Meet Vishma Mistry. Born and brought up in the UK, grew up surrounded by literary history from Shakespeare to the Bronte sisters. You could say Vishma’s love for words began from there and the roots have only grown stronger with time.
With over 10 years of experience in Marketing, Vishma knows just how important and powerful words are to not only connect to the heartstrings of your consumer but also with Google’s algorithms.
Vishma Mistry’s journey with words does not end with her professional experience, continuing with her passion for writing, in her spare time, she has also worked as a freelance journalist for over 7 years.
Women On Topp caught up with Vishma Mistry, copywriter and founder of Mistry of Words, and asked her about life as a business owner, her biggest marketing lessons, where she finds her inspiration, and her advice around nailing your copy.
Here’s what she said…
What inspired you to start MistryofWords?
Being an avid reader, I’ve always been in awe of the magic that words can weave and the power they have of transporting the reader into another realm. I guess this passion for words embedded within me has always led me down the path of being the go-to person for writing/editing/proofing words both in my professional and personal life.
To answer the question, the inspiration hit me during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst working from home. For as long as I can remember, I had always wanted to do something of my own which would also benefit others. And for a long time, I didn’t know what that was. Until the pandemic hit, and I got the opportunity to step out of the busyness of corporate life as a marketing professional and slow down with working from home, which allowed to clear some thinking space. With this space to think, it occurred to me that whilst I was already being of help to my team and others close to me, likewise I could be of assistance to many others. And with this light bulb moment MistryofWords was born.
Can you tell us what you do as the founder of MistryofWords?
In a nutshell, I provide copywriting and brand styling services to all companies big and small from every industry across the globe.
Through copywriting, I help them tell their story and let their personality shine through words that will connect with their consumer’s heartstrings and with Google’s algorithms. Services include copywriting for a range of marketing (web/blogs/print/social media/ video scripts/ghost writing etc.), editing, and proofreading.
Brand styling is a recent addition to the MistryofWords family. I work with entrepreneurs and businesses to help them create a uniquely captivating brand personality. I help them discover the clarity in their message, define their space in the market and help them build a brand that reflects their personality and tells the story they want it to tell. Together we will delve deep into the psychology of colours, fonts, and imagery to design the brand of your dreams that speaks the language of the audience but also touches their heartstrings.
Can you share a few copywriting skills?
The most important of all the tips that are out there would be to keep things simple. Use shorter easier to understand words and provide bitesize information that is easy to digest. A question I always ask myself is ‘can a 5-year-old understand this?’ Another piece of advice is read as much as you can. You’ll be surprised just how much you’ll notice your vocabulary improving and the things you begin to pick up on. So go ahead and pick up a book!
You have been writing professionally for a few years. How would you say things have changed in recent years?
Living in a more visual world and fast-paced world in which people skim through content, the words used are far fewer therefore, the pressure for the few words used to be powerful has become greater.
We’re also now more than ever constantly online, hence, there has now become an increased focus on writing SEO-friendly content that aligns with Google’s requirements and being mobile-friendly. We are now writing for numerous platforms. And the use of vocabulary and tone of voice differs from one platform to the other therefore, there’s a lot more tailoring involved.
We have also become more aware of the words used to avoid offending anyone and several guidelines to follow.
Now more than ever, as a writer you are putting yourself in the consumer’s mindset and trying to understand their behaviour.
What has been the biggest challenge/hurdle you have faced so far?
Lifting my business off the ground and not knowing where my next project and client is coming from. But as they say once you set off on a path the path will appear, and you just find yourself taking one step forward each time.
How do you keep yourself updated? What are some of the websites/magazines/apps that you subscribe to or read regularly?
Being a book lover, I generally turn to books for guidance and self-learning. My current reads include The Personal MBA by Josh Kauffmann and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective people by Stephen Covey.
Google garage and skill shop are my regular haunts for training.
I also turn to Forbes, and I do listen to a few podcasts by other entrepreneurs such as Fiona Humberstone on brand styling or others within the copywriting arena for insights and tips.
When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
Setbacks are part and parcel of life whether that be personally or professionally. It’s how we react that determines what happens ahead. When such instances arise, I take a step away and reflect on what’s happened and why and focus on what the next best foot forward is going to be.
Share two pieces of advice for female entrepreneurs.
- Don’t let self-doubt bring you down. Keep going because it is possible.
- Believe in yourself and your product/service.
What is the one advice that has impacted you the most?
My own advice to myself has always been to ensure I never rely on someone else for anything. If I’m going to do something or make a huge purchase, like my home, it is to be on my own two feet, without the support of anybody else. This has kept the fire burning in my belly and given me the strength to wake up each morning and tackle what’s ahead, including any self-doubt.
Tell us about your proudest achievement.
Starting MistryofWords and seeing how it has helped my clients in their endeavours. There’s no better feeling than hearing from a client and knowing that you’ve been part of their success.
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