Amanda Palm – Blogs X Banter Founder & Writer

Amanda is the founder of BLOGS X BANTER, as well as a professional writer for online media specialising in creating content that clicks. Her straight-up, comical approach to modern motherhood, wellness and mental health inspires women of all body shapes, backgrounds and beliefs to love and embrace the inner fruitcake within.

What did you study and what are the steps you took to be where you are today?

I undertook a Master of Marketing, but to get to where I am I read a plethora of magazines, articles and books on how to be an expert in my niche. I also partnered with other writers/bloggers to produce content and built relationships with clients and the community (e.g. parenting, mental health, wellness groups etc). It was important to watch and learn how the entrepreneurs at the top of their game do it!

What inspired this career path?

I have always wanted to work for myself, and I have a genuine passion for writing – I knew writing was what I was born to do, so much so that I would still do it even if I never cut a paycheck.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a clarinet player in a marching band – let’s all take a moment and laugh about that!

What was your first job?

Marketing Coordinator – entry-level assistant, back in 2000 when I was so young and inexperienced, the role involved stuffing flyers into envelopes and answering the phone, something that probably isn’t as common now with the digital age!

Tell us a little more about your role and explain a typical day on the job

I have two parts to my role. Primarily, I write and develop content that is concise, compelling and engaging to the reader. Sometimes there’s a sales objective behind it, often I write to increase Google traffic to a client’s website or blog. In all instances, my job is to write something that gets the reader’s attention and keeps them reading until the end.

The other part is business development, as I’m still in relatively early stages of the business. That involves seeking new opportunities, finding clients and pitching my services. It is not ‘salesy’ in anyway – I just let my portfolio of work do the talking, and if it’s a good fit then we work together!

What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened to you in your career?

The transition from being a corporate professional to a business owner, running a one-man-band operation. It is exciting and allows the flexibility I need as a mother, but also is a very steep learning curve.

Name the best and worst parts of your job

The best part is being paid to create. I love writing, and bringing something to form that evokes emotion in people. The worst part is probably that instead of having one boss in a job, I have several (clients) and they all have high demands!

What’s the most important career tip someone has given you?

Watch and learn – it’s not always possible to have a personal mentor who has time to sit down and coach you throughout your career. But you can buy books, listen to podcasts, attend seminars and watch the successful people you admire from a distance and learn exactly how they got there.

What do you wish someone had told you before going into writing and blogging?

In the beginning, be prepared to do a lot of groundwork for free. I spent the first two years just building my profile and portfolio and received no payment. It is only just this year that I’ve been able to market my business and provide a service that clients are willing to hand over their money for. Running a start-up is harder mentally, emotionally and financially than you can ever think, but it’s all worth it!

What inspired your career change from marketing?

Marketing is incredibly broad, just like accounting, IT etc., so when you go out there as an entrepreneur and business owner, it’s important to specialise in an area. I chose writing because it’s in high demand and I love doing it.

What advice would you give someone wanting to become a writer?

Start now. Don’t wait until you have more time, money or your plan/blog is perfected because you will wait forever. Just take those small steps now and it will build up to something over time. We all love instant gratification and want to be successful overnight, but that rarely happens. It’s like when you build a house, you follow a process of steps over time before you see the final result. It’s a journey and enjoy it!

What qualities and skills should people have if they want to go down this career path?

Being a skilled writer, like anything takes time and practice. I am still learning how to improve my craft, just like a musician keeps playing a song over and over until its perfected.
Practically, that can look like study, which can range from a degree level to a short writing course. It can mean finding a job that will allow you to learn and apply those writing skills, such as marketing, communications and media. Reading books and learning from those who have written books, blogs and other written material is also helpful for self-development.

Where do people have to start to get into writing and what is the standard salary?

A good start is firstly a passion, and then skills and experience. These can all be built up over time, through study and work, as well as attending seminars, being part of a writing community (lots of Facebook groups for these), voluntarily writing for your local charity/business or writing a book!
Depending on the scope of writing, the size of your business and who your clients are, it can range anywhere from $55 – 85K.

Name a career highlight

Transitioning from full-time corporate marketing to a small business owner. When you make a personal choice and take that leap of faith it is something you never forget.

What’s next for you?

I am currently writing a short fiction story, as well as a self-development book for young women who are navigating the confusing world of career, relationships and motherhood.

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