How Was Your Day?
When I started to work online, I had to make the switch from writing very stiff and formally for the corporate world, to writing conversationally.
It took some time.
One exercise that really helped me a lot was writing about my day for my journal. I did not think about it in that way before but, if you have ever kept a journal, you would know that it IS your most trusted friend.
I talk to my journal (and my dog) about EVERYTHING!
It was while writing in my journal one evening that my thoughts connected to Kyle's words about writing as though you are having a conversation with your friend.
Every Blog Post Is For My Journal
So now, my mind is always set on my journal while I am writing my blog posts. It has made a big difference.
Writing requires a certain level of easiness and relaxation and it is up to you to find what helps you with that. It starts with my journal.
After years of being together, my journal knows me best and I can relate better. I think of my journal as my visitor when I write. It is my backdrop.
Now let's finish set the stage.
I have just finished reading through all your 101 training. Really like reading your content. There are so many points I have picked up. I have so much to learn from these and I will need to re-read them again.
Thanks for putting in the energy to create such wonderful training. Highly beneficial for me.
Thanks again.
Regards,
Richard
Reply
Blog content is more conversational, less feverish in nature, benevolent and friendly with a touch of, 'I-don't-care-if-you-never-buy. I like you too much. Relaxed, the text will often give you special insights that seem to be aimed only for the unique reader consuming them. The base is not narrowed on one product but wider and more apt to take on facets and angles that will appeal to the masses.
Anyway, just my impression. Two very different beasts, mostly different in their delivery and their tone. Sales is sales not matter how you put it.
Very correct.
I love the life you have breathed into the descriptions.
They will help me, together with Martin's, as I plan my 201 module.
Such great feedback.
Thank you.
Cassi
Content writing and copywriting are two different beasts.
They mainly differ in their intention.
Copywriting is always a form of direct response and therefore marketing/sales focused. For example, sales letters, emails, landing pages, off- and online advertisement, press releases, some social media posts, etc.
The aim is to get the audience to act immediately - to buy, book, subscribe, donate, fill out, click, etc.
You are spot on with your definition of content writing, except for the marketing, sales and copywriting part.
Most web pages fall under this category (home, about, blogs, articles, products/services, but not landing pages or lead magnets).
It might sound academic but the distinction is significant when you create content.
The approach to copywriting is very different from content writing because you aim for a different outcome.
A landing page or special offer newsletter will use a specific structure and distinct wording to get the desired response.
A blog on the other hand, wants to inform, convey value, authority and affirms the relationship with the audience.
However, both writing types might overlap and it is not always clear where one ends and the other begins.
“Copywriting is a direct conversation with the consumer.”
– Shirley Polykoff (wish I thought of that)
Happy writing.
Martin
All these training modules will have a 201 version and I have planned a detailed walkthrough of each definition there.
If okay with you, I will incorporate what you have shared.
I wanted to stay within the context of what we are first trained to do at WA.
Thank you so very much for reading and for sharing.
Cassi
Please use the bits you find helpful for your training.
Let me know if you need any clarification or additional information.
Martin
What's the worst that can happen?
I can highly recommend Dan S. Kennedy: Make 'em Laugh & Take their Money.
He is an absolute legend when is comes to copywrtiting.
Martin
