WRITING IS AN ART #4

PLAN YOUR ROUTE


If you are going on a long journey, there may be many ways of reaching your final destination (both in terms of the route chosen and the method of transport). Your ultimate choice may depend upon factors such as speed, cost and convenience.


Similarly, there are many ways of promoting awareness of your company and/or its products and services. The one you choose will depend upon factors such as:

• The results you are trying to achieve (your aims)
• The budget you have available (the cost)
• The markets you want to reach (your target audience)

Some of the options open to you include:


Short term methods

- Press releases: fairly low cost, wide distribution (however, they may get heavily edited)
- Adverts: higher cost, but you have more control over the final content
- Case studies: for sharing examples of your capabilities with customers in the same sector
- Editorial: research shows that this can be seven times more effective than advertising
- Direct Mail: useful if you want material that is targeted at a specific audience
- Articles: in trade magazines, these help to establish you (and your company's) credentials


Longer term methods

- Websites: the potential of reaching a worldwide audience for a relatively low cost
- Brochures: a useful overview of your solutions (but make sure they don't go out of date)
- Newsletters (including e-zines): great for keeping in regular touch with your customers
- Blogs: share your ideas and show your capabilities in an informal way


Most businesses will use a combination of these methods to achieve a range of aims. In the months ahead, I will be providing some general writing tips - as well as some more specific advice that relates to each of the above methods.


Have a Happy Christmas


Phil
Freelance copywriter

Web: www.phila.co.uk
Email: info@phila.co.uk

WRITING IS AN ART #3

WORKING WITH WORDS

Before you even start writing, there's one important thought that should be going through your mind:

"What do I want my words to achieve?"

The answer might include:

• Greater customer awareness of your company
• Increased sales of your products/services
• Penetration of new markets

It might embrace all three of these (and other aims as well). Whatever you want to achieve, the next step is to decide upon the key messages you need to get across so that you can realise your goal. This applies to whatever you are writing - a press release, case study, web page, advert ...

Ultimately, if your writing is really effective, it will achieve the following:

• Convey your key messages with energy and authority
• Grab the attention of your customers
• Enhance your corporate image/brand

Have a good weekend.

Phil

(Freelance copywriter)

Website: www.phila.co.uk

Email: info@phila.co.uk

WRITING IS AN ART #2

HAVE YOU GOT THE MESSAGE?


Over the coming weeks and months, I will be using my blogs to explore different aspects of writing. The next few blogs will focus on some general principles.


Today, I want to take a brief look at the power of words.


You may have the best product or service in the world, but potential customers aren't likely to hear about it unless you can communicate with them - clearly and effectively. Even in today's technology-orientated world, words are still the main way of getting your message across.


The power of words
Words are powerful. They influence people's actions. They can build up or destroy (just think of how many friendships have been ruined by impulsive words). They can ignite passion, fear and envy; they can even start wars.


But, let's get back to business! The words you use in marketing your products can spell the difference between success and failure. It's therefore vital that whatever is written about your company and its products and services shows it (or them) in the most favourable light possible. So choose your words carefully!


Next week, I will take a look at what your words should achieve...


Take care


Phil

Freelance copywriter


Website: www.phila.co.uk
Email: info@phila.co.uk

WRITING IS AN ART

USE A COPYWRITER TO GET YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS!

If your business wants to communicate effectively with other businesses or customers, how do you do it?

Do you think: "I know my product or service, so I'm the best person to write about it"?

WRONG!

You may know your product better than anyone, but that doesn't mean that you know how to get the message across.

Do you think: "I'll get someone else in the company to write about it, and save money at the same time.."?

WRONG!

Trying to save money in this way is a false economy: you may make a small saving initially, but you will almost certainly lose some potential sales.

Do you think: "The best person to get my message across is a professional copywriter"?

RIGHT!

A good, experienced copywriter will know how to present your product or service in the best possible light - maximising its sales potential (and enhancing your corporate image). Go on, give it a try - call a freelance today (I just happen to know a man who could help...)

http://www.phila.co.uk/