We've said it once and we'll say it a million more times: giving and receiving feedback is a skill. And, it's a skill not enough professionals, copywriters or otherwise, workout enough. So, while it can sometimes be hard to receive feedback on our copywriting, we can take what we learn from how we receive feedback and incorporate it into how we give copywriting feedback. If … [Read more...]
Self-Edit Your Copywriting: Why It’s a Must & How To Do It
First things first: copywriters are not copy editors. Copywriters...well...write copy! Copy editors make sure any writing adheres to the client's style guide in addition to paying very close attention to grammar and punctuation. (It's why copy editors are crucial for content—there are simply more words on the page with content writing!) But you still need to self-edit your … [Read more...]
Copywriting Tips for Creating Ideas and Concepts That Stick
Every copywriter wants their ideas to resonate with the intended audience. But what makes some ideas resonate and leave a lasting impression? And what makes other ideas completely ineffective? As brothers Chip and Dan Heath say in Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, "you want to invent new ideas, not new rules." So, they've created a playbook that offers a … [Read more...]
How to Write Clear, Concise Copy
Whether you're brand new to copywriting or have been at it for awhile, you likely know that writing clear, concise copy is hard. It's why copywriters are paid so well! But how do you ultimately distill your message down (especially when you can think of 5 different benefits)? This month's FRW Book Club pick offers up some tips for improving your communication. Brief: … [Read more...]
What Makes a Good Call to Action (CTA)?
As a copywriter, the pieces you write will almost always include a call to action, or CTA. A CTA is the action you want a user to take. So, if you’re writing an email and the goal is to get them to buy a certain product, it may mean linking the text “shop now,” or even working with the designer to put copy on a button or include small arrows/carrots (>>) next to the … [Read more...]
How to Write Copy for International Clients
I probably don’t need to say it, but there’s more opportunity than ever to work with remote clients. (I guess that’s one small bright side to a pandemic, though the trend was definitely on the upswing before 2020.) And that means that not only can you write for clients on the other side of your country from you, you can also write for clients on the other side of the world. … [Read more...]
Should You Add UX Copywriting to Your Copywriting Services?
There are a lot of “genres” of copywriting that really aren’t genres at all; they’re just buzz-y marketing terms. “Conversion copywriting” is a good example. Any copywriter worth their salt is focused on helping their clients increase conversions. After all, the goal of copywriting is to connect a person who has a specific need with the best possible solution to that need. … [Read more...]
How Can You Know if a Copywriting Deadline is Doable?
We freelancers have a love/hate relationship with deadlines. We love them because there is nothing that will get your rear in a chair and your fingers typing like a looming copywriting deadline. Aaaaaand we also hate them because what gets our rear in the chair are twinges of panic at the idea of not getting the work done in time. Deadlines are essential because they … [Read more...]
Why Copywriters Need to Think Visually (and How to Do It)
Copywriters aren’t designers. But when it comes to concepting ideas, you do need to come prepared with ideas for the project. For example, if you’re writing a banner ad to get people to book a vacation and want the copy to say something like “Go from ARGH!!! to Ahhhhhhh” you may envision someone yelling in an office contrasted with someone relaxing in a beach chair. … [Read more...]
Why You Need to Re-Sell Your Copywriting Work
Okay, pop quiz, copywriters: Once you found the client, landed the work, written the first draft, and conducted your self-edits, the next step is just to send the draft back to your client with a friendly, “Let me know what you think!”, right? (Hint: If that were right, this would be an awfully short post.) Believe me, I certainly understand the impulse to send a draft … [Read more...]