A copywriting job can mean brisk business, especially for writers who have the skills and experience. However, that is only if the writer knows how to strategically price his copywriting services, something that can be very tricky, especially for beginners. Setting a rate for copywriting can be confusing, particularly because you don't want to overcharge and turn away prospects or undercharge and not be paid what you deserve. Here are some of the most important things that you should consider when setting your copywriting rates:
Different copywriters charge different rates
This is due mainly to the type of skills you have, your writing expertise and experience. Beginner copywriters, for example, cannot charge the same rates as more experienced ones.
The key here is to prove that you can deliver. Even if you have the skills but don't have the experience, it can take a while before you can charge a rate as high as those charged by a copywriter with more experience than you do. This, even if you will be writing on the same topic. A Web article, for example, may cost only $75 for a beginner copywriter while a more experienced copywriter may charge at least $120.
The type of writing and topic
The type of writing project and its topic will also affect copywriting rates. An article written on a general topic, for example, may be charged at a lower rate than a write-up about a project with a specialized topic. Article writing, newsletters, brochures, ads, ghostwriting a book, news stories, press releases, etc. – require different types of research and styles of writing.
The type of research that has to go into writing will also influence the rates – the more difficult, intricate and technical the writing needs to be, the higher its rate. Extras that add value to a copywriting service such as search engine optimization or writing using HTML can also allow a writer to charge more.
To give you an idea how much copywriters charge for their services, here are some ballpark figures you might find useful:
For articles that will appear on a website, copywriters charge anywhere from $100 to $400 per write-up. If you choose to charge by the hour, the range can be anywhere from a low of $50 to around $85. For Web content that will fill 10 pages, you might want to charge for about $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the type of content.
For press releases, copywriters often charge from $300 to around $600 while others may charge lower, starting at around $100 or $150.
For sales letters, freelance copywriters usually charge a whopping $1,000 to around $2,000 per letter. Some, such as those still building their portfolio, can charge from a low of $200 to around $500.
The number of wordS
Many copywriters charge per word while others prefer a set number of minimum words per write-up. These become the basis of their copywriting rates. For example, a copywriter may charge a lower rate for a 300-word write-up than he would for a 500-word article.
The frequency of the writing project
There are different copywriting rates set for one-time writing projects and for continuous assignments. Copywriters will generally charge a slightly lower copywriting rate for continuous projects than for one-time only articles.
After service
As part of their copywriting services, copywriters often allow one revision per article which is included in the set rate. Further revisions and additions are sometimes billed extra or based on a per hour rate. Copywriters may charge from about $30 to $70 an hour to make their revisions.
Self-marketing
Believe it or not, how much you can charge for your copywriting rates will also depend on how well you can sell your writing skills. If you're unsure of what to charge and less confident about your writing, you're likely to charge a rate that is less than what's reasonable for your level of skills and experience. Know your skills and be confident so you will never have to charge an unreasonable rate.
Showing posts with label Copywriting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Copywriting. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
5 Ways to Write Copy and Avoid Being Clever and Critical
There are times when writing can inspire such strong emotions that you find yourself becoming critical or overly clever. While it may sound or look good to you and a few people who know you, it may not always have the same kind of reception with the rest of your audience. By using a tone of writing carelessly, you might not get the kind of results you want. Here are reasons why you should avoid being clever and critical just to write copy and how to improve your writing instead:
Being overly clever is seen as arrogance
You've probably come across writers who try too hard to impress their audience. You will agree that they often seem condescending and annoying. The reader's usual reaction is often, 'What, does this writer think I'm dumb?'
By being too clever, you'll alienate your audience, who won't be too pleased at being subjected to a write-up that seems to insinuate that they are ignorant. Instead, speak to them the way you would to a respected colleague and don't simply assume that you know better.
Being critical can ruffle the wrong feathers
There are writing styles and topics that call for a writer to use a critical tone. Satire, for example, is very often critical. However, really great writers still manage to inject good humor into the writing, which is actually a sign of genuine talent.
When writing reviews, for example, you also need to be critical in order to inform the reader the positive and negative points of the person, event or product being reviewed. Being critical could be harsh but if you can phrase your sentences well, your write-up will be easier and more fun to read.
