I nearly went off track this week. Nearly let something distract me and take my eye off the ball. Which would have been a real shame because I’m usually so focused and clear on what I want to achieve.
What happened? I realised someone in my network was copying what I do. Using my words. My style of images. The exact same format in their business that I’d spent years developing. Taking my ideas and changing them juuust enough to get away with it.
And I won’t lie – it stung.
Why It Feels So Personal
When you’ve poured your heart and soul into building something – your brand, your programmes, your content, your way of teaching – and someone just… takes it? It feels like a punch in the gut. Especially when it’s someone who should know better.
In the age of social media, it happens more than ever. Someone sees your Instagram Reels, your email sequences, your course outline, your website copy – and suddenly their business starts looking eerily similar to yours.
Why You Shouldn’t Let It Derail You
Here’s what I had to remind myself (and what I want you to remember if this ever happens to you):
Your work is infused with YOU. It has your passion, your enthusiasm, your love for it all the way through, like a stick of rock. If you cut my business in half, it would have Claire Mitchell stamped through the middle. My personality, my sense of humour, my experiences, my way of teaching. Nobody can copy that. Ever.
Copiers can’t keep up. They’re always one step behind because they’re reacting to what you do, not creating from their own vision. While they’re busy copying your last move, you’ve already moved on to the next thing.
Your audience can tell the difference. People aren’t daft. They can spot an original from a copy. And in a world where authenticity is everything – on Instagram, on TikTok, on LinkedIn – being the real deal will always win.
What To Actually Do About It
Take a deep breath. Then take another one. Then do these things:
Screenshot everything – just in case you ever need evidence. Keep a record.
Don’t engage publicly. Calling someone out on social media rarely ends well. It makes you look petty even when you’re in the right.
Keep creating. The best response to being copied is to keep being so brilliantly, unapologetically YOU that the copy pales in comparison. Double down on showing up authentically, sharing your story, and delivering incredible value.
If it’s serious, get advice. If someone has literally lifted your content, website copy, or intellectual property, it may be worth a quick chat with a solicitor or sending a polite but firm “cease and desist” email.
Being copied is actually a compliment – it means you’re doing something worth copying. So take it as a sign that you’re on the right track, keep your head down, and keep doing what you do best. Nobody does it like you. Remember that.