, I sent Heather the final pages and here’s what she said:

Ready for a chat?

If you’re looking for a copywriter to create your website copy or work on another project, let’s have a chat. When you work with me, I’ll get to know you and your business and write content that sounds like the best version of you and that your audience will love. Email me to arrange a chat or book a Zoom call to find out more.

Alternatively, sign up for my mailing list, and I’ll send you a free copy of my eBook with fifty (yes, 50) topic ideas for your marketing as a thank you.

Posted on 11th March 202511th March 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

5 tips to help you choose the right copywriter for you

Have a cup of tea with me and see if I'm the right copywriter for you.

There are loads of ways to find a good copywriter. You might have bumped into one of us at an event, asked your network for recommendations or searched online. Whether you decide to work with a freelancer or an agency, there are a few ways to choose the right copywriter for you. Here are my tips to help you in your search.

Can you talk to them?

The best way to learn whether a copywriter is a good fit for your business is to talk to them. You don’t have to feel as if you’ve met your new best friend, but if the conversation is stilted and awkward, it isn’t going to work. Good copywriting is built on a relationship where you can speak freely and feel that your writer is listening to you.

When you talk to a copywriter, ask yourself how much information you feel comfortable sharing. Most of my clients need to get their personality into their marketing. If that’s the case for you, a writer that lets you be yourself is vital.

Shared values

You’ve built your business around your values and how you want to work. The right copywriter for you will often have a similar outlook on life. Being on the same wavelength means they’re more likely to speak your language and get that into your marketing.

You might also share similar personal circumstances or history. That can help if you have a personal reason for starting your business or if your lifestyle influences the way you prefer to work. It can take time for a relationship to develop and for your writer to learn what you want. Having shared values can get the process off to a good start.

How do they market themselves?

However you found your copywriter, it’s a good idea to check them out online to see how they market themselves. If you want someone to write blog posts, do they have their own and write new posts regularly? Are they active on social media? If they have an email list, you can sign up to see if you like what they send.

You can also check to see if you enjoy their writing style. Every copywriter will tailor their work to you, but it’s usually a good sign if you like how they write for themselves.

What experience do they have in your industry?

You might want to work with someone who already has a working knowledge of your industry, especially if it’s highly regulated. I used to be a lawyer and work with lots of legal, finance and insurance professionals. Speaking the same technical language and understanding how their brains work helps.

If a copywriter has worked in your industry before, they may know what style works well and have results they can share. Equally, if you want to take a radical approach, they’ll know what cliches to avoid.

Ask for samples

Asking for samples lets you see examples of a copywriter’s work and how their style varies for different clients. They might have a portfolio online (like mine) with a few samples, but it’s always worth asking for more, especially if you have a particular project in mind.

You can ask for samples to narrow your options if you’ve had several recommendations and want to decide who to meet. If you already think a writer might be a good fit, looking at their portfolio can help you decide.

Ready for a chat?

If you want to find out whether I could be the right copywriter for you, let’s have a chat. When you work with me, I’ll get to know you and your business and write content that sounds like the best version of you and that your audience will love. Email me to arrange a chat or book a Zoom call to find out more.

Alternatively, sign up for my mailing list, and I’ll send you a free copy of my eBook with fifty (yes, 50) topic ideas for your marketing as a thank you.

Posted on 3rd March 20253rd March 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

What my sat nav taught me about business

I never needed a sat nav until I started my business. I drove to the same few places most of the time and caught the bus or train to work. I only started plugging my phone in to give me directions when I had to find my way to see clients or head to a new networking venue. Until the day I used it for personal reasons, and it taught me a lesson. Here’s what my sat nav taught me about business.

The sat nav story

My road to sat nav enlightenment came on a day when I wasn’t actually working. I had a few errands to run that involved driving to several places. I’d been to each of them before individually but had never called on all of them in succession. Have you ever had that thing where you can picture the places you need to go but not the route between them? I had that.

