Do you ever struggle to come up with ideas for a blog post?
If you're like me, you probably suffer from ebbs and flows in inspiration and motivation. Even when I have a good idea, I don't always have enough writing mojo left at the end of the day to translate it into great copy.
On other days I can put 500 or more words on the page before I realise I haven't really said anything, or anything that hasn't already been said about a million times. It's not writer's block; it's more like blogging fatigue.
If you're going through a rough patch with your blog, why not volunteer to write for another blog?
Guest posting or contributing to a crowd sourced blog is a great way to generate enthusiasm for blogging again. I find when I'm writing for a different audience, I'm more alert to what I'm doing and I spend more time refining my ideas.
There's almost always collaboration with the blog owner or an editor which helps, too. Blogging is often a solitary exercise but working with other people on a post often pays dividends in the motivation department.
Consistently producing quality content on your blog can wear you out. The best bloggers employ special techniques to get them back into a blogging groove. Maybe guest blogging will get your blogging mojo back!?
Good luck and good night,
Hannah Chesterfield,
Dorset Copywriter and Website/ SEO writer
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Tips for writing a winning case study
7 tips to creating a winning case study
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that writing a case study is simple. It isn’t. There are a lot of bad ones out there so I’ve put together a few tips for you to help you create a winner.- Tell it from your customer’s perspective otherwise it will just come across as a piece of hype. Readers will be able to relate to your customer, after all they may well be facing the same problems. Let’s face it they probably are – if they weren’t why would they be reading your case study?
- Use real people in your photos if you can. Not everyone will be willing to do that but it adds weight to your case study if you can and makes it more personable.
- Include as many facts and figures as you can. And give specific examples of what you did to solve their problem. Wishy-washy information will get you absolutely nowhere. Trust me.
- People love pictures so use shots of your customers premises, machinery or whatever is relevant to your case study. This will add a sense of realism that you can’t achieve by using stock images.
- Let your client speak directly. Include plenty of relevant quotes and make sure you attribute them to the right person (including their full name and position). This is a great opportunity to present a new voice to your case study – try and use their language to add authenticity.
- Give it a good structure – a brief introduction to your customer, what their problem was, how you solved it, what the outcome was and future implications for them/their business.
- Make sure it is clear how they benefited from your product/service/expertise. This is crucial. If you tell your reader how your customer benefited they will associate that with how THEY will also benefit.
Thanks
Hannah @ Purple Bubble Writing XX
Hannah @ Purple Bubble Writing XX
Where has free copywriting got me?
Hi, it has been a little while since I have had the time to write a blog, but here I am!
Today I will discussing whether offering free services can be a positive development for a copywriter? When I began my copywriting company Purple Bubble Writing from my home here in Dorset I thought about the best way to promote myself and develop my testimonials. I began by joining UK Business Forums and offered free copywriting services to anyone who felt they would benefit from my writing skills.
To be honest, I think I opened the floodgates- I was inundated but wasn't complaining! So, for a couple of months I wrote for free and gained many testimonials which are now posted on my website www.purplebubblewriting.co.uk if you want to take a look.
In addition, I have written for many mediums and for various clients who are all over the moon with the copywriting services I have provided. Please just ask for examples of my work and I will happily provide them.
Anyway, enough about me- lets get back to the statement I made originally: Where will offering free copywriting get you?
Obviously offering free services not only has benefitted me but also the client too. I gain more experience, can show off my copywriting skills, built contacts and positively help someone in need.
But choosing to work for free is something I needed to consider very carefully as the time that I spent on working for free for a client is time that I could spend on a paying project or marketing myself so that I can land my next big project. One issue I was conscious of was by offering free services maybe I was putting myself in danger of underselling myself and my rates?
But I need not have worried as people I have done free copy for have gone onto pay me for my time- very encouraging for me. Also, it reinforces the fact I am a great copywriter and have a bubbly personality which is something I pride myself on. I am enthuastic, down to earth, easy going, and like a giggle and don't worry; that will never change!
So, with this in mind there is a fine line between a giveaway that help you and one that can set you back.
