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| by Expert Copy Strategist, Charlon Bobo |
Another inspired week is upon us. To empower you with direct resources to increased, measurable results, this week's features include:
Charlon Bobo is the founder and team leader of EditCopyProof | Wordsmithing and Editing Solutions -- Transforming Words Into Profits. Proficient in many diverse writing roles, her expertise spans more than 25 years. This solid foundation offers you a single and final destination in your quest for extraordinary press-ready services including copyediting, copywriting and proofreading. Visit us TODAY at EditCopyProof to submit your Request For Proposal. |
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| Charlon Bobo |
Be An Informed Consumer: Learn The Language of Copywriting-Related Services
Learning from an expert gives you the inside
scoop of an industry you may know nothing
about. It allows you the opportunity to
educate yourself enough to ask the right
questions, make wise choices and, hopefully,
establish a mutually-beneficial relationship
that lasts for years.
One of the many aspects of the copywriting business is educating clients. Often, they have never heard the term "copy." They don't know the vast array of services available to develop new marketing materials or significantly increase the effectiveness of existing content. Whatever your need, copywriters are at your service. If they don't offer specific services, ask for referrals. Let's start with a definition (sourced from Wikipedia.com) for each of the most common copy-related industry services: Copy - (As a noun) refers to written or typewritten text for typesetting, printing, or publication Copywriting - The process of writing the words that promote a person, business, opinion, or idea. It may be used as plain text, as a radio or television advertisement, or in a variety of other media. The main purpose of writing this marketing copy, or promotional text, is to persuade the listener or reader to act - to buy a product or subscribe to a certain viewpoint, for instance. Alternatively, copy might also be intended to dissuade a reader from a particular belief or action. Copywriting can include body copy, slogans, headlines, direct mail pieces, taglines, jingle lyrics, World Wide Web and Internet content, television or radio commercial scripts, press releases, white papers, and other written material incorporated into advertising media. Copywriters can contribute words and ideas to print ads, mail-order catalogs, billboards, commercials, brochures, postcards, online sites, e-mail, letters and other advertising media. On websites, copywriting may also refer to the methods of writing and wording used to achieve higher rankings in search engines. Often referred to as content writing, it includes the strategic placement and repetition of keywords and keyword phrases on webpages. As search-engine algorithms get smarter every day, this search engine optimization (SEO) copywriting is more and more about writing for human visitors as well as for search engines, about offering fluent and readable content written in a SEO-wise manner. What This Means To You Your idea is paired with professional writing finesse. You cannot be great at everything and should instead delegate those tasks requiring specialized knowledge and experience. This allows you the freedom to focus on growing your business. Copywriters compose dynamic materials "from scratch" - using your notes, initial thoughts and a completed questionnaire - to develop finished materials and dramatically increase exposure, interest and/or sales. Copyediting (also copy-editing or copy editing) - The editorial work that an editor does to make formatting changes and improvements What This Means To You In the process of reviewing your existing content - and reformatting it as necessary - your copyeditor proofreads as well as provides suggestions to improve flow and understandability. This portrays you and your business professionally for the purposes of dramatically increasing exposure, interest and/or sales. Proofreading - Traditionally means reading a proof copy of a text in order to detect and correct any errors. What This Means To You Your proofreader finds and corrects grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors to ensure marketing materials are proof-perfect so you avoid embarrassment with your customers and clients. How do you know which service to choose? It depends on whether or not you have existing copy. If you have copy... And need a thorough review for grammatical, punctuation, and spelling mistakes, proofreading is a perfect match And require a comprehensive review including helpful suggestions to increase effectiveness, copyediting is the solution you need If you don't have copy... Copywriting brings together your ideas and your copywriter's expertise for impactful and action-provoking, sales-oriented brochures, Web sites, sales letters, ads, articles, direct mail campaigns, press releases and business reports Now that you know the terminology and have determined the service you need, what questions should you ask when comparing copywriters? 1. Which service(s) do you offer? 2. Do you have team members whose individual expertise is one service? 3. What is your work style (casual, "by-the-book," a combination?) 4. What is my role in our relationship? 5. What is your role in our relationship? 6. What are your terms? 7. How do we begin? 8. What is the process once we begin? Being a savvy consumer means educating and empowering yourself. Most professionals are happy to share their knowledge with you so you make informed choices about hiring them. Being actively involved is a crucial component in magnetizing an outcome that works well for all parties. |
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Valentine's Day is only 17 days away...
but there's still time to order a fun,
customized holiday gift.
Put your own loving words on M&Ms to make a lasting impression and lifetime memory. Choose from 22 colors! |
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| Charlon Bobo |
Inspiration for the living... R.I.P.
My most insightful inspirations arrive in the
wee hours of the morning. Today was no
exception.
In my mind's eye, I saw the letters R-I-P. For most of us, the letters are most often associated with the writing on a tombstone. But, before I could interpret the letters, this message came: they don't need it. It is a message for the living. Wow, what a freeing revelation. I completely understood. Every cell in my body responded to this information. No matter the external circumstance, I can rest in the assurance that all is well. And so can you. I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Give me this day, my daily bread." As with most things, I modified it to better fit me. Instead I say, "Thank you for my daily bread." The first quote leaves me wondering if my daily needs will be provided. It is a hoping, a wishing, a request that may or may not be granted. It leaves me unsure and unsettled. The latter quote is absolute confidence in the manifestation of whatever I require throughout my day, whether it's food, gasoline, new tires, inspiration, a new project or a referral who gives me just the right information. When we expect, we receive. The choice and power of our words opens a direct channel for manifestation. It's as simple as that. Simple? Yes and No:
Rest in peace. In Sisterhood, Light & Love, 
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