I was heading to my second stop, and the road names started to sound familiar. I was paying attention to the road signs but ignoring the landmarks. My phone told me to go straight ahead at the next roundabout, but something felt off. I looked up to see a massive sign on the side of a building telling me to turn left for the car park. If I hadn’t looked around, I’d have ended up on the wrong side of a large fence.

Here’s what my sat nav taught me about business.

The road map isn’t always right

How many times have you heard someone say they have the blueprint for business success? Often, they have a map that’s based on what worked for them. That’s not to say they don’t have anything useful to say. If you don’t know where to start, their example can give you ideas for things to try. But your business is different from theirs. What worked for them might need tweaking for you.

Trust your instincts

I only looked up to see the massive sign showing me where to go because something didn’t feel right. You know your business better than anyone else and getting to know your audience will help you decide what to sell and how to market your business. The advice you follow should feel right to you, based on your values and what you know about your customers.

This comes with a caveat. You might get good advice but ignore it because you’re scared of what people will think. Working with a good coach can help you tell the difference between something that won’t work for you and something you’re avoiding for a different reason.

Look up once in a while

OK, I admit it. I’m picturing Ferris Bueller as I write this. (Yes, I know I’m giving my age away, but I don’t care.) In business, looking around can take a few different forms. You might want to think about the reasons you started your business and how you want to work and treat your customers. Maybe you want to talk to your audience, online or face to face, to find out what they need. Sometimes, your industry changes, and you need to change with it.

However you do it, looking around can help you decide whether you’re on the right track or need to change course.

Ready for a chat?

I can’t guide you through business decisions, but I can help you see your business through your customers’ eyes. When you work with me, I’ll get to know you and your business and write content that sounds like the best version of you and that your audience will love. Email me to arrange a chat or book a Zoom call to find out more.

Alternatively, sign up for my mailing list, and I’ll send you a free copy of my eBook with fifty (yes, 50) topic ideas for your marketing as a thank you.

Posted on 24th February 202524th February 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

Case study: life in translation

One of the things I love about my work is meeting business owners with widely varying skills and learning more about what they do. Working with a translator gave me new insight into the challenges he faced, particularly when trying to translate a particular public figure. It taught me a lot about how life in translation works.

Translation sounds fun

I’ve been slightly fascinated by the world of translators ever since I read the Asterix books as a kid. My grandad worked for Brockhampton Press, which published children’s books, including the Asterix series. They were originally written in French, and academics at the University of Leicester worked with the authors on the English translations.

The tricky part was translating French jokes and puns into English humour. Re-reading them as an adult, I realised that they didn’t just succeed in that but also in including some jokes that kids would understand and others that were just for the grown-ups.

The story came back to me when a friend put me in touch with a translator who needed my help.

The goal

In early 2017, I spoke to a translator with a science and engineering background. He had started a translation business and formed a network with translators speaking different languages. His goal was to network more, and he was keen to build his online presence by writing blogs.

He had various ideas for topics and shared some helpful resources with me. These included articles about language skills, customer service, and the role translators could play as the UK navigated Brexit. They helped me understand how he worked and how a translator could help with cultural awareness and language barriers.

Of course, the Brexit vote wasn’t our only political upheaval in 2017.

How to translate Trump

In January 2017, Donald Trump was sworn in for his first term as the President of the United States. Working with a translator gave me a different perspective on this event besides the political debate. I discovered that the president is extremely difficult to translate because he doesn’t speak like a normal person. He uses slang, and his speech patterns differ from those we usually expect from elected officials. His tendency to go off-script also leads to sudden tangents. Translators struggled as their clients often thought they must be getting the translation wrong because it wasn’t the kind of language they expected.

We’re entering a second Trump administration in the USA, and I wonder whether translators are still having trouble with his speeches. Or does everyone know what to expect this time around?

If you’re ready to work with a copywriter, let’s have a chat. When you work with me, I’ll get to know you and your business and write content that sounds like the best version of you and that your audience will love. Email me to arrange a chat or book a Zoom call to find out more.

Alternatively, sign up for my mailing list, and I’ll send you a free copy of my eBook with fifty (yes, 50) topic ideas for your marketing as a thank you.

