Why Editing is Important

Editing is a key part of the entire writing process, but it is a separate component that should always be done. Without editing your work, there may be a good chance that you have made some small mistakes that may turn into big ones. Your goal should be to communicate your message clearly and to avoid any miscommunication.

Publishing work on your website riddled with grammatical and spelling errors sends out a message, and it has to do with credibility. Visitors, especially potential clients or customers, will find it difficult to trust you because of small errors in your content. It is important to take the time to edit and proofread your content to exude a professional image at all times.

Handing in an essay, paper, or thesis with mistakes could also have the same affect. Of course, your goal is to get a good mark and to impress your professor or teacher, but you also want to communicate that you can write and write well. Editing is a part of that.

Editing is about professionalism and care. It shows that you are a professional, and this applies to business owners, employers, employees, individuals, and students. It also communicates that you care about your work and what you have to say. Editing means that you value each and every word that you write and put out there.

Some people may say that it is important to be able to not only write, but also edit your own work. But I think if more people edit and proofread your work, more mistakes will be caught. A second pair of eyes will be in a better position to spot any mistakes you may have missed. Also, it is a good idea to seek a professional editor who can catch grammatical errors and rewrite sentences to improve flow and overall consistency.

Who edits your work?

Happy editing!

Teresa Simmons
Freelance Copywriter

Top 5 Reasons to Use Social Media for Your Business

Social media is one of the most cost-effective ways to market your business and personal brand. Some people are hesitant to use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter for their business because they don't think it will be beneficial. But social media is beneficial because it can help your business grow by increasing your customer base and getting your name 'out there'. There are many reasons why you should start using web 2.0  for your business.

1. More People Will Know Who You Are

Social media is the greatest form of  free, effective advertising. If you have a blog, or a Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter account, there are more chances that your business name will be seen, heard, and acknowledged. How? Having social media accounts increases your search engine rankings; thereby, driving more traffic to your website and social media accounts. Remember to use SEO keywords! The more times someone hears or sees your business name or brand, the more likely they are to trust you and become your new customers.

2. Your Potential Customers and Competitors Are Using Social Media
 
Just about everyone uses social media. On average, there are over four million Facebook users today.  Facebook, Twitter, and blogs allow you to reach out and connect with potential customers that you wouldn't have a chance to meet otherwise. With social media, it is easier to maintain your existing relationships with your customers, and more importantly, connect with new ones. Plus, if your competitors are using social media to generate business, you should too.

3. You Can Build Your Reputation

Facebook and other social media applications are an easy, effective way to communicate with your customers about any new changes in your business, promotions, products, jobs, and events. You can instantly respond to questions, concerns, and comments, and keep conversations going. This will show that you care about what people think about your business and that you care about your customers.

4. You Can Be a Subject Matter Expert

In addition to connecting with more customers and getting new business using social media, it is also important to advertise yourself as an expert in your particular field. For example, if your business specializes in graphic or web design, post links to articles about new trends in design or blog about techniques to create an eye-catching logo. Show that you know more about your field than your competitors. Your business will appear more credible and people will trust that you'll do a good job.

5. Social Media is Cost and Time Effective

Creating a Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and blog account is absolutely free, and setting them up takes just a few minutes. With technology today, such as iPhones, SmartPhones, and Blackberry Playbooks, you can easily update your social media accounts and your customers can stay connected no matter where they are or where they are going.

Delving into the world of social media may seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little practice and research you'll be well on your way to making your business a success! Try it today.

Good luck!

Teresa Simmons
Freelance Copywriter

How to Overcome Writer's Block

If you're a writer you have most likely experienced writer's block. I certainly have. There are some projects that I can complete in no time where the words freely flow through my fingers and onto my computer screen. But there are those times (you know the ones I mean) when you are just stuck. No ideas, thoughts, or words surface. This blog is dedicated to help you overcome writer's block.

