Right.

Becoming a freelance copywriter is about much more than just making the decision to switch to a freelance lifestyle and reading online resources – one needs friends in order to start getting paid.

If I wanted to lie, I’d tell you that once you take a few online courses, say from Hubspot or Copyblogger, that a surging mass of zombie-like clientele will storm the door to your downtown exposed brick-laden shared workspace.

This is part 2 of a two-part mini-series. Here’s part 1: How to be a Paid Freelance Copywriter in 6 Months.

Months 3 through 6 are tough for budding young freelance copywriters. Here’s the fun part though: the more hard work you put in at this stage, the more rewards (such as new clients and new work) you’ll receive in return.

Month 3: Go Outside

Work will not knock on your door. Being a freelancer doesn’t mean you have to go it alone – in fact, the freelance lifestyle is probably more conducive to collaboration than a 9-5 gig.

The best way I’ve found to meet people in my field is industry meetups. I’ve taken interactive SEO courses, attended speed-networking sessions and just sat in the back and soaked in knowledge related to copywriting.

Where to start? Meetup.com of course.

The biggest surprise? That I was actually ahead of the curve SEO-wise because of my hard work back in month 2.

People You’ll Meet in Month 3

1. Other writers who you can share tips with
2. Graphic designers who want to hire you
3. People who think the interwebs is the devil

Month 4: Publish

Since you’re meeting so many great new people who want to give you work, you need a place online you can send them to for samples, right?

Right.

This is a big step for freelance copywriters. You’ve got the technical know-how – now it’s time to put yourself out there.

Fret not, everyone writes some pretty rudimentary posts in the early days, but only through the act of publishing your work for all to see will said work improve.

• Start a blog and treat it like a client with deadlines
• Publish simple lists and how-to guides powered by knowledge you acquired in months 1 and 2.
• Be yourself and experiment with your style.

You may not be getting paid yet In this stage of your freelance writing career, but your personal brand/company/identity is formulating, kinda like a young Annakin Luke Skywalker learning to use the force.

People You’ll Meet in Month 4

1. Other newbs
2. People who admire your work
3. People who think you’re terrible and want you to go away forever

Here’s a bonus article: The Ultimate Writing Guide for Entrepreneurs by Kyle Eschenroeder of Startup Bros. It’s a long one, so read it at 10:30 on a Tuesday morning when you’re still in bed experiencing debilitating fever-madness.

photo credit: Gideon Burton via photopin cc

Month 5: Reflect

Now that you’re publishing weekly content, it’s crucial to assess your work.

Which of your posts felt right? I know that may seem vague and not useful, but when you’ve written something that truly hits the mark, you’ll know.

Ask yourself:

1. Does this article speak to a specified niche audience?
2. Is my work helping that audience with a problem?
3. Is the post entertaining? 

To be a successful freelance copywriter, freelance graphic designer, or any type of creative freelancer, you need to be your own harshest critic. Writing in particular is about constant self-assessment, and only through assessment will the work improve, thus endearing you to new/bigger/better clients.

In short, be honest with yourself, improve on your flaws and highlight your many strengths.

People You’ll Meet in Month 5

• Yourself. 

Oh snap!

Month 6: Monetize

Let’s make some cash! Hello, rich people? A brigade of handsome young freelancers os about to join you!

It’s month 6, and if you’ve followed the plan in months 1 through 5, then writing jobs should start trickling your way. Buuuuuuut I’m willing to bet this ain’t good enough – you need to go get work!

So, who could you write for?

First, read Carol Tice’s take on articles you WON’T be paid for. How many of these traps have you fallen into?

Done? Good.

Now reach out to graphic design studios, marketing firms and, in general, companies who need writing & understand the value of professional copy. These companies may seem like they’re out of your league at first, but it beats banging on the door of the lean startup that doesn’t have a marketing budget anyway.

Quick story – I’ve made the mistake of targeting small businesses – it’s pointless. If they don’t butcher your work (even though they paid you for it), more often than not you’ll make one small paycheque and never hear from them again,

Established companies will throw you a bone, and then it’s up to you to write impactful work and earn that paycheque.

People You’ll Meet in Month 6

1. Established industry-pros
2. Growing companies
3. People who think they are, BUT ARE NOT, industry pros or growing companies.

—-

Clients care about return on investment, as do you. If you’ve stuck to your timeline and really paid attention each month, then you’ll be able to provide quality writing, and businesses will be happy to pay you to do it (so they don’t have to.)

So, tell us – what were some of the highs and lows of your early days? You don’t necessarily need to be a freelance copywriter, we accept embarrassing stories from every field!

photo credit: Xosé Castro via photopin cc

Like, ever.

This is the first in a two-part mini-series for people who want simple, tangible steps to becoming a paid writer.

