copywriting
Copywriting – 12 steps to writing a case study
Case studies are one of my favourite copywriting jobs. Interviewing clients is fun, and as an ex-journalist, I love writing long form copy. A reader has asked for an overview of different kinds of writing jobs, so here are some pointers on how to write a case study. What’s a case study? A case study…
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Freelance contract copywriting work
As a freelance newbie copywriter, you’ll most likely work with small businesses (SMEs). But what about bigger companies? How do you get on the radar for bigger contracts that are put out to tender? Here’s some advice on getting on the ladder for public sector work. This is pointy end nitty-gritty, and not for everyone!…
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Do copywriters need SEO content writing skills?
Do you need tech-savvy skills to write for online markets? I got this question from an aspiring copywriter, and it’s a great one. Do you need to write code, or be a web whiz, in order to be a copywriter or content writer for the web? What if you just want to write? Well, firstly,…
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7 tips – invoicing for freelance copywriting work
When is a copywriting job finished and ready to invoice? It’s not as obvious as it seems. Sometimes, jobs can dribble on, and it’s not your fault. Maybe you’ve completed the job, and the client needs to check it, but somehow, they don’t get round to it. And then it’s not clear when to send…
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Writing business: 10 reasons to build a creative-commercial portfolio
A creative-commercial mix is a great way to build a sustainable living as a writer. What does this mean? Doing commercial writing for businesses as a financial foundation, while you write your novel/screen play/ short story collection, or study for your creative writing MA or MFA. This kind of creative-commercial portfolio is a familiar model…
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Writing productivity: 10 tips to balance a commercial-creative portfolio
1. Establish a routine and systems One of the problems of writing – especially working from home – is that you can easily turn into a workaholic. Not many people realise that this is a far bigger danger than becoming a couch potato! Especially if you’re the sole breadwinner in your family, your writing output…
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Copywriting interviews – how to research clients
Interviewing clients is a key skill for anyone who writes for business. Not all clients are expressive and fluent – that’s why they hired you! So you need to practise deep listening for information, marketing goals, customers, tone of voice, and lots more. It’s a lot to cover, but there some things you can do…
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Copywriting technique – 5 tips for authentic tone of voice
Tone of voice is an important element of copywriting technique, but achieving the right tone of voice is often instinctive, rather than the result of a deliberate strategy. This article suggests some ways to capture an authentic tone of voice and achieve livelier, more engaging results in your copywriting. Tone of voice and deep listening…
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Writing for SEO web design teams
Writing for SEO web design is a craft all of its own. If you’re lucky enough to be teamed up with a web design team, you’ll all be working together to get the best possible search results for your business client. Typically, the team will include a graphic designer, a user experience/wireframe designer, a backend…
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Transactional writing for online copywriters
Transactional writing is writing that invites people to take action. It has a clear communication purpose in mind – to inform, persuade, progress, or help, for example. Mostly, you’ll find transactional writing in instructions, letters, applications, advice and on the web. Here’s an overview of an increasingly familiar copywriting job – transactional emails. What is…
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