1. Take a Break

You'll be surprised by what a short break can do. I don't mean getting up for a glass of water and coming back to your computer. Take a real break that lasts at least 15 or 20 minutes. Going for a walk, making a meal, or taking a power nap are great ways to relax mentally and physically.

2.  Seek Inspiration

Sometimes all you need is that one idea to get those creative juices flowing. Talk to your friends, search the Internet, read more books, such as The Writer's Block 786 Ideas to Jump-Start Your Imagination. Better yet, take a vacation or visit your favourite place in your local town or city. I usually find that a change of scenery is all you need to inspire you to write something brilliant.

3. Get Advice 

Speak to other writers or reach out to your creative community.  If you make the right connections, you can gain more support and share ideas on how to be productive and reach your writing goals. You can bounce ideas off of one another and create new ones too. It's always a good idea to being your work and allow others to offer feedback if you're comfortable enough.

4. Make a Plan

Reach for a pen and a notebook, and outline exactly what you want your project, novel, or poem to communicate. Ensure that you develop a beginning, middle, and end. The best part about an outline is that you can always come back to it and add more ideas no matter what writing stage you're in.

5. Take Public Transportation

I know, this is an odd one. But from my personal experience listening to other people's conversations or simply being aware of who is on the bus or train seems to spark an idea or thought for a project or poem. The way a person is dressed or speaks is all it takes. You'll be surprised by how it can change your way of thinking. So go ahead, leave your car in the garage and hop on the bus. You'll thank me. Remember to carry a notebook with you to write your ideas down.

Happy writing!

Teresa Simmons
Freelance Copywriter

Networking: My Trials and Tribulations

This post is quite different from what I normally write about. This post expresses my own personal view on networking and "putting yourself out there," as they say. As a new business owner, I find myself in the position to mingle amongst other business types and successful entrepreneurs to meet potential clients who may require my services.

Not too long ago, I attended a business mixer in the Edmonton area. It's always awkward, for me, to just dive into a crowd and introduce myself as a professional writer who has skills. It's downright scary, but exhilarating and freeing at the same time.

At this particular event, we were left on our own devices. There were no public introductions, so you had to work at getting a chance to speak to the right people. How? To be honest, I just interrupt people. I know this may sound rude, but how else should you do it? If you want to meet the most people in the least amount of time, this is a great way to do it. Pardon my manners.

The formality is usually the same. Ensure that you take your business cards with all of your updated contact details. I state what I do: "I am a freelance writer who specializes in writing and editing." I exchange business cards and try to find out if they need my services. If they hint that they may, I write a note on their business card so I can refer back to it later and follow-up. Following-up is key. 

I ended up speaking to the right people and learnt some great things. I learned that you should not give up on trying to pursue a client until you have made the seventh call. Seven calls! Most people give up after the first or second try. Plus, there's even someone you can contact to do it all for you! She's called the phone lady.

On the topic of social media, I also learned that in order to have a successful blog, you need to offer informative tips and advice in addition to something on a more personal level. Hence this post. Facebook is great for providing your clients with event details or special offers, while LinkedIn is more useful if you're looking for employment. Twitter is good for connecting with people from all over the world.

Most importantly, I met a potential client and organized a meeting. Networking is a great tool for new and old business owners. It gives you the opportunity to connect with people who all have the same goal. It's called success. Even if you're not entirely comfortable with the idea of networking, like I was, give it a try. It works. If I can do it, you surely can too.

Good luck!

Teresa Simmons
Freelance Writer

Writing Effective Sales Letters

Sales letters are one of the most effective marketing tools for small and large businesses. If you are a new business owner and want to get your name out there, sending sales letters is a powerful, low-cost way to reach potential clients. Here are some key components that you should keep in mind when writing your sales letter:

Be Professional

Show potential clients that you are a real business that is professional and credible. Your sales letters should always include the following elements:

• Letterhead with your company contact details (name, address, phone and fax number, email and website address)
• Company, contact name and address of the business you are sending your letter to
• Salutation 
• Sign off and signature (e.g. Yours sincerely, Adam Jones)

Begin With a Hook

Start your sales letter off with an attention-grabbing headline,question or statement. It should be short (one to five lines), and relevant to your business.

