Beware... cocky copywriter in Stoke on Trent!

Beware... cocky copywriter in Stoke on Trent!  And why it's important not to upset a professional copywriter who really knows her stuff...

To my amusement, I received a rather arrogantly worded email this morning from a ‘wannabe copywriter’ based in Stoke-on-Trent, who strongly believes his dubious and inaccurate opinion of the English language is correct.

In his very brief, but somewhat dogmatic message, he proceeded to ask me with great conviction what was wrong with some of the sentences on my website, including:

“I write powerful, hard working, and highly creative copy for companies across the UK and Europe” and “I’m an expert at what I do: it’s how I pay the bills. I also know how to sell too. So you can be safe in the knowledge that I’ll do a fantastic job and you’ll receive hard hitting, persuasive, and uniquely creative copy”.

I felt my heart fall into the pit of my stomach with an enormous thud because, let’s face it, copywriting and proofreading is my life and I pride myself on knowing almost everything there is to know about the English language. So I scratched my head a few times, read and reread his email, and promptly came to the conclusion that the ‘mistake’ he was referring to was the well-known and widely accepted Oxford comma.

But how can a supposedly professional copywriter take umbrage to the poor, defenseless, and extremely useful little Oxford comma? It’s such a superb grammatical road sign that even the Oxford Dictionary promotes its use, by saying:

“The 'Oxford comma' is an optional comma before the word 'and' at the end of a list: We sell books, videos, and magazines. It's known as the Oxford comma because it was traditionally used by printers, readers, and editors at Oxford University Press. Not all writers and publishers use it, but it can clarify the meaning of a sentence when the items in a list are not single words.”

I couldn’t have worded it better myself. Thank you, Oxford Dictionary.

And whilst I’m having my little rant about a certain cocky ‘wannabe copywriter’ in Stoke-on-Trent, it seems appropriate to also highlight that this chap is offering a proofreading service too.  Scary!

After my heart had sprung back into its rightful place, I started to giggle with the hilarity of the situation. Not only has he launched a ‘one man mission against bad grammar’ by saying: “Recently I have concluded that the quality of work doesn't really matter. I have come to this conclusion after seeing the quality of content displayed on the websites of some of my local, successful competitors. Yet they still get work! Like to see how bad they are, or find out if you use them?” But his own website is riddled with a number of glaring grammatical inaccuracies and inconsistencies, which I find pretty shocking.

Needless to say, I pointed out with as much grace and dignity as I could possibly muster after having been so ruthlessly and inaccurately ‘told off’, that he should stop making pompous, slanderous and unsubstantiated claims until his own English language skills were 100% perfect.

Rant over.

So if you would like to see a proper copywriter in action… one with years of knowledge and experience, a multitude of professional and academic qualifications, and a commitment to continuing professional development… then why not contact The WordNurse today by emailing imogen@thewordnurse.co.uk or calling 07974 003605 for a chat.

Visit Chester and Cheshire - The WordNurse's guide...

I have been asked by the lovely team at Visit Chester and Cheshire - http://www.visitchesterandcheshire.co.uk/ - to write a visitors’ guide to Chester and Cheshire.

I wasn’t born in Chester, but I moved ‘up north’ when I was 10 years old and I have always classed it as home. And the many thousands of visitors who flock to Chester each year can’t fail but to agree that it’s an absolutely stunningly beautiful city.

Steeped in history and heritage, and with an abundance of boutiques, individual and unusual shops, and an array of high street names there’s something to suit all tastes. And that’s not taking into consideration the many bars, coffee shops, brasseries, and restaurants (including a few Michelin stars thrown in for good measure) to help revive the sprits and sate those appetites after all that Deva-exploration.

There’s always so much happening in Chester and I love it.

The Shell Chester Literature Festival…

Being a copywriter, I make my living from words. So I’m particularly excited about Chester’s forthcoming literature festival. The Shell Chester Literature Festival will be running from 18th to 31st October 2010 and already the line-up of top literary stars and onscreen names is highly impressive.

