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Writing doesn’t come easy for everyone, and like any craft, it takes practice to develop the skill of wooing an audience with your words. Not everyone is blessed with eloquence and wittiness, but you can find a writing style that works for you and mold it into one of your most valuable and affordable marketing tools. This newsletter will cover various things related to using writing as a way of promoting yourself. Let’s get those ideas in your head movin’!

Never underestimate the power of the written word. When you pitch someone in person about your company, certain things might remain on their minds more than others. It all depends on your tone, body language and inflection. However, once that ink hits the paper, your message is there for them to absorb, dissect, and unfortunately even score two points in the office wastebasket.

Remember, your writing represents you and your business. Everything you send out – whether it’s an e-mail or a proposal – represents YOU. Don’t feel intimidated or that you need an MFA in English in order to write your own marketing materials.

What to Write?

  • How-To articles
  • Business trends for your industry
  • A weekly or monthly column in a magazine or e-zine
  • A book related to your industry and experience
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Press kit materials (bio, company backgrounder, etc.)
  • Website copy

Note: Always include your byline in articles (Your name, description of company, and contact information.)

When you are writing about your topic, the expertise you are displaying is your soft sell. No need to bang people over the head with your credentials or your company’s products and services. If you are sincerely helpful with your advice, (Gots To Have It specializes in Online Marketing and Web Design.) people will remember you in the long run. There’s no need for subliminal messages throughout your text.

Content Brainstormin’

  • Come up with topic ideas you are well versed in and that are related to your industry
  • Go through your list of contacts and see who can help you get published (an article in a magazine, online newsletter, a review of a book or product, etc.)
  • Utilize any organizations you belong to, alumni, local newspapers, trade magazines (online and off), etc.
  • Surf the Internet and look for sites that might be in need of your content.

Although you might not be paid with cash, your reward of putting your name in the face of the public is the tradeoff!

Do it Write!

  • Choose a style you feel most comfortable with and that also appeals to your audience. (Is it informative, provocative, humorous, conversational, etc.?)
  • Write with a purpose; each communication should focus on a point.
  • Know your audience and speak their language.
  • Never send a letter out the same day you write it. Look at it the next day and read it as if you were the target of the letter.

Get Extra Eyes

Hire a professional copy editor to help you out or if it’s something quick and you want to conserve your money, call on the extra eyes of friends, your Uncle Joe, co-workers, and employees to read your materials over for you. Sometimes there are things you won’t catch, no matter how many times you review it!

Benefits of Using Writing as a Marketing Tool

  • Writing increases your visibility, credibility and helps establish you as an expert in your field. Experts are always in demand for writing and public speaking.
  • Not only are you branding yourself, your research needed to write various materials will keep you on your toes.
  • It reinforces your image and adds prestige.
  • Writing can be cost effective publicity.

Advertising Copywriter’s Secret (Shhh – you didn’t hear it from me!)

Back in college, my favorite class was advertising copy writing, and my professor shared an ancient marketing secret with us. I feel the time is right to reveal it to you :).

The most important word you’ll ever use in your copy is YOU. Let’s face it, we want to know how product A can help us right away. Don’t you get sick of hearing all the details and ingredients and want to cut to the chase? “What can you do for me?” is the lingering question we all want answered right away.

When a product or service speaks to YOU you’ll be more inclined to pay attention. Here’s an example:

Product US: We are great at helping people lose weight with our fat burning pills. Look good for the summer and call us today!

Product YOU: Don’t you wanna look good for the summer? We’ll help you lose weight with our fat burning pills! Call us today!

See the difference? Product YOU speaks to you more doesn’t it? ~nod your head politely even if you don’t see it~ LOL!

Self-interest rules our “me first” society. Now, take a look at your own marketing materials and circle how many times you say YOU or Yours vs. Our and WE. You might be surprised! Good luck… now ‘git to writing!

Own your power,

Simone

Writing may help you get over your biggest business fears!

 

The grand return of the Melanin Awards amplifies and honors the finest Black-owned beauty brands with honest reviews, and discusses the evolution of beauty in Hip-Hop culture.