Alright, honestly, being a freelance copywriter isn’t ALL champagne and silk toilet paper all the time. What it is, however, is a rewarding, creative and interesting job that encourages daily personal development and life-long learning. I wouldn’t trade my freelance copywriting career for all the pennies in Canada.

Considering a career in freelance copywriting? Good for you (STAY AWAY FROM MY CLIENTS)! Here’s how to get paid for writing in six months.

Month 1: Commit

Strip away any doubt you have of starting a freelance writing career and just make the pledge to start doing what it takes.

No excuses about time, energy or anything else. Everyone in any career is busy. You want to earn a living writing? Then understand you’re about to cram a graduate degree into the next six months, so get your life set up so you can handle it.

Still in?

Good. Let’s get to it.

3 Tasks to Complete in Month 1:

1. Write something every day. It doesn’t matter what, and it doesn’t matter how long, but you need to write real chunks of copy with a beginning, middle and end.
2. Read more. The newspaper, blogs that relate to your own skill-set, fiction etc.
3. Create a calendar that allows you to set aside time to learn your craft.

Alright, now that you’ve committed to working for yourself, who’s calling the shots? A side-effect of month one is you’ll learn how you want your freelance business to operate.

Month 2: Learn

Beware: this month is actually going to go on forever, which is the great/horrible thing about becoming a paid freelance copywriter. Month 2 is the time when you get to learn the tricks, tools and cheats of the trade – and as with any job, it’s up to you to stay up to date on the progression of your profession.

SEO is a crucial component of writing for the web. Start learning about SEO over at Quicksprout.

When there are new advancements in your field, it’s on you to stay up to date long after Month 2 is complete. Believe me though, it will get easier.

Social media will also become one of your best friends *SOBS UNCONTROLLABLY*. When new ways to use social media to optimize your content marketing are released, make sure you understand these developments and incorporate them into your education.

Copywriting Tactics

Copywriting tactics are crucial to writing for the web because even if you fancied yourself quite the writer before this month, chances are you lack the perspective of the reader. Which makes sense – up until this point, you’ve been mostly writing for yourself. I made this mistake early on.

Remember this rule above all else, from now on: read as you write. Pretend you are your target demographic, and digest the information for the first time by forgetting that the words are coming from your fingertips.

I know, so meta. It works though. I’m currently writing web copy for an insurance company, and hot damn if I don’t want to transfer my existing policy, apply for a job and generally just grovel at the feet of the CEO there because of what I read on their website.

Copywriting Styles

This is also the month where you’ll sample different topics and different writing styles, which will go a long way toward helping you decide just what you’d like to write about.

But Kelvin, I’m just going to write whatever my clients pay me to write! You’re a buffoon!

Maybe I is, and of course you will – once you start getting paid. But we’re still in the learning phase, so maybe you should learn whatever comes natural to you, just in case that’s the style that your clients are looking for.

For example, back to the insurance company I’m writing for: the client wanted an all-inclusive, well-rounded story about all the areas of a person’s life that require insurance protection. And if you’ve been around the Ol’ Function Blog for the last few weeks, you know I like to tell a good story.

Perhaps, but as you’ll soon discover, no one will pay you to write without seeing a boatload of samples first.

So let’s start writing. Brian Clark’s Copywriting 101 series is the mother of all online copywriting courses. Start here.

3 Copywriting Topics You’ll Learn About in Month 2:

1. Headlines (Here’s my take on how to write radical headlines without trying.)
2. SEO
3. Calls To Action (Here’s Ruth Zive’s take on convert-able CTA’s)

Understanding these three tools will give you the backbone of freelance copywriting for the web. The sooner you understand how to use them, the sooner you’ll be on your way to becoming a paid freelance copywriter.

This is obviously a large topic that far exceeds the allowance of one or two blog posts, so I need your help – chime in in the comments section and tell us about your first 2 months freelancing or starting a new career/business/startup. It doesn’t matter if you’re a writer or not, we all want to hear the good, bad & ugly of your early days.

Next up we’ll talk about Month 3 (going outside), Month 4 (publishing) and Month 5 (reflection). Seeya then!

photo credit: sara | b. via photopin cc

1. This is the greatest headline ever!
2. OH GOD CRIPPLING DOUBT
3. This headline accurately and scientifically introduces the subject of my piece.
4. This headline is so boring, no one will read my article, I need to quit writing, pass the ice-cream
5. How do I write a better headline that encourages new and existing traffic to read my post?

Look, we all know that headlines are the most important element to getting your posts read.

So, want to know how to cheat at writing headlines? Here are 5 easy tools for writing powerful headlines that get your work read.

1. Ask a question

A question in the headline indicates a helpful answer is coming.

