Using Facebook, Twitter and other social media is a good idea for many businesses, but there are a few things to think about before you get started. Here’s what I recommend. What’s important is not what you want to say, but what your audience wants to hear. So don’t … Top 10 Tips for Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses
Some time ago I enjoyed a short break in Sussex with a few friends. On the first day, we were meant to be going to Brighton races, the last meet of the season. Unfortunately, it was called off a couple of days beforehand, due to a waterlogged course. Someone suggested we could maybe go to the evening … When the marketing is better than the product
As per my last post, I do love being a copywriter. But these days there are a lot of us around, and when you couple that with an almost insatiable demand for copy/content there’s going to be a big squeeze on rates. When I read about people writing ‘articles’ for a fiver a pop I thought … Copywriting rates – you’re having a laugh
(Here’s someone who appreciates being his own boss, even if his writing skills are a little shaky. Thanks to Thornet/Steven Walling for the pic.) I’ve been a self-employed copywriter for about 20 years now, more or less. I wouldn’t swap it for the world – and if you have some agency experience I bet if you made the … 10 reasons why you should become a freelance copywriter
It’s not up there with ‘What is the meaning of life?” but this is a question I’ve been asked a few times. The glib answer is “A lot more than there used to be”, given that so many people call themselves copywriters (or more often content writers) these days. In fact I would say that there … How many copywriters are there in London?
I’ve pointed out in the past that a quick and easy way to find out what people are searching for is to use Google Instant. That’s the little tool on Google that shows results as you type. You’ll already have it – you just need to make sure it’s switched on under your preferences. It’s … Keyword planning – combining three free tools to get all the pointers you need
Here’s a recent article by Jenny Hirschkorn from the Daily Telegraph about SEO for small businesses. I’m glad to say that it mirrors what I’ve always maintained: nearly every small business should be doing their own SEO. Except in special circumstances, such as getting rid of bad links accumulated through outdated or bad (‘black hat’) … SEO for small businesses? DIY!
As a copywriter, I’m sometimes asked if I’m only doing it to make a bit of money while I write My Great Novel. All copywriters have a novel in them, don’t they? Well, the likes of Fay Wheldon, Dorothy L Sayers and Salman Rushdie certainly did. Although when he got hit with a fatwah, I … Is it worth writing a novel?
For anyone who has worked in the advertising business, this is a fascinating book. Even if the nearest you’ve ever got to an ad agency is sipping a martini, pulling on a Lucky and snapping a secretary’s garter belt while watching Mad Men, it’s pretty darn good. It details the world of advertising in Madison … Book review: The Real Mad Men, by Andrew Cracknell
One of the services I offer is a copy critique Not many people take it up. Which is a pity, as it’s an extremely cost-effective way of getting your communications into shape. Especially as I refund the cost of the critique if I’m subsequently hired to do a new piece. Why isn’t your website on the … Copy Critique – a useful but neglected service
How my copywriting has made a big difference to results and profitability
