8 Lessons I've observed from HM Queen Elizabeth II as a Copywriter...

Queen Elizabeth II has been a source of inspiration to me as a copywriter. Though she was not a copywriter, she has penned and read some amazing speeches and statements over the years that have convinced and compelled people to think and act in certain ways.

I know that I won't be able to do the magnificent person that was the Queen true justice in this piece.

To be a copywriter is to be a storyteller. We take complex ideas and craft them into stories that persuade and compel our audiences. And as any great storyteller knows, the best stories are often true ones. In that vein, I'd like to share eight lessons I've learned from HM Queen Elizabeth II – one of the world's most admired figureheads. Though she honed her skills in a different medium to most of us, her approach can still teach us a lot about how to write persuasively and convincingly. So without further ado, let's dive in!

1.Think in global terms

Queen lighting the Jubilee Beacon, just months ago, in June this year

Copywriting is the process of writing copy for the purpose of marketing or advertising. Responsible for the text on websites, brochures, ads, and more. A successful copywriter must be able to write original, persuasive, and interesting copy that engages the audience and drives conversions among other things.?

While it is important to have a strong understanding of copywriting principles, it is also essential to have a global perspective. Copywriters who only think from their own perspective, sabotage their own potential. Tunnel vision can be anathema if you're on a freelance mission to the moon. For instance, such creatives may produce copy that is effective in their own country or region but falls flat when it expands to a global market. Worse, it strongly offends or alienates audiences.?Good copywriters are receptive to different viewpoints and understand that what works in one place may not work in another.?

This global perspective is something that the Queen had in spades. No matter who she met or what task she had to undertake, she always took other people's views and opinions into account. This empathy served her well throughout her reign . She was well-informed and ensured that she is always prepared for any situation . As a result, she was able to connect with people from all walks of life and build rapport quickly, despite her elite status in this world.

Like the Queen, copywriters who want to be successful must develop a global perspective. Only through considering other viewpoints can they create copy that resonates with people from all corners of the globe.

2. A glass that's half full

Queen Elizabeth ended every day with a glass of champagne, apparently.

Copywriting is more than just stringing together a few sentences. It's about crafting an entire experience that engages the reader on an emotional level and convinces them to take action. And it's not easy. copywriters have to be able to make their words sing - often under pressure (same day/next day deadlines, anyone?) - while remaining nimble enough to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the internet. It's a tough gig, but fortunately there are some qualities that all great copywriters share.

Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most well-known figures in the world. She has faced some of the most challenging times in recent history, from World War II to the Covid pandemic. But she has always faced these challenges with unbridled brimfuls of positivity. She never glossed over situation, but she did inspire others, from the strength of her beliefs, that eventually, the bad times will be no more - they will be superseded by moments in the sun. This is what has made her one of the most revered makers of history.

When we are faced with our own personal chaos, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But if we take a page out of Queen Elizabeth's playbook, we can face these challenges with bravery and optimism. And who knows? Maybe someday we'll be looked upon as copywriting royalty ourselves.

Keep your glass half full.

3. Purpose in every possible way

She had a unique life, in a role that few will ever have and few will ever have to bear

From a young age, Queen Elizabeth showed profound dedication to her people. In a public radio broadcast when she was only 21, the future queen pledged to devote her life to the service of her subjects. It was a powerful statement, and one that would come to define her entire reign. Her duty often meant making sacrifices - in fact, her life was a sacrifice due to the necessity of her living up to a predetermined role, but the Queen never wavered in her commitment to her people. In tough times as well as during moments of elated national celebration, she was always focused on sovereign matters. This dedication endeared her to the British public, and even in the roughest patches she remained a popular and respected figurehead. On the occasion of her diamond jubilee, was clear that was as dedicated as ever to her role as queen.

She carried herself straight and upright, held her head high in a way that exuded both an inner strength and infinite, yet never abused, power. This was the same regal bearing she possessed as Queen, no matter what the situation or circumstances. Her dedication and devotion to her role as sovereign never wavered, even through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss. Righteousness was a core value for her, one that she instilled in her children and grandchildren, and one that served as the bedrock for her lifelong commitment to serve her people. It was this strong belief in divine purpose that energised her daily and provided consistent, symbolic leadership - in a style that emotionally helped millions. In a world that often seems so divided, she stood as an example of what it means to be steadfast in one's convictions while She is a true inspiration, and we are all better for having known of her.

Remember your purpose as a writer, whatever you're doing - your purpose as a business owner. Decisions, especially ones of grave importance, are never easy to make. The Queen trusted herself because she knew that she had the mental discipline to make the hard, unpopular choices. She was determined to do what was right, even when it was difficult. This trust and belief in herself allowed her to make decisions with fairness, love, and understanding. The Queen's trust in herself helped her to navigate through difficult times and emerge victorious. Her story is one of determination and righteousness; a, now historical, story that serves as an inspiration for us all.

