Very briefly… my story so far…
I started out as a copywriter back in 1979. Why copywriting? I needed a decent-paying job that didn’t require any qualifications, because I didn’t have any.
Turned out I loved copywriting.
Fast forward to 1995 when I wrote my first website. Loved that too.
By 1998 I was teaching companies and organizations how to write better websites.
Today, I’m still teaching.
And I’m still loving it.
Now for the usual, chock-full-of-lists, longer version… Starting with Phase 1…
Since 1979, copywriting offline and then online, I have worked with dozens of major companies, including:
Citibank, Apple, Chrysler, Franklin Mint, TV Guide, Diners Club International, J. Paul Getty Trust, MSN.com, Technogym, Encyclopedia Britannica, New York Times, Country Financial, Adorama, Reuters, WebEx, the U.S. Navy and others.
As a direct response marketer I wrote direct mail by the ton, and earned 15 awards, both in Europe and North America. In 1997 I stopped writing direct mail and have been working exclusively on business online ever since.
Over the years I have also worked as an adviser and consultant to various startups, principally in the area of consumer product sales online.
I have spoken at numerous online marketing conferences and have conducted in-house seminars and training sessions for many companies, including:
Yahoo!, Intuit, Walt Disney Attractions, Association of American Publishers, Novartis Pharma, John Deere, National Cancer Institute, Merck & Co., Textron, and the Information Technology Media Advisory Council.
Online, I have written literally hundreds of articles for Clickz.com, MarketingProfs.com, iMediaConnection.com, Business 2.0 and other online publications. I am also the author of Net Words: Creating High-Impact Online Copy
“In a world of instant pundits and stuffed shirts, Nick Usborne stands out as an astute, insightful and original mind. He’s able to find substance when others see just fluff, and can cut right to the core of the issue.” Seth Godin, bestselling author
“The best writers are also clear thinkers who can distill complex issues and processes into something entirely more manageable. Nick does this well as a writer, certainly. But his talents apply more broadly to business as well. He has a real talent for seeing through the clutter, and recognizing what works and what doesn’t work when marketing online.” Ann Handley, Chief Content Officer, MarketingProfs.com
“I’ve known Nick for a long time. In the early days of digital marketing (prior to Google), he was there helping brands (and me) to think differently about how we create online. He was right back then. He’s still doing it now. Always a pleasure to connect, learn and share with him.” Mitch Joel – President, Mirum + Author, Six Pixels of Separation & CTRL ALT Delete
“Nick Usborne is one of our most popular speakers at Search Engine Strategies, and I consistently get positive feedback about his presentations.” Danny Sullivan, SearchEngineLand.com
Phase 2 in my career is all about training my fellow writers and marketers…
Currently I’m focusing on the three courses that are best suited for copywriters and content writers who are trying to navigate their way through the changes wrought by the rise of AI writing tools like ChatGPT.
Futureproof Copywriting – Teaches how to weave a layer of Emotional Intelligence into copy and content written by AI.
Conversational Copywriting – Shows how to make emotional connections and build trust by using simple, non-salesy language.
Selling With Stories – Focuses on the magic of how humans connect at a deeply emotional level by sharing stories.
Separate from my work with digital copywriting, I also offer a course on writing, publishing and sharing your life story. How come? Because I believe in the power of passing our life stories on to our children and future generations. The course is called Your Awesome Life Story.
I live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Nick Usborne
When I’m not working, and if the weather is being kind, I can often be seen enjoying the outdoors in my kayak, or on my bike. In the winter I’m out on my cross-country skis most days. And every day of the year, my wife and I take our dog, Sherlock, out for walks.
