May 12, 2008
Copywriting
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Out of plethora of web resources, which articles attract you more when you google some piece of information? Of course the ones where title itself gives you a glimpse of information inside; you will feel like giving few seconds to those articles further. You would love to continue if the opening of article has the same question yawning in your mind as if they just knew already what you are looking for.
It hits you right and makes you go ahead. You see great sub-headings followed by short and good looking paragraphs woven in easy yet effective vocabulary. At places, you notice nicely framed facts in bulleted points that make the article look even more informative and attractive. By the time you reach the conclusion of that article, you feel like Eureka!
Usually writers feel that only use of good words, flawless English, and great information makes an article readable. I don’t deny the fact but it is just 70% of a good article. An easy and self explanatory article structure contributes remaining 30%. Well, if you don’t take care of this 30%, your 70% effort goes waste because reader would find the article more of an essay, no matter, how authentic information you have provided using compelling words.
There is no hard and fast rule for a perfect article structure. Any structure that makes an article look easy to understand, informative mere at scanning is the one that persuade your reader to knock back entire article.
Here is something that I propose for a good article structure; however, altering this structure can be a good idea for different niches and requirements.
Title – A Bait To Get Your Reader Trapped In Your Words!
Yes! A title is something that works as bait and makes the reader continue! If it has a keyword giving an idea about article, nothing better than that. But if you are not interested to include some boring keyword in title, then write synonym to that keyword making the title catchy and inviting.
A Warm opening of your article
A good write up will have the objective presented nicely in the beginning itself. A fair idea about what you are going to talk further or something light and healthy related to the main context will do your job of retaining the reader. In some articles, you need to start right away with the main topic, however, a warm up opening is always recommended to make the reader feel easy and interested. You should not start straightforward with the information. A base is always helpful in making the article attractive.
Sub heads – Stairway to the Right info
When you divide your article information into relevant sub-headings, article not only becomes very easy to understand but also well-structured in appearance. It makes the article look full of life as well as informative. More interestingly, it reveals the right approach to clarity followed by the writer.
Bulleted points – Get the facts right into head
Bulleted points not only present the quick facts and figures in the most striking manner but also make them easy to remember. Readers on net have short attention span and they just love bulleted facts and figures. But it doesn’t mean that you will write a complete article full of bulleted points. Such approach works excellent if the articles are like “Top #” and “Tips to…” Bulleted points acts as the decorative (informative) element of an article. Just go for it!
A Convincing Conclusion
Now that’s another most important and final component of your article, which will make your reader get into action, or leave with complete satisfaction of reading something productive, and with a mind make up to visit you again. That’s what you wanted finally.
Well, while concluding, I would say, copywriting has a lot to talk about. Each writer is known for its own unique writing style. It is good to follow useful tips by experts but it is always better to create your own models, strategies, and tips to be better with every piece of writing you create. In next post, I will discuss on how to be quick in writing without compromising the quality. All the best! See you soon.
May 6, 2008
Copywriting
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‘A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit’, this famous quote by an American author reflects the struggle and perseverance behind a writer’s profession. You cannot achieve anything without putting your 100% effort in it. Writing is a subtle art that is created by a passion, a will, and a dedication. A write-up may seem easy and simple, but bringing out that accurate and clear-cut simplicity is the work of a good writer.
This cyber era has brought web content writing as a popular profession as well as passion. It has given great career options to many creative people and it is definitely one of the quickest ways to gross monetary gains and popularity. When you are aiming to be a professional web content writer, keep in mind that you are writing for netizens and Internet users all over the world.
Copywriting is not that easy as it sounds. You may be a qualified engineer or a medal winning doctor, but if you don’t know how to pen your feelings and thoughts into words, you are surely not a good writer. Plus an exceptional grasp on the language that you write, including its grammar as well as connotations and style is very essential to qualify as a good content writer.
Some handy tips for boosting up your writing skills to develop a dynamic content for the web are as follows:
Short crisp sentences and paragraphs: Limit your sentences and do not write lengthy paragraphs. An Internet surfer may not feel inspired or interested to read your article as soon as he/she sees the lengthy write-up.
Brief Text: Remember you are writing for a website, it is not for a print book; therefore, limit your word count. Internet users do not have much patience and time for detailed reading as against a book reader, who will love a good fat volume.
Caption First: The main heading or the theme of the article must be necessarily presented in the first lines. Likewise, the conclusion should also be attractive for leaving a mark on the reader.
Usage of Bullets and Highlighted wordings: When you are doing a web-based article or content writing, a bulleted text may look chic and presentable and at the same time help the readers to browse over the main subheadings. Same goes for bold markings, which makes for effortless quick reading.
Main Features: Give Emphasis on the main features of your write-up. For example, if you are doing a product review, bring out the best features or points of the product or service. Write in a casual, catchy and interesting way so that the reader is induced to read the whole passage without jumping to the next link.
Improve With Experience: You become more perfect with more experience, a content writer can excel in his/her field with lots of exposure to the web content writing techniques.