Be like Shakespeare
No, it's not about iambic pentameters and rhymes but being able to state the obvious without doing so. Instead of confronting the issue upfront by being clever and critical, find ways to describe, illustrate, critique or opine. You can add words, omit some, use metaphors and other tricks of the language. The key here is to produce a well-written piece. Just don't overdo it, though or people will know you're trying to be clever.
Avoid strong language
You don't have to be offensive just so people will know that you have something to say. Sometimes, writers can't help using strong language when trying to be critical about something.
Some writers may even use strong language in the hopes of preventing boredom in their readers. However, this trick often backfires since not everyone is appreciative of language used only in B action movies and street fights. If you use strong language out of context, your readers might think that you are either trying to be clever or being overly critical.
Instead of falling into this trap, turn to useful references such as a dictionary or a thesaurus for better alternatives. You'd be surprised at how well you can write copy that expresses exactly what you want to say using well-chosen words. You'll gain more respect for it.
Use humor instead
Instead of being clever and critical when writing copy, consider appealing to your readers' funny side. Some of the best writing ever produced used humor to express opinions and ideas even about the most serious of topics. Doing so will allow you to explore a different aspect of your subject and to offer your readers a means to see things in a different light.
Being overly clever is seen as arrogance
You've probably come across writers who try too hard to impress their audience. You will agree that they often seem condescending and annoying. The reader's usual reaction is often, 'What, does this writer think I'm dumb?'
By being too clever, you'll alienate your audience, who won't be too pleased at being subjected to a write-up that seems to insinuate that they are ignorant. Instead, speak to them the way you would to a respected colleague and don't simply assume that you know better.
Being critical can ruffle the wrong feathers
There are writing styles and topics that call for a writer to use a critical tone. Satire, for example, is very often critical. However, really great writers still manage to inject good humor into the writing, which is actually a sign of genuine talent.
When writing reviews, for example, you also need to be critical in order to inform the reader the positive and negative points of the person, event or product being reviewed. Being critical could be harsh but if you can phrase your sentences well, your write-up will be easier and more fun to read.
Be like Shakespeare
No, it's not about iambic pentameters and rhymes but being able to state the obvious without doing so. Instead of confronting the issue upfront by being clever and critical, find ways to describe, illustrate, critique or opine. You can add words, omit some, use metaphors and other tricks of the language. The key here is to produce a well-written piece. Just don't overdo it, though or people will know you're trying to be clever.
Avoid strong language
You don't have to be offensive just so people will know that you have something to say. Sometimes, writers can't help using strong language when trying to be critical about something.
Some writers may even use strong language in the hopes of preventing boredom in their readers. However, this trick often backfires since not everyone is appreciative of language used only in B action movies and street fights. If you use strong language out of context, your readers might think that you are either trying to be clever or being overly critical.
Instead of falling into this trap, turn to useful references such as a dictionary or a thesaurus for better alternatives. You'd be surprised at how well you can write copy that expresses exactly what you want to say using well-chosen words. You'll gain more respect for it.
Use humor instead
Instead of being clever and critical when writing copy, consider appealing to your readers' funny side. Some of the best writing ever produced used humor to express opinions and ideas even about the most serious of topics. Doing so will allow you to explore a different aspect of your subject and to offer your readers a means to see things in a different light.
Monday, January 5, 2009
7 Ways to Show Authority in Writing a Copy
One of the goals a writer has in copywriting is to convince the reader. Good, authoritative copy is very easy for readers to trust because it sounds more truthful and caters to their wants, needs and interests. As a result, response rates are better and there is a higher likelihood that the desired results are achieved. Integrating a tone of authority in writing a copy is a studied process but it is not entirely impossible. Here are the top 7 ways you can improve your copy and make it more influential and convincing:
Know your topic
Never write copy about a subject you have little or no knowledge about. If you want to prove you have authority in writing that copy, you should be able to show your audience or readers that you know exactly what you are writing about. Your readers can tell if you're only bluffing.
Prove your experience
Another way to show you have authority in writing copy is by proving you have the correct experience about the subject. You can't write about rocket science with authority if the closest you've ever come close to a rocket is by watching a fireworks display.
Use your USP
Every product, idea or statement has a USP or unique sales proposition. Find out what yours is when writing copy. The USP will help define your statement and make you stand out from write-ups that have a similar idea. You can use this to your advantage to create authority.
Make the statement clear so your readers will understand immediately the message you are trying to put across.
