Have you ever created something completely new from scratch, only to have someone blatantly copy you? Whether it’s a product or a photoshoot or a post, it’s frustrating. Over the years, I’ve had people copy me on different levels, but recently, we had someone copy a piece of content we created from scratch. So today, I just wanted to talk about it and share my thoughts because it’s something I’ve been asked about a lot over the years. What do you do when someone copies your idea? I know it’s hard, especially when it’s something you’re proud of – and something you were super creative in creating. To then have someone copy your hard work is so frustrating. Let’s talk about what to do when someone copies your idea! 

Our Situation

I’m not going to get into specifics but basically, we created a new piece of content with a specific visual template for it. We were using that for our brand, and we weren’t using it anywhere else or offering it. So, it was obvious when someone began to copy us. I saw the copied content first and then shared it with Maggie and asked if she felt it looked familiar. Once we decided it was indeed a copy of our content, we began figuring out what to do. My first thought was that we need to provide it for sale… because if someone loved it that much, then people clearly want it for themselves. So, it’s something valuable to us and our audience. We did end up doing that! 

What to Do if Someone Copies Your Idea

The next question I get a lot when people come to me about being copied is “do you reach out to that person?”. I feel like it really depends on the situation. For us, we didn’t reach out – it wasn’t something that we had copyrighted and they weren’t trying to resell it as their own. So, it wasn’t as critical to me. But, if someone had taken my lessons from my courses and was reselling them under their own name, then I’d reach out. That’s stealing. I also want to maintain the integrity of my paid products, but again – in this recent situation, none of that was the case. It stinks to see people using our content like that but it wasn’t my paid content. 

Copying Content

I’m sure that more people have copied my content then I realize. At this point, I don’t pay attention to it all – I’ve got other things to worry about. But, I will say that it makes me sad and bummed for the person who is copying it. If you’re in a place in your business and brand where you’re constantly copying others, you’re walking behind other people. Your brand is based on what other people are doing. So, it’s not going to stand out. 

If you’re the person creating content that’s being copied, well… that means you’re doing something right. I know that’s probably weird to hear! But, if you’re doing a good job of staying in your lane and doing your own thing, then that’s what matters. I know it can be tempting to reach out and complain, but unless it’s a paid product who’s integrity will be damaged, I recommend just putting your blinders on and moving forward. 

Copying & Being Inspired

I think there’s a difference between copying blatantly and being inspired by someone else. People argue that a lot of content IS similar these days. I don’t think it’s wrong to be inspired by someone, but to copy a design exactly or copy word for word is wrong. And again, as someone who has been copied: I know how frustrating it is, especially if you’ve doing something unique! 

I’ve seen people copy my website and copy (that I paid money for!) on their own site. So, if you’re out there doing that to someone else – don’t. Just do your  own thing. It’s not going to build a sustainable or unique brand for you and your business. And if you’re being copied, I really do know it’s hard to live in that blissful ignorance, but you’re going to waste so much time and energy reaching out to people copying you. You have other places to put that energy – your business, your home, your life. Use that energy and time wisely. 

I know this week was a shorter episode but I hope it helps you feel a bit better about what to do when someone copies your idea! 

If you’re listening and you have ideas about what to talk about next, please send in your requests! I really do want to know what you want to hear about in future episodes. Email me at [email protected] with your questions!! I can’t wait to hear from you! Don’t forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, too. We appreciate all of the support and love!