From Alexei Sayle talking about ‘Stalin at my homework: a memoir’, to Justine Picardie talking about ‘Coco Chanel: The legend and the life’, to Alistair Campbell talking about ‘Prelude to Power’… the list of big names is endless. And that’s not to mention all the up and coming new writers showcasing their works in ‘Bitesize @ Lunchtimes’. At 1pm every day from Monday 18th to Thursday 28th October, why not pop along to the Forum Studio Theatre or St. Mary’s Centre to see these shining new stars.

But be sure to check out www.chesterfestivals.co.uk first to see who’s on when and where.

Did you know Cheshire has its very own peak district?

I didn’t, but I do now. Cheshire’s Peak District is a vast area of natural beauty – 100 square miles to be precise – and ranges from Biddulph’s moorlands in the south, right up to Lyme Park and Disley in the north.

So if you’re craving fresh air and a taste of the ‘great outdoors’, why not pay this amazing area a visit. With breathtaking hills, plains, peaks, views, dramatic scenery, historic houses, beautiful gardens, cultural attractions, events, and quaint market towns it’s the perfect way to relax, unwind, and escape the rat race. There’s something for everyone: from walkers to horse riders to cyclists. And with some wonderful pubs and restaurants on the way… hmmm, say no more!

Rocking, blogging and rolling

Blogs are an extremely powerful marketing tool. Yet sadly not enough business owners and marketing professionals give them the attention and kudos they so rightfully deserve.

By developing a simple, but highly effective blog, you can:

1. Easily build professional relationships with potential and prospective customers
2. Provide feedback and technical support to your customers
3. Provide real-time answers to issues and topics
4. Gauge or obtain opinions

Furthermore, a successful and well-designed blog will dramatically improve your search engine rankings. Which means more hits, more enquiries, and much more business.

In this exclusive ‘how to’ article, the secrets behind writing a captivating and successful blog article are revealed. So read on and discover how to create a written masterpiece…

1. What do you really want to say?

OK, it seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many new blog writers sit down at a PC, sharpen a pencil or two, scratch their head, put the kettle, put the cat out… you get the picture.

So have a subject clear in your mind before you start jotting down your thoughts. And remember, blogs are a superb tool for expressing opinions and marketing your services and / or products – don’t waste the opportunity to get your point across clearly and succinctly.

What else do you need to think about?

Once you’ve got a subject clear in your mind, you need to start some brainstorming exercises and think about:

a) Why will people read your blog?
b) What will they want to learn?
c) What will they be searching for?
d) What will make your blog stand out and be of interest?

2. Think of a ‘witty ditty’

Sad but true: dull headlines are the number one reason for blog posts failing. Would you want to read an article with a boring strapline… no, thought not.

A catchy headline draws readers in and whets their appetites to read on. And determining the right headline can be the difference between a reader staying or leaving your site.

Catch your readers’ attention hook, line and sinker…

Once you’ve developed your witty strapline, why not think about some questions to carry on gripping your reader. There’s nothing like an appealing article to make people read on. So why not ask things like:

a) Who else wants to learn the secrets behind writing a great blog post?
b) Want to find out how to promote your newly-written blog?
c) How can you connect with your audience?

3. Time is money

Whether you’re a professional writer or blogging for fun… keep an eye on the clock.

If you’re a professional, well you should know by now that every second agonising over the perfect adjective means lost productivity. And if you’re a keen amateur, well surely you’ve got better things to be doing than spending two hours sweating over a few paragraphs.

What’s more, writing quickly occupies the mind and you’ll be far more effective upping the speed. But just make sure you take plenty of time away from your nearly-completed article before proofing and editing – a pair of fresh eyes is absolutely indispensable.

4. Juicy morsels so your readers will come back for more

You’ve already decided on your subject. So now’s the time to start thinking about whether your article can be split into two, three, or maybe even four separate blog posts.