State the benefits and advantages
There will always be disadvantages or limitations to your product, idea or statement. Instead of detailing them to your readers, focus on the advantages and benefits. Tell your readers what it can do and what it can't do.
If you're promoting a bicycle, for example, you don't have to state that it's not as fast as a car. It can't fly but it can help its user reach his destination. It's cheap, doesn't pollute the environment and can even be an instrument of fitness.
Use facts
Embellishing your statements may sound harmless but the effect on your readers may not be advantageous to you. Consumers and readers are a bit sensitive and they will take it personally if they find that you were pulling the wool over their eyes. There is nothing that works as fast as an overstatement to decrease your credibility.
If you want to have authority in writing copy, state only the facts – statements that are easily verifiable.
Back up your claims
Authority in writing copy is similar to writing news stories – you need proof of your statements. If you make one, make sure it's backed up by details and figures that may be corroborated. If there is a study, research or statement made by an expert that will support your claim, use that as well. So in case someone asks, you can point them to the reference that will support what you said.
Don’t mess with the language
If you want to be trusted as an authority in writing a copy, make sure you take care to show good grammatical and spelling skills. Nothing destroys an authoritative position than bad language because it speaks of carelessness and a lack of knowledge. If you want to be seen and accepted as an expert, show respect for your readers and write well.
Know your topic
Never write copy about a subject you have little or no knowledge about. If you want to prove you have authority in writing that copy, you should be able to show your audience or readers that you know exactly what you are writing about. Your readers can tell if you're only bluffing.
Prove your experience
Another way to show you have authority in writing copy is by proving you have the correct experience about the subject. You can't write about rocket science with authority if the closest you've ever come close to a rocket is by watching a fireworks display.
Use your USP
Every product, idea or statement has a USP or unique sales proposition. Find out what yours is when writing copy. The USP will help define your statement and make you stand out from write-ups that have a similar idea. You can use this to your advantage to create authority.
Make the statement clear so your readers will understand immediately the message you are trying to put across.
State the benefits and advantages
There will always be disadvantages or limitations to your product, idea or statement. Instead of detailing them to your readers, focus on the advantages and benefits. Tell your readers what it can do and what it can't do.
If you're promoting a bicycle, for example, you don't have to state that it's not as fast as a car. It can't fly but it can help its user reach his destination. It's cheap, doesn't pollute the environment and can even be an instrument of fitness.
Use facts
Embellishing your statements may sound harmless but the effect on your readers may not be advantageous to you. Consumers and readers are a bit sensitive and they will take it personally if they find that you were pulling the wool over their eyes. There is nothing that works as fast as an overstatement to decrease your credibility.
If you want to have authority in writing copy, state only the facts – statements that are easily verifiable.
Back up your claims
Authority in writing copy is similar to writing news stories – you need proof of your statements. If you make one, make sure it's backed up by details and figures that may be corroborated. If there is a study, research or statement made by an expert that will support your claim, use that as well. So in case someone asks, you can point them to the reference that will support what you said.
Don’t mess with the language
If you want to be trusted as an authority in writing a copy, make sure you take care to show good grammatical and spelling skills. Nothing destroys an authoritative position than bad language because it speaks of carelessness and a lack of knowledge. If you want to be seen and accepted as an expert, show respect for your readers and write well.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
8 Types of Headlines That Sell
There are effective ways on how to infuse your visitors the sense of urgency your page is trying to convey. Since the most crucial part of your site is the part where the visitors land, headlines are very vital to bring to them your point at the most immediate time possible.
Writing the best headline is not too complicated as many marketers would think; it can be simple if you will follow the right process. Rather than thinking of how you should write your headline, think of what it should say to your visitors. To help you think about a possible headline, listed here are the types of headlines to choose from:
1.News Headline. If your service or product proposes something newsworthy, publicize it on your headline. You’ll naturally use this to present your new product or an enhancement on your existing product. You can make use of words like Now, New, Introducing, Just Released, Finally, At Last or Announcing to make your News Headline more appealing. For example: Finally! A New Diet Pill that Can Work For Just Seven Days!
