Copywriting.org Interviews Joe Coleman

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Q1. Where are you from?

Manchester, England

Q2. How did you discover copywriting?

I was under the mistaken impression that advertising was glamorous and well-paid, so I blagged my way into a little local agency as an account handler. I gradually realised that creating ads was the fun bit of the job and ended up being the agency copywriter. Two years in, I had a portfolio just about good enough to get my foot in the door as a full time copywriter at a bigger, better place.

Q3. What forms of copy do you write?

I’m best-known for my website (www.getcoleman.com) but I don’t particularly enjoy writing websites. I prefer working in ad agencies with an art director, coming up with advertising campaigns, scripts and concepts. I also write lots of stuff for design agencies. I help them establish a brand tone of voice, do copy for packaging or come up with names for things.

Q4. What are your favorite niches to write in?

I don’t care what the product or sector is. What’s important is working with agencies and clients who want to do things that are distinctive and individual. That matters more than what the niche is.

Q5. What is the #1 lesson you've learned as a copywriter?

Success belongs to the do-ers. Application beats talent. People who get out there and make stuff happen are the ones who get noticed and get better work out of the door.

Q6. Who is your favorite copywriter & why?

I’m jealous of Paul Silburn’s portfolio. Clever, funny, memorable advertising for lots of really different clients. https://www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-tribute-paul-silburn-features-opinions/

Q7. Do you have any recent wins to share?

I’m going to answer this very literally by saying that winning a D&AD pencil for my website (www.getcoleman.com) felt pretty good.

Q8. What would you say to a prospective client who wants to hire you?

I work with ad and design agencies. I very rarely work direct for businesses. So if that’s you, go and have a look at my website (www.getcoleman.com) and see if I’m a good fit. Then drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you.

Q9. What is a good email address for prospective clients to contact you?

joe@getcoleman.com