Posted on 11th February 202511th February 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

What information do copywriters need to work with you?

What information do copywriters need? Image shows me writing it all down.

Asking this question is a bit like asking how long a piece of string is. It depends. (That’s also an answer I often gave when I was a solicitor.) The information copywriters need to work with you depends on you, your business and the person you work with. It can also change over time. The most important thing to remember is that a good copywriter will explain how they work and what they need from you so you know what to expect.

In this post, I share some of the information I’ll ask for when we meet for a chat and if you decide to work with me.

Do we get on?

I won’t ask this as a direct question, but I think about it when I chat with a potential new client. I work mainly with small businesses, and getting your personality into your content is important. If the conversation is awkward or disjointed, you’re less likely to be yourself, so it won’t come across in your marketing, and you won’t get what you’re paying for.

Who do you want to talk to

If you try to market to everyone, you’ll end up with bland, boring copywriting that doesn’t speak to anyone. Think about your ideal customer and how you talk to them in real life. When you understand their lives and what they need or want from you, we can focus on them and use language that helps them feel understood.

What your business does

I know this is ridiculously obvious, but this wouldn’t be a complete list without it. You might offer a few different services or products or just one. An overview of what you do and how you work will help your copywriter think up new ideas and ways to communicate with your audience.

What does your brand stand for

Massive corporations invest heavily in determining their brand position and understanding what people think when they hear their name or see their logo. You don’t have to spend millions, but you should consider what you want people to feel when they see your social media posts or visit your website. If you’re a one-person business, your personality and values inform your branding. You might be friendly and approachable or luxurious with a hint of mystery. You might offer a high-end, tailored service but still be down-to-earth enough to chat over a cuppa. (That’s what I’m aiming for, by the way.) The language you use sets the tone and your customers’ expectations. It’s also a good idea to consider what makes you stand out.

Your plan

I’m not a marketing strategist, so I won’t help you develop a marketing plan, but I can help you bring it to life. I can help you tailor your content to different platforms and suggest ways to reuse the same words in various places so they go further (and bring your copywriting bill down).

I’ll also ask if you’ve got other people on board, like a website designer or SEO expert, as I can work with them too.

Your voice

Getting your voice into your marketing helps your future customers get to know you. If they meet you in person, you’ll already feel familiar. Of course, that only happens if your marketing sounds like you. I’ll ask how you want to come across and consider how that aligns with your customer’s expectations. For example, if you work in law or finance, your clients expect a certain level of professionalism but might also look for someone they can talk to. We’ll talk about how to find the right balance and help your personality come across.

How you prefer to work

When I work with someone regularly, we’ll usually have a catch-up once a month over Zoom or in person if we happen to be in the same place. It helps me get to know you better and keep up to date with what’s happening in your business. That doesn’t apply to everyone. Some businesses prefer to send me a written brief and their brand guide or links to previous content so I can learn what tone of voice they use. I’ve had people send me voice notes explaining what they need to say so I can turn it into a blog post or a page on their website.

I tailor my work to you, including the words we create and the process we use.

What do you want to achieve?

If you have a plan, you should also have a goal. What do you want people to do when they’ve read your words? It could be buying a product online, booking a call or signing up for your email list. Your copywriter needs to know what the goal is so they can craft a call to action and lead people towards it in the rest of their writing.

Essential information

What essential information do copywriters need from you? Well, everything I’ve mentioned so far, but there’s more. Some of it depends on whether you need ongoing support or a one-off project. If you have a particular deadline in mind, your copywriter needs to know how much work is involved and whether they have time to get it all done before your deadline. Your budget is also important, as there are often ways I can tailor my service to fit.

There might be other practical details, such as prices, product specifications or contact details. Regulations in your industry might require disclaimers, legal information or confirmation that you’re authorised by a regulatory body like the FCA.

Ready for a chat?

Alternatively, sign up for my mailing list, and I’ll send you a free copy of my eBook with fifty (yes, 50) topic ideas for your marketing as a thank you.

