As a copywriter, you're never working in a vacuum: Your job involves collaborating with any number of people and departments. But when someone says, "Go talk to traffic?" do you know what that means? Today, we're going to get crystal clear on a bunch of job titles so you're prepared to collaborate with the best of ‘em. Read on… Today's question comes from Caroline M. who … [Read more...]
Top 10 Misconceptions About Copywriting—Part 2
Misinformation about copywriting runs rampant, but we’re trying valiantly to set it right! Today’s article is part two in our series about the top ten misconceptions about copywriting. Prepare for clarity and then read on… If you missed the first five of our top ten misconceptions about copywriting, you can find those right here. But if you’re ready and raring to see the next … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: The Creativity Problem
When people think about the advertising industry, the trait they’re most likely to associate with it is “creativity.” But the truth is that if the success of the ad industry rested on creativity, it would have folded long ago. Find out what’s even more important than creativity: Read on… Today’s question comes from Renee D. who asks, “I’m worried that I’m not creative enough … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: Why Copywriting Formulas Are Absurd
There are sites and sources that promise "the perfect formula for effective copy!" or "the formula for copy that converts!" And that sounds great, right? But not only are "formulas" not great, they're both full of crap and bad for copywriting professionals. Care to hear me rant? Read on... Today's question comes from Amelia E. who asks, "I get a newsletter from a site that … [Read more...]
What is Content Marketing?
For the most part, content writing isn’t a high-paying job. But there’s one area of it that both pays well…and is growing. I’m talking about content marketing, and it can be a great opportunity for someone with a background in copywriting. A few weeks ago, we talked about content strategy, which, despite its name, is really about how copy is organized on a site. Content … [Read more...]
How to Write a Wildly Effective About Us Page
The "About Us" page is one of the most wildly visited pages on most websites (often second to the homepage). It's especially frequented by people who haven't interacted much with that company before. (Read: people who haven't purchased yet.) That means the copywriting on the about page can can mean the difference between customers trusting the company and making purchases … [Read more...]
What is Content Strategy? And How Is It Different from Copywriting?
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...]
Copywriting Q&A: 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, today we're going to talk about three points you might be missing in that analysis; three tell-tale marks of lazy writing. Intrigued? Read on... Today's question comes from Jayson F. who asks, "I kept seeing a bunch of emails and ads that said … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: 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? Read on... Today's question comes from Ceejay R. who asks, "I had an interview with a recruiter who asked me if I'd ever worked with a CMS. What is … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: What You Need to Know About Testing
In many companies, your copy will be put to the test. But wait—don't panic. What I mean, is that your copy will be put to the test against more of your copy. It's a pretty common (and very important) process that you need to know about. Read on... Today's question is from Ansel R. who asks, "My client wants to do an A/B test with subject lines. I smiled and nodded...What … [Read more...]