Web URL: http://www.MarketingWords.com
In Business Since: 1999
Type of Business: Copywriting Agency
Works: 100% virtually
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Twitter @karonthackston
Ruth: Today it’s a joy to welcome Karon Thackston of Marketing Words to the blog. Karon tell us about your business.
Karon: Marketing Words is a full-service, online marketing and copywriting agency. While we do any type of online copywriting (email, PPC ads, social media, landing pages, etc.) we specialize in conversion-oriented and SEO copywriting for websites. In addition, we offer web-based, onsite and self-paced copywriting training and consulting services. We have worked with companies including Gorton’s Seafood, Entertainment Publications (the Coupon Book people), American Boating Association and others.
Ruth: Would you share what led you to consider a virtual profession and how you got started?
Karon: I began my company in 1999 because I wanted to work from home. I was tired of an office setting and doing things according to corporate processes. As my business grew, I began to add a virtual staff of writers, proofreaders, assistants and others to meet the demand.
Ruth: Describe those who have influenced you along this journey.
Karon: There have been others who have guided me at times, but mostly it was just me and God 🙂 At the time I went into online business it was not a well-known or popular thing to do. The majority of my friends and family thought I was just going through a phase. I have used coaches and/or consultants occasionally in the past to get me over a hump or to the next level.
Ruth: What advice would you give to someone thinking about a virtual career like yours?
Karon: Plan! I was sort of winging it the first several years after launching my company. I just took what was handed to me, never having to ask or business. As a result, when the economy first began to lag, I was totally unskilled as to how to actually and purposefully generate business for my company. It left me in a fix and I had to scramble to figure out how to get revenue. Before you make the jump, create a plan for generating a steady flow of business. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches later on.
Ruth: How does a client find someone they can trust to be as invested as they are in reaching their business goals?
Karon: You will never find anyone as invested in reaching your business goals as you are. Period. Nobody else will have the same dedication for success or the same fear of failure that the owner of the business will have. That said, before you decide to “follow” a professional or ask them for coaching, observe them for a while. Verify that the information they provide in their blog posts, webinars, etc. is accurate and true. Don’t take things for granted. Then, after getting a few referrals, you can consider asking them to work with/mentor you.
Ruth: Excellent points, Karon. Any last thoughts to share with our readers?
Karon: I seriously doubt you’ll ever find me in an office setting again. I love running my own business and the freedom and unlimited income it provides. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, are self-motivated and don’t require a lot of face-to-face contact with others, you should give it a shot. I’m never turning back!
Ruth: Thanks so much for chatting with me, Karon.
If you’d like to have Karon’s assistance with your copywriting projects contact her at her website. Karon’s latest video product is called “Writing With Keywords.” It can be found at www.WritingWithKeywords.com