The Content Byte
Hosts Rachel Smith (from Rachel's List) and journalist and content writer Lynne Testoni are serving up weekly short bites of advice, tips and strategies, plus special guests, for freelancers who make a living from using their words. We're shooting for 15-minute episodes, but can't promise anything because we can both talk the leg off a chair.
Marketing without shouting, with Mia Fileman
This week Rachel and Lynne are chatting with marketing expert Mia Fileman about marketing strategies for freelancers.
We talk about:
The concept of the 'trust recession' Mia's 'Honest Marketing Method' that emphasises transparency, connection, creativity, and conversation Effective community engagement Unconventional collaborations The importance of one-on-one client interactions, which help freelancers build genuine trust and stand out in a crowded marketThe episode also provides an overview of the Ripple Festival, Mia's innovative small business event combining business discussions with live music, comedy, and art.
Find out all about the Ripple Festival at htt...
Ilise Benun on how to use AI to find clients
This week Rachel and Lynne talk about how to find clients using AI with their guest, Ilise Benun, a business coach for creatives.
In a practical and inspiring chat, Ilise takes us through (step-by-step) how to utilise AI for client acquisition, showing how to find your perfect clients and then how you can reach out.
It's a great conversation, talking about:
Why you still need to build relationships in real life Identifying target markets with AI Crafting effective AI prompts Approaching new markets and understanding pain points Networking and engaging with people How to us...Perfecting a creative flow as a freelancer – with Steven Puri
This week Rachel and Lynne discuss productivity, creativity, and the concept of flow states with guest Steven Puri, the founder and CEO of the Sukha Company.
Steven shares his career journey, from working on visual effects for blockbuster movies to developing an app that helps knowledge workers focus and minimise distractions.
We chat about:
Why it is important to find your "flow state" and practical tips to achieve it Understanding how you work best The importance of a structured routine The impact of environment on creativity How to manage your business as a freelancerContent chief Keshnee Kemp on social media, working with Woolworths and setting up an agency
This week, Rachel and Lynne dive into what's working (and what's not) in social right now with guest Keshnee Kemp - former Head of Content at Woolworths and new agency owner of August One.
Keshnee shares insights on:
her career journey, from mags to TV to working in client-side and in agencies how traditional media, brand side and agency-side differs why media prepped her for Woollies, then Woollies prepped her for agency work bringing journalists into marketing, and why they can make great marketers running a lean agency operation and how she does it using AI...3 tools to stay focused, finish projects and feel calm, with Claire Emerson
This week, Rachel and Lynne discuss essential strategies for enhancing freelance productivity with guest Claire Emerson. Claire, a freelance writer and project consultant, shares three key systems that can help you be more productive:
• personal kanban
• six-week project rounds
• structured journaling
She says these tools help freelancers manage tasks effectively, focus on personal projects, and reduce mental clutter.
Claire also highlights the importance of setting clear, actionable goals and why she loves analog tools to maintain productivity.
Connect with Claire through the following ways:
Flourish Newsletter: https://peopleloveproje...
Creating Inclusive and Accessible Content with Zoe Simmons
This week, Rachel and Lynne explore the importance of creating inclusive and accessible content with award-winning journalist and disability advocate Zoe Simmons. Zoe shares her experiences with chronic illness and disability, discussing how these have shaped her career and advocacy work. Key topics include: The significance of using accessible language Practical tips for making content more accessible The impact of lived experiences in storytelling Zoe also touches on managing multiple income streams as a freelancer and the challenges of ensuring fair compensation for lived experience and advocacy work. Connect with Zoe through her website: https://zoesimmons.com.au/ or LinkedIn: https...
How a services guide will attract clients, with Kendall Cherry
This week Rachel and Lynne delve into the benefits of having a services guide with guest Kendall Cherry, founder of The Candid Collective.
Kendall shares insights on:
What a services guide is Creating and utilising a services guide to qualify leads, streamline the sales process, and protect creative energy How a services guide can help build an email list Why freelancers should be displaying their rates, even if your pricing can vary The essential elements for a compelling services guide Tips for incorporating authentic brand voice and storytellingConnect with Kendall through her website: https://c...
Why Saying "No" Isn't Enough with Maggie Patterson
This week Rachel and Lynne are joined by Maggie Patterson, creator of BS Free Business and author of 'Staying Solo', talking all about how Boundaries Are a Business Strategy.
