Category Archives: Copywriting

Why writers should blog

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Filed under Copywriting, Creativity, Fear Busting, Writing

Evil Plans LOL Cat

Writers write. Good writers write a lot. Or so I keep telling the junior writer I currently mentor.

She’s talented, has a terrific attitude and a bright future ahead of her. I still want to flick her in the forehead when she rolls her eyes at the suggestion that she start blogging. Especially when she follows her eye roll with “Yeah, I know I should,…but…you know…”

Incidentally, “…but, you know” is one of the worst responses ever and sets my teeth on edge every time. But I’ll spare you my rant and move on.

There exist tons of articles and posts on why writers should blog. These articles exist for a reason.

Blogging is good for you. For so many reasons. Even if no one ever reads it.

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The Best Social Media Sites for Copywriters

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Filed under Copywriting, Creativity, Getting Shit Done, Writing

Ducks in a Row

Now that I’ve covered why copywriters should use social media to help build their brand, I’m going to assume that you’re reading this because you’re on board and want to get started, or you’ve started and you’re wondering if you chose the right social platform. Or you’re wondering if I know what I’m talking about. Like my husband usually does.

Of course, with new social media platforms sprouting up overnight, which one(s) are best for copywriters? Before I answer—and there is an answer—let’s make a pro/con list of a few top faves.

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Confessions of a Copywriter

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Filed under Copywriting, Creativity, Fear Busting, Writing

LOLcat amazed

In a perfect world. we’d all know our value. This is not a perfect world. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like an imposter. Me too. Especially as a copywriter. People either think I’m way smarter than I actually feel, or they simply have no idea what I do and how I do it. Either way tends to leave me at a loss for words sometimes (no pun intended).

Last week, it occurred to me: I can’t possibly be the only one who feels this way.

This is a confession. My own personal confession as a copywriter. Because (and here’s my first confession), I often feel inadequate when I feel like someone assumes I’m smarter than I feel like I actually am. Like all copywriters should be these awesome, wonderful, intelligent, creative, magical creatures who know the English language inside and out, and if I don’t live up to one of these misconceptions, I’m failing my own vocation. Like I’m not a ‘real’ copywriter if I don’t fit the pre-defined mold.

So, my putting these out there hopefully lets you know that you’re not alone if you ever feel the same way.

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8 Reasons to Get Social

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Filed under Copywriting, Getting Shit Done, Rubber Duckies

8 Reasons to Get Social

Creative writers such as novelists need to build their brand, and they often use social media as a key part of their brand-building strategy. Even Stephen King’s fairly active on Facebook.

Copywriters should do the same.

Why? Because we’re creative professionals. Whether you’re freelance or part of a company team, you are still your own brand. A one-person company that needs to keep it’s own Marketing Department running.

Incorporating a social media platform or two can help. And it’s not nearly as painful as a lot of my fellow writers think.

I can say that freely because most of those fellow writers don’t read my blog. This is what they get; used as examples.

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To comma, or not to comma

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Filed under Copywriting, Writing

LOTR CommaOh, Boromir. My poor, doomed-to-die fantasy hero. Yeah, one does. And by the way, you forgot a period at the end of your sentence.

Even non-writers are non-shy about expressing their opinion over comma placement. But nothing is quite so galvanizing as the dear old Oxford comma. Now, before I make a whole lotta friends, let’s make sure we’re all talking about the same comma.

Ox·ford com·ma

noun

a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’ (e.g. an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect).

— Google search results

When you go straight to the source, the Oxford Dictionary defines it as: “A comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’ (e.g. an Italian painter, sculptor, and architect). Also called Oxford comma.” It also states that it’s “an optional comma before the word ‘and’ at the end of a list”.

Alright, now that we’re on the same metaphorical (and digital) page, I’m going to be honest—and brace myself for a wave of unfollows.

I don’t typically use the Oxford comma.

Before you start throwing veggies at your screen, hear me out. I’m writing from the perspective of a digital copywriter.

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