Writing With Purpose

Every time I sit down to write a post, I try to think of something helpful, a current issue, or a topic that simply might be of interest. As you can tell, I have dropped the ball in the last couple of weeks. I got busy and the blog took the back burner. I need to be better about that. Once I get a few readers that are brave enough to make comments or ask questions, then I can write about exactly what you want to know.

For those of you that don’t know, the terms freelance writing and copywriting are basically the same thing. In most cases, you and I will be writing copy that it meant to sell someone a product, an idea, or a passion.

Today, I was reading an article by another copywriter, and the last sentence is what intrigued me the most: “Now, go sell ice cream to Eskimos”. How cool is that! (pun intended).

She had some really good advice for people that want to become better freelance writers/copywriters. I want to share parts of it with you:

Now in the 5 years I’ve been in this business I’ve read a LOT of copy and written quite a bit as well. Most of it sucks. Certain things sell plain and simple and it’s aparent a lot of people don’t know what they are. . . So how do we get that emotion and feelings involved in our copy?

To effectively bring emotion into our copy we’re typically going to lean towards using a lot more words that involve the senses. Do you know what the primary senses that most people operate by? Did you know if you speak to these senses, all of them, you’re going to connect with most people better? Here is a list of the big 3 senses that most people run through the world with:

Feeling
Audio
Visual
Take a look at those and digest them for a minute. Sure there is more senses then that but most people use these to reference the world. You’ll find certain people stronger towards one then the other. Listen to the language people use when you’re talking with them. I bet after a bit once you get and accute ear you’ll be able to pickup what someones dominant sense is. And get this did you know that men and women are different? Hhahahah of course. Here’s a short cut to get you started with what to focus one depending on what sex you’re writing for.

Most men are strong on the Visual sense. They’re going to say things like: I see what you’re talking about. I can definately picture what you’re saying. When you’re selling to men the more visual you can make your pitch in your copy the more you’re going to connect and the more emotion you’re going to bring out. On an interesting topic when it comes to something that sexually arouses someone guess what men go for? Is it the penthouse forum magazine with the emotional stories? Now of course not it’s the visual picture stimulus.

So have you guessed what drives most women? If you haven’t it’s pretty easy “Feeling”. Think heartfelt stories on lifetime movie network.

So lets take a couple of these ideas and put them into play on some short snippets of copy. We’ll start with a statement like:

“I was in so much debt I didn’t know what to do.”

This sounds pretty bland right but it’s not really touching on any sense or emotions. There’s honestly nothing to pull anyone in. But lets take this and write it for a strong visual sensing person:

“Every day I closed my eyes as I opened the door beacuse i knew I’d see the stacks of bills sitting there piling up to the ceiling.”

How about one for a strong audio sensing person:

“everytime the heard the mail slot open all i could say to myself was, I don’t want to look, because I knew exactly what was there.”

And one last one for for the feeling people:

“I used to cringe every day stewing over all those bills piling up and weighing on me.”

Pretty cool huh. Which one did you connect with the most?

The ideal copy weaves between all these senses almost like a web. The more you can hit on each of the sense types the more you’re going to connect with each type of person. If you’re going to be targeting one sex more specifically I’d highly suggest going about double on the keywords tha appeal to them.

As a teacher, I always told students to be as descriptive as possible. Do not say empty words like “things”, when you can describe what those are, with the power of your words. The same can be said for freelance writers/copywriters. You have great power in your words. Use them! Who knows who you can sell ice cream to, or anything else for that matter?

You can even sell yourself and what you do for your clients on a daily basis.

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Although you may start out copywriting via sites like Elance.com, where you pay for the privilege to bid on jobs and make connections with potential buyers, you will want to start advertising as a freelance writer. Then, you will eventually establish a faithful client base, and you can keep more of your profits for yourself.

Time vs. Money

How you let potential clients know that you are available for their writing needs is up to you. Personally, why pay money, if you can spend a little of your time and get the job done for free. Especially if you are just starting out, or you only plan on writing part-time in the evenings, you do not want to eat up all of your profits paying someone else to promote your writing skills. In essence, you will be doing for yourself what other people are paying for you to do for them.

Here are 4 free ways you can advertise your freelance writing:

• Article Marketing
• Blogs
• Free Press Releases
• Social Networking Sites

Don’t limit yourself to one freelance advertising resource. Use all 4. In fact, if you know of more free opportunities that I have not mentioned here, use them too! The more you make the effort to get the word out, the better your business will thrive.