We explore:
The importance of setting firm boundaries in freelance work Strategies to control your schedule How to build a sustainable, stress-free business The benefits of having clear communication and expectations with clients to foster trust and long-term business success Transitioning from spreadsheets to automated systems The value of onboarding processes Tips for maintaining client relationships without sacrificing personal timeListen to Maggie's podcast, Staying Solo...
Liv Steigrad on 5 things you need to talk about in your business
This week Rachel and Lynne discuss freelance finances, branding, and ethical marketing with guest Liv Steigrad. Liv, a brand strategist and copywriter, shares her insights on using psychology in branding, the importance of maintaining financial visibility, and offers practical advice for freelancers.
We also chat about:
How to effectively position your services The impact of AI on freelancing Liv's experiences with financial transparency through her 'Dirty Money' series Liv's podcast, which is focused on neurodivergence in businessConnect with Liv via these links:
Mindset & Markets course: https://mindset-and-markets-masterclass.teachery.co/get-acess
P...
When a major life event makes you re-evaluate your career, with Chris Stead
This week Rachel and Lynne explore how you can use trauma as a catalyst to change your freelance career with guest Chris Stead, an award-winning journalist and content producer.
Chris shares how an e-bike explosion in his home and the subsequent fire led to re-evaluating work priorities, embracing family travel, and developing new income streams as he talks about the profound impact this traumatic event had on his professional and personal life.
It's a fascinating chat as we dive into Chris's journey from traditional journalism to running a YouTube channel, self-publishing children's books, and offering c...
Joanna Savill on blending journalism with events
In this week's episode, Rachel and Lynne chat with Joanna Savill, a bit of a legend in the food industry. Joanna shares her career evolution from subtitle translator to a food journalism icon, including her work with SBS TV and The Sydney Morning Herald. The discussion covers: The transformation of Australia's food media over the years Integrating immersive experiences in events How to leverage your transferable skills Managing the ups and downs of freelance life The early days of food websites Joanna also reflects on her role in community-focused government work and her current focus on sustainability in hospitality. Connect wit...
Jane Manning on being a director and writer for television and film
This week, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with award-winning director and writer Jane Manning. The discussion delves into Jane's impressive career in television and documentary films, which includes being one of the early female directors on Home & Away (and why programs like that matter), as well as significant projects such as Who Do You Think You Are? and Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation.
During our chat, Jane shares:
Her journey from documentary filmmaking to TV drama Her creative processes The challenges of storytelling in both documentary and drama How a TV series or documentary comes to life What it...Better Homes & Gardens editor Megan Osborne on working in and for magazines
This week on the podcast, hosts Rachel and Lynne chat with Megan Osborne, editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
Megan shares her career journey from food writing to leading large-scale content strategies at prominent brands and now to editing Australia's largest circulation (paid) magazine.
She discusses:
the evolving role of a magazine editor the integration of print and digital content why you need to understand audience data leveraging social media to engage younger audiences what she's looking for from freelance contributors (and even shares her email address!)Megan offers invaluable advice for fr...
Stop the Scroll: Evelina Kaganovitch on How Clear Copywriting Lands Clients
This week, Rachel and Lynne chat with Evelina Kaganovitch, a high-conversion fashion copywriter, about the intricacies and strategies of freelance copywriting. Evelina shares her journey from sustainable fashion to copywriting and discusses the importance of clear messaging over using too much jargon.
The conversation covers:
Niching down in the freelance world Using social listening tools and AI to improve copy quality Finding the balance between the personal touch and technological help How to create effective email marketing strategies Maintaining trust and community in your audience ... and practical tips for freelancers who are navigating the evolving creator e...Sabrina Rogers-Anderson on how to niche down and charge more
In this episode, Rachel and Lynne delve back into the topic of niching down as a freelancer with Sabrina Rogers-Anderson, a health and fitness writer.
The discussion covers the challenges and benefits of finding and committing to a specific niche, how to charge what you're worth, and managing finances.
Sabrina shares her journey from generalist to specialist, overcoming personal adversities, and the pivotal role a business coach played in her transformation. The episode also touches upon the impact of AI on health writing, the importance of credible, evidence-based content, and she shares practical tips for...
