Set Your Mind Free

Writer’s block is the bane of anyone who writes – novelists, copywriters and journalists. It usually strikes when you are about to write, and then poof! Your momentum seemed to have disappeared in thin air. Here are a few things you can do when you’re suffering a bad case of writer’s block.

Don’t Panic
For sure, just like any writer, you are hard-pressed everyday with deadlines that make you want to scream. It’s a reality nearly all writers have to live with everyday. Nevertheless, even when work seems to be overpowering, you should learn how to relax. Take a deep breath, go for a short walk in the park or close your eyes for a few minutes. Finding time to relax when pressure is mounting will refresh your mind; it will let your creativity to flow freely.

Just Write
Forget about wrong spellings and inconsistent thought. Just write. Write anything that pops in your mind. It could be a memorable childhood memory, a teacher in grade school, or your first time to eat ice scream. Write with your heart first, meaning let your emotions dictate your writing, not minding sentence structure, grammar or spelling. After you’re done with your first draft, then you can start refining your work.

Change your perspective
Consider the interest of your parents, sister, favorite author, supervisor, or boss. What is their favorite time of the day? Where would they want to have a vacation? What makes them angry? Imagine how they would write your article or copy; you might be surprised of what you’ll discover.

Review your materials
Going over your source materials or re-writing them can help develop new ideas in your mind. By reviewing, you will also realize which data or information is unnecessary. Many successful copywriters use this method before they begin their first draft.

Read books on writing
Libraries and bookstores are filled with books dedicated on writing techniques. Choose a book that provides writing theories and tips that boosts confidence. You, as a writer, need to learn the technicalities of writing as well as the right attitude in order to succeed.

Ask help from a copywriter
If nothing still seems to work, then it’s time to call your copywriter friend. Seek his advice on how he deals writer’s block and how he conceptualizes powerful, attention-grabbing copies. Be sure though that your friend is rich in copywriting experience, and not someone who is just starting out.

11 Exceptional Copywriter Qualities

9. Understands the target audience
Knowing how and what to write are just the basics of copywriting. SEO copywriter also needs to consider another crucial dimension in writing copies – the target audience. Understanding target market makes writing copies highly efficient.

10. Has knowledge on structure & links
This means that the SEO copywriter knows how to link each page to every other page using text links. If the website is quite complex, the copywriter needs to create a hierarchical structure for the site.

11. Beats deadlines
All the essential skills that a professional SEO copywriter has will be put to waste if he can’t beat the deadline. Investing effort on writing quality copies remains futile if not done on time. Professionalism is best gauged in being prompt.

In looking for an SEO copywriter, exceptional talent and outstanding skills must be the only considerations. Settling for average writers only equal to mediocre copies – eventually leading to zero results.

11 Exceptional Copywriter Qualities

6. Understands word count principle
There are certain article submission sites that require a specific word count. An SEO copywriter must therefore understand the vitality of following the prescribed word count.

7. Knows where to place keyword
Keyword placement has been a controversial debate amongst SEO copywriters. Although placement worthiness is still unclear, there is a general agreement that generates some sort of impact in search engine friendliness. Good copywriters are aware of the popular opinion that keywords are more efficient if they appear in beginning of the page and bolded.

8. Has ability to use power words
Copies written by a good SEO copywriter can induce readers to take some actions. Knowing the technicalities in writing is not enough in a copywriter. Having the ability to use power words or compelling phrases is a prime requirement. It is important to generate action driven contents to get high results.
(see next post for other copywriter must-have qualities)

11 Exceptional Copywriter Qualities

It is a given in an SEO copywriter to be creative, ingenious, and skilled in writing. But these facts don’t suffice for an excellent and highly efficient copywriter. There are specific and vital skills that a real “pro” in copywriting must possess – indispensable qualities that deliver professional service and convert excellent results.

Here are the top eleven exceptional copywriter traits:
1. Has sophisticated understanding of SEO
It is an imperative that the SEO copywriter has a solid understanding of the nuts and bolts of the Search Engine Optimization. An above than average copywriter knows that ranking is essentially the result of a website’s relevance. There are a lot of other factors to be considered, but if the SEO copywriter doesn’t understand the basics of the industry, it is the most apparent sign of future low conversion rates.