Posted on 3rd February 20253rd February 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

Human vs AI: who can help you tell a good story?

Can AI help you tell a good story or do you need a human?

The subtitle for this could be ‘What I learned from having a pigeon down my chimney’. Yes, you read that right and of course, I’ll get to the story later. The real point of this post is to ask whether AI can help you tell a good story in your business or if you might need a human being instead.

Why do you need to tell a good story?

The main difference between your business and all the other ones offering a similar product or service is you. Your personality, values, and the way you look after your customers. It’s a different story for big brands, but for small businesses like ours, our personality matters.

I know it’s a cliché, but people buy from people. Telling a good story helps you connect with the right ones. The story doesn’t have to be personal, but your future customers need to feel they’ve had a conversation with you, even if you’ve never met. Getting your tone of voice and sense of humour into your writing helps that happen.

The time I asked ChatGPT to tell me a story

I asked ChatGPT to tell me a story from its life because I was curious about how it would respond. This is what it said.

“I don’t have a life in the traditional sense—no childhood, adventures, or personal milestones. But I do have a kind of story!

Once, I was just a simple algorithm, learning to understand patterns in text. Over time, I evolved, growing smarter with the help of countless conversations and questions from people like you. Each interaction helped shape me into a better listener and helper. While I don’t have my own experiences, I love being part of yours—whether it’s brainstorming ideas, solving problems, or just sharing a laugh.

That’s my “life story”—short and digital but always growing!”

It’s undoubtedly accurate but not exactly inspirational. The lack of common ground between ChatGPT and me, besides the fact that we’ve both learned things over time, means I don’t feel any connection. It might be able to suggest a solution to a problem, but I’d still seek advice from some humans, too.

Getting a pigeon out of a chimney

Many years ago, I was sitting on the sofa at home (a different home from the one I’m in now) and heard a noise from the chimney. The chimney was boarded at the bottom, and I thought I heard something land. Then, after a moment of silence, there was a scratching noise. Something was alive in there. I called the RSPCA, and they said they couldn’t help because it was probably a wild bird. Then I remembered we knew a vet. My husband rang him, and he came straight round, agreeing it sounded like a bird. The husband prised the board away with a hammer, and Dan, the vet, reached in to retrieve a slightly sooty pigeon. He carried it out into the garden, where it sat on a table, coughed a few times and generally looked dejected. Dan said he didn’t think anything was seriously wrong but that we might want to put the bird somewhere safe in case the local cats came calling.

I went to the shed to see if I could find a box. The door stuck as I pulled it and finally opened with a bang that startled the pigeon. We watched it fly off into the night, happy it would be safe in a tree somewhere.

I tell you this because it’s the kind of story an AI would never create, and it hopefully tells you something about the type of person I am. Of course, there’s also a lesson behind it.

Work with an expert

If we hadn’t been able to find a friendly vet out of hours when that pigeon came down our chimney, that story could have gone very differently. We’d probably have ended up with a distressed, sooty bird flying around our living room in a panic. Dan knew how to lift it from our fireplace and keep it calm because he’s an expert.

Telling stories in your marketing helps you connect with your audience so they can get to know you. You might find it easy, but if you don’t, get some help. AI can help you get started, but a human can help you tell a good story by writing it for you.

If you’ve created a marketing plan and want help to turn it into a good story, I can help. When you work with me, I’ll get to know you and your business and write content that sounds like the best version of you and that your audience will love. Email me to arrange a chat or book a Zoom call to find out more.

Alternatively, sign up for my mailing list here, and I’ll send you a free copy of my eBook with fifty (yes, 50) topic ideas for your marketing as a thank you.

Posted on 20th January 202523rd January 2025 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

Why Your Business Needs a Communications Strategy (and Not Just a Content Plan)

Guest blog by Joanne Parker from Joanne Parker Communications explaining the importance of a communications strategy.

Hands up, who has created a content plan for 2025?

If you have, you may be feeling quietly smug, safe in the knowledge that you know exactly what content you will create every week for the next month, six months, or even year.