Nadine Nethery on how freelancers can retain customers
We all know that it's so much easier to keep your existing clients rather than constantly hustle for new ones, so this week Rachel & Lynne are chatting with customer retention expert Nadine Nethery. Nadine, an audience-driven copywriter and retention strategist, discusses the importance of retaining clients over constantly hustling for new ones.
It's a great episode, as Nadine shares insights on:
How to create personalised customer experiences Using tools for personal video messages Automating customer touchpoints with email marketing platforms. The value of referral partner programs How AI is impacting freelance copywriters How freelancers can position t...Steven Lewis on using ChatGPT as your marketing brain
In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, hosts Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni discuss the impact of AI on freelance writing and marketing with guest Steven Lewis.
Steven, a seasoned journalist and copywriter, offers a deep dive into using AI, specifically custom GPT, to streamline marketing tasks for freelancers.
He explains:
the practical steps to creating a custom GPT how it can maintain consistent client communication how it can give feedback on your copy to ensure it is on-brand how it can help freelancers focus on high-value creative tasks the ethical considerations of...Juliet Rogers on how to get published and what makes a successful book
This week on the podcast, Rachel and Lynne are chatting with book publisher and author's advocate, Juliet Rogers. Juliet talks about the publishing industry, what has changed over the years and how you can push through all the noise if you want to secure a book deal.
She also shares:
Stories of some of her biggest publishing successes, including touring with Salman Rushdie, working with John Grisham and seeing Heather Morris find international publishing success at the age of 63 When and why you should use an agent How to have your manuscript discovered within the slush...Working creatively in a regulated industry with Amy Hadley
In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, Rachel and Lynne explore the unique challenges of copywriting in the beauty industry with guest Amy Hadley, a beauty copywriter and journalist. Amy discusses balancing creativity with stringent industry regulations, provides insights into the importance of visibility in finances for freelancers, and highlights how her qualifications and self-taught knowledge have set her apart in her field. There's so much to learn about the nuances of compliant beauty copywriting, maintaining client relationships, and the benefits of niching down in your freelance business. Connect with Amy via her website: https://hadleyco.com.au/ or on Li...
Nikita Morell on niche-ing down and being an expert
In this episode of The Content Byte podcast, Rachel and Lynne dive into the art of niching down in freelance copywriting with guest Nikita Morell.
Nikita, a copywriting and messaging strategist specialising in architecture, discusses the value of finding a niche, the benefits of having a focused clientele, and her journey from big brand marketing to freelancing for architects.
She shares insights on:
managing projects using AI tools for copywriting, strategies for building and maintaining a strong client pipeline. the importance of storytelling in newsletters and leveraging technology such as Clickup and ActiveCampaign to stre...Melissa Hoyer and the ultimate portfolio career
In this episode, we explore the world of freelancing with successful journalist and media commentator Melissa Hoyer. Melissa shares her career journey, from her early days in newsrooms to her success as a freelance professional. It's a great chat, covering the impact of social media on celebrity culture, and the challenges of maintaining multiple income streams. Melissa also chats about: How she grew her Instagram following to 80k Why she feels it's important to be authentic on social media Staying visible in the industry Her experiences with TV commentary and event hosting The evolution of celebrity culture The reality behind th...
Behind the podcast - Lynne & Rachel talk about their partnership
This week on The Content Byte, we have something a little different, but hopefully still useful. This episode was originally recorded as part of Austin Church's Growth Without Burnout Summit held recently. This virtual event was inspiring and useful and featured speakers from all across the world talking about how to grow a thriving freelance business without burning out.
As part of his amazing summit, Austin asked Rachel and I about our friendship and how and why we started this podcast. We first met Austin when he was the keynote speaker at the Content by Summit in 2024. We...
Julia Newbould on keeping on top of your finances
In this episode Rachel and Lynne discuss the intricacies of freelance finances with Julia Newbould, an editor, journalist, and author with extensive experience in financial reporting. Julia shares insights on transitioning from spreadsheets to accounting software, the importance of financial literacy, and strategies for effective money management for freelancers. She also talks about: Her journey in journalism Her efforts to increase female representation in financial advising Setting up multiple bank accounts for effective cash flow management The significance of emergency funds Superannuation for freelancers Plus tips on raising prices and handling financial anxiety
Connect with Julia via LinkedIn https://ww...
