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You expect me to pay for content? Ah, blog off!!

Iain West • 4 January 2021
With an overflowing inbox, or at least junk folder, you receive yet another email. Yet another writer trying to convince you that it's them you really need. Promising world, or at least Google, domination, all they are seeking is a monthly fee, and that's your content taken care of.

But wait. You're not going to part with any of you hard-earned money just so someone will write for you. You're a business owner. You're an intelligent person, more than capable of stringing a few sentences together. It's not beyond you to spend 10 minutes rattling at a keyboard and firing out something intelligible and relevant, so why would you want to pay someone else to do it?

It's not about the money, money, money. 

With the words of Jessie J ringing in my ears, the point I am trying to make here is this; scrimping and saving have their place but, long-term, that can get in the way of business growth. I lack any originality in saying that you need to be working on your business and not in your business, but sometimes a cliché says it all.

Yes, you can fire off a half-decent article in record time. Yes, you know where full stops and capital letters go, and yes, you know your business better than anyone. But the time it takes to research an article, the time it takes to type, and the time it takes to ensure you're not accidentally plagiarising someone else's content is all time that you could have (and perhaps should have) been focusing on other activities. 

By hiring a writer for your business, you are not giving up all control. You have input, you get to approve the articles, and you get to design your strategy and vision. What you don't need to do is spend endless hours pouring over a keyboard when that time could be spent on money generating tasks. 

Knowing me knowing you, ahaa

I put myself out there as a content writer because I know myself; I know my strengths. I can even, occasionally, acknowledge my weaknesses. But where writing is concerned, I know that I am pretty damn good at it. You are a business owner, a leader, and a success story. And do you know what? You're pretty damn good at what you do too! 

The successful of you out there know yourselves inside out. Warts and all. You know your own strengths, and you also realise the bits that perhaps you're not the best at. The most successful of you out there surround yourselves with others that sure up those areas that aren't your strongest points.

Using a writer to generate your blog content is much the same. Someone who is a professional in what they do, allowing you to continue doing what you do best. 

Let it go, let it go

Sometimes it's hard to let go. Your business is your baby, and you're not quite ready to hand her over to just anyone. You worry that perhaps a writer won't hit the right tone. You know that no writer can understand your industry as well as you do. You fear that you're wasting money on a chance that the writer will look after your baby and treat her as their own!

A good writer, though, will research your sector, gaining knowledge and credibility. A great writer will spend time getting to know your business inside out. They will ensure that the quality of any article is something that your business can be proud of. The appropriate tone, the technical knowledge, and overall presentation all come together and are truly the voice of your business.

