We've already covered how copy and content are different...but then, wouldn't you know it, the business world goes and confuses the concepts by creating the term "content strategy." What is it? What does a content strategist do? Can copywriters apply for content strategist jobs? (And how does it differ from "content marketing?") "Content strategy" is one of those … [Read more...]
How To Maximize Email Subscriptions
Email is often the lifeblood of a business. After all, if someone visits a site and leaves then that company needs a way to get in touch with them. As such, you can provide a major service to a company by getting more people to sign up. So, how do you improve those sign-up rates? As you already know, one of the reasons that copywriting is so valuable is that it can directly … [Read more...]
3 Marks of “Lazy Copywriting”
I'm always telling you to really read the copy that comes at you every day. And then, I'm also telling you to analyze it. Well, here we look at three points you might be missing in that analysis—three tell-tale marks of lazy writing. Intrigued? Lazy copywriting is when the copywriter doesn't take the time to be original, to carefully look through their copy, and to analyze … [Read more...]
The Cardinal Sin for New Copywriters
When you're just starting work, you'll do practically anything to get it—including making an offer that's sure to tank any chances you have of making money or being respected. Oh, and did I mention that the majority of new copywriters make this mistake? Read: It's a big problem. Let's make sure you avoid it. The Big Sin Before you land your first copywriting client, or … [Read more...]
When to Use Curiosity Headlines in Copywriting
Headlines are tricky: You need to write them so that they grab people's attentions and entice them to read the rest of the page. But just how do you do that? And what headlines are appropriate when? It's pretty common that there's a lot of confusion around headlines—and most of that has to do with the fact that there's a lot of confused information out there. Some websites … [Read more...]
Copywriting for Love or Money
How you organize your time can have a major effect on how much money you bring in. But what should you do when you have a project that you want to work on that won't pay you very much? There are going to be many points during your career when people want you to work for them but for less than your standard rate or just generally less than you deserve. When this happens you … [Read more...]
What’s a CMS?
Often, writing involves creating your copy deck, sending it to your designer, and then working together to make tweaks. But what happens when, instead, it involves inputting your copy directly into a computer system? You'll likely be interacting with a CMS, or content management system. Here's what it is and how it comes into play in your copywriting. What Does CMS … [Read more...]
8 Copywriting Books Copywriters Need to Read to Build Marketing and Mindset Skills
I’m a big believer in continual learning...especially for copywriters who tend to write about a variety of topics. If you ever think you know everything about something, you’re in BIG trouble. There's no end to your education, but that education should stay fun, don't you think? To that end, we've compiled a list of eight copywriting books you need to add to your … [Read more...]
Why “Practice Makes Perfect” When It Comes to Copywriting Is Wrong
If the way to get to Carnegie Hall is practice, that must be true for copywriters too, right? Not quite. Instead of focusing on writing, writing, writing, and churning out ads every hour of every day, copywriters should adopt a different technique instead. Why "More" Doesn't Mean "Better" They (whoever "they" is) say that for writers to improve, they need to write. … [Read more...]
How to Keep a Project from Falling Through
It's heartbreaking: You find a potential client, put together the perfect proposal, they say "Yes!" and then...the project just dies. No project...and no paycheck. Let's talk about why that happens and what you can do about it. First, let me just say that this premature project death happens to the best of us, even the very best. Clients that were extra jazzed about moving … [Read more...]