Lee Ellwood on editing and industry accreditation
This week on the podcast, Rachel & Lynne are chatting with Lee Elwood, an accredited editor, content writer, and copywriter.
Lee shares her freelancing journey, emphasising the value of professional networks and accreditation through the Institute of Professional Editors (IPED).
During our chat, Lee talks about:
Different types of editing, from copy edits to structural edits and proofreading What IPED accreditation is and how you can achieve it Why she is a huge fan of networks and being active in the editing community How the type of work she does has evolved over the years...Jenny Valentish on teaching, writing books and the power of writing groups
This week Rachel and Lynne's guest is Jenny Valentish, a journalist, author, and writing coach, joins the conversation to share her career journey from fanzines to freelancing for The Guardian. She also talks about her new book, The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House.
Jenny dives into the importance of structured feedback in writing groups, the challenges of memoir writing, and the value of teaching practical writing tools. She also shares why she likes to be quite strict about her weekly schedule and how her six-week writing workshops provide a supportive environment for writers to improve their c...
Michelle Newell on moving from freelancer to thought leader
This week Rachel and Lynne are chatting with Michelle Newell, a narrative strategist based in Melbourne/Naarm who shares her expertise on using storytelling for content strategy and branding. During our chat, we talk about:
How freelancers can transition into thought leadership – and why they should Why you need a unique point of view How to leverage personal branding How to handle a fear of visibility and trolls How to secure speaking gigs, enhance visibility, and charge premium rates for your servicesConnect with Michelle via her website: https://thestorytelling.biz/
or on LinkedIn: https://www.li...
Toby Schmitz on acting, writing for stage and screen and now a novel
This week our guest is Toby Schmitz, actor, screenwriter and now novelist.
It's a fun chat, talking all things books, reading and writing.
Toby shares insights into his upbringing in his family's second-hand bookstore, his motivations for writing, how his debut novel 'The Empress Murders' came about and why he chose such an amibitious work as his debut. He delves into the creative process of adapting a play into this novel, the challenges and rewards of publishing, using palm cards to plan his novel and what he is writing next.
The Empress Murders i...
Special Q&A episode – answering questions from our listeners
This week we are trying something new - which might become a regular episode. We are answering questions from our listeners, using our years of experience and some of the knowledge learned doing this podcast for the last six years (thanks to all our amazing guests).
This week's questions include:
The ethics around including past clients in future articles or commissions How to break up with a client How to pitch to a new editor or client How to avoid procrastinationWe hope you find this discussion helpful and thanks Tracey, Stephanie, Ros and Natalie f...
Georgia Rickard on influencing, without being an 'influencer'
In this week's episode, co-hosts Rachel and Lynne chat with Georgia Rickard, an award-winning journalist turned content strategist. Founder of the popular Georgia's Media Circle on Facebook (a great group for writers and PRs), Georgia shares her journey from being a travel writer to becoming the youngest magazine editor in Australia at 23. She discusses: the importance of building a personal brand the challenges of making oneself visible online, and the evolving landscape of freelancing with the rise of AI She also talks about how and why she set up Georgia's Media Circle, and her upcoming event, Brand Camp, which is des...
Dan Kaufman on the craft of writing and editing
This week on the podcast, Rachel & Lynne are chatting with former journalist, now educator, writer and editor, Dan Kaufman, about something they all feel passionately about - the craft of writing and editing.
We have a lot of feelings about this topic, as we chat about the essential skills freelance writers need, including:
the importance of mastering the basics of writing the declining emphasis on subediting and what it means for journalism the need for critical thinking, attention to detail, and self-editing the use of AI in writing and why Dan hates it! Connect with Dan...Michal Eisik on building a kickass portfolio website (and avoiding common mistakes)
This week Rachel and Lynne are chatting about freelancer websites with Michal Eisik, a copywriter and course creator who shares her expertise on creating effective websites and freelance portfolios.
We discuss:
the importance of having a well-designed, easy-to-update website the value of client testimonials, and how to manage clippings and case studies website analytics and user behaviour whether you should display pricing on your website Michal also provides insights into different approaches to using your website for lead generation, along with a list of must-have tools for freelancersWhether you're a freelance writer, copywriter, or...
