I recently wrote a post about core messaging, and how it is key to creating all your promotional documents. Another key to a strong promotional foundation is your brand. Unlike a core message, a brand is something that is developed largely by others’ perceptions. By building a better one, you can influence how that happens….
Category Archives: Writing Tips and Tricks
Emotional Copywriting 102
Last week I introduced the concept of emotional copywriting, and spelled out some of the basics of what it is and how you can use it to get a better response with your promotional materials. What I didn’t write about was exactly how to do it…which is what this post will cover: Do Your Homework…
Emotional Copywriting 101
It has been said that people buy and take other actions based on emotion, and then use logic to rationalize their decisions. Most of the time, this process occurs subconsciously, and within a few seconds. Whether or not you buy into this theory, it only takes a bit of observation to know that people ARE…
Tips for Successful Copywriting on a Marketing Team
Copywriting is not done in a vacuum. As a copywriter, whether within a company or organization, or as a freelancer, you are usually working as part of a team. That team could include a marketing consultant, a graphic designer, a web developer, an SEO specialist, a public relations specialist, a programmer, a videographer, a packaging…
5 Things (Beyond Your Control) That Can Derail Your Writing Project
Early in my career as a copywriter and grant writer, I realized that so much of writing is not about writing. In fact, I would say that about 20% of the writing process actually involves writing, while the rest (about 80%) is planning, researching, understanding, and editing. I often feel relieved when, on a writing…
For More Effective Grant Writing, Learn the Truth Behind These 5 Grant Myths
Because grant writing is one of my services, I often talk with people about their expectations regarding grants. Through these conversations, I have come to realize that grants are somewhat misunderstood by both for-profit companies and nonprofits. However, you will have a much easier time writing a grant proposal (and will be more likely to…
10 Questions to Ask Before Writing Any Business Document
If there’s one thing that can help you be more successful in writing, it’s careful planning. Before you even begin researching or drafting a website, blog, article, brochure, case study, elevator speech, e-book, grant proposal, or other business document, you need to ask yourself some basic questions. Here are a few to get you…
For Better Promotional Writing, Start With a Strong Core Message
Even among really smart people with great businesses, I often hear the lament, “I don’t know how to talk about what I do.” Sometimes you can be so close to your products and services that it’s hard to communicate about them in an understandable way. The solution, and the key to promoting your business clearly…
Attract Readers With Simple Language
As we all know, there is a lot of information out there. Readers can choose to read your blog posts, e-books, brochures, newsletters, or someone else’s. There are any number of factors that determine who reads what, such as interest level, ease of access, and the reader’s previous relationship with the author. Another factor is…
Use Disruptive Language to Catch Readers’ Attention
The word “disruptive” may evoke a number of unpleasant scenarios: an unruly child preventing classmates from learning; an unhappy customer causing a scene; a disgruntled employee derailing a meeting. But, disruption doesn’t have to be so extreme. Disruption can simply be an interruption, or something unexpected. This phenomenon is demonstrated in disruptive marketing, which can…
