Welcome back to Copyblogger!
Thanks for taking a moment to check in with our community for writers ...
I'm Stefanie, Copyblogger's Editor-in-Chief, and below you'll find your weekly dose of tips to help you transform from an ace writer into a full-fledged content entrepreneur.
Scroll on!
More Powerful Writing, Faster
Some writers think about using templates like the herb cilantro. They either love it or hate it.
But the extremes of love and hate present some issues.
Those who love templates too often fall under the category of "quick fix" writers. They get excited about gimmicks or headline formulas and implement them without performing much of their own research.
Which produces disappointing results.
And those who hate templates too often fall under the category of "hot mess" writers. They — dare I say it — create content that is too original. The kind that is difficult to understand and does not resonate with their target audiences.
Which produces disappointing results.
Now, sophisticated writers want to optimize their chances of achieving their desired business goals.
So instead of either extreme, they think about using templates like sprinkling cracked black pepper on a Caesar salad:
The right amount can greatly improve the content's flavor.
Here's how to strike a potent balance when using templates.
Extract the essence
A template should be a powerful teacher.
When you come across an outline for an influencer outreach email or a popular blog post format, study why the template appears to be effective.
How does it help you achieve your objective?
The "essence" of a standard influencer outreach email might require that you first get to know the person you're going to email more personally. That requires time, effort, and patience.
You might post thoughtful comments on their blog or intelligently reply to their social media updates.
Then, when it's time to send your email, your established online relationship with them will help you stand out.
If you're going to write how-to articles or list posts, figure out how those compositions can help you provide useful tutorials that will grow your audience.
Add your own seasoning
You likely want to create content that is similar to your favorite publishers' work.
You connect with their voices and you want your audience to connect with you in the same way.
Your favorites can guide you, but you obviously don't want to copy them.
That's why writers always emphasize the importance of practice. Your own winning content marketing and copywriting depends on your own creativity.
So go grab your pepper grinder, and meet me at the end of this email. :-)
Do You Need Social Media to Build a Successful Business?
On this episode of The Copyblogger Podcast, Tim Stoddart and Ethan Brooks go head-to-head on what they think it takes to build a successful business.
How necessary is social media?
Click here to listen to the episode.
Are Content Creators Entrepreneurs?
written by Stefanie Flaxman
Are content creators entrepreneurs? Four simple words, one big question. And the answer to that question is a favorite of every seasoned content marketer ... It depends.
Content creators are sometimes entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs sometimes create content. But the two categories are not synonymous.
Content creators aren't necessarily entrepreneurs. Sometimes they just create content. Entrepreneurs don't necessarily create content. Although content has become more and more a part of any type of business, some simply create businesses that sell products or services.
Let's first look at the journey to become a content creator. Then we'll explore the next steps a content creator would take to become an entrepreneur.
Click here to read the article.
How Sophisticated Copywriters Use Templates
This week in Copyblogger Academy, Tim continued with his new 4-part workshop.
Writing copy is hard, and if you're not familiar with using templates, you might sit in front of a blank page for hours, agonizing over your sales copy.
So, Tim demonstrated how the right framework can do a lot of heavy lifting for you.
This lesson on copywriting templates talked about:
- The #1 single most important piece of sales copy ever
- Addressing objections before they happen
- The power of meaning
The first lesson in this series was about discovering and understanding your ideal customer. It covered:
- Your reason "why" and your perfect avatar
- 5 magic questions you need to ask to solve your customers' problems
- Removing the top 5 deal-killers in your copy
If you missed either of these sessions, you can find the replays in your Academy dashboard under "Masterclass Presentations."
Not a member of Copyblogger Academy yet?
Talk with you again soon,
Stefanie Flaxman
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, COPYBLOGGER MEDIA
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