by Chip Tudor | Feb 13, 2009 | Blog
In marketing my freelance copywriting business, I communicate regularly with clients and potential clients through various professional online networks, social media channels and e-mail. I’d rather meet with people over a cup of coffee. It would be much less complicated. Because it’s easy to misconstrue a text message. So I’m careful about how and what I write.
Most people I encounter respond in a professional manner. Some lean towards brusque and others friendly and personal. But there are always a few that respond in a vulgar, personal attack.
I just don’t get it.
What possible benefit do you gain by directing profane language towards another person who is merely trying to make an honest living? Maybe some perverted sense of superiority? Those of you schooled in psychoanalysis can play around with that idea. Although my immediate reaction is to angrily lash back, I know this is pointless. Whatever drives someone like that is deeper and darker than what any response I make will cure.
Those schooled in psychoanalysis are nodding their heads.
Instead, I ignore the vulgar, profane response and move on. Maybe I should be grateful. Would I really want to work with someone like that? Uh…no. And since they never sign their name, I take comfort in knowing they are cowards that hide behind anonymity. Their vulgar profanity, however, still stings. Words do that despite the old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”
Therefore, I resolve to communicate in a forthright manner and to be as human and friendly as possible. Even offer words of encouragement. Times are discouraging enough. And we could all use a good word. Might as well start with me.
ABOUT CHIP TUDOR
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
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by Chip Tudor | Jan 22, 2009 | Blog
A customer told me he was unhappy with my copy because he felt it didn’t make his company look as good as the competition. He said, and I quote: “in this business image is everything.” Then he proceeded to stiff me on the balance of what he owed even though he’s still using the copy on his website. I guess it’s adequate for his image when it’s free. But that’s another article.
I realize as a professional copywriter, I’m expected to deliver quality copy that presents my clients well. And I do. But really, people, don’t expect miracles. I have to work with what you give me. And I’m not going to manufacture something about you that isn’t true. In fact, to be honest, I don’t even believe the phrase “image is everything.” Does that surprise you?
Here’s how I see it. It’s my job to create a brand for your company. It’s your job to make a name for yourself. Do you offer a good product/service at a competitive price? Do you provide excellent customer service? Are you ethical, trustworthy and dependable? These are the fundamentals of good business. They establish your reputation and ultimately determine your success. Obviously I believe in the value of advertising. But I know several small business owners that make a comfortable living strictly on word of mouth referral. You see they’ve mastered the fundamentals.
So engage me on your copywriting project and I will give you my best effort. And I pledge to conduct myself in a manner that demonstrates the fundamentals of good business. But if you’re not making a good name for yourself, don’t expect the brand I create to make a big difference. It won’t. And besides, the pressure it puts on me is such a stress.
ABOUT CHIP TUDOR
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
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And I’ll send you my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. You’ll learn how to punch up your presentations with humor.
by Chip Tudor | Mar 6, 2008 | Blog
There are several writer sites on the Internet I visit regularly to check out freelance writing opportunities. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s force of habit. Maybe the undying hope that I’ll land my dream assignment writing from a beach in Hawaii. Most likely however, it’s simply their entertainment value. Because I’ve responded to thousands of ads over the years, but only landed a handful of actual jobs with decent pay. So with the amount of time I’ve spent responding to, following up on and actually closing those few assignments, I figure I’ve just about broken even. Maybe I should be grateful. The number of responses those ads receive is tremendous and the competition fierce. So to land any work is quite an accomplishment. On the other hand, just reading the ads can be a favorite pastime. Here are some of my favorites.
20 online articles 500 words
I need 20 articles written at 500 words each and will pay $1.50 per article. Lots of ongoing work for the right person.
Gee, if I can rip through one article in an hour that’s a whole $1.50. What an enticing offer. I consider this for a micro second then move on. But wait. My teenager might find this a way to earn some extra money. I ask him and he laughs. His minimum wage fast food job is much more lucrative plus he gets free meals. So I guess the right person for this article writing job is either under 16 or speaks English as a 3rd language.
Quality writer for limited budget
I’m looking for quality writing but have a limited budget so will take the best writer at the most reasonable rate.
