{photo}
One of the things I enjoy doing is helping entrepreneurs get clear about their writing ideas. It’s something we all struggle with. Even writers get baffled when it comes to writing sometimes, especially if it’s about them.
If you’ve been spending months on the same copy are stuck on what to write about on your website, here is a quick tip to help you get started.
Remove Extraneous Words (Like extraneous.)
I love fun, cute, descriptive words too. But when people are searching your site, they’re looking for the meat of what you do. That doesn’t mean you have to be boring as in, “I am an accountant and I do your taxes.” But it means that essentially you are saying the exact same thing with a little oomph, a little of your personality, minus the tangent description of how you juggle numbers for the math impaired. You might add that to be cute, but only if you specify exactly what you do and who you do it for. Think of it as the cherry on the sundae. You don’t need it, but it’s nice to look at.
Find Examples of What You Like
At first, you might be stumped with what to write. Writing about who you are and what you do may feel worse than going to the dentist. Believe me, I’ve been there again and again. In fact, I’m continually reworking my website (which is another tip by the way).
At the beginning, when you really don’t know what to do, start by finding websites with writing you admire. This blog duo, for example, does a great job of showing us what they do, how they do it, but with oodles of personality.
The goal isn’t to become like anyone else. You are your own rock star and don’t need to copy others. But reading what other people are doing may help spark some ideas.
That’s my mini lesson for today.
But please share yours.
What tips/tools/advice has helped you build your own website?
Great advice, Brandi-Ann! I’m a writer too and I am glad to know that you are constantly re-working your website. I do that a lot, and I know that for people who are not natural writers, it can be tricky. I don’t do much copywriting-for-hire anymore, but if you can’t write, I recommend hiring a writer. Two excellent writers who are friends of mine are Lisa Manyon, http://writeoncreative.com/, and Kristen Card, . Lisa also teaches marketing copywriting. Good luck to everyone!
Hi Brandi,
Great example. I love their blog and it helped me see what you meant. Thanks for inspiring me to work a little harder on mine!
Sherrie
Thanks for RTing the article Sherrie! Good luck on writing the copy on your website! It’s always a challenge, even if you’re a great writer, to write about yourself.
Thanks Susan! And thanks for the writer recommendations for any entrepreneurs out there. =)
Hi Brandi.
Your tips came just when I needed them the most. It is so easy to fall for those extraneous words.
Thanks.
Thanks Gustavo! I love your blog by the way.