Category Archives: Business Writing

Myth: Web Content Writers Can’t Earn as Much as Business Writers

By on August 19th, 2010

Recently I busted the myth that Web writers don’t get paid as much as print writers. Today let’s tackle another one — the issue of freelance writing rates between Web content writers and business writers (like me) who happen to focus on writing for the Web. Often when I or other business writers talk about earning more money as a freelance writer, people comment with things like: “But you’re a business writer, so of course you earn more. I want to be a Web content writer, or blogger, or ‘article writer,’ or whatever.” Yeah? What’s your point? Here’s the thing. …

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Posted in Business Writing, Web Writing |

How to Write Humor

By on February 17th, 2010

As the resident Life of the Party–an official title I take very seriously, like World’s Best Uncle or Bank of America Customer 4,576,291–I feel it is my duty to be fun and funny. And then I thought about it. I already exposed how I put together these job lists for you so in the spirit of revealing my entire operation, here is how I write humor. First, be funny. You cannot write humor without being funny. I would suggest that you spend some time being funny, like perhaps making observations that seem obvious but turn them on their ear slightly …

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Posted in Business Writing |

Freelance Copywriting Jobs: How to Find Them

By on February 11th, 2010

You know I’m a big advocate of query-free freelancing — helping clients find and come to you instead of the other way around. That’s especially important when it comes to finding freelance copywriting jobs. While it’s not uncommon to find regular copywriting work advertised, freelance copywriting is a different story. Yes, some of these jobs are advertised, but many are not. So how do you find them? Here are some tips on how to find freelance copywriting jobs, online or off. Improve your search engine rankings. — If a client is looking for an SEO copywriter (common when the copy …

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Posted in Business Writing, Freelance Writing Jobs |

How to Write Sales Letters

By on November 16th, 2009

For many, writing sales letters is more than just another project – it is a lot of fun. There are many types of freelance writing jobs, but over the years I have enjoyed sales articles the most. There is something about writing compelling copy that is meant to “draw in” the reader that gets my blood flowing. Of course, writing a successful sales letter is not something you will do on a whim. In fact, it takes a lot of practice to get good at this. Again, you are doing more than writing basic content that is meant to inform. …

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Posted in Business Writing |

Getting Started in Copywriting With Angela Booth

By on November 8th, 2009

Today in our “Getting Started” series, copywriter Angela Booth will be our guest. She’ll share a bit about her own history in copywriting and offer some advice and tips for aspiring copywriters. Do you have what it takes? Here’s what Angela had to say: On How She Started in Copywriting… “By accident. In the early 1980s I was writing romance novels for a British publisher (MacDonald Futura) and running a business as well. I considered myself a novelist. When I was growing up, I thought that all “real” writers wrote books, so I wasn’t interested in other forms of writing. …

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Posted in Business Writing |

Write for Magazines Without Writing for Magazines

By on May 29th, 2009

I’ve shared this tip with freelance writers at All Freelance Writing previously, but it’s worth mentioning again here. If you’re open to the idea of ghostwriting, and you’d like to write print features, you can do it query-free. Really. No pitching of publications required at all (not on your end at least). How? This strategy works best for writers working with commercial clients (especially PR writers, since these features generally fall under that heading). How it Works Many print publications (especially trade magazines) accept unpaid features from authority sources in the industry. These are the same people you may already …

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Posted in Business Writing, Magazine Writing |

Web Content vs Web Copy

By on February 28th, 2009

One of the most common questions and misunderstandings I come across with new Web writers is about Web content versus Web copy. If you want to write for the Web, it’s important to figure out what type of writer you want to be. Understanding the difference between content writing and copywriting will get you off to a good start. I’m going to over-simplify for the sake of clarity here, but there can occasionally be pieces that cross the lines. However, in most cases here is what content is / does, and the same for copy: Content – Content is designed …

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Posted in Business Writing, Web Writing |

3 Things to Know Before Becoming a Freelance Copywriter

By on July 8th, 2008

With new businesses launched all the time, and new websites launched every day, there’s a huge demand for freelance copywriting services. I’m talking about marketing copy – copy that sells or persuades a reader or visitor to do something (from clicking a link to requesting a quote to signing up for an email newsletter subscription). Do you think you have what it takes to succeed as a freelance copywriter? Before jumping into freelance copywriting, take some time to learn more about the following three things: marketing fundamentals, sales, and consumer psychology. Understanding these three things to a better degree will …

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Posted in Business Writing |

Writers’ Resources: Press Release Writing

By on October 3rd, 2007

Today I’m going to tackle one of my own areas of expertise: press release writing (not sure why it took me so long). If you’re interested in PR writing (public relations writing), knowing how to write a press release is essential. Use these press release resources to help you learn how to write effective press releases for your clients (or yourself!) – please note, most of the resources listed are my own, and those are marked as such: Articles on Press Release Writing (mine) How to Write a Press Release Press Release Writing Tips 25 Press Release Ideas 7 Signs …

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Posted in Business Writing, Writers Resources |