September 2008 Archive Page 1

When, why and how to work with a freelance writer

Looking for new ways to expand your communications efforts in the face of tight budgets and limited resources? Hire a freelancer! But, before you do, make sure you know:

  • The ONLY 2 reasons to ever hire a freelancer
  • 3 important things a freelancer can do for you
  • How to find the right freelancer
  • Common concerns about working with freelancers — and how to get past them
  • What freelancers need YOU to know about working with them

Complete a contact form to inquire about scheduling me as a speaker on this topic.

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Get inspired

Another Get Great Copy shortcut …
For years, direct mail copywriters have suggested that in order to become good at writing direct mail copy, you should find a stellar copy example and then handwrite the copy verbatim — day after day after day. The most touted direct mail piece to copy is Martin Conroy‘s world-famous 1974 control letter.

So why not find a bit of web content you consider great and do the same? What about a clever headline? Or a brilliant tagline? Handwriting the great copy you aspire for yourself will help you truly understand and embrace the nuances of what makes it great. (An old friend used to call this “knowing it in your knower.”)

Use this technique, too, to overcome writer’s block. Putting pen to paper and writing out longhand copy you consider worthy will immediately shift your mindset to help open up your creativity in very short order.

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Why this before-and-after is so compelling

partyliteDirect selling in a tight economy can be a challenge (though some statistics say direct-selling opportunities actually go up during a down economy).

Here’s how one national direct selling company, PartyLite, is using Flash media to create both a sensory experience and a sense of urgency. Note the “Create Your Ambience” section on the home page. Choose a decor, then select a fragrance and watch how PartyLite’s products make over a room, taking it from ordinary to extraordinary.

Sold … especially if the site visitor sees their home in those pictures, either literally or figuratively.

But PartyLite doesn’t stop there; they remembered to include rollovers identifying the products. Unfortunately, they neglected to allow a click into the product page and include online ordering. Aaargh.

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Free eBook

Recovering from major surgery is a bit slower than I’d like so although I’m back in the office, I’m back part-time this week.

But, I have a wonderful FREE resource to share from my colleague, Dianna Huff. Although written for B2B marketers, her advice applies to B2C communicators as well.

Download it here.

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