Readers who might benefit from that answer will be encouraged to read the post, because they’ll feel like you’re talking directly to them. Which you kinda are.

The danger? People who don’t think they’ll benefit from the answer are going to skip over your post in favour of something totally stupid more worthy of their time. Which actually isn’t a negative at all, because you want your headline to focus on a very specific topic in order to maximize benefit, right?

Right. Trying to please a small audience with supremely high-quality information is far superior to delivering watered-down information to a large audience.

Please a small amount of people greatly instead of pleasing a large amount of people not-so-greatly.

3 Examples of Asking Questions in Your Headlines

1. Want to Write Radical Headlines Without Even Trying?
2. How Awesome Are You At Writing Headlines?
3. Are Headlines Important to Getting Your Blog Posts Read?

2. Start Telling a Story…

…And then continue that story in your post.

This one is a bit tricky because you run the risk of creating vague headlines that don’t compel enough readers. However, done properly and with enough keywords incorporated, starting a story in your headline can really resonate with a certain set of readers.

*If you want to learn more about keyword searches, just check out this search for posts related to keywords over at Quicksprout.

Just be careful; don’t over-use the story-telling-in-the-headline technique. People get tired of it, and it can come off as a little too artistic and self-indulgent.

Ask yourself: does your article match your headline? Will a brand new follower on twitter read your post because of the headline?

3 Headlines That Tell a Story

1. How I Learned to Write Radical Headlines Without Trying
2. What University Taught Jon B. Blogger About Radical Headlines
3. In The Beginning, There Were Radical Headlines…

Check out this great post by Carol Tice for another example of story-telling-in-the-headline done right: A Peek at the Real Life of that Writer You Envy.

3. Demonstrate Usefulness in the Headline

Want people to read your post? Tell them what they’re going to get out of it.

Like a gorilla swimming laps in Lake Michigan, useful headlines are easy to spot:

• How-To’s (Link: Trustworthy Marketing Agencies by Hubspot)
• List Posts (Like, say, 6 Ways To Teach Your Gorilla To Swim)
• What Blank Means to Blank

Headlines used most frequently by copywriters, bloggers, content managers and anyone else who wants people to read their work immediately convey benefit, usefulness and education. I use these all the time. People are busy and are constantly asked to manage a surplus of information every day. Let’s make life easy for new readers.

3 Headlines That Demonstrate Instant Usefulness

1. How to Write Headlines Without Even Trying (wait, that’s pretty much this post’s headline!)
2. 5 Tools for Writing Good Headlines 
3. What Headlines Mean to Engaging New Audiences

4. Throw in an M-rated word

I’m not going to cite examples here; mostly because I don’t want to sift through a bunch of questionable spam comments (like the time I wrote this). Safe to say, however, that using M-rated words in your headlines will really differentiate your blog from other blogs in your field (for better or worse).

So be careful with this rule. I used the word radical in this post’s headline for two reasons: my audience responds well to out-of-the-ordinary language and using goofy words is fun for me. Again, the importance here is to understand your audience and understand that choosing M-rated words may turn some readers off.

Once again, I think using this tool is OK in moderated doses – you’re not writing to please everyone on Earth, right?

I’ll let you figure out 3 headlines that use an M-rated word on your own…

Killer Headline(s) Rule(s)

It’s important to test new methods to find out which types of headlines work for you and your audience. Embrace your style. Listen to your readers.

I’m sure you’ve used one or more of these rules in the past – which ones have worked well for you?

photo credit: @jbtaylor via photopin cc

However, it’s time for a little honesty.

I’m Busy, Therefore Blogging Is Pointless

Content creators all arrive at this conclusion from time to time. We ditch blogging and marketing ourselves for a myriad of legitimate reasons, such as:

• Our families demand attention.
• We outgrow the need to talk about ourselves on the internet.
• Business actually starts pouring through the door as a direct result of our content marketing efforts.

Those are all good problems to have, but no matter how busy your growing company becomes, content marketing is never pointless. Here are five reasons why:

1. Practice

You don’t have to be a freelance copywriter to hone your skills through blogging. Hell, I read lots of blogs with less-than-perfect writing that still teach me about SEO rules, social media guidelines and creative content marketing methods.

If you’re a writer, the practice element is obvious. That being said, it still counts as practice if you write about graphic design, photography, small business, web development, and so on.

In addition to practice, writing about your work and publishing your findings regularly allows you to track and document your progress regardless of your craft.

2. Demonstration of Skill

This is an easy one for copywriters, but what about other content creators?

Let’s say you’ve started a small business selling flowers. Can you blog about how you’re raising enormous healthy petunias and how your readers can do the same? Of course you can!

You might want to hire a copywriter to write and publish these blog posts, but still; your knowledge is the driving force behind that content.