Time is money. Just like me, if you’re giving away your time, it had better mean that doing so will bring in some money in other ways. It’s not impossible to set up:
If you don’t see the benefit of donating some time, it’s likely to be something you don’t want to do. I support a fantastic local organisation in Wellington, Somerset called The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk, run by the beautiful and courageous Naomi Thomas who helps people with life limiting and life threatening conditions have the wedding of their dreams, and gladly offer my copywriting services for free. So far I have helped Naomi with suggestions for her website and have created a 2000+ word article for use in a local magazine. (Soon to be published apparently!)
There are times that, even without a clear financial benefit, you, just like me, can choose to give away your services just the same. With The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, for instance, I am willing to help out for free because it’s a way that I can support the organization, which is important to me.
In all, the important thing with offering free copywriting services is being able to recognize where the benefit is and make the decision with your eyes wide open.
Hannah @ Purple Bubble Writing, Bridport, Dorset xxx
Today I will discussing whether offering free services can be a positive development for a copywriter? When I began my copywriting company Purple Bubble Writing from my home here in Dorset I thought about the best way to promote myself and develop my testimonials. I began by joining UK Business Forums and offered free copywriting services to anyone who felt they would benefit from my writing skills.
To be honest, I think I opened the floodgates- I was inundated but wasn't complaining! So, for a couple of months I wrote for free and gained many testimonials which are now posted on my website www.purplebubblewriting.co.uk if you want to take a look.
In addition, I have written for many mediums and for various clients who are all over the moon with the copywriting services I have provided. Please just ask for examples of my work and I will happily provide them.
Anyway, enough about me- lets get back to the statement I made originally: Where will offering free copywriting get you?
Obviously offering free services not only has benefitted me but also the client too. I gain more experience, can show off my copywriting skills, built contacts and positively help someone in need.
But choosing to work for free is something I needed to consider very carefully as the time that I spent on working for free for a client is time that I could spend on a paying project or marketing myself so that I can land my next big project. One issue I was conscious of was by offering free services maybe I was putting myself in danger of underselling myself and my rates?
But I need not have worried as people I have done free copy for have gone onto pay me for my time- very encouraging for me. Also, it reinforces the fact I am a great copywriter and have a bubbly personality which is something I pride myself on. I am enthuastic, down to earth, easy going, and like a giggle and don't worry; that will never change!
So, with this in mind there is a fine line between a giveaway that help you and one that can set you back.
When is Giving Your Time Away Worth Your While?
Time is money. Just like me, if you’re giving away your time, it had better mean that doing so will bring in some money in other ways. It’s not impossible to set up:
- A giveaway will lead directly to paid work. If, for instance, by giving away an hour of free work to land an additional hours of work means a win, win situation for everyone!
- For people or businesses offering a product or a service, get big attention from your ideal client. Putting a gift certificate for a couple hours of your time into a silent auction for charity can help you build at least a little awareness among people who hadn’t heard of you before, although it’s crucial that you make sure that at least part of the audience would be interested in paying you for your work.
- Pair your giveaway with a paid purchase. If you have a product to sell — even if you’re an affiliate for a product and didn’t create it yourself — you can offer up some of your time for free to help buyers make up their minds. A web developer might sell a website template and offer up an hour of customization for free, as an example.
Limiting Requests for Unpaid Work
If you don’t see the benefit of donating some time, it’s likely to be something you don’t want to do. I support a fantastic local organisation in Wellington, Somerset called The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk, run by the beautiful and courageous Naomi Thomas who helps people with life limiting and life threatening conditions have the wedding of their dreams, and gladly offer my copywriting services for free. So far I have helped Naomi with suggestions for her website and have created a 2000+ word article for use in a local magazine. (Soon to be published apparently!)
There are times that, even without a clear financial benefit, you, just like me, can choose to give away your services just the same. With The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, for instance, I am willing to help out for free because it’s a way that I can support the organization, which is important to me.
In all, the important thing with offering free copywriting services is being able to recognize where the benefit is and make the decision with your eyes wide open.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Purple Bubble Writing supports The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation's 1st Christmas Stall, Exeter, 2012
An opportunity for the tired shoppers of Exeter to come in and Refresh and Revive from a hard day of shopping (or to prepare yourself for a long day on your feet!), our stall will be offering a range of refreshments including tea, coffee, non-alcoholic mulled wine, festive biscuits and delicious cakes.