So the next time your inbox goes 'ping' and it is just another writer, consider if you want to be bogged down. Bogged down in research, bogged down in utilising keywords, and bogged down by something that you simply don't enjoy. Is now the time to free yourself and hire a great writer?
by Iain West 21 August 2023
Even if you're unfamiliar with the term "copywriter," you've undoubtedly encountered their work throughout various forms of advertising. Be it on the internet, television, printed materials, or billboards, their influence is widespread, though often operating behind the scenes. Successful copywriting hinges on seamless integration. When a brand's message is effectively conveyed, what remains in the audience's memory is the brand itself, its value proposition, or the desired action—not the specific language employed. Consider an example: an advertisement that utilises a mere handful of words to convey a potent message. This showcases the power of a strong brand to succinctly deliver a message that resonates instantly with the audience, bypassing the need for exhaustive explanations. So, what precisely is a copywriter, and how can their expertise transform small businesses? At its core, a copywriter is a professional who wields clear, concise, and compelling language (copy) to promote products, engage audiences, and provide education. Copywriting is an art form . When executed effectively, it fuels business growth and bolsters the bottom line. However, when done poorly, it can deter potential customers from engaging with your offerings. One misconception is that only prominent brands require the services of a skilled copywriter. The reality is that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also reap substantial benefits. Engaging an adept copywriter levels the playing field, allowing SMEs to compete against larger corporations for a share of the market. This move can be a cost-effective game-changer. Here's why: Target Audience Definition : Expert copywriters excel in understanding what resonates with your audience. This is the cornerstone of effective content marketing. By delving into the minds of potential customers, tapping into their emotional triggers, and establishing a connection, copywriters facilitate purchases and service utilisation. In contrast, businesses employing a scattered approach to content creation are less likely to see comparable success. Impartial Writing : Crafting copy with impartiality is challenging for businesses, as they tend to view their products or services through a lens of enthusiasm. This partiality can hinder a thorough understanding of the consumer's perspective and their motivations for choosing a particular offering. Effective copywriters excel in identifying the benefits of a product or service from the consumer's standpoint, which sets your brand apart from competitors. AIDA Framework : Experienced copywriters guide readers through the AIDA framework: Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action . This approach facilitates a step-by-step understanding of your brand. Powerful copy captures readers' attention with compelling headlines or opening questions, sustains their interest by addressing their needs, appeals to their desires, and provides clear guidance on the next steps. Nurturing Customer Relationships : Initial connections often require further nurturing to drive meaningful action. According to a recent report, a significant percentage of consumers expect companies to recognise their individuality and interests. This demands ongoing efforts to build trust and bridge gaps. Expert copywriters can design content strategies that facilitate this process, mapping out the buyer's journey and delivering relevant content at each stage of the marketing funnel. Final Thoughts The role of a copywriter goes beyond mere wordsmithing. Their expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences, driving engagement and action. Whether you're a large corporation or an SME, the impact of hiring a skilled copywriter can be transformative, enabling you to connect more effectively with your audience and achieve your business objectives. If you're ready to take your business to the next level, I can help .
by Iain West 21 August 2023
While technological advancements are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, the realm of content creation is no exception. With the rise of AI-generated content , the once well-defined roles of human copywriters have been challenged. However, despite the rapid progress made in artificial intelligence, there's a resounding argument to be made for the enduring value of human copywriters. In this blog post, l'll delve explore the intricacies of AI-generated content and human copywriting, highlighting why the latter's blend of creativity, emotion, and resonance remains unmatched. Creativity and Originality While AI algorithms excel at processing vast amounts of data and generating content at an impressive speed, they often fall short in terms of creativity and originality. AI-generated content is rooted in patterns and data from existing sources, making it challenging for AI to create truly unique and innovative pieces. On the other hand, human copywriters bring a wealth of experiences, emotions, and cultural nuances to their work. They can think outside the box, weaving together ideas in novel ways that captivate and engage audiences. Emotional Connection One of the fundamental aspects that sets human copywriters apart is their ability to establish a genuine emotional connection with readers. The nuances of human emotion, empathy, and understanding are complex for AI to replicate convincingly. A well-crafted piece of content is not just about conveying information; it's about evoking emotions that resonate with readers on a personal level. Human copywriters are adept at infusing content with relatable anecdotes, humor, and empathy – elements that foster a stronger bond between brands and their audiences. Adaptability and Context AI-generated content often falters when it comes to adapting to shifting contexts or handling intricate subject matter. Human copywriters possess the invaluable ability to research, understand, and adapt their writing style to diverse topics. Whether it's technical jargon , industry-specific language, or cultural references, a human copywriter can seamlessly