Archive for November, 2007

Get Creative with Topics for Your Internet Articles

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007

You’ve probably heard that writing articles is a great way for you to become a well known expert in your field. There are a lot of powerful ways to use articles as part of your internet marketing strategy. Before you can start using these cool strategies, you need to find a topic and actually write the article.

So to start with, how should you go about choosing a topic? You want to base your choice on two things. First, you should be knowledgeable and comfortable with the topic. Second, it needs to be a topic that will connect with your target audience. The connection between your article and your website should be obvious. So even though you’re an avid golfer that would love to share your “expertise” on the perfect golf swing, that article won’t drive your target audience to your website if your business is to sell real estate.

Since you don’t want your article to be a blatant advertisement finding appropriate topics can require some creativity. Going back to our golfer/real estate agent, he could write an article about hot real estate located by golf courses! Your objective is to provide valuable information, not to sell yourself or your product. If the reader enjoys your article and more importantly benefits by it, they’ll want to know more and will visit your website. That’s the place where you can feel free to sell, sell, sell.

Start with a brainstorming session and come up with a list of ideas for your articles. Tips are a good place to begin. If you’re a web designer, list five things that should be on every home page. If you’re a real estate agent come up with seven inexpensive things you can do to improve the value of your home. If you’re selling software, write an article on ten ways you can use technology to improve your bottom line.

Once you’ve narrowed down your topic it’s time to write the article. If you’re a good writer – enjoy! If you hate writing consider hiring a copywriter. A copywriter can help you with your article in two different ways. One way is you can write the article yourself but have the professional writer “clean it up” or edit it for you. The other option is to have them write the article from start to finish. If you’re going with this option make sure you provide the writer with your personal insight on the topic. Give them some notes or talk to them on the phone. This will ensure that it’s still your article.

If you need help choosing a topic let me know. You can send me an email - info@internetwritingpro.com and I’d be happy to help you brainstorm! By the way I’ll be sharing some tips on how to distribute your articles in an upcoming blog – stay tuned!

Why Writers Need Copywriters

Monday, November 12th, 2007

You might be surprised to learn that a couple of my clients are writers - good writers! So why would a writer hire a copywriter?

One reason is time. Writers often have another profession or business that keeps them busy. They can save time by hiring a copywriter that will utilize the content they’ve already written.  For example, I’ve taken content from a book my client wrote and have used it to create e-books, articles and newsletters.

Another reason a writer will hire a copywriter is to avail themselves of a copywriter’s marketing expertise. By hiring a copywriter with marketing experience, especially with the Internet, the writer can tap into their marketing ideas and resources. A knowledgeable copywriter can effectively utilize content to drive traffic to a website, promote book sales and generate publicity.

I recently enjoyed an intensive class that helps authors learn how to utilize the power of Amazon to promote their own books. I’m also experienced at putting together book proposals in accordance with publisher guidelines. To learn more about my services for writers and non-writers visit my website at http://www.internetwritingpro.com/services.html .

Copywriters need to be good collaborators

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

Copywriting is a collaborative process, which is why you need to make sure that your copywriter is a good collaborator. Not all writers are good at working as part of a team. There are talented writers that just work better solo.  A copywriter however, needs to be part of your team, especially if they’re assisting you with your marketing efforts.

How can you discover whether a copywriter is a good team player? The first thing to look for is communication skills. A good copywriter will be a good communicator. The key to being a good communicator is being a good listener. Is your copywriter an intuitive listener? This is a good indication of their ability to collaborate.

The other thing to look for is someone who will give honest feedback and is willing to accept your honest feedback. If you’re interested in excellence you want a copywriter who is comfortable giving you their professional opinion.  You also want someone who is willing to adapt and adjust when they receive feedback.

Before hiring a copywriter schedule some time to talk with them in person or by phone. Observe their communication style. Ask them how they’ve collaborated with clients in the past. When you find a talented writer who fits in with your team – you’ve found a good copywriter. Contact me if you’d like to sign up for a free consultation – www.internetwritingpro.com/contact.html