Episode 05: The “Trailblazer”
An interview with Jenn Coyle Palandro about copywriting
“I believe myself that a good writer doesn’t really need to be told anything except to keep at it.” ~Chinua Achebe
About Jenn Coyle Palandro
Jenn Palandro is a copywriting unicorn and entrepreneur. She has 10+ years of UX design and online business experience, which gives her a unique perspective when it comes to marketing and copy. Jenn loves working with socially- and environmentally-conscious businesses.
Jenn became a copywriter in early 2020, because she wanted to translate her passion for writing into a career that can help others.
In her personal life, Jenn is married and a mom to two young boys. They live near Philadelphia. She also loves yoga, burritos, hiking, and reading. Minimalism and sustainability are essential to her 🙏
💡 Philosophy
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
What is unique about your personal philosophy towards copywriting?
Jenn
Copywriting and marketing can easily go into the “icky” realm of super sales-y promotion.
I choose to operate from a minimalist marketing approach, because I’m a huge proponent of minimalism in every aspect of life.
In terms of marketing… contrary to popular belief, I believe that businesses don’t have to be “EVERYWHERE all the time” in order to present and sell their offers to their ideal audience.
Minimalist marketing is all about creating an intentional strategy to reach the right people and have the biggest impact for their customers and their business.
In a world of social media overwhelm, the minimalist marketing movement is more important than ever.
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
How does that help motivate you to think forward?
Jenn
I’m making it my mission to spread the word about minimalist marketing, because with a more intentional approach to business, marketing, and copy, we can achieve our goals efficiently without burnout.
🎯 Process
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
What does your copywriting process look like?
Jenn
My copywriting projects begin with a 1-hour kickoff call, where I interview my client to learn more about their goals for the project, their background, their Unique Selling Proposition (USP), and their offer.
During this live call, I pay close attention to their personality and help them hone in on their messaging, so I can make sure to reflect that in the final conversion copy deliverables.
Before I start writing, I create a detailed tone guide which will help me make informed decisions on how to write so it captures their voice.
During the actual copywriting portion of a project, I write with the end goal in mind and focus on one Call To Action (CTA) at a time. From a User Experience (UX) perspective, copy takes a user through an entire journey from start-to-finish, from initial click to final high-ticket sale. It’s important to think of the entire experience a person may have when interacting with a company or solopreneur’s marketing.
👩💻 Projects
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
What projects have you been working on recently?
Jenn
Even though the occupation of my clients vary, they usually all have one thing in common: they’re service-based entrepreneurs. Lately, I am working with web developers, marketers, accountants, realtors, personal stylists, coaches, and authors.
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
How is copywriting playing a pivotal role in the success of these projects?
Jenn
Copy is easily overlooked, but it is the words on a page that matter most. This is the main method of communication between any two individuals. Copy by nature is conversion copy, meaning it will entice a user to take action. Copy builds trust, awareness, inspires a person to do something, and ultimately sells products and services in order to bring about change in individuals and the world.
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
What is the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
Jenn
Recently, I ghostwrote two articles for one of my writing idols on Forbes. ‘Nuff said.
👋 People
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
What are some common misconceptions you’ve noticed people have towards copywriting?
Jenn
Many people think copywriting is sales-y, but it definitely doesn’t have to be. Good copywriting mirrors the personality of the brand or entrepreneur. A lot of copy is about building trust and awareness, which shouldn’t be sales-y at all.
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
How do you see copywriting evolving over the next decade?
Jenn
Copywriting is already present in many mediums that you wouldn’t normally think of. I can envision many more people hiring copywriters for video and audio transcripts (whether a punchy intro or a full video/podcast), for SMS communication, and especially in UX design. The future of copy is very bright, and something that will always be needed!
Joe Pascavage ✍🏼
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in copywriting?
Jenn
If you love to write, and you can convince a child to eat broccoli, you can become a copywriter. There is enough space for all types of copywriters.
Since I got started in April 2020, I already have a full client roster and am feeling very fulfilled. I make my own schedule and am able to spend quality time with my family.
I believe that copywriting is one of those freelance careers that can be whatever you make it — you just need to defeat imposter syndrome and forge ahead with a good (online) education and confidence.
👏 Thank you for reading!
This was so inspiring, Jenn! I really appreciate your minimalist approach to copywriting, and learning about your journey that brought you there. I can’t wait to see how you continue to pave the way in this field, and what you bring to the table next.
This interview with Jenn Coyle Palandro is part of a blog series by Joe Pascavage ✍🏼 called “Get Interviewed”. If you would like to learn more about this initiative you can read about it here.
Do you want to share your story?
Send me a DM or tweet @joepascavage letting me know that you would like to “Get Interviewed”, and I’ll take it from there.