incorporate these elements into their work, ensuring that the content is not only accurate but also relevant to the target audience. Quality over Quantity AI-generated content prides itself on producing a high volume of material within a short span of time. However, this quantity-driven approach can compromise the quality of the content. AI algorithms might generate grammatically correct text, but they may lack the finesse of a human touch. Human copywriters prioritise quality over quantity , meticulously refining their work to ensure that every sentence, every word, serves a purpose and contributes to the overall message. Uniquely Human Voice When it comes to brand identity and voice, the nuances of a uniquely human perspective cannot be replaced by AI-generated content. Human copywriters are adept at adapting their tone, style, and voice to match the brand's personality and values. This consistency and authenticity are key in building a strong brand identity that resonates with customers and sets brands apart in a crowded digital landscape. Cultural Sensitivity and Nuance Culture plays a pivotal role in communication. While AI algorithms might struggle with cultural nuances and sensitivity, human copywriters bring their cultural awareness and understanding to the table. This understanding allows them to tailor content that is not only accurate but also respectful and appealing to diverse audiences. Iterative Improvement Human copywriters engage in an iterative process of drafting, editing, and revising content to perfection. This refinement process is a result of years of experience, feedback, and constant learning. AI, on the other hand, can be limited by the quality of the data it's trained on and might not demonstrate the same capacity for continuous improvement. Final Thoughts While AI-generated content has made remarkable strides in automating certain aspects of content creation, it's clear that human copywriters offer a depth of creativity, emotional connection, and adaptability that remains unparalleled. The ability to create content that resonates with human experiences, emotions, and values is a testament to the enduring value of human copywriters. In a world where authenticity and connection are paramount, the human touch prevails, making human copywriters essential partners in crafting compelling narratives that stand the test of time. Get in touch and let me craft the perfect copy to drive results.
by Iain West 21 August 2023
While attention spans are shrinking and information overload is rampant, the art of copywriting has emerged as a powerful tool to captivate, persuade, and ultimately convert readers into customers. The right words have the potential to turn mundane content into a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences, fosters trust, and drives action. This is where the expertise of a freelance copywriter comes into play, harnessing the magic of language to craft copy that sells. The Power of Persuasion: Unleashing the Copywriting Advantage Copywriting is more than just putting words on a page; it's about understanding the psychology of your target audience and tailoring your message to address their needs, desires, and pain points. A skilled copywriter has the ability to weave words together in a way that taps into emotions, establishes a connection, and triggers the desired response. Whether it's a catchy headline, a compelling product description, or a convincing call to action (CTA), copywriting is the art of persuasion in its finest form. The Copywriting Landscape: Navigating Through the Noise In a world where every brand is vying for attention, standing out from the crowd is imperative. A freelance copywriter possesses the acumen to create content that cuts through the noise, conveying the essence of a brand's unique value proposition. By meticulously choosing words, framing narratives, and highlighting benefits, a copywriter transforms ordinary content into a memorable experience. From website copy and social media posts to email campaigns and advertisements, every piece of content becomes an opportunity to engage, educate, and entice. The Freelance Copywriter Advantage: Expertise on Demand Enter the freelance copywriter—a versatile wordsmith who brings a fresh perspective to each project. Businesses, large and small, can harness the expertise of these skilled professionals without the commitment of a full-time hire. Freelance copywriters are chameleons, adapting their writing style to suit different industries, tones, and mediums. Their ability to delve into diverse topics, research intensively, and create tailored content makes them an invaluable asset for companies seeking impactful communication. Crafting Compelling CTAs: The Art of Driving Action The call to action (CTA) is the driving force behind effective copywriting. It's the pivotal moment when a reader transitions from a passive observer to an active participant. A well-crafted CTA uses persuasive language to encourage readers to take the next step—whether that's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting the business. A freelance copywriter understands the psychology behind CTAs and knows how to infuse them seamlessly into content, prompting readers to act without feeling coerced. Connecting Through Storytelling: Creating Emotional Bonds In the realm of copywriting, storytelling reigns supreme. Humans are hardwired to respond to narratives, and a freelance copywriter knows how to tap into this inherent aspect of human nature. By weaving stories that resonate with readers' experiences and aspirations, copywriters forge emotional connections that foster trust and loyalty. Through storytelling, even the most technical or mundane subjects can be presented in a relatable and engaging manner, leaving a lasting impact. Your Partner in Success: Contact Me Today If you're ready to take your brand's communication to the next level, it's time to leverage the power of copywriting . As a seasoned freelance copywriter, I have honed my skills in crafting words that sell. Let's work together to transform your ordinary content into extraordinary copy that engages, persuades, and converts. Whether you need captivating web copy, attention-grabbing blog posts, or compelling marketing materials, I have the expertise to deliver results. Don't let your message get lost in the noise. Contact me today , and let's embark on a journey to amplify your brand's voice, connect with your audience, and drive meaningful action. Your success story starts with the right words.
