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: 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 that?" CMS … [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 does … [Read more...]
What’s a Copy Test?
As if life weren't full of tests and trials enough, you'll find that some jobs even require you to complete a copy test before you get the work—or even before a second interview. A copywriting test is a sample writing exercise. It's a way for a potential employer to see your skills writing for their particular brand. But what does that mean? And is it a good thing or a bad … [Read more...]
The Right Way to Fit “Ad” into “Advertorials”
In the world of copywriting, the advertorial is a mutt. Part ad, part editorial, it hits the magazine or trade publication reader when they are already primed to read. When the advertorial is not that engaging it can come across as deceptive. There you are, cozied up with your favorite glossy only to look up at the page to see "special advertising section". Drats! Foiled … [Read more...]
Why Online Sales Letters are Dead—and What to Write for Clients Instead
There are all kinds of marketing tactics that you should learn to make the most out of your copywriting career. For instance, you need to know about mediums like email campaigns, paid ads (like you see on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and as website banners), opt-in landing pages, and sales pages. If I had a nickel for every "copywriting" site that says, "I make seven … [Read more...]
What You Need to Know About After-Sales Service
Let’s say you’re a freelance copywriter. (You are, right?) Now let’s say you bought the latest laptop on the market, loaded it with all the tools a good entrepreneurial writer needs (like, say, a mini espresso bar app). Six months later, if the folks who sold you the thing clear out all those multiplayer online gaming data files clogging the system (“No idea where those came … [Read more...]
How Copywriting Projects Actually Come Together
For people who are just starting out as copywriters, there's an element to the copywriting process that's often kind of a mystery. Namely, well, pretty much the whole process. How does a project get started? How when do you work with a designer? How does your work get seen? Where does the writing fit in? Believe me: what seems confusing and intimidating now will eventually … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: The Dangers of Using Swipe Files
Some ads are just so good, you have to tear them out and keep them. In fact, many people will advise you to do just that. It's for inspiration, right? But sometimes "inspiration" can get in the way of "creation". Find out how to use other ads to help you—and when having them around is a really bad idea... Today's question comes from Candace H. who asks, "I read an article … [Read more...]