2.Benefit Headline. Features do not sell but benefits do. To compose a winning benefit headline, you must be overly familiar with your market. This will let you offer them a compelling and powerful benefit driven headline that will easily entice your audience. Research on every little benefit that your prospects are looking for on a product or service. En example of a benefit headline is: Cleans and Whiten Your Teeth…
3.Guarantee Headline. These are headlines which present appealing benefits and guarantee results. If your product or service gives powerful guarantee, let your would-be customers know it by showing it on your headline. For example: Whitens your Skin in just 10 days… Money Back Guarantee!
4.How to Headline. There are many “How Tos” present either in books or sites so you wouldn’t be wrong on this type. Try placing “how to” on your headline and it will really be enticing for your prospects to know what solutions, information and advices you have for their problems. For example: How to Win Back Your Husband…
5.Testimonial Headline. This type of headline utilizes testimonials of customers for the headline. Your customers will sell for you since they will be talking of the benefits they gain from your products. For Example: I Earn A Lot By Just Purchasing this Self-Help Book
6.Question Headline. You must be cautious when using this type. You must be well informed of your market or you may blow your chances of winning them by this advertising drive. The good types of question headlines are those that encourage your prospects to be involved. For example: Have You Turned Your First Date into Disaster?
7.Command Headline. The type of headline which instructs your costumers on what they will do. The command must encourage action through benefit offerings that will really help them. Most effective headlines must start with action verbs. For example: Stop Your Financial Problems!
8.Reason Why Headline. This headline will give your prospective costumers particular reasons why they need to read your sales letter, your website or your ad. These headlines are effective since they include specific numbers and facts. For example: Easy and Fun Ways to Earn $500 From Home.
You can model your headline from the types listed above; but be sure to sizzle your headlines to compel your prospects to read your site. Move beyond the usual and create your headline at a different angle. Add up some new attention grabbing terms and see your sales surge up!
Writing the best headline is not too complicated as many marketers would think; it can be simple if you will follow the right process. Rather than thinking of how you should write your headline, think of what it should say to your visitors. To help you think about a possible headline, listed here are the types of headlines to choose from:
1.News Headline. If your service or product proposes something newsworthy, publicize it on your headline. You’ll naturally use this to present your new product or an enhancement on your existing product. You can make use of words like Now, New, Introducing, Just Released, Finally, At Last or Announcing to make your News Headline more appealing. For example: Finally! A New Diet Pill that Can Work For Just Seven Days!
2.Benefit Headline. Features do not sell but benefits do. To compose a winning benefit headline, you must be overly familiar with your market. This will let you offer them a compelling and powerful benefit driven headline that will easily entice your audience. Research on every little benefit that your prospects are looking for on a product or service. En example of a benefit headline is: Cleans and Whiten Your Teeth…
3.Guarantee Headline. These are headlines which present appealing benefits and guarantee results. If your product or service gives powerful guarantee, let your would-be customers know it by showing it on your headline. For example: Whitens your Skin in just 10 days… Money Back Guarantee!
4.How to Headline. There are many “How Tos” present either in books or sites so you wouldn’t be wrong on this type. Try placing “how to” on your headline and it will really be enticing for your prospects to know what solutions, information and advices you have for their problems. For example: How to Win Back Your Husband…
5.Testimonial Headline. This type of headline utilizes testimonials of customers for the headline. Your customers will sell for you since they will be talking of the benefits they gain from your products. For Example: I Earn A Lot By Just Purchasing this Self-Help Book
6.Question Headline. You must be cautious when using this type. You must be well informed of your market or you may blow your chances of winning them by this advertising drive. The good types of question headlines are those that encourage your prospects to be involved. For example: Have You Turned Your First Date into Disaster?
7.Command Headline. The type of headline which instructs your costumers on what they will do. The command must encourage action through benefit offerings that will really help them. Most effective headlines must start with action verbs. For example: Stop Your Financial Problems!
8.Reason Why Headline. This headline will give your prospective costumers particular reasons why they need to read your sales letter, your website or your ad. These headlines are effective since they include specific numbers and facts. For example: Easy and Fun Ways to Earn $500 From Home.
You can model your headline from the types listed above; but be sure to sizzle your headlines to compel your prospects to read your site. Move beyond the usual and create your headline at a different angle. Add up some new attention grabbing terms and see your sales surge up!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Essence of Research to Your Copy Content
Internet users desire quality web content; approximately 1million sites surface and only a few are being spotted and read by prospective clients. Do you know the reason why? The primary reason is the content. Sites may contain contents which are not empowering and enticing.