Rather than cramming all your points into one blog post, why not create a daily or weekly series. This is a guaranteed way to keep your readers coming back.

5. Waffles for breakfast… not for blogs

Get to the point. OK, it sounds harsh, but honestly, if you start waffling on you’ll hear your readers’ heads thumping on their desks as they fall asleep.

Remember: readers want value, quality and solutions - not diluted, incomprehensible and jumbled information.

So don’t tantalise your poor readers with a superb headline, a great introduction, and then give them terrible body copy that rambles on and on about nothing in particular. Your readers want seriously appetising chunks of meat – and don’t ever forget it.

Creating an interesting, information-packed blog post might seem daunting at first. But practice always makes perfect. So keep writing and, when you’re happy with your article, try posting it and always ask for feedback from your readers. You might struggle at first to get readers’ comments, but keep plugging away because it’ll be worth it in the end – and it’s a great developmental tool too.

Good luck!

The woes of a poor, neglected, and dusty website

I feel passionately sorry for the poor, deprived, and often neglected website. So I decided to dedicate this blog to a very worthy cause.

IS YOUR WEBSITE EARNING ITS OATS…?

If your website already looks good, well that’s great because half the battle’s already been won. But does your content really work? Does it do your design justice? And does it convert those all important enquiries into highly prized sales?

If you’re blissfully happy and safe in the knowledge that your website’s immaculately written, very well cared for, and generating more business than you can cope with, please carry on browsing Google.

But if you have a nagging doubt at the back of your mind that maybe, just maybe, your website’s a donkey with very expensive taste and could work a lot harder for its keep, please read on…

How to beat your competitors in 3 seconds flat…

If your website content doesn’t capture your readers’ attention immediately then you’re in trouble. They’ll simply go elsewhere.

You have 3 seconds to whet your readers’ appetite. Not long, is it. So there’s no room for error because your 3 seconds-worth of copy has to:

a) Grab your reader instantly
b) Assure them that yes, you really are exactly what they’ve been searching for
c) Be fully search engine optimised with all the necessary bells, whistles, and tricks of the trade to ensure your website always reaches ‘pole position'.

The economy is slowly making murmurings of recovery. Yet one of the lingering effects of a recession is that consumers are more likely to turn to the internet to sniff out the best available prices, voucher codes, and exclusive offers. So make sure your website can be found. Give your potential customers an irresistible incentive to buy from you… not your competitors. And ensure you stand out from the crowd with hard-hitting, dynamic, and perfectly tailored website content.

Sadly, not enough business-people give their websites the care and attention they so rightfully deserve. But you can… with a little help from The WordNurse.

As a creative copywriter and professional proofreader, you will be assured of the best website content money can buy. Furthermore, my words are captivating, alluring, and thought-provoking. And my philosophy is simple... I adore writing and want you to reap huge rewards from my copy.

There’s only one thing I love more than writing, it’s talking about it. So why not email imogen@thewordnurse.co.uk or give me a call for a no-obligation chat.

Joys and jubilations of a freelance world

‘Become a freelance creative copywriter and proofreader’, they said. ‘And why not work all winter, and relax all summer-long in the garden’, they added with great conviction.

Yeah right! The reality of being a freelance creative copywriter and proofreader is somewhat less romantic. And the long, lazy, halcyon days spent idling amongst the flowers and butterflies with a good book… well, unless I unchain my laptop from my wrists… is a pipe dream. But the most important message I want to convey is that it’s absolutely worth the hard work and long hours - both for myself and my clients.

As with any job, there are pros and cons. However, working as a freelancer allows ultimate creativity, and total freedom of ideas and expression. So I never ‘dry up’ as every project, and every client, is completely different. Furthermore, I’m not stifled by a ‘been there, did it 10 years ago, got the t-shirt’ attitude from a stale, permanent job. It’s a two-way, mutually beneficial approach to working successfully and profitably. I’m a huge advocate. And the only ‘con’ I have come across is that I love being around people, and sometimes it can be isolating. But I’m not afraid to turn up on clients’ doorsteps for a coffee and a chat, and I usually walk away having been able to help out with a project, or manage to secure some further work.