2. Capable of doing keyword research and keyword analysis
Performing keyword search and keyword analysis are basic skills that every SEO copywriter must know. There are some companies that hire keyword researchers who perform the task for copywriter. However, it is a big plus if the copywriter is capable of doing researching and analyzing keywords. It is also a sign if the copywriter is equipped with complex SEO knowledge.

3. Has proven and relevant experience
Experience is undeniably the biggest factor in hiring an SEO copywriter. It is not enough that they can write well, there are more to an outstanding copywriting than writing keyword-inspired copies. It can be very difficult to find an SEO copywriter who can work on both keywords and link generation. But these few copywriters have a broad and useful working understanding of search engines.

4. Has fluency in using modern marketing tools
An SEO copywriter must also have a sound knowledge on up to date online advertisement strategy and the techniques – for the prime goal of receiving high rankings on the web site. Such techniques help in employing the appropriate writing approach in creating press releases and articles.

5. Knows keyword density
A good SEO copywriter doesn’t just fill up every page with targeted keywords. Exceptional copywriters know that keyword bombarding dilutes the site’s relevance and also reduces readability. A skilled SEO copywriter talks about density measures. Keyword density measures the number of time the keyword or keyword phrases appears on a page. Copywriters must know the appropriate amount of keywords to utilize.
(see next post for other qualities…)

Stress Busters for Copywriters

Sitting in front of a computer for hours can be as exhausting as any manual labor, perhaps even more. One can just ask any copywriter who spends long hours in the office to know how conceptualizing creative, attention-grabbing articles can be mentally and physically draining.

So how can copywriters get out of the stress zone and become more productive? Here are four ways.

1. Take a break

A copywriter should make it a point to take a ten to fifteen-minute break when working. Stretching, talking with a friend and taking a short walk are some of the things he can do to relax. The purpose of taking breaks is to refresh one’s mind and body before beginning another round of writing.

2. Change the environment

This is more applicable to freelance copywriters. From working at home, one can try writing in the park. The change of scenery can open one’s mind to new ideas. For office-going copywriters, transferring to a different cubicle or decorating the workstation are options they can consider.

3. Go out and unwind

Employed and freelance copywriters both need to have fun after finishing a project. They can try activities like going to the spa, having a romantic dinner or watching a play. Going out once or twice a week prepares a copywriter mentally, physically, emotionally and psychologically for his next project.

4. Get rid of distractions

Distractions can be unfinished household chores, rambunctious children, phone calls or unpaid bills. A copywriter needs to accomplish his personal or parental obligations first before writing. It would also help if he informs others that he should not be disturbed during working hours.

Do Freelance Copywriters Need a Business License?

A copywriter operating in his own name need not obtain a business permit even if he has decent-paying clients. He, however, should keep copious transaction records in case the IRS comes knocking on his door. And when he does get audited, he must account all his earnings especially if the business is growing. To cover all bases, a freelance copywriter should take time to know his country’s particular tax law.

A separate bank account is not a bad idea as well; it will provide a business-like set up that contain the earnings of the writing service and the funds for writing-related materials. Any copywriter who has this will have an easier time accounting for his income and expenses come tax time.

A copywriter can create an invoice using MS Word or any similar programs. It doesn’t have to be fancy as long as it contains the copywriter’s Tax ID, client’s information, type of work performed, invoice number and date. To know the complete makeup of an invoice, a copywriter can check the ones other copywriters or even businesses have.

Become an In Demand Freelance Copywriter

In the highly competitive world of freelance writing, how can one rise above the competition and enjoy a steady growth of client base? Let the following tips show how.

Have a portfolio. Fledging copywriters should follow the example of seasoned copywriters by having a portfolio. Portfolios provide clients a fast and easy way to review someone’s work. Any copywriter who does not have one will have a hard time convincing prospects, no matter how good he is.

Create a personal website. There is a huge market in the internet that a freelance copywriter must reach out to; and the best way to do it is by having a personal website. The website must include the copywriter’s best works and his contact details. A copywriter who does not have the skill to create a website can acquire the service of web designers.

