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21.September.2009
Volume 4,
Issue 19
ISSN 1942-0048 		A Weekly UNpublication
Opportunities, News, Resources & Insights
Colleague


Hello and Welcome to EditCopyProof's biweekly outpouring of valuable information to propel your business and inspire your soul.

Every edition contains an eclectic compilation. Whatever happens during the week ends up in this UNnewsletter.

You are in the yawn-free zone when this publication arrives in your mailbox each Monday because I promise to deliver the best of the best. Take what works for you and discard the rest.

Business and pleasure. Pleasure and business. The lines cross so frequently for entrepreneurs, it's often impossible to separate the two. They blend so beautifully, why even try?

That's the basis of this publication. You get a full dose of business-related topics as well as content having nothing at all to do with business. I have no doubt you'll find something to enhance your life. Enjoy!
In This Edition
by The 'Conscious' Copywriter, Charlon Bobo   CharlonHeadShot2






Another inspired week is upon us. To empower you with direct resources to conscious business practices and inspirations, this week's features include:

  1. COPYWRITING 101 - Wordy content undermines your marketing efforts
  2. ARTICLE MARKETING - Tips on article marketing keyword use
  3. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK - The companionship of Miss Chiara


Charlon Bobo is the founder and team leader of EditCopyProof | Wordsmithing Solutions for Conscious Entrepreneurs. 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.

Copywriting 101
Charlon Bobo   Is Your Copy Too Wordy?

 Duh4
I saw this recently in an article about copywriting:

'However, before you begin your copywriting venture it is essential to know the basics about copywriting so that you can channelize your creative skill in the right direction and open the doorways for millions to flow into your treasure house.'

Channelize? Open the doorways for millions? (Learning copywriting basics will deliver millions? Really?) Your treasure house?

High-impact copywriting is succinct AND avoids the use of colloquialisms (e.g. treasure house). If I were hired to edit this paragraph, this is how it would look:

'However, before beginning your copywriting career, learn the basics. Knowing the essentials is vital to writing captivating content, thereby opening additional channels of revenue.'

Although the first version is colorful, it requires readers to work to understand its meaning.

Too much work = disinterested reader


When your audience has to read and reread your content to gain understanding, their frustration level increases and instead of intriguing them, you lose them... maybe permanently. If you're trying to build your marketing list, establish yourself as an expert or increase sales, obviously losing a reader won't deliver the results you desire.

In copywriting, every word must pull its weight. Words are used strategically and chosen specifically to deliver the most impact. Writing isn't an accidental business activity. Your efforts must be smart, focused and speak effectively to your market... as succinctly as possible.

So, how do you do that?

Here are 7 insider copywriting tips for writing and editing highly-effective, targeted marketing content:
  1. Know your target market before writing anything
  2. Use fewer words for your first draft (you can always add more later, if necessary)
  3. Create an outline. Make each point, provide a brief explanation and move on
  4. Avoid words that don't 'pull their own weight'
  5. Review content with a keen eye for brevity (and be aggressive with the delete button!)
  6. Review content asking yourself how to say something more effectively with fewer words
  7. Review content for all words-or strings of words-that aren't widely understood or causes your reader to 'work' to understand the meaning (e.g. colloquialisms, vernacular terms, idioms, or jargon)

Implementing these 7 tools is a solid foundation for copywriting that accomplishes your marketing goals.
Article Marketing
Charlon Bobo   Keyword Quicktip

 KeyWord








Strategic placement of your keywords is an important component in your successful article marketing campaign. Keywords should be placed in the:
  1. title
  2. first sentence
  3. last paragraph of the article
  4. resource box whenever possible

Keyword phrases shouldn't be overused. This is called "keyword stuffing" and it can get you penalized by search engines.

Saturation percentages (the number of times your keyword(s) show up in your article] recommended by industry experts range from 3% to 10%, although the higher the inclusion percentage, the harder it is to retain the interest of the reader. The reason is: keywords become repetitive and sound like advertising. The way around this is to maintain a 3-5% inclusion rate while focusing on writing interesting content.

The most effective articles are a delicate balance between:
  • strategic keyword placement
  • keyword repetition
  • engaging, creative copy

Based on my personal experience, this is an art. It isn't easy; especially at first. Keyword article writing requires a switch-in-thinking. As with anything though, your efforts and skills improve with practice. Happy article writing!
From the Editor's Desk
Charlon Bobo   Friends of many furs

 Chiara2
My treasured life companion is my sweet cat, Chiara.

Before she came to me, she lived in an uninsulated, cluttered garage with sporadic, limited human interaction for approximately 15 years. When my neighbor moved, she asked me to take Chiara; I immediately agreed with excitement at the thought of providing her a new home.

From the moment I brought her into her new sacred living space three years ago, we have been committed to each other. She trusted me right from the start and we have developed a sweet connection since then.

The pure nature of animals is as close as we get to Source on this physical plane. At the risk of being known as 'the cat lady' I consider it a pleasure and honor to take care of her. It is a mutually-beneficial relationship that is joyful and grounded in love.

On life's path of continual discovery and enjoying the journey with you.

In Sisterhood, Light & Love,
 

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805.405.4944
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