Hello Reader!

Fun fact: In a past life, I conducted a significant amount of academic research (see).

I love furthering the cause of any research study, especially those related to journalism. Now is your chance to participate in a quick study (and get $10 for it):

Renita Coleman, a former journalist who is now teaching and conducting research, is seeking assistance from journalists with a study aimed at improving press releases.

It takes 15 minutes, pays $10 Amazon e-gift card, and is anonymous. Please pass this on to colleagues. Use this link to take the survey.

Take the survey

More info: https://journalism.utexas.edu/faculty.

Thanks for reading,

Ashley R. Cummings

P.S. Did someone forward you this email? Cool! You can become a subscriber, too. Click the link, sign up, enjoy!

Partner | Clearscope

Last week, I introduced Clearscope 2.0, along with a limited-time discount ($99 for my audience).

This week, I want to tell you a little bit more about why I find this particular tool so valuable.

Yes, the features are rad. It helps with:

Topic exploration
LLM Visibility tracking
Human-readable intent
Content monitoring
Optimization
And more

But, for me—ESPECIALLY AS A FREELANCE WRITER IN A CROWDED MARKET—it's a differentiator.

I don't offer to write content for clients.

I deliver content that's 100% publish-ready and fully optimized for LLM and SERP search.

One tool that helps me confidently deliver on this promise is... you got it: Clearscope.

To provide some context, this is one of the reasons why my prices are high.

I don't charge $50/post. I don't charge $500.

I charge between $1000-$3000 per article.

Because I deliver the value.

If you're looking for one thing you can do right now to elevate your content business, invest in Clearscope.

The tool makes it so easy to optimize for search. It's an INTEGRAL part of my content writing process. Make it a part of yours too, and see what happens.

Learn more about Clearscope

FYI: Content Connect VIP Updates

1/ I'm offering you a FREE Clearscope report (from my personal account), so you can test it out. Email me back with the topic you're working on + the keyword, and I'll set you up with your report.

2/ Next week, we have an exclusive interview on investing/money management for high-earning Content Connect VIPs only. It's a good one. Keep your eyes peeled.

Upgrade your membership

Expert Interview | Georgie Darling

1. Tell me more about your journey into content.

I got into content through a journalism route - I studied it at university, then landed my first job as a news and features journalist at Yahoo! News, part of Verizon Media. From there, I moved into branded content, working my way up to Branded Content Editor at Secret London. At the start of the pandemic, I went freelance and have since focused on content and copywriting for luxury travel brands, with a side of fashion and beauty. Along the way, I’ve also written editorial pieces for outlets like ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Fodor’s, Tripadvisor and more.

2. What do you think holds freelancers back from levelling up?

The biggest thing I see is a lack of direction. Freelancers often know they want to grow (earn more, work with better clients) but they don’t get clear on how that looks. I always encourage the freelancers I coach to reverse-engineer their goals: decide exactly where you want your business to be in a year, then break that down into quarterly, monthly, weekly and even daily actions. It’s the most effective way to make real, sustainable progress.

3. How can freelancers future-proof their businesses?

One of the best ways is by diversifying your offers. I’m a big fan of niching down within your industry, but it’s smart to have multiple income streams. For example, if you’re a writer, consider adding strategic services or consultancy. That way, you’re not just selling words, you’re selling your brain (or, as some would say, expertise!). It makes your business more resilient and opens up new opportunities beyond pure execution work.

Connect with Georgie on LinkedIn.