We were lucky to catch up with Susan Preiss recently and have shared our conversation below.

Susan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Right out of the gates, when I started freelancing, I positioned myself as a marketing consultant who provided guidance and support to small and mid-sized businesses. After a few years in that space, I came to learn that quality copywriting was something that many companies wanted and needed. As a one-person company, focusing on a single part of the marketing puzzle made sense for me.

Then I needed a company name that reflected the value that I offer. It might seem a simple task for a copywriter to name her own business, but it was not. I wanted it to be straightforward, but descriptive and capture my unique position in the market.

So, my company name starts with ‘Word’ because when you boil down content and copy, it’s about the words—what they say, how they play on the page or screen, how they sound, and the emotions they evoke. But I’m not only a writer, I’m also a marketing strategist. I understand the ‘why’ behind the words and can help craft the reason for the writing or the ‘Strategy’. Bingo—that was it! Strung together Word Strategy means that I write crisp, clean, meaningful copy that fulfills specific goals and delivers results.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a creative and marketing professional who writes, edits, and improves content. For over 20 years, I have been collaborating with organizations to hone their messages and inspire readers to action.

If you work for a creative agency, lead a small company with no internal marketing resources, or direct a large marketing department in need of another hand on deck, I can help. My company provides copywriting services—initiating and completing pivotal marketing projects.

I have been helping companies effectively market their products and services for a long time—both in the corporate world and on my own as a freelancer. My knowledge spans a variety of industries including technology, software, professional services, biotech, non-profit, and manufacturing.

So, why does bad copy happen to good companies? Often it is because they don’t have the time, energy, or perspective that drives effective content.

With client input, I craft a plan, develop concepts, and complete writing projects. I write SEO-conscious copy that helps conversion rates and supports digital marketing goals. I also offer editing and proofreading support.

I listen, interview key stakeholders, immerse myself in an entity’s culture and learn about the industry, company goals, and offerings. My outside perspective helps me craft content speaking to the needs of the intended targeted audiences while incorporating the client’s messaging and positioning.

I work with:
• Venture-funded startups
• Growth-stage technology companies
• Manufacturing companies
• Pharmaceutical and medical device companies
• Professional services firms
• Non-profits

and write copy for:
• Websites
• Landing pages
• Blogs
• Ebooks
• Newsletters
• Case studies
• White papers
• Email campaigns

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I remember late in my corporate career being asked my goals for the coming year. I responded, “I want to be happy.” My manager replied, “That is not a valid answer.” I countered, “And that’s the problem.” It’s no surprise that shortly after than conversation, I decided to exit that toxic corporate marketing environment and strike out on my own.

That was a huge turning point in my life. I decided to take charge of my own career—and work to make myself happy, my clients successful, and my life balanced. Since then, I’ve not looked back. I work hard, meet deadlines and commitments, and build solid client and collaborator partnerships, but I also make sure to take time away from the computer to feed my spirit, replenish the creative well, move my body, and be with nature.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There are so many crossroads in life, and looking back even though the journey wasn’t always easy or elegant, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve pivoted, shifted, and been knocked down more times than I can remember.

From changing from a general marketing consultant to focusing on content development, to losing huge clients and partners when internal staff were hired, I’ve learned to always keep looking ahead. Just when you think you have things figured out, another change comes along. You have to be open to constantly learning new things, from technology to social media to digital marketing and beyond.

And now, with AI greatly impacting my industry, I’ve branched out in a new direction. I’ve always been a secret artist, but I’ve started turning that passion into a new business venture, writing verses and creating drawings to bring the words to life. It’s starting small, serving the needs of family and friends with prints and cards. After so many years developing work in the digital realm, it feels great to create something tangible. And it’s fun.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wordstrat.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-preiss-900361/

Image Credits

For the headshot, credit ELC Photography