More on this one in a minute, but first, since we’re now teaching our audience about our work…

3. Easy Contact

‘Engaging your community’ is a buzz-phrase that gets tossed around more than Donald Trump’s political opinions, yet there’s a worthy bone of truth to it. Writing and publishing blog posts gives new and existing readers a simple way to contact you through whichever mediums you choose.

* Check out Neil Patel’s super-informative 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My First Blog for more information on subscriber lists and engaging your community via email marketing.

4. Creative Outlet

Once again, not reserved solely for writers. It’s your company, your blog, so write about whatever you want! I’ve used the ol’ Function blog to get creative and take risks here and there; there’s no reason why anyone with a blog can’t do the same.

Maybe you’re trying a new lens and you’re hoping your freelance wedding photography business will experience a boost in sales as a result? Write it out, gauge your audience’s response and move forward from there.

Whatever you’re dabbling in, writing about it and flexing your creative muscles is an important function of any well-maintained blog.

5. Online Resume

Finally, the most important reason to keep blogging:

Money. Income. Revenue.

The essence of inbound marketing is this: attracting motivated clients to your work instead of interrupting non-motivated randoms with a low-percentage advertisement exclaiming your many self-rewarded virtues.

As we talked about above, your blog is a demonstration of your value, and a preferred substitute for sending out resumes to places you want to work for. Use your content and bring those employers to you instead!

* Want to know how to rock your inbound marketing like the pros? Check out Hubspot’s informative piece 7 Steps to Transforming Into an Inbound Agency.

Content marketing is to resumes what reality television is to Vanilla Ice: an updated and efficient progression of a (nearly) out-dated tool.

Publishing regular blog posts allows potential clients to research your work as they’re deciding to hire you. Sure, many appreciative readers will stop by and you’ll never hear from them, but what about that one potential client who hires you for a project based on the strength of a lesson you taught your readers?

—-

There are a lot of different ways to get blog posts and content marketing to work for you. Hire a freelancer, write posts yourself, conduct email campaigns, whatever – just start publishing yourself, and you’ll see the point in all of it soon enough.

photo credit: HidingInABunker via photopin cc

People crave instant knowledge. No one really wants to read a long, drawn-out introduction about the point of your blog post. That’s what your headline is for.

Sure, there are occasions where it’s fun hilarious strategic to flex your copywriting muscles in order to build a story around your post, but that’s not what we’re talking about here.

What will happen if I ignore this rule?

Readers will get bored and your post won’t get read.

We want to inject a healthy blast of useful knowledge straight into our readers’ veins without messing around. Here are three more ways to write blog posts that are easy-to-read, informative and actionable.

2. Keep ‘em short

500 words or less? I’m as guilty as anyone for going over the limit from time to time, but it’s crucial to say everything you need to say in as few words as possible.

The benefits to the reader are obvious:

• They’re finished reading quicker and can move on with their day.
• Several small bits of information are easier to remember and understand than infrequently written long posts or articles.

What will happen if I ignore this rule?

People might read one long blog post, but then they’ll delete your email newsletter (if they even sign up) immediately as they move on to something more manageable.

3. Offer your take

Like reality television, it’s tough to write completely original blog posts.

This should come as no surprise: if you’re not conducting research, using online tools or borrowing information from other bloggers, then you and your readers are missing out on a lot of valuable education.

However, it’s still important to support your topic with your own unique perspective.

People will remember your blog posts if you:

• Write with a distinct style.
• Teach them something new.
• Deliver a valuable message/lesson/tactic.

What will happen if I ignore this rule?

Your blog posts won’t sink in, and readers won’t be left with a burning desire to return and read your blog again.

4. Bookend your headline with a concise call to action

Before we talk about the almighty call to action, let’s circle back to headlines for a second. Your headline is the reason people are reading your blog post in the first place, right?

Right. The best headlines are:

• Helpful (how-to’s, step-by-step guides)
• Urgent (ask a question, indicate immediate knowledge)
• Emotional (tug at heart-strings/infuse real-life situations into your post)

An effective call to action will answer/summarize/drive home the point of your headline, which is all your audience really needs to remember.

What will happen if I ignore this rule?

Your audience won’t do anything. They won’t subscribe, they won’t comment, they won’t learn.

Without challenging your readers with a simple call to action, your blog post has no real purpose after it’s been read.

—

There’s a time and a place for in-depth articles. However, if your goal is to teach a specific tactic or method to your audience, then short, helpful, to-the-point blog posts are the way to go.

So tell me, what rules do you follow in order to keep your blog posts on track?

photo credit: Matthew Field via photopin cc

I know there are a lot of bloggers, content creators, inbound marketers and other creative types out there who plan content within well-organized, thoughtful strategies months in advance, and it works perfectly well for them.