A dynamic writing style that catches the instant attention of a reader is a major achievement of a good professional content writer. Each person has its own writing skill and style that makes him unique. Some may excel in story writing while others may write exceptional product reviews. Hence, understand your writing capacity and take maximum advantage of any particular attribute. Like the popular quote, ‘A writer is someone who can make a riddle out of an answer.’
April 4, 2008
Copywriting
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I was planning to thrash out this “The” syndrome in copywriting for past few months but didn’t get time to scribble about it. Today, I made up my mind when I noticed “the” flood in some of the articles while reviewing. Normally, excessive use of “the” doesn’t get noticed but it definitely influences the quality of a nicely written copy.
60% of writers ignore this small fact that can compromise with the quality and flow of writing to much more extent than thought of. Just check your use of “the” in around 200 words content. If it crosses 4-5, you are infected. Well no worries! It is not serious but worth consideration if you really want to succeed in copywriting. Let me tell you nicely and clearly about it.
“The” is one of the articles (A, An, & The) that make an important part of a good sentence structure. Articles are of 2 types: Definite and Indefinite.
Definite means something SURE and Certain whereas Indefinite represents everything general. In other words, “The” is used for something PARTICULAR.
Think of a school. In school, we see one principal, few teachers and hundreds of students. So normally, we would say something like this:
I saw the principal inquiring a student about his exam report.
Of course, we can use “the” for the same words too. But it depends upon the conditions. Here we go:
I want to purchase a book. (It can be any book)
Where is the book? (Here we are looking for a particular book that we already own)
You will never like if someone raises his eyebrows after reading your nicely written copy just because you were “the” obsessed. Mindful copywriter will take note of each and every bit that can upgrade or degrade his copy. So you must check your copy for its overuse of “the”.
You will be amazed to see that the quality of your content has increased by 20% with an appropriate use of “the”. It will not only ease your readers but also fetch you appreciations for being a smart copywriter who knows how to win his readers with a natural flow of words.
Well, I would take a break here. I hope you will look into your “the” use and try to treat this “the” syndrome” with your regular writing check ups. See you later!
March 31, 2008
Copywriting
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You dream of becoming a quality copywriter because you are creative and can express your thoughts into words. But wait! Something is missing here. Anybody can express his/her thoughts into words but what makes a difference is a compelling copy that is enough to convince the reader in one go. It is not an over night job to be a top class copywriter. You must hone your skills, sharpen your talent and get the right flair and competency to convey what you want.
But question is; how to get that perfection you desire, how to achieve that proficiency you require, and above all how to analyze what people actually want. No worries! It is not impossible to get that competency in your words but definitely time taking. For now, let’s start with few tips that work as the foundation stones in your copywriting career or hobby.
1. Know your Interest:
Did you try to notice what topics or writing makes you extract the best out of your skills. Analyze it! And that’s the niche where you can hit the board. It is always good to get perfect in a niche writing though you must be flexible enough to write on just anything if required at times.
If you think you do great on sales copywriting, then go ahead and sharpen your sales pitch in sales letters. Read as many sales copies and letters as you can. Get time to review the work of best sales copywriters. Regular reviewing will help you get some winning pointers as well as find where you lack.
2. Keep writing:
Practice makes a man perfect? Well no. A perfect practice makes a man perfect! It is good if you are capable of penning your thoughts down in words but you must remember that copywriting is more than just putting words together on a paper. You must write regularly to craft and sharpen your style, vocabulary and expression. More you write, higher you reach in expertise.
It can be little difficult to find enough time to practice but if you want to fetch more money out of your skills then you must give an hours to practice. You will see that amazing difference next month itself.
3. Have a break:
Once you are done with writing a piece, have a break! Leave that piece for an hour or two. After some time or a day, review your write-up word by word. If you are vigilant in review then you will find many things to be edited. You will catch lot of mistakes.
4. Be a Critic:
Well, this is an excellent way to see where you have been doing wrong and where you are on the track. Be a critic and provoke your self to get best out of your writing talent when you notice even a single minor mistake. Let the critic inside you produce an expert.
5. Feel Free to Seek Help Of Your Seniors:
Always be a learner rather than being an expert. Don’t hesitate to ask your senior and expert copywriters for tips and pointers. Most of them would love to guide you. Well, it is not always easy to personally get in touch with professionals so be a Google admirer and keep spying on any available tip or ebook that can hone your skills to a better level. Be it a professional’s help or book’s help; you will find this help turning into your success with time.
6. Stick to Your Decision:
Copywriting demands regularity and expertise demand dedication. If you really wish to improve your copywriting skills, then stick to your practice no matter what happens. You can not win over your writing flaws if you quit before you start.
Let your thoughts float free and write on anything when it comes to practice. Fighting with your flaws and tougher times will bring brighter chances of brilliant future in copywriting for sure.
Just start with the tips above and help yourself make your way to success in copywriting career. Read? Now what left is to apply!