Article Marketing

Article marketing is not difficult. After all, you are writing articles for clients. The only difference is that you are taking time to write for yourself. One of my favorite places to get the word out by writing a short article is ezinearticles.com.l

Although you cannot directly advertise yourself, you can write informative articles on subjects related to your business. Then, you embed a couple of well-placed links, so readers will come to you for more information. For example, I have another website, Living with Cerebral Palsy, and I want to let readers know about it. So, I wrote an article and posted it free on Ezinearticles.com called Conversation on Living with Cerebral Palsy. With a link in the body and a link in the bio box, I have just let readers know that I have a site dedicated to CP.

Blogs

Okay. Look at the section about article marketing that I just completed. Do you see those links? Each one of those links directs you to a site related to the information discussed. In addition, they are all related to work I have done. Normally, you probably will not have quite so many links in your blog. After all, you do not want to wear out your readers by making them hop all over the Internet.

However, for the purposes of this article, it definitely illustrates why blogs are such a great tool for advertising yourself. You give the reader good, informative content. Google and other search engines love that idea. They are more likely to pick you up. But, it also directs the reader to a place they can learn more and hire you, if needed.

Free Press Releases

Sending out a press release is much the same as article marketing. However, the format of the writing is more streamlined and to the point. It is more like an informative announcement of the services you provide and how individuals can avail themselves of your talents.

Thankfully, if you have not done so before, most of the free sites will offer examples. See how a good press release is written, and simply follow the same format. After checking out about 20 different sites, my 4 favorites are:

1. PRLog.org
2. Free-Press-Release.com
3. Press-Base.com
4. ClickPress.com

Social Networking Sites

Finally, use social networking sites for more than just chatting with your long lost friends. You can plug-in a social networking tool on your blog. Then, it is really simple. For instance, after I finish this blog entry, I am going to the social networking icons at the end of my post. I am going to click on them and post a link back to this very article, if readers want to know more about the subject, me, or what I can do for them.

Now you have 4 good advertising resources to think about. If you have any questions, or you have some other great free advertising resources that I have not mentioned, please pass along a comment, and let the other readers know how they can better advertise themselves as freelance writers.

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If you are freelance writing, you may want to know about bringing oDesk to your desktop.

In yesterday’s blog, I talked about filling your client pool. One of the ways you can accomplish this goal is signing up with oDesk to bid on jobs-for free! Yesterday, I decided it was time to create my own account, especially if I was going to blog about this particular resource.

Smile,you are on Camera

Well, the heading is not entirely true. However, while you are logged into oDesk and working online, your computer is on camera. The company seems to be one of the most organized sites that protect the rights of the client and the freelance writer at the same time. They have several freelance writing resources I found to be valuable:

• Clock to Keep Track of your Time
• 10 Minutes Camera Clicks of your Monitor: to prove you are working in a client/writer disputer
• Virtual Time Card to Guarantee Payment
• Video Tutorials
• and more . . .

Method to their Madness

In the words of my teenage daughter, it is “kinda creepy” to think of someone snapping pictures of your desktop at regular intervals. However, there is definitely a professional reason for this high tech system.

As a freelance writer, I have been ’stiffed’ more than once, when it comes to getting paid. I get all of the work done, turn it over to the client, and I never hear from that particular individual again. By the same token, buyers can also lose a lot of money, if they are paying the freelancer by the hour. How do they know whether they are being billed for actual work time, or the writer spent some of that time answer emails, chatting, or on the phone.

Protection and Professionalism

In my experience, I believe this site is a good mixture of protection for their clients and professionalism. So, if you are interested in diving into the pool of freelance writing, you should check out oDesk.com. Tell me what you think. If you have already used this writing resource, what did you think of the experience?

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Do you have a freelance writer New Year’s resolution? Do you have a plan for 2010? Are you content to work a couple of hours in the evenings; or do you want to develop a successful and increasingly profitable work at home business?

If you are ready to grow as a freelance writer, come with me. We can do it together. Contact me with blog ideas, questions, or concerns. Let us professionally go forward together into 2010.

In the meantime: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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A couple of day’s ago, I received a freelance writer’s challenge in the mail. In order to succeed, I will have to make a commitment for the better part of a year, but it will ultimately result in helping my business. Even if you are just starting out as a freelance writer, it may also prove to be a launching pad for your new career goals:

3rd #HAHD Marathon Challenge
Begins Friday
_____________________________________
The 3rd “100 Articles in 100 Days Marathon Challenge” (#HAHD) begins Friday, January 1, 2010 at 12:01AM CST-USA.
They say the 3rd time is a charm. Well get ready, because the 3rd #HAHD Marathon Challenge begins this Friday!
To help kick it off, Christopher Knight, EzineArticles Publisher and CEO, will be hosting a public webinar/teleseminar on Friday, January 8th from 11:00AM-1:00PM CST-USA for anyone attempting to complete the #HAHD Challenge! Watch the Blog and Twitter for more details.