Myself, you ask?

Well, it’s kinda like that time I decided to only eat tofu and cheese sandwiches when I was 21: a good idea in theory, just not for me.

Your reasoning may differ according to your profession, but as a writer seeking to improve and expand knowledge every single day, here are the two main reasons why I don’t plan content as far in advance as I used to.

1. Me Is More Smart Now (My writing skills are always improving)

I’ve got about four fully-planned blog series saved in Evernote that will never see the light of day; left to fend off internet trolls should I publish them on the good ol’ Function blog or elsewhere.

Why?

Because these series suck.

What a waste of time, writing these (now) useless posts! I feel so guilty when work gets scrapped, but I learned long ago that when I have doubts about the impact a specific post or piece may have because of the technical prowess behind it, then the rest of my audience would probably laugh right in my face should I allow these questionable posts get published.

* Want to read another take on actually catering to an audience? Check out Stanford Smith’s post How to Write Better Posts by Uncovering Reader Needs, over at Pushing Social.

2. The Ever-Evolving Content Industry

In addition to consistently improving our technical skills as writers, designers or developers, the depth of our knowledge about our industry is also always improving.

I’ve been writing for more than a decade, but I’ve only been driving the Function Bus for a fraction of that time. My understanding of inbound marketing and, in more general terms, writing for the web, has evolved at an alarming rate since I’ve been running my own copywriting and content marketing business.

I read, learn and absorb helpful knowledge of my industry every day – how could I not be better at my job than I used to be?

* Check out Walt Kania’s advice for having a damn good year, and pay close attention to the part about first having a damn good day.

Think of it this way: if, right now, you claim to be as intelligent and well-versed in your industry as you were 6 months ago, then you’re doing something wrong. We should all be learning something new every day!

Who are you learning from?

• Wise mentors you’ve worked with before?
• Online sources of credible information?
• Inspirational content creators?

So, unfortunately, learning new techniques and methods to create content

3. Saved Content Plans Grow Stale

These days I enjoy capturing my knowledge on the Function blog as it comes to me: fresh, supported by evidence (most of the time) and edgy enough to evoke a reaction in my readers. Looking too far ahead in the content creation process dulls my ideas which, ultimately, degrades the ability of my work to help my readers.

For instance, you may not have noticed, but I stepped out on a limb with the last two Function posts: Why Methinks Content Shall Forever Remaineth Thy King and Creative Content vs SEO Warlocks & Evil Blogging Dragons.

Oh, you did notice? Oh ok, so that’s why I took a 0.7% hit in subscribers last week.

Well, if you stuck around (OH GOD THANK YOU) then you must have maybe enjoyed the medieval weirdness courtesy of yours truly. I’ll be honest, comparing content with mythical SEO Warlocks and Blogging Dragons was a risk – a calculated risk, but a risk all the same.

A risk I am a-ok with.

I’m a writer. I write about, like, tons of different stuff. I can find a passionate angle in plastic injection molding, pre-packaged meal kits and inexpensive wedding flowers, but there comes a time when one needs to flex one’s creative muscle just…because.

So, why Is creativity so crucial to content?

Because passion is the greatest teacher.

Because passion for and belief in your content is the strongest tool to take your work to the next level and to provide the greatest amount of benefit to your audience, even when you’re working on less-than-exciting projects. I believe that the last two goofy posts were important to my development as a writer because they conveyed a pertinent topic in an interesting way and they offer a break from the day-to-day copywriting that I truly love, but gets mundane sometimes (like any job).

Plus, they were just fun as hell to write.

Were they fun to read? I hope so, because if I’m listening to myself here, then I’ll probably despise them in about 6 months!

My Content Creation Process

Now, I realize I’m contradicting myself a bit here.

Don’t:

Stop writing or creating just because you’re constantly improving your skills and you therefore believe it’s pointless to plan content at all.

Do:

• Plan content
• Publish work
• Expand on strengths
• Flesh out weaknesses

I don’t make up articles, slap a silly image on them and hit ‘publish’; I wait at least a day!

Haha seriously though, here’s the actual process I follow when I plan content on the ol’ Function copywriting & content marketing blog:

1. Plan: the mental ‘heavy lifting’, I develop series of 4-6 posts based on a central topic pertinent to content marketing, blogging or writing.
2. Write: I drink coffee/beer/chocolate milk and write posts a day or two in advance of their scheduled publishing.
3. Brainstorm: about halfway through each series, I return to step 1 for a new series and start planning.
4. Break: in between each series, I leave space for random post ideas I’ve saved along the way.

So, in actuality, I’m probably locked into a plan for about a month to 6 weeks ahead of time, with a solid idea of where Function’s content is heading in 2-3 month’s time.