One of the nightmares of copy writers is acquiring enough information for their web site to have sufficient and real contents. You can develop a very beautiful site but if it’s poorly edited or has no useful content, it will be worthless and your prospects may just dump it. All your hardships and money will be put to trash only because of the lack of quality content.
Research is the most important tool if you want to have a well-structured, good and informative content. This can be a major tool to have higher web positions and guaranteed clients. Statistics are telling that professionally written copy content can boost up to 30% sales.
Where can you research for your copy content? You can look into a review or page. Just look for statement saying that it’s free to use or it’s commercial. Be careful not to plagiarize works. This can be an advantage on the part of the sources or contributors since the information you’ll be getting from them will be listed on your “Resources” part.
Another option is researching through affiliate programs like the descriptions, reviews and images of Amazon. They are allowing copying of these items. They even permit and suggest everyone to do so. They give database access and tools to help users with the process.
Some sites give information to people through contents. For example, if a person is looking for a particular product on a particular area, and if the most possible thing to do is to look for cities providing information for that area, the site can display details about a city. This will be shown to the page where viewers can see. It will always be a good step to ask or wait for permission first if you’ll be using someone else’s researches. Always refer to the usage policy and state your type of entity so that they will know.
You can also incorporate articles to add content to your copy. There are three levels of articles you can research on. The first level is professional; the articles under this level are all written wholly from scratch and composed of 1,000 words. The second level is authoritative. This is also written from scratch and is consists of 2,000 words. The third level is the super authority which is composed of 3 thousand words.
If you still find it hard to research on the most fitting copy content, you can always ask for those professional content researchers but be ready to pay for them. There are also online companies accepting this kind of job like the Contentwriter.In. Consisting of professional writers, they will help you write from scratch by analyzing your goals first.
These companies will assist you by researching on your market in connection with your service and product offerings. Through a meticulous background research, they will give your copy the required focus. Your site will not only be filled with quality content, it will also have a touch of professionalism.
Original and high quality content is essential for a worthwhile copy. Since your aim is to entice your prospects to read your copy, you must infuse them with useful facts that are real and up to date. Researching for the copy content is thus a very important tool to encourage your prospects and create sales thereafter!
One of the nightmares of copy writers is acquiring enough information for their web site to have sufficient and real contents. You can develop a very beautiful site but if it’s poorly edited or has no useful content, it will be worthless and your prospects may just dump it. All your hardships and money will be put to trash only because of the lack of quality content.
Research is the most important tool if you want to have a well-structured, good and informative content. This can be a major tool to have higher web positions and guaranteed clients. Statistics are telling that professionally written copy content can boost up to 30% sales.
Where can you research for your copy content? You can look into a review or page. Just look for statement saying that it’s free to use or it’s commercial. Be careful not to plagiarize works. This can be an advantage on the part of the sources or contributors since the information you’ll be getting from them will be listed on your “Resources” part.
Another option is researching through affiliate programs like the descriptions, reviews and images of Amazon. They are allowing copying of these items. They even permit and suggest everyone to do so. They give database access and tools to help users with the process.
Some sites give information to people through contents. For example, if a person is looking for a particular product on a particular area, and if the most possible thing to do is to look for cities providing information for that area, the site can display details about a city. This will be shown to the page where viewers can see. It will always be a good step to ask or wait for permission first if you’ll be using someone else’s researches. Always refer to the usage policy and state your type of entity so that they will know.
You can also incorporate articles to add content to your copy. There are three levels of articles you can research on. The first level is professional; the articles under this level are all written wholly from scratch and composed of 1,000 words. The second level is authoritative. This is also written from scratch and is consists of 2,000 words. The third level is the super authority which is composed of 3 thousand words.
If you still find it hard to research on the most fitting copy content, you can always ask for those professional content researchers but be ready to pay for them. There are also online companies accepting this kind of job like the Contentwriter.In. Consisting of professional writers, they will help you write from scratch by analyzing your goals first.
These companies will assist you by researching on your market in connection with your service and product offerings. Through a meticulous background research, they will give your copy the required focus. Your site will not only be filled with quality content, it will also have a touch of professionalism.
