Here's Why and When You Should Write Your Own Content...

Eh…what?

“I’ve seen it all now; why is a professional copywriter telling me to write my own content?!”

Well, I pride myself on my honesty and I won’t let you spend your money if…

You’re Already Doing a Great Job

Have a penchant for words - and putting them together in an entertaining and informative way?

Is your website already gaining enough traction? Or perhaps your social media posts never fail to take off, regardless of the fact you haven’t used the services of a freelance copywriter.

Lovely jubbly, if either of the above applies to you.

In your case, a copywriter can help if you’re short of time, or if you find that you’re no longer enjoying writing your own stuff. We all have days where we struggle to string a sentence together, never mind a 500-word blog post.

Hey, I know this looks like I’m saying a copywriter’s value might only be in helping you free up some time - and that’s because I am. As the old saying goes, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”.

True, a copywriter may help you claw back some hours in your day - and that’s ace, isn’t it?! More time to do the things you want to do in your business.

A copywriter can also provide a unique perspective on your marketing efforts or your target market. They may be able to simply freshen up your current content, when needed. That blog post you’ve been meaning to repurpose. Or that social media status that could well become a longform article.

Everyone can benefit from an extra pair of eyes on their copy (or someone else’s ideas) sometimes - even copywriters. So, we’re here when you need us.

You Don’t Have the Budget

Don’t have the dosh just yet to use a freelance copywriter? Don’t hire a copywriter just because you see fellow business owners using one.

If you really feel that the difference between your brand doing well and not so well is a professional copywriter, consider it. If you’re doing well enough as you are and your budget won’t stretch to a copywriter, there are plenty of resources out there that could help you write your own content in the interim.

Alternatively, many freelance copywriters (including me) offer a payment plan for those who need or want to spread the cost. You might also find that a retainer-based copywriting service (whereby you sign up for a set amount of work or hours per month) is the route for you. This often means that the rate you pay works out cheaper in the long-run; reliable, regular work for your freelance copywriter = a cost saving for you.

Or just wait until you have the dosh. Sure, good copy is nice to have, but it isn’t a matter of life or death.

Something Else Demands Your Attention

Is your website in need of some TLC? Or perhaps you need to invest in a new email marketing service this month.

If something else demands your attention in your business before employing a freelance copywriter, you should prioritise that.

One thing at a time, and all that.

You Have Bags of Time

Fledgling business? Or perhaps you have plenty of free time to write your own content - and use all the resources available to you to make sure it hits the right mark. It might not be as good as the copy a professional can put together, but it may well be ‘good enough’ - and that will do for now.

You Have Trust Issues

Control freak? Hey, I don’t blame you. I’d probably be reluctant to let someone new loose on my website.

You might prefer to have autonomy over your web copy - it’s your business after all.

Have you considered a content audit copywriting service, in that case? This involves you writing the copy and a professional copywriter (i.e. me! “coo-ee!”) taking a look at it, making some minor edits, where needed, and offering some suggestions for improvement. You can then go away and make the edits at your leisure. Guess what? It’s a fair bit cheaper than it is to have your website written from scratch too.

If you’d like to explore how working with a copywriter will benefit you, say hello - if not, keep on keeping on (doing exactly what you’re doing!).

Have you considered writing your own content? Or perhaps you have already and it’s live on your site. Let me know how you found the process by commenting on this blog post (below).

Until next time…

How do you know if you need a copywriter?

Do you sit staring at a blank screen, tweet or Instagram post waiting for inspiration to strike?

Do you wish you had the time to write blogs, newsletters or content for your website?

Do you have sales literature, adverts or emails to write for your business, but you dread having to tackle them?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the questions above then, yes, you and your business would probably benefit from a copywriter.

So, what is copywriting?

A common misconceptions about copywriting is that anyone can do it and that it’s easy.

The definition of copywriting according to Wikipedia is…

“The act, or occupation of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing. The product, called copy, is written content that aims to increase brand awareness and ultimately persuade a person or group to take a particular action.”

I think of copywriting as talking to someone using words on a page – sounds simple, I know, but writing copy that conjures a voice in a person’s head is tricky - especially when it has to stand out from a sea of well-written marketing copy.

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The key is to allow a person to feel like your words have been written just for them.

The Value of Good Copywriting

Good copywriting gives your brand personality and makes your customers remember who you are. Having gorgeous shots of your products for social media, or a great email offer to share with your customers are no use on their own; they need words and language to bring them to life.

A favourite example for me of when copywriting amplifies a brand’s personality is last year’s John Lewis Christmas TV advert. Using the sentiment of one of the most iconic songs ever written, John Lewis brought the message of their campaign to a final crescendo with the heart-warming end frame and simple line ‘Some gifts are more than just a gift’.

Understandably, not everyone has John Lewis’ budget, but with email marketing as powerful as ever, 57% of people read more than half of the emails they receive; using copy to influence your customers can be done effectively and within your budget.

Press releases, social media posts, emails, website content, white papers can all be sent via various channels relatively cheaply; but where it’s important to make the investment is in the words you want your customers to read.


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Are you ready to let me help you?

You can use copy to great effect on your website, in your social media posts, in your newsletters, sales literature; pretty much anywhere where you write about your business - and I’d love to help you do it.

If you think your business could benefit from my copywriting expertise then please don’t hesitate to get in touch, I’d welcome the opportunity to help you talk to your customers.

Until next time…