Anyone else on a similar pace? Anyone have a different way they plan content or an editorial calendar that works for them?

photo credit: Niharb via photopin cc

Legend hath tell of wicked souls,
Wizards of malice, centuries old.
While hushed whispers hint at a fiery beast,
Arrived to burn, & upon our intellect: feast!

- a handsome minstrel.

Upon victory over the Knight of Social Media (the filthy thief), respite yet remains out of reach for yonder brave kings of creative content.

New enemies approacheth with the dawn as new instruments and clockwork gadgets fall into hands of those enticed by the evils of Get-Rich-Quick spells promising unheralded heights of prowess in the most terrifying domain of all: thy online domain. 

Will our hero prevail? Or be swallowed into a murderous hellscape out of which there be nary an escape?

Read like, 450 more words to find out!

Content vs The Warlock of SEO

Though never lacking in glorious victory upon open battlefield, rare indeed was the master without a quiver in his boots upon the sight of the mystical Warlock of SEO; that mythical fiend who would bend the very laws of reality at the behest of thine twisted will.

Formidable, organized and diabolical; shall the Warlock of SEO crumble beneath irony wrought by true knowledge of the physical plane? Irony being the comprehension shared between creative content creation and yonder loyal e-villagers?

Cast Spell: Linking

Linking between e-townsites, a spell not of this world, the Warlock of SEO threatens to tempt even the mightiest of content creators. With ease, the content creator could indeed forget the content to which he or she links to, and in doing so, forget thine own content. The message invoked by this content shall forever remain crucial if it ought to be worthy of a naturally growing link structure.

“Beware!” our hero shouts. “Avoid the pitfalls of linking to useless villages! As brave Baron of SEO Neil Patel commands, inject creativity into thine links!“

Cast Spell: Keyword Profile

Cast by the sinister, calculating Warlock of SEO, the keyword profiling spell attempts siege of the very core of the content creator’s being. To remain of substance, thy content creator must momentarily cast aside morality to obliterate the warlock at his own craft by taking mental control of the keyword spell and integrating it reasonably into thine own content strategy whilst upholding the laws of reality.

Our hero’s creed: Simple language be good.

(Ironic, no?)

Verdict: In triumph, content paired with the essence of keywords and linking becometh the essence of knowledge.

3. Content vs Bloggingdragonfirebreathing the Blogging Dragon

Nary hath a content creator such as this, standing atop the vanquished forms of the Knight of Social Media and the SEO Warlock, glimpsed the legendary sight of fire breathed from Dragon’s breast. Upon him with the fiery scorch of knowledge, demonstration of skill and whimsical community engagement, will Bloggingdragonfirebreathing gain final glorious victory over brave content creator?

“Nay!” shouts our hero. “For blogging remaineth but a single component of content strategy, and surely blogging born of content which blows goats shall eventually crumble beneath its own lies!“

Skill Acquired: Core Benefit

The content creator grasps the vanquished power of his enemies; the influence and perception gleaned from the gallant Knight of Social Media, the linking and keyword spells ripped from the heart of the evil SEO Warlock and behold: unimaginable destruction wrought upon thy Blogging Dragon! For at thine core, our content hero possesses the very same fuel used by his ferocious enemy: core benefit.

While all fire and gumption, the Blogging Dragon yet still only utilizes a single tool, a method by which to inform rather than the skill required to ensure such information forever remaineth necessary.

Verdict: Enemies vanquished, content be nameth thy King! Huzzah!

Payeth Thy Bills

A century of content creation infused into fertile Earth, the still-crowned king of creative content remaineth ensconced within the annals of content history.

Within the content creator’s trusted scabbard:

• Swords of strategic social media
• Enchanted SEO spells
• Fiery bursts of blogging

Powerful tools, these weapons three, to aid content, though nary a substitute for that which bringeth thy horde of client-barbarians stampeding toward thy coffee shop’s wooden gates.

What say you, fair content creator? Dost though place equal levels of import upon social media, SEO and blogging? Cast thy opinion below in yonder comments!

(Ps: whew! I’m tired! Next week in part 3 (yeah, this is a series) we’ll talk about why I no longer plan content months in advance, and yes you’ll be able to read it more betterer.)

photo credit: Ardent Photography via photopin cc

“Gather round, for the moon is nigh,
to sing of creation from a window on high.
Creation of words and an artisan’s craft,
and never ye think our hero be daft.”

- a lowly minstrel.

From beyond the gloomy gray pale of mid-March, across cobble-stoned tavern floors and through stone window, thy creative content lay bare for all who would attempt witness of its glory at their own behest.

O, but to endeavour toward creative content of such worth as to entice the nearby e-village is to endeavour toward creative content ripe with worth reflected internal.