What’s in it for employers?

The benefits for employers are endless. Firstly, you don’t need to go through the rigmarole of recruitment agencies: receiving countless ‘phone calls, numerous emails with CVs far removed from your original brief and, if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon a half-decent candidate, said recruitment agency will make sure you pay for the privilege by extracting extortionate sums of money. Furthermore, this inconvenient, protracted, and very expensive process hasn’t even taken into consideration what will happen if your new recruit is a) hopeless, b) a square peg in a round hole, and c) unreliable and leaves after the 3-month refundable period has just expired.

Using a freelancer really will save you money. Admittedly, like all other freelancers my hourly charges are higher than a permanent employee’s; however, you only pay for my time… nothing else. You won’t have to pay for my holiday entitlement, my company car, or my expenses account. And I certainly don’t expect a Christmas bonus. It also saves you the headache of having to sort out P45s, tax, tax problems, national insurance, and so on.

Furthermore, I can NEVER afford to have an ‘off, I can’t be bothered’ day. As a freelance copywriter, I know I’m only ever as good as my last piece of work; and not working to the best of my ability means I’ll probably never hear from my client again. And as a freelance proofreader, a lack of concentration will invariably lead to mistakes, which means a hefty claim on my professional indemnity insurance, or possibly even a trip to court. So no pressure then.

You also have a vibrant pool of creative whizzes at your disposal. And you can pick and choose who you want to commission at a time to suit you. So if you have a short-term project that needs a dedicated skill set… use a freelancer. If you need your website redesigning… use a freelancer. If you want a sharp sales letter bursting with fantastic marketing techniques… use a freelancer. And when the work’s done, well that’s it. You pay for our efforts and keep our ‘phone numbers for a rainy day.

Freelancers have to be outstanding to make a decent living. So you can be safe in the knowledge that you are hiring a consummate professional with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience. And let’s face it: my reputation depends on every single one of my clients, and whether I successfully meet their brief, and exceed their expectations.

And last, but by no means least, freelancers are usually very easy to find. Networking fairs, such as today’s, are great places to meet freelancers who are serious about their business and genuinely want to help you succeed. There are also many fantastic websites too, which are dedicated to freelancers of all guises. And then, of course, there are the ever-popular social networking sites, such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Proving a massive hit with business professionals of all levels, they allow people to ‘meet’ without ever having to leave the comfort of their office chair, and they’re a professional and effective marketing communication tool too. So it only takes a couple of clicks and a ‘phone call, and you’ve found your perfect person.

For more information on hiring a freelance creative copywriter and proofreader, contact me, Imogen Dennis-Newton, on 07974 003605, email: imogen@thewordnurse.co.uk, or visit www.thewordnurse.co.uk.

The power of Social Media

I ‘tweeted’ recently about an article in the Telegraph newspaper claiming that social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter are ‘changing the way staff interact with companies.’

Increasingly, these sites are proving incredibly popular with business professionals of all levels. People are able to ‘meet’ potential clients without ever having to leave their PC. Many companies are also turning to these networks to find the best candidates by contacting ‘passive applicants’ with often unadvertised jobs, and bypassing costly recruitment agencies.

As proof of their rapidly-increasing popularity LinkedIn, which was founded by Reid Hoffman in 2007, is now the largest professional network with 3million UK members and 60million worldwide.

Why not take advantage of Twitter, LinkedIn, and the many other networking sites available as a professional and effective marketing communication tool for your business.

Did you know…? I offer a ‘profile writing service’ to help clients navigate the social media network, stand out from the crowd, and catch prospective customers’ attention. So, for some quirky and creative copy, send me an email or call me on 07974 003605.