Web Content

Every blog post you write needs to finish with a gift. Ribbons too.

Web content as a gift

Over the last few days I have had the opportunity to read through dozens of homework assignments from one of my courses.

This particular assignment was to write a blog post about foods that are good for brain health.

As always, it was a real education going through everyone’s work. The overall quality of writing was excellent. And it was amazing to see all the different approaches people took.

Different writers showed different strengths.

Some wrote amazing headlines. Some were particularly strong with the introduction, clearly setting up what was to come in the body of the post. Others were strongest when it came to the main part of the post, where they were talking about the health benefits of various foods and food groups.

But…

Read the full post…Every blog post you write needs to finish with a gift. Ribbons too.

How Dangerous Dave and Big Brian drive conversations for this artist.

Big Brian pain brushes

I write and talk a lot about the power and benefits of conversational copywriting.

Today I want to share an example of how the power of conversation extends way beyond just the words we write as copywriters.

Let me introduce you to Dangerous Dave, Big Brian, Flat Phil and Miss Rigger.

As you may have already noticed from the photo above, these are the names of four different paint brushes.

These four brushes arrived in the mail because my wife is an accomplished watercolor artist, but still likes to take classes. And one of the instructors she likes to follow is Andrew Geeson, from Wales. Andrew, as well as being an artist and instructor, clearly has smart marketing skills coded into his DNA.

Read the full post…How Dangerous Dave and Big Brian drive conversations for this artist.

Is conversational copywriting just “copywriting lite”?

(What follows is the outline I wrote in advance of recording the video. They’re my talking points. Not a regular post or article. Just an outline.)

This question was asked by Sylvia, who is thinking about taking my course on Conversational Copywriting.

“When you talk about conversational copywriting not being pushy and being free of hype, it makes it sound a little like you’re simply writing copy that doesn’t try very hard… like copywriting lite. Am I wrong?”

Reasonable question.

Read the full post…Is conversational copywriting just “copywriting lite”?

Does it make sense to make improvements to older web pages?

(What follows is the outline I wrote in advance of recording the video. They’re my talking points. Not a regular post or article. Just an outline.)

I got an email from Sally, who has taken my course on Web Content Optimization.

She asks:

“I’m working with a client who wants me to create a lot of new content pages. Which is great. But as I look through their site I see a lot of existing pages that could be improved. Should I mention this? Is there a benefit to improving existing pages?”

I love this question. Mainly because nobody has ever asked it before!

And the answer is yes, there is huge value to improving old content.

The older that content is, the more important it is to update it and improve it.

Here are a 3 things to watch for and to do…

Read the full post…Does it make sense to make improvements to older web pages?

If you can hold a conversation, you can sell.

(What follows is the outline I wrote in advance of recording the video. They’re my talking points. Not a regular post or article. Just an outline.)

I got an email from Daniel, who has taken my course on Conversational Copywriting.

He asks:

“Nick, I took your course on conversational copywriting, but still don’t feel comfortable “selling”. I’d love to make a living as a copywriter, but fear I’m one of those people who will never feel comfortable in the role of a salesman.”

Well… if you feel that way after completing the course, I can’t help thinking I have failed you there.

Because the thing about conversational copywriting is that it enables you to sell without taking on the mantle of being a salesman or sales person.

And Daniel, I have a challenge for you.

Read the full post…If you can hold a conversation, you can sell.

What’s the easiest way to make your copy sounds conversational?

(What follows is the outline I wrote in advance of recording the video. They’re my talking points. Not a regular post or article. Just an outline.)

This question came up during some back and forth over homework a student submitted as part of my course on Conversational Copywriting.

Here it is…

“Are there any quick and dirty tricks I can use to making corporate-sounding sales copy feel authentic and conversational?

There are two answers to this.

The NO answer and the YES answer.

Let’s start with NO.

Read the full post…What’s the easiest way to make your copy sounds conversational?