Original and high quality content is essential for a worthwhile copy. Since your aim is to entice your prospects to read your copy, you must infuse them with useful facts that are real and up to date. Researching for the copy content is thus a very important tool to encourage your prospects and create sales thereafter!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Steps on How to Put Action on Your Copy
Your brochures and catalogs are great. Your site is superbly designed and constructed; the content is simple and enticing. You just wait for your visitors to flood in but after long waiting hours, no one is still registering. You may now be asking yourself: “Why aren’t there any sales?” Think again! You maybe missing an important an important area which is: THE CALL TO ACTION.
A call to action is a web copy which instructs a reader on what you wanted him to do. This call to action can be in the form of a declarative, imperative and a command statement or just mere suggestions. With any marketing materials, it’s important to get your prospective clients to act… NOW! Here are several steps to follow to make a call to action that will definitely have your phones ringing and your sales increasing.
The first step is to do your research on the terms to be used for your call to action. The term must be associated with what your content is advertising. Chances are, the terms you maybe thinking had already been used by other copywriters and you should pay attention to this.
The second step is to write your content to lead to a straight call to action. Write the call to action clearly so that your visitors will know precisely what to do and how. Use phrases like “Register Now” or Click here” at an exact location where there is a button or a click through. Tell readers to call a toll number that is correct and still available.
Third step is to try to put your call to action on several locations on the web site, especially if there’s a lot of copy on your page. You can put the call to action after an introductory paragraph, the top of the page, and other parts of the site.
The fourth step is to make your site as direct as possible. Your visitors will want to know what they’re getting from your page as soon as they land on it. Get straight to the point immediately without having making your copy awkward.
The call to action may include a registration blank which ask for information such as the email address. The fifth step is to link these details to a shopping cart or an autoresponder to create your mailing list. Once you add a centered call to action to your copy, your efforts will make your web visitors to take your call to action.
As a word of advice, there are certain tips that you can apply. One is to start your call to action with a verb. To achieve clarity, keep the subject and verb close together; for example: “Ask your sales representative for details”. You must keep your call to action on your screen the entire time. If this would not be possible, you must let it pop several times so that irregular viewers may have a chance to see it. Lastly, inform yourself more about contextual relevance, serial position effect and chunking and coding.
Creating a simple, smooth and effective call to action is still an art. A straightforward and strong call to action can really bring a difference to your copy content and can convert it. The message on your call to action is really vital to the performance of your website. As an end note, always remember that a good copywriting will always include a call to action.
A call to action is a web copy which instructs a reader on what you wanted him to do. This call to action can be in the form of a declarative, imperative and a command statement or just mere suggestions. With any marketing materials, it’s important to get your prospective clients to act… NOW! Here are several steps to follow to make a call to action that will definitely have your phones ringing and your sales increasing.
The first step is to do your research on the terms to be used for your call to action. The term must be associated with what your content is advertising. Chances are, the terms you maybe thinking had already been used by other copywriters and you should pay attention to this.
The second step is to write your content to lead to a straight call to action. Write the call to action clearly so that your visitors will know precisely what to do and how. Use phrases like “Register Now” or Click here” at an exact location where there is a button or a click through. Tell readers to call a toll number that is correct and still available.
Third step is to try to put your call to action on several locations on the web site, especially if there’s a lot of copy on your page. You can put the call to action after an introductory paragraph, the top of the page, and other parts of the site.
The fourth step is to make your site as direct as possible. Your visitors will want to know what they’re getting from your page as soon as they land on it. Get straight to the point immediately without having making your copy awkward.
The call to action may include a registration blank which ask for information such as the email address. The fifth step is to link these details to a shopping cart or an autoresponder to create your mailing list. Once you add a centered call to action to your copy, your efforts will make your web visitors to take your call to action.
As a word of advice, there are certain tips that you can apply. One is to start your call to action with a verb. To achieve clarity, keep the subject and verb close together; for example: “Ask your sales representative for details”. You must keep your call to action on your screen the entire time. If this would not be possible, you must let it pop several times so that irregular viewers may have a chance to see it. Lastly, inform yourself more about contextual relevance, serial position effect and chunking and coding.
Creating a simple, smooth and effective call to action is still an art. A straightforward and strong call to action can really bring a difference to your copy content and can convert it. The message on your call to action is really vital to the performance of your website. As an end note, always remember that a good copywriting will always include a call to action.
Friday, November 28, 2008
How to Review Your Copy?