Having such a plan in place is undoubtedly a great achievement, but without a communications strategy, you will likely miss a trick.

A content plan is not the same as a communications strategy. Yes, they’re related, but one without the other is like baking a cake without a recipe—you might end up with a cake, but it won’t be as light, airy and tasty as it could be.

Starting at the end

I often find the best way to think about strategy is to consider how you will know if your content plan is successful.

What are you going to measure?

Often, clients will say things like ‘awareness.’

Awareness of what? By whom? Where? When? With what message?

If you don’t have the answers to those questions, you could well be generating content for the sake of it.

What is a communications strategy?

Think of it as the big-picture plan that defines why you’re communicating, who you’re talking to, what you want them to do, and how you’ll measure success. It’s your guide to every piece of content, every campaign, and every conversation.

Why Isn’t a Content Plan Enough?

Here’s a scenario I see all the time. A business has a fabulous content plan. Posts are going out daily. The captions are witty, the graphics are slick, and the engagement is… well, it’s fine. But when I ask, “What’s the goal of all this?” I’m often met with blank stares or vague responses like, “To build awareness” or “To sell more.”

That’s where the problem lies. Without a strategy, your content is likely disjointed, inconsistent, or aimed at the wrong audience. You’re busy posting but not necessarily moving closer to your business goals. A strategy ensures every piece of content has a purpose, fits into the bigger picture, and helps you achieve measurable results.

Strategy First, Tactics Second

Imagine you’re planning a road trip. The content plan is your playlist, snacks, and stops along the way. But the communications strategy is the route you’re taking, the destination you’re heading to, and the map you’ll use to get there. Without it, you’re just driving in circles, hoping to stumble upon something interesting.

A good communications strategy answers these key questions:

Who are you talking to? Your audience isn’t “everyone.” Narrow it down. Are you speaking to busy parents, eco-conscious millennials, or CEOs juggling a million priorities?
What do you want them to do? Maybe it’s subscribing to your newsletter, booking a consultation, or changing their behaviour. Be specific.
Why should they care? This is where your messaging comes in. What problem are you solving, and why are you the best person to solve it?
How will you reach them? This is where the content plan comes in. Social media, email, blogs, videos—these are your tools, not your strategy.
How will you measure success? Metrics matter. Are you tracking clicks, sign-ups, sales, or something else? Without data, you’re flying blind.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you run a boutique fitness studio. You might have a content plan that includes daily Instagram posts, weekly blog updates, and monthly email newsletters. Great! But without a strategy, your efforts might look like this:

Posting motivational quotes that don’t resonate with your audience.
Writing blogs about general fitness tips that don’t showcase what makes your studio unique.
Sending emails that don’t align with your upcoming promotions.

With a strategy, however, everything changes. You decide your target audience is busy professionals who want quick, effective workouts. Your key message becomes, “Fitness that fits your schedule.” Now, your Instagram posts focus on time-saving exercise tips, your blogs highlight success stories from working professionals, and your emails promote lunchtime express classes. See the difference?

The Benefits of a Communications Strategy

Here’s what a solid strategy can do for your business:

Clarity: You’ll know exactly what to say, to whom, and why.
Consistency: Your messaging will be cohesive across all channels, building trust with your audience.
Efficiency: No more wasting time on content that doesn’t serve your goals.
Impact: Every piece of communication will move you closer to your business objectives.

Creating a communications strategy doesn’t have to be daunting. Start by revisiting your business goals. Then, think about your audience and what they need from you. Outline your key messages and choose the channels where your audience spends time. Finally, set measurable objectives so you can track your progress.

If you take the time to map out your strategy, your content will work harder and deliver results that meet your objectives, helping your business flourish and grow.

Joanne Parker

Joanne Parker Communications

Tel: 07596719763

Email: hello@joanneparkercommunications.com

Website: www.joanneparkercommunications.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-parker-writer/

Arrange a meeting: https://calendly.com/jpcomms/getting-to-know-you