What is copywriting and why should you use a copywriter?

Copywriting - whether it is the text for a website, brochure, sales letter or press release - is a moment of opportunity to bring an important message to your potential clients and existing customers.

What you say needs to have impact. It needs to be interesting so people read it. But often what we want to say is different to what people want to read about.

Professional copywriters can unscramble your thoughts and put them in a way that will wow your customers. They take your messages and put them into words that will attract attention, spark their interest, ignite desire and prompt them to take action (the AIDA effect). Copywriters will your message in the right words so you achieve successful promotions.

The best wordsmiths understand how communication works. They take into account that different people have different learning preferences and ensure that their copywriting takes this into account. They will weave into their writing visual, auditory and kinaesthetic phrases to avoid missing a large proportion of your target market.

Often, updating the words in your brochure, on your website or in your sales letters gets pushed aside by the day-to-day tasks that often overrun the marketing manager or owner of a business. Using a copywriter means that you will have your new words ready when you need them - on time and within budget.

It takes just one call or email to start communicating with your customers on a new level by using the right words to promote your messages...

Want to know more or see some examples? Visit http://www.copywritingandpr.com/ or call Hannah Sookias on 01283 808460.

How to choose a web designer

I recently answered a question on LinkedIn about what I look for on a web-agency's website. I speak to several people each week who how to choose a web designer, so thought it would be worth me giving some pointers.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WEB DESIGNER

1. Look at their website. Do you like it? Does it convey the image you are trying to create or aspire to?
2. Does the home page tell you the benefits of using them over someone else?
3. Is it easy to find out what they actually do... and are there clear links to their 'What we do/about us' sections
4. Does their site use clear, simple language? The best sites use language that is suitable for a reading age of about 13. This is because it is quicker to scan 'simple' text encouraging visitors to read more than a site full of detailed technical writing.
5. Does their 'What we do' section should have brief summaries of all their services with 'read more' links to more technical pages explaining them in greater detail? This is because it is often a a non-technical person who initially searches for a web agency. However, the more detailed, nitty-gritty techincal stuff should be there in case you want your IT person to check they know what they are talking about).
6. Are there examples for you to check out? Do they work for many organisations? Do they have experience of companies like yours?

If they tick all the boxes, meet with them. Don't be pressurised into using their in-house designers - if you want to use your own graphics designer to ensure your brand identity, they should accept this and be happy to work with them.

Also, think about the text for your website. I strongly believe that the hardest job is to write about your own company. Using a specialist copywriting company, like The Write Solution will help you create the right tone for your site and produce the text in a fraction of the time it will take you. Experienced writers will be used to liaising with you (the client) as well as a graphics designer and website designer - at The Write Solution, we often project manage the website development process because we are in this central role.

I hope this helps! Do feel free to contact me if you'd like to know more.

Hannah Sookias
Tel: 01283 808460 hannah@copywritingandpr.com

Why do you need a writer?

Imagine a blank piece of paper: smooth, clean and ready for words. It is a moment of opportunity to bring an important message to potential clients and existing customers.

Shall it form a sales letter, words for a website, a leaflet or a brochure?

It needs to have impact. The words need to be read.

What shall you say? How will it start? Which group of words will have the most impact? Will your message be heard?

You want it to be interesting. You want people to read it.

Which words will work best?

You’ve just realised you need help. Someone who can unscramble your thoughts and put them in a way that will wow your customers.

You reach out your hand... and pick up the phone. You need the help of a writer.

One call and you know the job is in capable hands. You breathe a sigh of relief and get on with your day, looking forward to the perfect words being delivered your way.

Hannah
Tel: +44(0)1283 808460
Email: hannah@copywritingandpr.com
www.copywritingandpr.com

Business Success - Don't Leave it to Luck!

Our next business workshop is on Friday 13th March 2009 and aptly named, Business Success - Don't leave it to Luck!

You've probably guessed that I'm not superstitious... and we thought this date was a good one to prompt business men and women to think about how they can not only survive but thrive in the current economic climate.

Dave Lees from IntegritUs Ltd and I will be encouraging attendees to create an opportunity mindset and plan for success, whatever the economic situation as well as sharing different promotional tactics including public relations (PR).

With many years of experience in a wide-range of industries between us, our tips and advice really are tried and tested - and best of all, they can implemented immediately to make a difference to them in the coming weeks and months.

It's aimed at small and medium-sized businesses and we've kept the price at a recession-busting level too, at just £50 per person.

Download more information and a booking form from our website, www.copywritingandpr.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

To blog or not to blog..?

I've thought about blogging for ages and I've now taken the first steps! Exciting stuff...

But the decision 'to blog or not to blog' was taken after some serious thought. Yes, I want all the advantages that blogs bring, but I believe blogging with a business purpose also requires commitment and some thought to make them worthwhile.

So how am I going to use my blog? Firstly, to give tips and advice about copywriting and pr - after all, that's what I do and what I'm passionate about. I'll also share news about the clients I am working with and the workshops I'm running throughout the year.

Want to know more or have questions about copywriting and pr but never dared ask? Please feel free to post a comment or send me an email and I'll happily answer them for you as there's bound to be other people glad you've been brave enough to ask them!