In other words, “you give me your best and I’ll give you my least.” I actually consider this ad rather insulting. It’s openly admitting you’re cheap and don’t value another person’s time. There’s no respect. No consideration for professional worth. It’s all about the money. Do I really want to work with someone like that? Think I’ll pass.
Ghostwriting
I have all these great story ideas; I just need someone to flesh them out. We’ll split 50-50.
I’m sure they don’t mean to, but why does this person make it sound like they’ve done the hard part and the writer has the easy part? If writing is so easy then why don’t they flesh it out themselves and take ALL the profit? Besides, writers have ideas too. We’re not just mindless word churners waiting for the great idea generator to put us in gear.
My favorite ghostwriting ad was by an educator with an idea for a children’s manuscript. This person went on in the ad to outline the whole plot that included both murder and dismemberment. I was appalled. What was this person thinking and how in the world did they get past the school board? And even if that gory book made it to publication on a fluke, would any parent let their kid read it? Obviously, someone needs to take this educator to school…or therapy.
I’m sure there will be plenty more entertaining ads to share with you in the future…unless I’m too busy working from that beach in Hawaii. Aloha.
ABOUT CHIP TUDOR
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
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And I’ll send you my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. You’ll learn how to punch up your presentations with humor.
by Chip Tudor | Oct 20, 2007 | Blog
Several years ago I had an ongoing writing gig for the local newspaper. It sponsored a special real estate section in the Sunday edition that featured a number of available properties. My job was to visit those properties and write up a review that appeared in the paper with my byline. The byline was nice, the pay was pathetic. And I quickly learned that I was out of place in this assignment. How? The editor told me I wrote too much like a copywriter. She meant it as a criticism. I took it as a compliment.
On one particular assignment, the realtor of the property I reviewed called the editor to get my telephone number and then called to personally thank me for my write up. After the article appeared in the paper he had been overwhelmed by the response of interested buyers. My editor did not share his enthusiasm. She felt the article lacked the objective, journalistic voice she wanted. In short, it was too persuasive.
I kindly pointed out that the whole idea behind the real estate section was to sell homes and I was supporting this effort. While she agreed in principle, she admitted her own sense of obligation to journalistic objectivity. I thanked her for the honest feedback and after a few more assignments, we parted ways. I would never make a good journalist. My whole mindset was geared toward writing persuasively. And my obligation was to the customer.
That is exactly why you hire a copywriter. First we’re a very loyal bunch—as long as you’re paying us. And we don’t just write good copy. We write persuasive copy that convinces your audience to think and move in a certain direction. Ultimately, it usually involves parting with their money. Many people are good writers. Follow a logical thought process…uphold correct rules of grammar…check your spelling and punctuation…and you’ll communicate clearly and effectively.
Persuasive writing, on the other hand, is more like an art form. It combines psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects. It suggests problems and offers solutions. Sometimes subtle. Sometimes driving and forceful. But always keeping the customer’s name front and foremost. And every copywriter has his/her own, unique style. Although you’ll know when that art is having a real effect. You’ll see the positive results on your bottom line.
ABOUT CHIP TUDOR
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
Join My E-mail List
And I’ll send you my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. You’ll learn how to punch up your presentations with humor.
by Chip Tudor | Oct 4, 2007 | Blog
It’s easy to talk about us. Expressing personal thoughts, feelings and experiences is what we do with the greatest sense of comfort. The same is true for your business. You have a thorough understanding of your products and services. You can go on and on describing what you do, how you do it and why you do it better than the competition. It’s the natural tendency when writing advertising copy.
FIGHT THAT NATURAL TENDENCY!
Your customer only cares about your company from the standpoint of how you can help them. So approach copywriting from their perspective. Ask yourself, “What’s in it for them?” Because that’s what your customer is asking. They want to know how your offer improves their life in some way. Persuasive writing answers those questions.
This may take a little research on your part. Perhaps talking with people in the industry to better understand the problems they face. Likely, you already know or can surmise with a little common sense and intuitive questions. The point is, don’t just talk about YOU. Let the customer know that what you offer benefits THEM. When they’re convinced, they’ll buy. And you’ll both benefit.
ABOUT CHIP TUDOR
Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.
Join My E-mail List
And I’ll send you my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. You’ll learn how to punch up your presentations with humor.