4. A well executed sense of humour...

In this picture bees were ruining a royal event and Prince Phillip is laughing too

A good sense of humour is often said to be a valuable asset. And it's true – humour can be a powerful unifier when used appropriately. A humorous remark can thaw tensions, bringing people together. Laughter or humour can improve communication at work, building stronger relationships and diffuse tense situations. People are drawn to others who laugh. Much has been made over the past month of the Queen’s sense of humour and how it represents her personality. It’s one of the things that makes her so personable and fascinating. The ability to laugh at oneself is also a key part of building bridges with others. As the saying goes, “if you can’t take a joke, you shouldn’t have started in the first place”. But, it’s also important to remember that humour is a double-edged sword. It can be used to great effect, but it can also backfire spectacularly if it’s used in the wrong way or at the wrong time. As usual, it's hard to find a situation where the Queen ever made such a mistake.

Not being overly serious with your copywriting clients makes apprehension in first meetings less intense. Being stiff with clients can result in you loosing them. So in spite of the regality of the role, the Queen was easily able to be lighthearted - at the right times, always.

5. Keep evolving to see results

The Queen changed over the years, but her core values stayed firm

Copywriting is a bit like magic. It's the art of persuasion, and those who are good at it can wield great power. But like all forms of magic, copywriting is constantly evolving. With each new development in technology, copywriters must learn new ways to reach their audience. And as the world changes, so too must copywriters change with it.

Queen Elizabeth II is a perfect example of this. During her long reign she has seen the birth of television, the computer, air travel, the internet, and social media. A whole gamut of gigantic technological, social and political changes. There are far more countries in the world since the year she was born, 1926, for example. And instead of resisting these changes, she has embraced them all. As a result, the monarchy remains relevant and connected to the public. In a similar vein, copywriters should always be keeping abreast of new developments. Only by doing so can they remain on the cusp of change and ensure that their work remains competitive in the marketplace and by extension, synonymous with progress.

Keep evolving to see results. As copywriters we may not be able to wield quite the same power as Her Majesty, however we can have a profound impact, especially with national or international campaigns. Just like the Queen, we must always be prepared to evolve - after all, copywriting is an ever-changing field, and those who don't keep up will quickly find themselves left behind.

6. Serve your customers (very) well

Queen's 21st Birthday, 1947, Drakensberg Mts, Natal National Park, South Africa

Few people are as synonymous with service as Queen Elizabeth II. For more than six decades, she was a model of graciousness, always putting the needs of others before her own. In doing so, she has helped Britain to project an image of power and influence through a long period when its remnants of a true empire dwindled and as UK power waned. But the Queen is more than just a symbol of British imperial ambition; she was also a humble and respectful servant who forged strong relationships with people from all walks of life. Whether shaking hands with dignitaries or posing for pictures with children, the queen always took the time to make these individuals feel special and important. It is this commitment to (customer or national) service that made her one of the most respected figures in the world. Both in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Copywriting is not simply about crafting clever words or using fancy language; it's also about understanding the needs and desires of your audience. When copywriters put themselves in their customers' shoes, they're able to create messaging that resonates. This was a lesson that Queen Elizabeth II learned early on in her reign. When she came to the throne in 1952, Britain was a country in flux. The empire was crumbling, and with it, the nation's influence. In order to forge a new path forward, Elizabeth knew she had to start with her people. She embarked on a series of royal visits, meeting with ordinary citizens and showing them that she cared about their concerns. This demonstration of humility and respect helped to win over the public and cement Elizabeth's status as a symbol of British ambition. In today's copywriting landscape, there's much to learn from the queen's example. By putting customers first and treating them with respect, copywriters can help their brands forge strong relationships with their audiences.

7. Empower the people around y9ou

David Beckham meets the Queen (one of several occasions) in 2015

Similarly, to the previous point it pays to aid and empower those people around you in your professional life. As any copywriter worth their salt knows, copywriting is not just about writing copy. It's also about networking and helping people, because that just might create life-changing opportunities. It will also make sense if you enjoy what you do. For example, the Queen is known for having been very helpful and empowering people.

When it comes to copywriting, it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many people out there who can help you, and it's important to networking and helping them when you can. After all, copywriting is a complex skill that requires a lot of knowledge and experience. As such, it's important to be helpful and celebrate the successes of others. The same can be said for the Queen. She was empowering and let people do their jobs. This is because she knew that they are capable and skilled. By being savvy and thoughtful it showed that she cares about her subjects. In short, the Queen made a great role model for copywriters (and anyone). We should aspire to be as helpful and empowering as she was.

8. Be grateful and be thankful

The Queen continued to uphold her values and remain dedicated as she aged

In today's society, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to slow down and be thankful for what we have. This extends to being thankful for our copywriting clients and making sure that we express it. However, the act of being grateful has been shown to have numerous benefits, including improved mental and physical health, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of overall well-being. One person who exemplifies these qualities is Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her long reign, she has remained humble and gracious, even in times of adversity.

Being thankful and grateful are two qualities that copywriters should definitely emulate from the Queen. The Queen was always seen participating in valuable causes, acknowledging people's struggles across the developed and developing world, championing wonders of the world, and sincerely thanking those who work hard. Copywriters can definitely take note of this behaviour and copy it with clients. copywriters often work behind the scenes and don't get thanked as much as they should be. Having a regal and insightful voice like the Queen's when copywriting can help change that. Being adept at copywriting while also being able to spearhead causes you believe in makes you even more valuable as a copywriter. So, be thankful, be grateful, and be like the Queen. Your clients will definitely take notice and appreciate your work even more.

HM Queen Elizabeth II also became known for the trademark wave, particularly among the young

Thanks Queen Elizabeth II, R.I.P