Dost thou pick up what thee putteth down?

Nay?

Then ride with me, fair creator of content, whilst I introduce the legendary series of tales: Writing for the Web: Creatively Functional Content. Down your flagons and pour another while we sip from part one and journey through the totally metaphorical eyes of the Content King.

Thine Content Is Thine Expertise

Consider these qualifications three:

• Content is thy field wherein thou excels.
• Content exists due to thine’s specific tastes.
• Content will forever be exchanged for her majesty’s coin. 

Dabbling in one’s content within hither qualifications three ensures content will forever remaineth thy king, for thou wilst forever be entrenched in intrinsic desire to create that which is considered most natural.

Creative content will forever remaineth my King in preference over the powerful Knight of Social Media, the wicked Warlock of SEO and another unspeakable horror borne of Earth’s fire.

So gather to court then ye all whilst I, a simple minstrel, sing for you (in easy-to-read list-form) of the epic struggle for the crown of the Content King.

Content vs The Knight of Social Media

While legend tells of a powerful knight swinging 140-character sword-phrases through the necks of invisible trolls cloaked in shadow, content remaineth triumphant in the ever-lasting search of increasing organic traffic for this soldier only exists to point his shimmering broadsword toward content which already exists.

Influence

Cast through the shroud of social media, influence, while certainly a worthy conduit of the fringe of content’s scope, still doth not represent the true nature, the true benefit, of creative content.

Perception

Often skewed through the thin silver screens of nearby e-villages, perception and opinion runneth rampant upon the backs of shared content. Often these opinions be of good intention, though corruption often possesses The Knight of Social Media. He distorts perception, blacking out torch-lit passages in order to fuel tell of his own legend.

Verdict: creative content envelops the Knight’s ability to inform the people, and ultimately emerges wiser for the struggle. Thus, content becometh legend.

From Beneath the Earth, Creative Content’s Unholy Enemies

Its enemies vanquished, its value revered, creative content withstands attack on mortal foes of magic and sword.

Then, belowfeet, a stir shudders the ground; a fiery menace that would take the heart of content and claim it for itself awakens after a millenia of slumber.

Take rest, ye wastrels, for a fortnight hence I, a lowly minstrel, shall return to continue our hero’s tale as he duels with a pair of foes not of this plane of existence.

Meanwhile, dost thou claimeth opinion of thine foray into creative content?

photo credit: violscraper via photopin cc

“That’s probably not a great idea, li’l lady.” I always speak in a southwestern accent to toddlers – anyone else?

I helped her down off the chair, but sure enough, she was climbing back up within 30 seconds.

Learning From the Near Misses

Being a copywriter, graphic designer or web developer means you’re involved in the constant flow of ideas – some good, some bad.

So you’ve probably avoided a couple costly and stupid mistakes in your day. No harm, no foul, right?

Consistently living on the edge of making stupid mistakes will slowly eat away at your ability to:

• attract new clients
• influence your audience
• expand your social media presence
• grow your business

Being content with content that narrowly avoids mistakes on a consistent basis is, frankly, a frightened way to go about your business. Don’t just avoid mistakes; DESTROY mistakes before they have a chance to see the light of day.

Dodging Bullets

Let’s take stock of your past for a minute; have you been lucky? In other words, how many times have you avoided a stupid mistake or potential fail? I’m sure some of that luck is owed to common sense, but still, screw luck. Depending on luck is like depending on Major League Baseball to tell the truth.

Fortunately, there’s something to be learned from dodging a potentially harmful bullet like falling off a chair and bonking your face.

Ask Yourself:

1. Are the near-misses consistently caused by the same factors?
2. What are the common denominators in these situations?
3. How eager are you to accept responsibility?

Take a Step Back From Your Current Content Strategy

“Seriously Dyllin, please step down off the chair, because the chair is evil, and you’re likely to get hurt if the chair falls over. Please? Dyllin? Dyllin. DYLLIN.”

I’ve harped on ye olde Function Blog time and time again about continually seeking new heights and improving your content, so it pains me to say this, but in the interests of eliminating stupid mistakes, I must say it:

Stop.

Stop creating. Stop working on projects. Stop searching for new clients. Stop pursuing your passion.

Not forever, mind you. Keep your life balanced, and your content will end up chasing you down. In a good way.

Sometimes the plateau you so desperately seek is just too high for your current level of ability. Like a three year-old with tiny li’l three year-old legs, sometimes it’s alright to just be aware that the future will always be there, and that in time you’ll be able to overcome any obstacle life places in your way.

Take Stock of Your Benefit

How have you made money from your company’s primary benefit? The road to future growth is paved with understanding the past.

1. What are you good best at?
2. Why do people pay you to work for them?
3. What steps do you need to take to ensure future growth and success?