TO QUALIFY: There’s no need to sign up! Just submit at least 100 articles of 400 words or more between 12:01AM CST-USA Friday, January 1st and 11:59PM CST-USA Saturday, April 10th. That’s only one 400-word article per day for 100 days. Once those 100 articles are approved, you’re qualified!

QUALIFICATION PRIZES:
All qualifiers will receive:
• #HAHD Certificate of Achievement (frame not included)
Upon email request, all qualifiers will also receive:
• Original Limited-Edition EzineArticles #HAHD Trophy Mug
• Limited-Edition EzineArticles #HAHD Mouse Pad
• Limited-Edition EzineArticles Giant Beach Ball
• Limited-Edition EzineArticles Hat

ADDED BONUS #1:

The top 100 members for total number of qualified submissions will also receive a chance to win 1 of 10 FREE 1-year EzineArticles Premium Membership subscriptions valued at $582 each!

ADDED BONUS #2:

In addition to all of these great prizes, each of your approved article submissions will reward you with increased traffic, improved credibility and additional sales!

Want to find out more about the #HAHD challenge?

• Follow the hash tag #HAHD on Twitter [learn more]
• Follow EzineArticles on Twitter
• Join Christopher Knight, EzineArticles Publisher and CEO, for his public webinar/teleseminar on Friday, January 8th from 11:00AM-1:00PM CST-USA
________________________________________
* The Fine Print:
1. To qualify, all articles must be submitted under the same author name. Articles from multiple author names may not be combined.
2. Those who believe they have met the challenge requirements for any prizes must send a prize request via email to hahd@ezinearticles.com prior to Thursday, April 15, 2009.
3. Prizes will be shipped to anywhere in the world via USPS to the postal mailing address listed in the member profile and to verifiable postal mailing addresses ONLY.
To Your Article Writing/Marketing Success & Passion!

Christopher M. Knight, Publisher

http://EzineArticles.com/

© Copyright 1999-2009 EzineArticles.com. All Rights Reserved.

All you have to do is go to Ezinearticles.com and sign up! It sounds like fun! I hope to find the time. I am in! The question is: are you up for the challenge?

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Leave it to the Experts

Okay. Yesterday’s experiment did not turn out so well; and, I have come to the conclusion that Freelance Writers should stick to what they know. For example, do not try to build a website, if you do not have enough background in that area. I have books on the subject, but I would much rather spend my time doing something that I love.

According to my teenage daughter, I do not know enough to create a professional website from scratch. However, her schooling has taught her the basics. Instead of trying to make a new website, she suggested I use my old website that expires in March to promote my passion. Hopefully, in the next week or so, or at least by the time my subscription to an expensive Web Host expires, I can afford to get it hosted someplace else.

A New Look to an Old Site

In truth, if I am working on something I love, I am more likely to stick with it. Also, my work-at-home job will be a lot more enjoyable. So, what do I LOVE to do. I really enjoying reading and writing. I know if you love to read and write, you will have plenty of opportunities for growing yourself and your business on the Internet. So, I am giving my old site a new look.

If you got to http://writingwithpurpose.us you will read about my true passion. I want to share with you rewarding reading, whether it is for fun, your future, or to make you a better freelance writer. Often, I might suggest a good book for you to read. Other posts will focus on topics related to reading-my thoughts and experiences on the subject.

I hope you will find it informative and helpful, and if I am lucky enjoyable. I would also welcome comments regarding other reading ideas, good books and more. Enjoy the new look of an old blog.

I definitely learned an important lesson this evening. I am going to stick with what I know and love, and hopefully grow as a better freelancer because of my passionate interests.

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Dear Readers,

I am experimenting today. As I have said in previous posts, freelance writers are constantly learning and changing, in order to improve their freelance writing skills and the business potential of the Web. Since I definitely want to improve my presence on the Internet and provide more resources for others, I decided to check out my Internet provider’s offer. All I have to do is learn how to build a website.

A Work in Progress

If I succeed, this website will be to promote resources and reading materials for freelancers, writers and avid readers. I do not know if it will work. I am learning by the “seat of my pants” as the saying goes. I guess that means there will be plenty of bumps along the way. Ouch! As I am writing this, parts of the FTP upload have failed. ????? I may be doing some reading before I can succeed in even bringing up a workable homepage. We shall see.

I am definitely a work in progress. However, if I can eventually figure this out, it might make for some interesting and informative blog material. In the meantime, if you are reading this and already know how to create your own website with a free wordpress theme and an FTP server, feel free to send some comments and helpful advice.

Either Way

Whether I succeed or fail, I already know one thing for sure. It is much easier and wiser to hire someone, or find a guru friend to help you build your website. I am just trying to figure out some free options for those of you that do not have any money in the family budget to spare.

Wish me luck in my learning quest. Your advice and opinions are always welcome. Of course, if you need my services regarding something I definitely know how to do-like WRITE, feel free to contact me.

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