Website copy – you want it… you need it… but you never have enough of it.
So how do you get more of what you need, and more importantly, how can you be sure it makes you look good?
Hmmm, that can be a tough chore. Many bloggers and website entrepreneurs want to do their own writing but just don’t have the time. Or as many have found out, they don’t have as many ideas as they thought they did when they started out. And the bruising clincher is that like a friend telling you that you have bad breath, many bloggers find out the hard way that they’re just not good writers.
Cheer up!
No worries as I reveal tips for better writing if you want to do it yourself. And if you need someone else to do it, what to look for in a writer for hire.
Write it Yourself?
The first thing is to decide if you’re going to do your own content. If you are, then start by looking at successful websites in your field. Check the writing styles – are they clear and concise without a lot of boring wordiness? Does the content draw you in and leave you wanting more? Most good writing is compelling to read, even if it’s trying to sell you something.
After you look at these sites, you’ll have a better idea of your style. While you may appreciate quality content everywhere, you’ll realize that some writing just “isn’t you”. Decide if your content should be serious, lighthearted, edgy – you get the idea. You want your writing to be honest and to reflect what you want to convey.
Self Assessment
Finally, do a comprehensive self-assessment. Look at your writing compared to the well-written sites and blogs you reviewed. Do they have something you don’t? What makes you want to read their content? Then look at your content -have friends and colleagues do the same. And tell them to be brutally honest!
When the dust has cleared, you’ll have a better idea about what your site needs for content – both words and style of the words.
Writing Quick Tips
Here are some quick tips to spice up your writing right now:
- Use the “Active” Voice – brief, to the point.
Passive: “The article has been written by our staff to assist you in learning to write in a more effective manner.”
Active: “We wrote the article to help you write more effectively.”
See the difference?
- The Five W’s and H: Who, what, where, when, why and how have been the hallmark of competent writing forever. Remember that your readers always want to know WHY they should care or buy, and HOW your product, service, or opinion is better and will benefit them.
- Compelling Headlines: Grab your readers right away and don’t let them go. Lead them right into your magnificent content. There are plenty of how-to websites and books that teach everything about how to write great titles and headlines.
- Easy to Read: Use short words instead of “wordy” words – “help” rather than “facilitate”, “best’ vs. “superior”. You get the idea. Also use subheadings and titles to break up space. And use bullet lists – just like the one you’re reading!
These are just a few things you can do to get going on superior – oops, I mean “great” copy on your own.
But I Can’t – or Won’t
Whatever the reason – if you can’t produce your own copy, then call in the Special Forces! There are plenty of writing services out there, but you have to shop them just like you would anything else.
Here’s how to find just what you need:
- Get recommendations from colleagues
- Read online reviews
- Ask for samples of published work
- Describe in as much detail as possible exactly what you want and how you want it done
A final word of caution: going with the “lowest bidder” isn’t necessarily the way to choose a writer. You may end up with someone with broken English (and copy) or delays and more delays in getting the work done. The old adage, “you get what you pay for” is especially true in hiring a writing team.
So there you have it – a toolkit for writing better content and how to hire a professional scribe. Now relax and take a break – you’ve earned it.
As a reminder and shameless plug, at DPK Graphics Design, we offer a dizzying selection of writing services where we embody all the above advice and more!
Check out the wide array of projects we can do for you to get you up and running in no time.
Come and see us soon!
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