Plus, there will be a range of Christmas and craft type stalls offering a stunning selection of gifts, and ideas for those extra special stocking fillers.
Naomi Thomas, the founder of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, and leading the fundraising team said, ‘We would like as many people as possible to attend our Christmas Stall and share some festive spirit with us, as Christmas is less than four weeks away now. We are proud to announce that the event will be opened by the Mayor of Exeter and hopefully Father Christmas will make a surprise visit too, which is really exciting for both children and adults alike!’
‘This is our first year as an organisation and our first Christmas charity event and we want to make it a storming success so we can continue this event year after year, if possible. The funds raised from the event will contribute towards giving people with terminal illnesses and life threatening conditions the wedding day of their dreams before it is too late, so come along and support your local good cause!’
So, how can you help or become a part of the fundraising team on the day?
Nearer the date, perhaps you have some spare time to bake or provide a tasty cake, some buns or biscuits? Or maybe you have some home-made pickles or preserves?
If so, please bring your treats with you early on the morning of the event or get in touch to see if we can arrange local collection!
If so, please bring your treats with you early on the morning of the event or get in touch to see if we can arrange local collection!
Also, if you are interested in having a stall and selling an array of quality crafts and gifts for a worthy cause, get in touch by emailing info@weddingwishingwell.org.uk
Whether you fancy a natter, a nibble or to find a gift for someone special or for someone who has everything, come along to our fantastic Christmas stall. You’re sure to find something!
See you on Saturday 22nd December......
Whether you fancy a natter, a nibble or to find a gift for someone special or for someone who has everything, come along to our fantastic Christmas stall. You’re sure to find something!
See you on Saturday 22nd December......
Please visit: www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk for more information about this fantastic organisation, based in Wellington, Somerset
What is copywriting?
What better way to start a blog about the art of copywriting than with the definition of copywriting?
Almost every time I talk to someone about what I do I get asked the same questions : What is copywriting? What does a copywriter do? What do you write about?….So I decided to clear things up:).
The simplest definition I have found so far is that copywriting is the use of words to promote a business, a product, a person, an idea or opinon (or anything you can think of). While I agree with it, I still feel like this definition is like a recipe that’s missing the main ingredient. Yes, copywriting refers to promoting certain things, but what’s the purpose of all that promotion?
That’s right! The purpose is to persuade readers into buying what we sell, make them click on that banner, read our article and afterward e-mail it to their friends saying how great it is and so on. Copywriting is all about being persuasive and delivering a message!
That being said, here’s my own little definition of copywriting:
Copywriting is both the art and science of promoting in writing: a person, a business, a product, an idea or opinion with the purpose of delivering a message to its target audience and persuading the reader into taking a specific action.
There you have it! Now tell me what you think about it or, even better, what’s your definition of copywriting?
Thanks
Hannah @ Purple Bubble Writing XX
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Does your website have useless content?
I have seen it time and time again unfortunately.
Your website copy may be interesting and often funny.
It will hopefully be accurate and informative but your website content may be utterly useless.
It’s probably repetitive too.
Your website content most likely repeats several sentences throughout your site.
Worse still, it might even repeat complete sentences on the same page.
At the end of the day, your customer only needs to be told once that want you do; that you’re a double glazing company, a model or a hot copywriter, or that you specialize in e-commerce websites.
To ensure you get the right message across without constant repetition every single word you use should contribute to convincing your client and telling him or her something new.
If you don't, you risk frustrating your reader.
Trust me, this is that last thing you want- you really don’t want to bore them by sounding like a broken record!
Hannah Chesterfield :)
Purple Bubble Writing, Bridport, Dorset
Your website copy may be interesting and often funny.
It will hopefully be accurate and informative but your website content may be utterly useless.
It’s probably repetitive too.
Your website content most likely repeats several sentences throughout your site.
Worse still, it might even repeat complete sentences on the same page.
At the end of the day, your customer only needs to be told once that want you do; that you’re a double glazing company, a model or a hot copywriter, or that you specialize in e-commerce websites.
To ensure you get the right message across without constant repetition every single word you use should contribute to convincing your client and telling him or her something new.
If you don't, you risk frustrating your reader.
Trust me, this is that last thing you want- you really don’t want to bore them by sounding like a broken record!