So you’ve written your web copy, and you’ve got it ready to review. You’re ready to post it online and you want to start selling your product and service. However, you are not sure if it is ready to go online – and you are not sure if you have the best copy that fully and accurately describes you, your product and service, and what you feel about it. It’s time to review it: but how?
First, you need to remember that you need to shed the skin of the writer and put on the fur of the reader. You, the Internet reader, are not interested in every single word of the copy: you need to get the information at one click, at one go, and get a lot of this information without having to go through every single word, but by looking quickly through the copy. In order to test this, you may need to have a few friends on hand. Skim the copy and see if you get the information immediately. Does the copy interest you at first glance? Don’t read into the sentences too much: see if the copy stands out and if it entices you to start at the beginning and read more.
Remember, a copy is your magic ticket to getting a casual reader to start reading your work and going through your website. It could well be your magic ticket turning that same casual reader into a buyer! So be careful with your review. Ask yourself: if I had only five minutes to spare, would I read this? Is it too long and daunting? Is it too short and careless? There’s nothing wrong with a moderately-sized copy: it shows that you have a lot to say, but you know your stuff well enough so that you don’t need a lot of flowery words to get your point across.
Do you have all your facts straight, and all of them written into your copy in a concise manner? This means that you need to deliver your key points through a single line or two, at the most, of text. If you keep on going for far longer, you may as well write a blog entry about your day and all your feelings: the longer you go, the easier it will be for you to lose your visitor.
Is the copy written with the right grammar and syntax? You might be surprised: people will communicate via text shortcuts on your local forum or mailing list, but they will demand that they be written to in proper English. The right grammar and syntax will also show how professional you are: if you can’t take care of something as basic as grammar, then how can your customers trust you to take care of their needs and wants? How can customers trust you to have a product or service that actually will help them?
Is the copy formatted well, with a lot of white space? White space will give your readers’ eyes some respite from the text, and it will actually invite people to read your copy. Moreover, avoid putting text in daunting, big seas of paragraphs: break these paragraphs down. Put text in narrow columns so that your customers do not strain their eyes. Not only should your copy be suited to match a certain professional tone, it should also have the appearance of being something that should be read at all.
These are only a few tips that you should remember when reviewing your copy. If you have a well-written copy, you will find it easier to get more customers and catch people’s attention.
First, you need to remember that you need to shed the skin of the writer and put on the fur of the reader. You, the Internet reader, are not interested in every single word of the copy: you need to get the information at one click, at one go, and get a lot of this information without having to go through every single word, but by looking quickly through the copy. In order to test this, you may need to have a few friends on hand. Skim the copy and see if you get the information immediately. Does the copy interest you at first glance? Don’t read into the sentences too much: see if the copy stands out and if it entices you to start at the beginning and read more.
Remember, a copy is your magic ticket to getting a casual reader to start reading your work and going through your website. It could well be your magic ticket turning that same casual reader into a buyer! So be careful with your review. Ask yourself: if I had only five minutes to spare, would I read this? Is it too long and daunting? Is it too short and careless? There’s nothing wrong with a moderately-sized copy: it shows that you have a lot to say, but you know your stuff well enough so that you don’t need a lot of flowery words to get your point across.
Do you have all your facts straight, and all of them written into your copy in a concise manner? This means that you need to deliver your key points through a single line or two, at the most, of text. If you keep on going for far longer, you may as well write a blog entry about your day and all your feelings: the longer you go, the easier it will be for you to lose your visitor.
Is the copy written with the right grammar and syntax? You might be surprised: people will communicate via text shortcuts on your local forum or mailing list, but they will demand that they be written to in proper English. The right grammar and syntax will also show how professional you are: if you can’t take care of something as basic as grammar, then how can your customers trust you to take care of their needs and wants? How can customers trust you to have a product or service that actually will help them?
Is the copy formatted well, with a lot of white space? White space will give your readers’ eyes some respite from the text, and it will actually invite people to read your copy. Moreover, avoid putting text in daunting, big seas of paragraphs: break these paragraphs down. Put text in narrow columns so that your customers do not strain their eyes. Not only should your copy be suited to match a certain professional tone, it should also have the appearance of being something that should be read at all.
These are only a few tips that you should remember when reviewing your copy. If you have a well-written copy, you will find it easier to get more customers and catch people’s attention.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