by Iain West 31 March 2021
In a time where more and more businesses are turning to their online presence to boost awareness and profits, perhaps this is something that is a little new to you. Many business owners that I speak to commit hour after hour to compiling their latest blog post and are then left somewhat confused as to why there have been no visits and no interaction. These business owners know that what they’re offering is worthy of attention, but they just can’t seem to rank in the search engines, meaning that they’re missing out on valuable new clients. If you recognise yourself as one of these business owners, then perhaps now is the time to learn all that you can about SEO content and how you can use this to benefit your company. This brief overview will show you how quality content can help you get found in the search engines. What is SEO content? Perhaps being so new to the world of online business you’re not quite sure what SEO content actually is. Perhaps you’re yet to learn what SEO even stands for (search engine optimisation). On a basic level, SEO is all about optimising your website so that search engines recognise it and will rank it accordingly. Usually, when talking about search engines, people are referring to Google. Yes, there are other search engines out there but Google is the most popular by far. So, knowing that we are wanting our website to be found by Google and for Google to display us as high up as possible in the search results, how do we make sure that this happens? Well, this is where the content side of SEO content comes into play. Content refers to practically anything that may be on a webpage. The kind of things being referred to are: Blogs Infographics Guides Videos Articles SEO content is, in effect, content that is produced that helps the likes of Google to find and display your site when a relevant search is made. How to write content for SEO If you’re looking for plenty of hits on your website then SEO content writing is something that you’re going to want to master. Rather than just writing in such a way that informs potential customers how great your product or service is, SEO content writing is all about writing in such a way that Google will display it. There is of course a balance: no one should be writing just for search engines and so the SEO content still needs to be engaging to any reader. If you’re wondering how to produce online content that Google will love, here a some of the things that you’ll need to consider: A great headline We all know that a great headline is essential to any piece of content. It is often the title alone that inspires people to click as they feel the need to read on. While headlines are certainly important in terms of grabbing your reader’s attention, they are also important where Google is concerned. Including keywords in your title gives a little nod to Google and lets it know what your writing is all about. When it comes to deciding which keywords you should be including in your title, it is worth using online tools that will show the ones that are relevant to your industry. Google itself offers a keyword planner and this is a great resource when it comes to planning your content. The importance of keywords When referring to keywords, these are the words that your potential customers are typing into Google when they need your product or service. If you were perhaps looking for a great copywriter , you might type ‘copywriter’ into your search bar. If that copywriter wanted to be found, they’d have to make sure that word appears on their website. The word ‘copywriter’ will bring an array of results so then the copywriter may look at using long-tail keywords. These are short phrases that people may search for (such as professional copywriter in Lincolnshire) rather than short-tail keywords which tend to be a single word. Long-tail keywords can be less competitive if you’ve got your research right and can bring you far superior results. Building links One way that you can make your website more visible is by linking back to pages on your own site and linking to other blog posts that you have created. Assuming that the links are relevant, this shows Google your other pages matter and may allow them to be seen as more authoritative. When writing SEO content you can also link your blog posts to other relevant articles on websites that you do not own. This is only worth doing if the site is relevant to your own field and if the site is seen as a great authority in that area. As your site grows in popularity, it is possible that some of these sites may link back to and this shows Google that your SEO content is relevant and deserves to be shown higher up in the search results. What about SEO copywriting? The term SEO copywriting is often heard when people are talking about content creation. The key difference between the 2 is the intent behind it being written. As we have seen, SEO content writing is about producing valuable content that will be picked up by the search engines and give your site a welcome boost in the rankings. Generally, SEO content will be something that adds value to the reader and will only make subtle suggestions about purchasing your product or service. SEO copywriting goes a little further and can be seen as a persuasive style of writing that encourages the reader to take a particular action such as to buy. How to produce great SEO content When it comes to creating any content for your website the key point to remember is that you are writing for people. It is all well and good focusing on keywords and getting carried away by the latest changes to the Google search algorithm, but unless you write with the reader in mind you are unlikely to produce content that is readable and engaging. Going overboard on keywords will make your writing nonsensical and Google may even completely ignore your website because of it. Of course, having an SEO strategy in place will make creating SEO content that much easier. If, like many business owners, you simply do not have the time to create the content yourself it can be worth looking at the services of a professional content writer.
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