Josephine Barrett on a career as a screenwriter
This week on the podcast, Rachel & Lynne are chatting with successful screenwriter Josephine Barrett. Josephine is an acclaimed novelist, teacher and script writer, writing and editing successful TV shows, series and movies.
She talks about:
The difference between script writing and script editing How Home & Away helped her refine her craft How she secures regular work How teaching writing inspires and helps her to be a better writer How she makes a good living as a creative How she organises her day and maintains a disciplined approach to her workConnect with Josephine via LinkedIn: h...
Sara Howard on taking your business Beyond Solo – how to grow and thrive
This week, Rachel & Lynne are chatting with content creator, agency owner and now author, Sara Howard. Sara has just released her first book, Beyond Solo, which is the guide she wished she had when she started her agency - all about how to grow your business and all the different models you can choose from.
Sara chats about:
What success looks like – and why it means different things to different people Different agency models, from collectives to companies, to hybrid models How she created a positive culture at her agency Why she included a lot of to...Publisher Rob Johnson on how to pitch a story to an editor (and get a commission)
This week on the podcast, Rachel & Lynne are chatting with one of their favourite editors, Rob Johnson. A former journalist and now publisher at Engage Media, Rob talks about what he values from freelance writers and why editors like himself rely on good pitches from their contributors to put a great publication together.
He chats about:
Whether it's ever acceptable to use AI in a pitch or a story How ideas from freelancers help him as an editor Why he welcomes a new angle on an old idea Why a writer needs to do some research H...Helen Dehen on how investing in your business can bring confidence and higher earnings
This week Rachel & Lynne chat with communications consultant and writer Helen Dehen, talking about her commitment to upskilling herself and the many courses she has done - which have helped to drive her business and profitability.
During our chat, Helen talks about her early career in TV journalism and her move to freelancing when her twins were born. She shares some of the courses she did in the the early days and how they positioned her to build a strong and successful freelance writing business.
Helen talks about:
The value of investing in professional...Petra Buchanan on the challenges of women working in media and freelance reinvention
This week on the podcast, Rachel and Lynne chat with Petra Buchanan, an executive coach and mentor and company director with an international executive career in media, technology and business sectors.
We talk about:
the changing role of women within media what a non-executive director role involves being the only woman in decision-making rooms mistakes freelancers make common challenges facing women in media careers the importance of good mentors, and so much moreHere are some of the links from our chat with Petra:
https://psbventures.com.au/
https://www.womeninmedia.c...
Alana Wulff on freelance contracts (and why you can't operate without them)
This week, we talk to agency owner and copywriter Alana Wulff about contracts: what they are, why you need them, and the stuff that can go wrong with and without one. Tune in to hear: How Alana started using contracts in her business and why Why a contract is a living document you need to keep updating (especially when something on a project goes awry and you want to protect yourself in future) How having a lawyer in your back pocket can be very useful (and what to budget for) Actual contract horror stories and how they were resolved What...
Treasa Edmond on offering content strategy as a service
Have we got a treat for you! This episode with content strategist, business coach and consultant Treasa Edmond is full of gold for any freelancer wanting to move up the value chain and secure more high-paying clients.
In our wide-ranging chat, Treasa talks about:
The different between offering content strategy and a strategic consulting Which one is an entry point for high-paying work How strategy can open the gates to providing more effective content How and why value pricing is better for this type of work Her favourite client-finding strategies Common mistakes freelancers makeCapcut i...
Sue Williams on being a successful freelance writer and author
This week on the podcast, Rachel & Lynne's guest is freelance writer and author Sue Williams. Sue talks about her long and successful career as a writer and journalist and how it led to non-fiction books and now historical novels.
During the episode, Sue talks about:
How her career started and when she moved to freelancing Her love of travel writing and why she still does journalism Why following a brief and making it easy for editors will give you more work Why it's hard to pitch story ideas, and why it's important How she secured an...Carolyn Tate on moving from being a freelancer to starting her own agency
This week we are chatting with Carolyn Tate, a former journalist turned agency founder. Carolyn talks about her career as a freelancer, setting up her agency, and what she has learned along the way.
During our discussion, we talked about:
How the way she worked changed after an ADHD diagnosis How her freelance career took off after she started thinking like a business How she learned that rejection is just part of freelancing The challenges of hiring and managing staff How and where she finds clients How AI has affected her work - and how she...