Learn to bid. Many companies today list freelance copywriting jobs in the internet that will focus on brochures, fliers or website contents. A novice copywriter can start with a low price at first. Companies will eventually increase the pay of a copywriter who always submits quality work.

Join online communities. This will help freelance copywriters know which clients they should go for and which ones they should avoid; furthermore, online communities are a good source of the latest news and trends on copywriting.

Invest in a laptop. Freelance writing is a mobile job. It is not spent inside an office for eight hours everyday. A freelance writer is always on the move meeting clients or doing research at libraries; when his client needs a quick edit, he can do it on the spot. One of the major benefit of having a laptop is that it gives copywriters the privilege to choose where they want to work.

With patience, the right attitude and the following tips above, a freelance copywriter will easily attract clients and will eventually see his career soar.

Make the Claim Believable

People may have different personalities and longings in life, but when online, especially when buying a product or inquiring a service, people naturally adapt a single attitude. Everybody just becomes a skeptic the minute they are logged on. With countless products being advertised on the web, online visitors are having a hard time distinguishing which products can be trusted and which products are only about extravagant publicity. That’s why professional copywriters are greatly needed by companies who own a website. Copywriters have the crucial task of making sure that a reputable company’s product or service is distinct from all the rest.

Online visitors are tired of getting claims. They want proof. A well-written sales copy will only go to waste when it lacks substantial evidence to pull readers in. Virtually all web copies declare their product to be unique, new or the best in the market, believing readers will never question their claim. Online visitors are smarter now. It would take more than convoluted words or extravagant promises to make them buy online. Well-experienced copywriters know that claims should never be bigger than the proof, and proof should go hand-in-hand with the claims.

Testimonials or bulleted sections highlighting a product’s ingredients will make readers grasp the benefits of what the website is selling. Benefits and proofs go inextricably together; without both, a copy will appear bogus and will inevitably lose readers. Copywriters who know how to incorporate proofs and benefits to an appealing copy can help companies enjoy bigger revenues through websites and also through blogs.

Copywriting for Business Blogs

In today’s highly competitive business world, copywriters have become more than ever essential to businesses everywhere. When once copywriters’ skill is limited in writing contents for web pages; now, it is generally used in making blogs highly effective marketing tools. Many entrepreneurs today create personal business blogs to relay information regarding their product or service, and they hire professional copywriters to make sure their blogs attract traffic and generate inquiries.

Business blogs are very beneficial for business owners because they contain information online readers might possibly want to know – company history, owner’s profile, product details, business partners, etc. Business blogs can even contain stories from people who have used the product or service, and have found it to be outstanding. In business blogs, business owners can put information that is inappropriate in the company website.

By increasing the number of visitors to the blog, copywriters can increase the number of its pages; consequently sending the blog to top search engine rankings. Moreover, by using powerful words, copywriters can inspire people to go directly to the company website, which has a direct link from the business blog.

Make Sure It’s Scannable

When it comes to writing contents for the web, copywriters are reminded time and time again that majority of web users do not read word-per-word, instead web users merely scan the document. Patience is not one of the best virtues web users manifest when they are logged on; they want to see results fast. Web copywriters can meet this strict demand by designing their documents to be scannable; this is achieved by highlighting about three times as many words as one normally would when writing for print.

Another effective method web copywriters can use in highlighting words is using colored text or colored backgrounds. Blue, however, should never be used for words as this color is reserved for hyperlinks. Words that carry key information are the only ones to be highlighted. Highlighting entire sentences or phrases are to be avoided as the eye can only pick up two to three words at a time. Copywriters who want to emphasize a sentence or a phrase can use italicization. An entire block of text should not be italicized though, as italic typefaces are slower to read online.

To effectively relay the message of web documents and to prevent web users from getting confused, web copywriters should keep one paragraph from relaying multiple ideas. Web copywriters must strictly comply with the one-paragraph-one-idea rule.

Bulleted and scanning list can also help make web documents scannable as this age-old method slow down the reader and can draw attention to important points.