Sarah Walkerden, The Rural Copywriter, is a digital marketing messaging and strategy ace. She helps rural and regional businesses win scores of adoring customers and boost their Google rankings.
We ask the tough questions of Sarah Walkerden, The Rural Copywriter
You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?
With any spare time, I tend to seek out some interesting training, most likely within the couple of business memberships I’m involved in, so I can learn something new. Whether that’s copywriting tips, marketing, business strategy or mindset – I like to be continuously absorbing new information and different ways to approach life and business.
(And if it’s not training videos, course material or blog posts online, it’s reading a useful business or personal development book!)
When did you know you wanted to start your own business?
Originally, I knew I wanted to start a business, when I decided I wanted a pony at around age 10 and my parents told me they couldn’t afford to buy me one!. I spent a fair amount of energy trying to come up with money making ideas from that point on.
Later on, it was after a few years in the ‘corporate world’ when I decided I needed more; to contribute to the world in a greater way – and create the freedom and flexibility I craved for myself (and now my young family). I hated the hustle and stress of city life so wanted to work from home from my beloved rural property.
I’m also what I term a ‘quiet rebel’. Even though I was able to look the part and perform in the corporate world for 13 years like I belonged there – I was always secretly plotting and scheming my bold escape. Business provides me with the opportunity to do things MY way, without answering to anyone, and gives me the ability to ‘break the rules’. I get a kick from doing things differently and challenging expectations.
What’s your proudest moment?
Winning the Flying Solo RURAL Small Business of the Year Award for 2020 (of course!) 😊
What’s your number one way to wind down?
If I have enough energy, I love to saddle up a horse and go for a ride, even if it’s brief. If I don’t ride, I at least go cuddle the horses. There’s something both incredibly humbling and thrilling connecting and working with a 500kg wild animal, who is so willing to do as you ask and with such beauty (generally willing, that is!).
Otherwise, it’s a nice nourishing dinner and a little Netflix, while chilling and chatting on the couch with hubby, after the kids have gone to bed.
What’s the best thing about being a soloist? And the worst thing?
I love the freedom and flexibility that being a solo business owner provides. I run my days and business in ways that suit me, allowing me time for my kids, hubby and horses.
The worst thing is all the constant decision-making involved and not always knowing which path to take – sometimes, it would be nice if someone else could decide what to do and kindly wear the responsibility for me!
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Surround yourself with mentors and like-minded business souls who are travelling along a similar path (to learn from and grow with) – but always trust yourself and your own intuition first.
Where and when do you have your best ideas?
In the shower, when I’m out with the horses or when taking time out to walk across the paddocks or around our rural area.
What would be your advice to aspiring soloists?
Persistence, consistency and self-trust.
- You must keep persisting to succeed, no matter what gets thrown in your direction.
- The more consistent you can be within your business and marketing efforts, the better.
- Learning to trust yourself and what feels right to you, matters above all else.
What would your mum say is your greatest strength? And weakness?
Hmmmm. Mum would likely say that I have a great work ethic and that I never ever give up on my goals and dreams.
Then, she would probably curse my stubbornness. Once my mind is made up, nothing tends to change it. (Sorry Mum!)
Being an agricultural copywriter, it’s not just about crafting amazing words on websites that customers or clients fall in love with – it’s about helping other business owners create more clarity around how to communicate what they offer, which helps to provide them with far more confidence to put themselves out there and succeed.
Plus, now that I’ve niched down to rural, regional and agricultural businesses – I also love being able to empower the ‘littler guys’ out in the bush, who may not have much support around them. Because when you empower a rural business owner, it has a positive ripple effect on their surrounding rural communities. That’s really cool.
What do you wear to work?
Aha – this varies greatly. Options include:
- PJs.
- Jodhpurs covered in horsehair (if I’ve been riding in the morning or during my lunch break!)
- Jeans and t-shirt.
- Often – a nice-ish top, with daggy tracky bottoms (that way one is both comfortable and chilled, while also being presentable from the waist up for Zoom calls!)
What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?
Sarah Walkerden, The Rural Copywriter, is a digital marketing messaging and strategy ace. She helps rural and regional businesses win scores of adoring customers and boost their Google rankings.
Her ‘no fluff, no bull-dust’ approach creates straight-shooting SEO Website Copy that cultivates real results, helping ‘agri’ and other rural businesses to flourish.
The Rural Copywriter can also help rural businesses with new website builds, website optimisation and SEO website copywriting, content marketing (blog writing and socials) and SEO.
Where can we find out more about Sarah Walkerden, The Rural Copywriter?
- Website: www.theruralcopywriter.com.au
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theruralcopywriter
- FS Directory: www.flyingsolo.com.au/profile/the-rural-copywriter
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