Comments on: The 25 Secrets of freelance copywriting success

By: John Bullard

John Bullard — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:44:52 +0000

Hi. I did some copywriting for a while and I found that one good tip was

- say what you want to say in the fewest number of words, don’t waffle. Every word should count.

Like your blog. Hope this helps.

By: Chad

Chad — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:58:57 +0000

I like number 13 as well. It’s always good to have things proofread before publishing them. Published mistakes destroy credibility. That said, shouldn’t it read, “Never send out [...]hasn’t read and commented on” or am I misreading it? I’m not trying to be impolite or embarrass anyone, but it seems to me that #13 should follow its own advice. Otherwise, great post, with lots of useful tips.

@HeidelbergChad

By: Reynosa Blogs

Reynosa Blogs — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:59:55 +0000

Very interesting list, tnks for the time to write the list.

By: Sonia Simone | Remarkable Communication

Sonia Simone | Remarkable Communication — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:34:43 +0000

These are very useful! Thanks for reposting them (and to BB for giving permission).

My favorite might be #23, only because no one says it and it’s so important. Trying to write with a clouded, fuzzy mind is asking for mediocrity.

By: Nicky

Nicky — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:57:55 +0000

@Chris – Thanks for commenting – and for Stumbling and bookmarking too. I really appreciate it. Glad you liked the list. #13 is also something I’ve moved to the top of my list to do more often. It’s easy to get so close to your copy because you’ve written it. It’s amazing how having someone read your copy objectively can make it stronger.

@Mary – Glad you liked it – thanks!
@ Scott – It’s difficult to do design as well as write the copy. What about partnering with a copywriter and outsourcing the writing aspect? Then you can focus on how the how the content, working with the design, all works together in achieving your client’s goals and objectives. Just a thought. It’s a delicate balancing act, which is why I outsource design. I think #21 and #22 are good tips to support. At the end of the day though the only way to have the final say on your copy, as Bob says is if you market your own line of products and you become your own client.

@Shirely – please do point them in this direction When it comes to writing copy it should always be about helping the client to achieve their goals. I’d go even further and say the Copywriter needs to think of the clients goals as their own goals. That’s the only way for a win-win.

@ Laura @Connie – you’re welcome.
@Pink Heels – Thanks for sharing this. It bears repeating. I think that attitude is even more important than talent and not just in copywriting. If you’re the greatest talent but a pain to work with, or a jerk, your talent is pretty much useless since no-one will work with you as your comment proves. And as for the hype/unrealistic promises? Ditto. Thanks again.

By: Pink Heels

Pink Heels — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:31:44 +0000

I have hired copywriters for a variety of projects while employed at various organizations. As someone who has had positive and negative experiences interacting with copywriters, I want to emphasize that #4 and #12 were HUGE issues on many occassions. Many talented writers were rejected from being retained due to their arrogance and/or overhyped marketing with unrealistic promises. We were NOT impressed and would immediately put them in the “do not ever call again” pile. Attitude is just as important as talent.

By: Connie Reece

Connie Reece — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:31:36 +0000

Superb advice from Bob Bly. Learned these things as a young copywriter 25 years ago but can always use a reminder. Thanks for getting Bob’s permission to share them here. (And thanks, Chris Brogan, for directing me here via Twitter.)

By: Laura Bergells

Laura Bergells — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:28:13 +0000

This list is so much better than the one piece of advice I received 10+ years ago from a seasoned magazine writer and editor:

“Take up smoking. If you don’t smoke, you cannot write.”

Ten years later — I’m still writing. (But I’m not smoking.)

Thanks for the list!

By: Shirley

Shirley — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:23:26 +0000

Oh, AND the get up early is crucial. Regardless of the task, you are always at your best in the morning. (alright, I’m done.)

By: Shirley

Shirley — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:22:14 +0000

Great post. (Found it via Chris Brogan’s Twitter.)

Yeh, I have worked with copywriters on large projects, and I really should point them to this entry. While copywriters do want to write copy that THEY like, it isn’t about them, but their clients.

The same goes for other types of business (even web development, which is what I do). It’s always about the client. If it isn’t, then you need to find another source of income. lol.