These are easy questions, but ones we, as content creators, forget to ask.

My answers:

1. The thing I’m best at is writing, with coaching coming in a close second.
2. People pay me to craft a message for their company so they can attract more clients or customers.
3. I need to take my own advice, constantly scrutinize my work and take life one small, rickety plastic chair at a time.

These three questions should help connect the former successes and failures of your content with the unlimited potential of your future.

Your turn. Do you have the answers? Post ‘em in the comments below!

Ps my niece totally fell off the chair.

photo credit: Alex E. Proimos via photopin cc

This is part five in the Impact Writing for Growing Business series. Read part one.

The city is thriving, building upon itself story by storey and benefitting from a steady influx of tourists, new families and the odd caped superhero.

From somewhere in the middle of this city, you, the content manager, are telling your company’s story. The story is integrating itself into the existing fabric of content, adding its own unique likeness. From somewhere high above the street, an attractive woman waves from a window, shouting “I notice you! Continue to contribute your unique content on a weekly basis, upon the completion of which I will notice you even moreso!”

Ok, let’s suspend reality for more than just a minute. How do we get noticed by more than one semi-crazy window-waver?

Big City Content Development

Big-city construction is easy to compare to content marketing because office buildings and new condos, like web content, are built by content managers based on the desired benefits to those who will use them. Your story needs to be constructed in a way that ensures stability, longevity and functionality.

Your content isn’t alone, and even if your company is still in the growth-stages, that doesn’t mean your story won’t be heard eventually.

Confused? Don’t be. Here’s a handy list that will tell you exactly what to surround your content with in the hopes of getting noticed.

Work With (not Against) Your Industry

1. Perfect Your Content

Whether you’re holding the pen or simply guiding it, content management is akin to creation. You have a story to tell and a place within this city that will benefit those who notice you. Contribute your content to your industry, even if it sometimes seems as though you’re a bachelor apartment competing with penthouse suite.

2. Support Your Peers’ Content

How many content managers do you know? Who else is creating benefit in your industry? Work with these people rather against them. Ask them for ideas and give back more than you receive.

Remember, there’s plenty of work for everybody as long as everybody contributes. Working with good people makes you more money.

3. Borrow Your Competitors’ Content

Content marketing doesn’t apply solely to the content you create. Directing your traffic to other sources of helpful information counts as content marketing.

Additionally, if a content creator publishes their work online, you’re allowed to use the idea as long as you don’t pretend to have had anything to do with the creation of the original content. Can you expand (and improve) on an idea that a competitor contributed to your industry? Learn from the content and link to the source.

Working with copywriters, designers and other freelancers means you’re constantly exposed to new ideas and methods that you can borrow. Use these ideas to learn more about your industry and how you can help your audience.

Note: The power of content marketing and your unique search engine optimization specifically depends largely on relationships between related online information sources, so embrace those relationships.

Hang Out with the Cool Kids & Ask Yourself:

4. How Much Do You Read?

I’m working on a special series of articles about embracing technology, and one of the central tennets is that the perceived death of books ought to result in more reading, not less. This is particularly relevant to those of us who get our news and education from online sources.

5. What Do You Read?

When I need…

• a refresher on the technical world of copywriting, I read Copyblogger.
• a warm, pleasant take on the state of freelance blogging, I read Pushing Social.
• trusty freelance advice, I read The Freelancery.

6. Need More Reasons to Read?

Surrounding your content marketing with handy, supportive stories from other reputable sources improves the following:

• Your positive effect on readers
• Your SEO results
• Your knowledge (and therefore your ability to help your clients/customers, and therefore your ability to increase revenue)

What’s on your reading list? Seriously, I want more!

The Power of Positive Words

Let’s dip our toes in the waters of the online-knowledge era: contributing positive words to the internet and boosting your web karma is a powerful reality with regards to your content marketing efforts.

7. Develop Your Inbound Marketing to Help People

By surrounding your inbound marketing efforts with positive words and powerful information that helps your audience, you will:

• attract motivated content seekers
• support peers in your industry
• establish yourself as a thought leader, influencer and educator

8. Manage & Plan Your Content Marketing

Buy a logo and it’s yours, hire a copywriter to write an article and it’s yours, post on your company blog, etc. – you own that content, the knowledge required to write it and the benefit of creating it and displaying it. 

Content marketing that’s surrounded with positive energy and concrete methods of support is much more likely to help your company reach your goals. Plan your content with measurable milestones in mind and you’ll see how easy it becomes to insulate your work with applicable content from elsewhere.

Alright, we all want to know – is your content in the bachelor apartment, one bedroom or rooftop patio category? What are you surrounding your work with?

photo credit: John Piekos via photopin cc