Hannah Chesterfield :)
Purple Bubble Writing, Bridport, Dorset
Monday, 18 June 2012
Top five tips for working from home (successfully!)
I’ll be honest. I am a newly self employed copywriter based in Bridport, Dorset and am therefore relatively new to the whole ‘working from home’ thing. So, to hopefully help others, I thought I would put some points together about working from home based on advice I have gathered from friends, family, colleagues and professionals. Their help and guidance has been so helpful so far in my new venture and has made me take the plunge sooner rather than later so I really must thank them.
Yes, there are many plus sides to working from home: a cup of tea or coffee when you fancy one, no expensive office rent to pay and no more sitting in long traffic jams wasting precious time but working from home doesn’t suit everyone. It definitely takes a lot of self discipline as without it nothing would get done. Having studied nearly six years for a degree with the Open University part time (while working full time), I would certainly say I have self discipline and motivation to get things completed, thoroughly and in time. This is why I believe that once you get past the periods of loneliness, working from home can be a positive experience.
So, what are Purple Bubble’s top five tips for staying sane and getting things done? Read on to find out................
1) Make sure your friends and family understandYes, you and I understand the concept of working from home but people who have never done it or don’t know anyone in the same position just don’t get it sometimes. Just because you are at home does not mean you are free to look after the dog, babysit or take time out for a quick catch up! They need to appreciate that if you were working in an office or formal environment they wouldn’t be able to pop in for a social visit, so make it clear as day from the start that no matter how pressure they put you under, it is a No, no!
2) Organise a dedicated place of work
In order to successfully work from home as a copywriter it is important to have a dedicated office space. This may be a study, a spare room or a converted attic space. If you have the luxury, a home office in the garden may well be the ideal place to work as it is totally separate from the rest of the house, meaning you can shut the door and unwind in your own house of an evening. Wherever you work the most important thing is you have somewhere to ‘go to work’ so to speak. Just believing you are ‘off to work’ will help you get in the correct mindset. OK, some people can work around a kitchen table or sitting down in the lounge with the television blasting out, but they are in the minority. I cannot stand working like that but that is just me!
3) Plan your days
Despite what some may think, working from home doesn’t mean lounging around in your PJs all day, sat watching daytime television or taking three hour lunch breaks! If that is the approach you take you will never be a successful copywriter. On the flip side, working flat out for eighteen hours is not healthy too and therefore it is important to find a healthy balance and plan your days. That way you know you are doing, how long you have to complete something and can work to a schedule rather than floating along aimlessly. If something overruns, take some time off in the evening or the next morning and if you take an extra long break one day, make up some time when you can. My advice is to write a list of things to do each day and once written, the list should be prioritised and ticked off as the jobs are completed. Personally, I would say that sometimes I verge on OCD with lists but I find them really useful as they force me to work methodically through a project to get it completed.
No matter if you are a workoholic or not, everyone needs some time out to relax so I find it is a good idea to plan some leisure time, such as going swimming on a set date, to get me out of the house. If my phone rings and I am out or having dinner I let it go to answer phone as at the end of the day, that is what it is there for…I don’t think people should be offended. So long as you get back to them as soon as convenient I don’t see a problem.
4) Don’t get distracted
Easier said than done I know, but it is essential to not let distractions take over your day. It is fine to hang out the washing when the sun comes out. Here in Dorset we aren’t having much sun at the moment so I would jump on the chance for freshly aired clothes but that doesn’t mean I would then start mowing the lawn or cleaning the car as it would be a slippery slope! My advice is to be conscious of your time and to be clear on what needs doing and when, to help keep you on track.
5) Overcoming a solitary lifestyle
I have been used to working in a busy office environment but as I said before, studied from home for a number of years so knew, or rather had some idea, of what it would be like working from home. However, for people considering this change in direction it is important to understand the transition can come as a bit of a shock. I think the best thing to do is again, get the balance right to help you not feel lonely or isolated. While Twitter and Facebook allows you to freely communicate with others from the comfort of your desk, I also believe that they have their drawbacks too. Spending too much time on these kinds of social networking sites will mean your work may well suffer as a result so plan the amount of time to be spent on such sites to ensure you enjoy the benefits without damaging your business.
On the other hand, these kind of sites can be a great tool in physically getting you out of the house on a regular basis. Business networking events mean there are plenty of opportunities to meet other people and ultimately increase sales or interest.
