Wednesday, April 12, 2006
[Internet marketing solutions] Where else can I use my copywriting skills?
| As a newcomer to Seattle, I joined the NW chapter of a national speaking group. This year, they’re offering a “showcase” to allow the newer members to practice and (let’s face it) show off their skills. Eligible members were asked to submit a statement of topic and a bio. Some people just listed their topic and added a few earnest sentences. If I hadn’t studied copywriting, I would have done the same. But instead I searched for a model. Just about every form of business and promotional writing has templates and many are published on the Internet. Then I wrote up a pitch for my topic and sent it off. Frankly, I assumed that just about everyone would get a place in the spotlight. To my surprise, the organizers told me only a few speakers were chosen and many members had submitted proposals. And I was one of a small group who gained opportunities for visibility. Once again, I was reminded: Just about everything we write can be seen as a form of copy. Copywriting can be persuasive but it’s not about format and selling points. Copywriting teaches us to be sensitive to readers and listeners. Who are they? What are their hot buttons? What language do they speak? What do we offer? These days, book titles and chapter titles must leap off the page to sell the reader. Speaking professionally? Once again, titles help you get the gigs. And titles are nothing but headlines. Letters to customers also should be considered copy – especially responses to complaints. Love letters to a special someone? Okay...you’re on your own here. I’m sticking to business. And in that arena, it’s hard to imagine writing anything that can’t be called copy. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., helps solo-preneurs, professionals and small businesses build Internet revenues -- without turning themselves into techies or high-powered pushy sales people. Discover the 7 best-kept secrets of client-attracting websites: Download here. Email me |
# posted by Cathy Goodwin @ 3:06 PM 
