Here’s an interview to start off 2009 - Troy Kippen co-founder of Editeam.com.au, a copywriting and editing service startup, gives us the goods on his company.

What is Editeam.com.au’s founder doing when he’s not working?

Any time I get off from Editeam is spent far away from any computer screen. I usually take time out on the mountain bike or on the water.

Being self-employed is great because I can be a bit flexible, but there is a tendency to overwork with a self-imposed work structure. It is sometimes a real struggle to balance the time, but I always try and spend a certain amount of time each week away from the computer. If nothing else it reminds me why I developed this start-up in the first place.

What are Editeam.com.au’s big plans for 2009?

The first half of the year will be spent developing a presence in new markets, particularly New Zealand and the UK. The UK is one of the biggest freelance marketplaces in the world and Editeam’s structure is a comfortable option for businesses that regular use freelancers. Also with the current exchange rates, it is a good time to enter the UK.

I plan to also increasing organic growth by refining Editeam’s service to better meet the needs of customers here in Australia. Any new opportunities in 2009 will only be taken up if it fits our current strategy.

How did you get the idea of starting Editeam.com.au?

While I was working as a full-time journalist, I had some work doing web and sales copy for a few clients. These clients were web developers/designers who mentioned that it was difficult to get decent copy from their clients.

While I was working as a full-time journalist, I had some work doing web and sales copy for a few clients.”

These clients were web developers/designers who mentioned that it was difficult to get decent copy from their clients.

I saw an opportunity to start a company that delivered quality web copy, where and when it was needed.

What is Editeam.com.au in one sentence?

Editeam provides content strategies for clients of web developers/designers.

What’s a typical Editeam.com.au user like?

A typical user of Editeam is a web designer/developer or online marketing company with small to medium sized companies as clients. Most clients need the services of a copywriter, but do not have the capacity to justify a copywriter in-house.

How people are using Editeam.com.au’s services?

There are two ways the majority of clients use Editeam. Some companies refer clients to Editeam directly, while other companies offer copywriting/editing services to clients under their own name. Editeam’s business model accommodates both options.

How did you build Editeam.com.au? Are any of the Editeam.com.au co-founders programmers?

Editeam’s website was born from consultation with my freelance clients. Through talking with the web developers I was able to create a website plan that met the needs of web developers/designers.

An example of our customer focus is our project management software. The software is Basecamp, which is software that is commonly used, or well known, by my target customers.

We have no developer in-house.

We have no developer in-house”

Who do you consider to be competing with Editeam.com.au ?

Although there are many companies offering copywriting services, our biggest competitors are in-house copywriters and the end user themselves. Editeam spends a great deal of time promoting the need for a professional communicator to get involved in the development process.

Many end users underestimate the importance of a content strategy, and see a professional copywriter as an unnecessary expense. Overcoming that way of thinking is Editeam’s greatest challenge in the marketplace.

What is entrepreneurship for you?

Think big, but pay attention to detail. If you see an opportunity you should chase it for all it is worth, but be sure to pay attention to new opportunity, potential problems, and listen to your customers/clients.

When you are starting out an opportunity may present itself. Be open, but remember you will only succeed if it stays focused on your outcomes.

What lessons did you learn along the way as you were building up Editeam.com.au ?

I learnt to make sure processes were in place. All processes should be considered, from handing client communication to billing. Without processes you are driving blind, which will often reflect badly on any company.

Also a company should be built up slowly, so it’s better prepared than one that hits the ground running. I spent six months researching the business environment before launching Editeam.

Any tips for upcoming Aussie startuppers? Is Australia a favorable place for a startup? Why?

There is plenty of help out there for someone with an idea, but be sure anyone your go to for help can see the merit in your idea. Preferably you want people onboard who share your passion for success.

Australia is a good market for startups, because there are a lot of organisations out there to help you develop a new business. When you are starting a business it is important to get the right advice because there are so many parts to starting a new successful business.”

Australia is a good market for startups, because there are a lot of organisations out there to help you develop a new business. When you are starting a business it is important to get the right advice because there are so many parts to starting a new successful business.