Erin Cafferty
Copywriter / Co-Founder of Remote ID
Front Royal, VA
www.erincafferty.com
instagram @itserincafferty
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Q What do you do?
“I’m a freelance copywriter – I write and assemble copy that speaks to your audiences’ soul, what they want out of life, and where you come in to help them get there.”
I do this for your website, blog, and newsletter. The result is such a clear understanding and love of your brand that they tell their friends about it (and come back to it again and again)!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
After applying to endless corporate jobs I didn’t want (I just didn’t know it yet) and not landing a single interview, I decided to take a chance on myself. I enrolled in graduate school and, when I finished my degree, took the leap into freelancing full-time.
I spent my first year as a freelancer learning from strangers on the Internet before I realized, “Hey silly! You went to undergrad for public relations, have a master’s degree in strategic communication, and a background in journalism (with an Editor-in-Chief title to boot). Whatcha doin’ pretending you don’t know enough to serve your clients?” Then it clicked.
What do all of these seemingly unrelated experiences of mine have in common? An unabashed obsession with writing that clearly – and creatively – communicates a message to the intended audience.
There it was! Right in front of me!
It wasn’t until I dug deep into myself, my background, and my experiences that I realized I’ve been writing powerful copy for different audiences with barely a budget in site – I’m talking to you PR and print journalism – for YEARS. And that’s what I do for my client. We discover what’s already inside of them and make it click, for both them and their audience. The words? They’re just the icing on the cake. Because if there’s one thing I learned from 6 years in higher-ed and my experience as a freelancer, it’s that people buy from people.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I don’t try to fit into a box or copy processes that work for other people. I thrive on experimenting, strategizing, and researching obsessively. I also approach projects with a collaborative mindset. I’m the expert, but my clients know their brand, audience, and vision better than anyone – I take that and run with it!
I’m also a human being who loves to connect with other human beings. Luckily, my clients feel the same so we can throw the professional/corporate BS out the window and vibe as we solve problems together.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m writing a children’s book! We were given our choice of a few assignments in 6th grade home ec class and I chose to write a book about a little girl and a magic horse (I’m a #horsegirl). I don’t have the original, but the story has been on my mind ever since and I’m finally putting pen to paper to bring it to life.
I also walk dogs for my best friend’s company and freelance. I like to be doing a few things at a time to keep my creativity and motivation high!
Q What’s your style?
Simple, clear, and personal is my preference. As a writer, it’s tempting to add fluff to make a product or service “sound good” but a better goal is a more engaged, committed audience who loves your brand because they can see how your mission aligns with their values.
I’m also incredibly adaptable to different writing styles and tones of voice. Like many freelancers, I had to dip my toes in a wide variety of industries before I found my footing.
Some examples: Peachy and NatureBox Blog
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could focus more on my mental and physical health. I love the work I do as a freelancer, but hiking, traveling in my RV, and horseback riding have my heart (and sitting behind a laptop just isn’t how I want to spend most of my days).
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I love to write, but it feels like I’m being called to take on a more strategic, overarching role in my business. Coming to terms with that has been tough since I’m a very hands-on person.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Chop my veggies! For whatever reason, it takes me AGES to dice sweet potatoes. I love having a hand in making the food I eat, but chopping vegetables can be outsourced for sure.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Prioritize family. When everyone was talking about how much their family meant to them, I understood it but didn’t fully agree. My parents are so loving and my sister is fun to be around, but I 100% took them for granted when I was in high school and college.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Right now, SEO. I’m diving in but there’s so much to learn that it’s overwhelming to know where to begin.
Personally, I would love to learn more about car maintenance and how to fix or replace things like brakes, headlights, and tires. My dad always recommended I take it to a shop but there’s something about doing it myself that’s always intrigued me.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Long-term blog and newsletter clients in the health & wellness space. I am also open to website copywriting projects (this includes landing and sales pages)!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A human or brand who’s up to collaborate with me is my ideal client. I also enjoy working with brands with a mission deeper than money who are making an impact in their corner of the world – like marijuana dispensaries, coaches for Millennial perfectionists, or a Botox studio that specializes in one thing… wrinkle prevention.
Above all, I need them to trust my expertise. When I’m given creative freedom, the copy I create is infinitely better than when it’s nitpicked and fussed over.
Q: What is your rate?
800-word blogs begin at $400, newsletters begin at $225, and website copy starts at $550 per page.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email is best! It connects you with me directly. The more I know about your business, your budget, and your needs for the project, the quicker I can determine if we’re a good fit!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I can happily recommend anyone on Remote ID’s directory! I’m the co-founder and we vet each freelancer/business owner before listing them.
Everyone on the directory is trustworthy, has demonstrated quality work, and is a generally cool human.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I get outside of myself, which includes exploring in my RV and opening myself up to different perspectives.
This member profile was originally published in May 2022.