Thursday, February 26, 2015

Episode 2 - Do you really need to hire a copywriter?


Hello everyone and welcome to episode 2 of the Strong Words Podcast.

Today’s topic: Do you really need to hire a copywriter?

Copywriters hear it all the time, “Why should I hire someone to write my copy? I’m a good writer, I can do it myself!” Or, “what’s the ROI, really?”

Well…with over a decade of freelance copywriting experience I’m obviously a little biased, a copywriter, whether part-time, full-time, or freelance, can save you time which equals money, boost your brand, and be a valued member of your team, but there are times when hiring a copywriter doesn’t make sense.

The main reason for NOT hiring a copywriter is money.

Copywriters aren’t free. If you’re launching a small business with limited staff (like a staff of 1) and on a tight budget, writing your own copy or using vendor copy may be the only options.

Or perhaps you’re still experimenting with the voice and overall message of your company, setting goals, and refining marketing strategies. You’ll need to find a steady direction before handing the steering wheel over to an outside copy source. But even then, a copywriter can help find your company voice, if you find the right one.

So now let’s answer the original question, “Why should you hire someone to write your copy?”

The answer is simple, copywriters are paid professionals.

Just like any other profession, say photography, graphic and web design, or even construction, copywriting is a skilled trade with specific techniques.

 For example, just because you feel confident snapping selfies on your phone, doesn’t mean you’re qualified to shoot a wedding, same principal, different industry.

Time= $$
Time is a major player when considering a copywriter. Do you have the time to write all the product descriptions, blog posts, social media updates, and weekly email blast? Chances are good your time is better spent getting new clients. A copywriter can save you time by crafting your copy for you.

We all know time equals money. So how much is your time actually worth? Could it be better spent in other areas of your company? Yeah. Thought so.

Either you’ve got a brand or are building one. A copywriter is trained in the art of persuasive writing. They can build on the existing voice of your company or ask the right questions to help you discover that voice and then use it to speak to your target audience. Quality copy can educate and inspire potential clients to follow a call to action.

It’s not magic. It’s experience.

More than just writing quality copy on deadline, a good copywriter gets to know your business so they can write in your company voice and has valuable insight on the ins and outs of current copy trends, how people digest online content, and what kind of copy generates the precious return on investments we’re all looking for. Doesn’t matter if they’re freelance or an actual hired employee, as professionals they will be a valued member who brings their own knowledge and experience to the table.


Well that’s it for this episode. I’m Laurie Brekke of Big Ink Writing Services. Thanks for listening to the Strong Worlds Podcast. 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Product Descriptions – Saying More With Less

Strong Words Podcast, Episode 1.

This show is produced by Big Ink Writing Services. Online content experts that can provide rich, creative copy that gets results. From website content to product descriptions for online retailers, Big Ink Writing Services can give your online presence the voice that speaks to your audience.

Hi, and welcome to the Strong Words Podcast, the show about copy writing and content for an online world. My name is Laurie and I’m your host. 

Today’s topic: Product Descriptions – Saying More With Less

You see them everyday, every time you shop online, the product description. You might take them for granted, until you try to write one, or you read a great one.

A good description does 4 things:
·         Provide quality information about the product
·         Provide the product with SEO keywords
·         Help the shopper identify with the seller
·         And inspire the shopper to click buy

It doesn’t matter if you’re a big online retailer or selling on etsy, good descriptions sell more products. Poor product descriptions leave the buyer questioning the legitimacy of the seller. This makes it all too easy for the potential customer to click on through to another site.

With today’s internet attention spans, you have but seconds to make a good impression. This is something the big online retailers are keenly aware of and they have it down to a science.

Here are just a few tips we use when writing product descriptions for our online retail customers:

1.    Clean, succinct copy clears a path to sales. Clean copy means text that isn’t weighed down by fluff and filler words. Get to the point quickly. Do this by making sure every word has a useful purpose. Short sentences are key. Check out the transcript of this show on our blog site for an example of a succinct description vs one that is all fluff and no stuff.

2.    Find features that matter. What are the important facts about your product? What benefit does it offer the customer, and what makes this product better than others like it?

3.    Keywords make for optimized searches. If you wanted to buy your product, what would you search for? Sprinkle your copy with these words for a well-seasoned description that will help customers find it. 

4.    Find your voice. The first step to finding your voice is to imagine your perfect customer. Make them real in your mind and then speak to them with your copy.

5.    Attention to detail. Whether it’s a piece of html or simple punctuation, details are part of that first impression. Make sure your facts like dimensions are accurate and your spelling and grammar are precise.

So many more tips, so little time. Subscribe to the show on itunes, and check out our show page at strongwordspodcast.com to find us on social media. My name is Laurie.