As I have said in every top tip on the subject, I really believe working from home is all about the balance. If you can get that nailed then being your own boss in the comfort of your own surroundings can be a very fulfilling experience.
Yes, there are many plus sides to working from home: a cup of tea or coffee when you fancy one, no expensive office rent to pay and no more sitting in long traffic jams wasting precious time but working from home doesn’t suit everyone. It definitely takes a lot of self discipline as without it nothing would get done. Having studied nearly six years for a degree with the Open University part time (while working full time), I would certainly say I have self discipline and motivation to get things completed, thoroughly and in time. This is why I believe that once you get past the periods of loneliness, working from home can be a positive experience.
So, what are Purple Bubble’s top five tips for staying sane and getting things done? Read on to find out................
1) Make sure your friends and family understandYes, you and I understand the concept of working from home but people who have never done it or don’t know anyone in the same position just don’t get it sometimes. Just because you are at home does not mean you are free to look after the dog, babysit or take time out for a quick catch up! They need to appreciate that if you were working in an office or formal environment they wouldn’t be able to pop in for a social visit, so make it clear as day from the start that no matter how pressure they put you under, it is a No, no!
2) Organise a dedicated place of work
In order to successfully work from home as a copywriter it is important to have a dedicated office space. This may be a study, a spare room or a converted attic space. If you have the luxury, a home office in the garden may well be the ideal place to work as it is totally separate from the rest of the house, meaning you can shut the door and unwind in your own house of an evening. Wherever you work the most important thing is you have somewhere to ‘go to work’ so to speak. Just believing you are ‘off to work’ will help you get in the correct mindset. OK, some people can work around a kitchen table or sitting down in the lounge with the television blasting out, but they are in the minority. I cannot stand working like that but that is just me!
3) Plan your days
Despite what some may think, working from home doesn’t mean lounging around in your PJs all day, sat watching daytime television or taking three hour lunch breaks! If that is the approach you take you will never be a successful copywriter. On the flip side, working flat out for eighteen hours is not healthy too and therefore it is important to find a healthy balance and plan your days. That way you know you are doing, how long you have to complete something and can work to a schedule rather than floating along aimlessly. If something overruns, take some time off in the evening or the next morning and if you take an extra long break one day, make up some time when you can. My advice is to write a list of things to do each day and once written, the list should be prioritised and ticked off as the jobs are completed. Personally, I would say that sometimes I verge on OCD with lists but I find them really useful as they force me to work methodically through a project to get it completed.
No matter if you are a workoholic or not, everyone needs some time out to relax so I find it is a good idea to plan some leisure time, such as going swimming on a set date, to get me out of the house. If my phone rings and I am out or having dinner I let it go to answer phone as at the end of the day, that is what it is there for…I don’t think people should be offended. So long as you get back to them as soon as convenient I don’t see a problem.
4) Don’t get distracted
Easier said than done I know, but it is essential to not let distractions take over your day. It is fine to hang out the washing when the sun comes out. Here in Dorset we aren’t having much sun at the moment so I would jump on the chance for freshly aired clothes but that doesn’t mean I would then start mowing the lawn or cleaning the car as it would be a slippery slope! My advice is to be conscious of your time and to be clear on what needs doing and when, to help keep you on track.
5) Overcoming a solitary lifestyle
I have been used to working in a busy office environment but as I said before, studied from home for a number of years so knew, or rather had some idea, of what it would be like working from home. However, for people considering this change in direction it is important to understand the transition can come as a bit of a shock. I think the best thing to do is again, get the balance right to help you not feel lonely or isolated. While Twitter and Facebook allows you to freely communicate with others from the comfort of your desk, I also believe that they have their drawbacks too. Spending too much time on these kinds of social networking sites will mean your work may well suffer as a result so plan the amount of time to be spent on such sites to ensure you enjoy the benefits without damaging your business.
On the other hand, these kind of sites can be a great tool in physically getting you out of the house on a regular basis. Business networking events mean there are plenty of opportunities to meet other people and ultimately increase sales or interest.
As I have said in every top tip on the subject, I really believe working from home is all about the balance. If you can get that nailed then being your own boss in the comfort of your own surroundings can be a very fulfilling experience.
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