Be Personal

Use the words 'you' and 'your' at every opportunity in your sales letter. This creates a conversational tone, and readers feel like you are speaking directly to them. Readers are more likely to really listen to your words and to be genuinely interested in what you have to say.

Highlight Your Services

What does your company provide? What do you specialize in? What are you selling? Ensure that you clearly explain and describe your services or products.

List Key Benefits

Now that your potential clients know what your company offers, you should answer these questions next: Why do they need your services or products? How can you make their life easier? Provide your potential clients with the benefits of your service or product. If you are a printing company, one of your benefits could be that you offer a free, low-cost delivery service that saves time and money.

Include a Call-to-Action

You should always, always close your sales letter with a call-to-action. Even if the same contact information is listed in your letterhead, you should repeat it in your letter. It urges your clients to contact you right away.

Send It

Once your sales letter is written, send it out to your potential clients via mail, fax or email. Remember to keep track of who you send your sales letter to, so you can follow up with a phone call. 

Have fun selling your business!

Teresa Simmons
Freelance Copywriter

How to Write for the Radio

Writing for the radio can be challenging if you've never done it before. For the creative writer, it is fun, rewarding, and it can be quite lucrative.

Steps to Follow

1. Establish Time: Usually, radio scripts are 30 or 60 seconds long. A good way to determine how long your script needs to be is to time yourself as you read the script aloud. Keep your sentences punchy, clear and concise.

2. Engage Listeners: The opening line should address a problem that listeners want to solve. For example, if the ad is about a cost-effective product or service for travellers, then the opening could be: "Never thought you could travel without spending money?" Asking a question is a great opener.

3. Spell Out Benefits: Outline the benefits of the product or service. How does it work? What's in it for the listeners? How is the problem solved? In the above example, you can highlight the benefits of an all-inclusive package for an exotic location (cost-effective product).

4. Seal the Deal: Always include the call to action to get listeners to respond and act immediately. The call to action is usually a website address or phone number.

5. Include a Brand: Finish your radio script with a brand, such as a tagline or slogan that is unique to the company, service or product. In most cases, the tagline is already established by the company.

Things to consider:

• Contact radio stations or companies who need scripts written
• Write radio scripts on spec to build a portfolio
• Keep your scripts simple and relevant
• Listen to radio ads and commercials regularly
• Follow the appropriate radio script/ad format

Good luck!

Teresa Simmons
Freelance Copywriter

Going Creative

Are you one of those writers who doesn't write as much as they should? Some of us need a little inspiration, a little push to get those words flowing from pen to paper. This post gives all those writers out there reasons to start a long-term, never-ending affair with words. 

Good Reasons to Write 

1. Creative Writing Courses: Build your poetry portfolio by attending local creative writing classes like The Poet Within. It's a great way to regularly write about something you're passionate about.

2. Writing Groups: Sign up for a writing or critiquing group and share your work with other writers. Or offer your two cents' worth on other people's writing.

3. Quiet Places: Check out your local library as they may have a special place reserved just for writers to work their magic on paper....shhhhhh. Visit the Edmonton Writers Centre.

4. Writers' Retreats and Workshops: To really get away from the everyday noise of life, registering for a quiet retreat home away from home is the perfect idea. Find more information about retreats at The Writers' Retreat, Berton House and Wordwrights Canada.

5. Festivals for Writers: Attending local festivals aimed at beginner and advanced writers is a great way to meet new writers and polish your skills. Litfest and 10 Days of Madness are festivals worth attending.

There are so many ways that you can ignite the creative writer in you! It just takes a little time, research and guts to get out there and do it. If you're a serious writer, you should seriously consider mixing among your fellow writers.

Get to it and have fun!

Teresa Simmons
Freelance Copywriter