Why Content Marketing Fails – 5 things you need to know BEFORE you write another blog
Content & StrategyBefore we get to the content marketing fails, let’s look at the big picture. Typically, inbound marketing costs around 61% less per acquisition than traditional outbound marketing and advertising methods such as cold calling and direct mail…
Basic Copywriting Rule: How to Make the “You Rule” Work for You
Content & Strategy Copywriting SkillsThere's a basic copywriting rule that can change your content almost instantly. It all goes back to your freshman English teacher, who familiarized you with the concept of “point of view” (POV) in fiction.She explained that a story is…
17 Copywriting Affirmations
Content & StrategyWhen it comes to copywriting, you don’t need to say these things over and over again out loud, however, you do have to keep them in mind even before your fingers hit the keyboard.Begin writing with empathy. You have to care about your…
An Example in Content Marketing
Content & StrategyWhen I used to tell people I did content marketing, nobody really understood what that meant. Even when talking with agencies and successful companies, most people think of content as writing, and people think of marketing as advertising.“So…
Check my emails, my routine: A day in the life of a copywriter.
Content & Strategy FreelancingLog on and check my bank account to see whether anyone has paid me overnight. No. Hmph.
Check my emails.
Some spam (filtered into a separate folder), some newsletters, some invitations to networking events, and a money-off pizza offer.Drive…
The 4 U’s: Use this Checklist for Writing Powerful Headlines
Content & Strategy Copywriting SkillsYou’ve heard it: writing powerful headlines is an essential skill for any writer.It’s a skill you need now more than ever. Readers have too much content to process, be it online or in print. They skim and then choose what pieces to read…
10 Lessons Learned From 25+ Years Of Writing
Content & StrategyHaving spent 17 years as a freelance copywriter – and longer at ad and branding agencies – here are 10 lessons I’ve learned.
Some problems and situations crop up time and time again with freelance copywriting, so I hope these tips and…
Why Your First Blog Post Should Be A “Life Story” Article
Content & StrategyOne of the key techniques I’ve taught Blog Mastermind members since 2007 is the value of a ‘Life Story’ post or series.In simple terms, a Life Story post is your background story as it relates to the topic of your blog.If you blog…
The Six Essential Ingredients of a B-To-B Copywriter’s Web Site
Content & StrategyWhen you set up shop as a business-to-business copywriter, you can get started through referrals, word-of-mouth recommendations and face-to-face meetings with potential clients. Soon you'll need a web site, though. The web site serves as a credibility…
My Journey To Becoming a Full-Time Freelance Copywriter
Content & StrategyI published my first blog post online on May 19, 2007.It was a reflection on Psalm 63.And it was the first time I’d ever “published” my writing for the world to see. I didn’t consider myself a writer back then (not even an aspiring…
10 Simple Tips For Writing Copy
Content & StrategyWant to turn okay copy into good copy? Or simply know how to get started? These ten easy copywriting tips should help….
When I started out as a junior copywriter in my first agency, I was lucky enough to have two deputy creative directors…
Five things I’ve learned as a packaging copywriter
Content & StrategyPackaging copywriting is a specialty that combines the kind of sales copywriting experience you get writing direct marketing along with branding experience and point-of-purchase awareness. Plus a dash of regulatory knowledge. Plus a balance…