Writing can be a daunting task. Even as a professional copywriter, I sometimes stare at a blank Word document and watch that blinking cursor, mesmerized, as the words refuse to come. For non-writers, that cursor can be almost mocking (it certainly mocks me sometimes!). The copy – website, catalog, mailers – still needs to be written, and for small business owners just starting out, a professional copywriter usually isn’t in the budget. So until you can afford to hire someone, here are some tips to overcome your writing fears:
1. Do your research. Write down who your ideal client or customer is, then research what she wants from your product or service. Do Google searches; ask your family and friends; even post a SurveyMonkey survey and email it around. This information is invaluable.Writing doesn’t come easily to everyone. But once you’ve got the framework in place and have your copy ready, you’ll be prepared to sell and grow your business. And, of course, once you’ve grown your business, you’ll be able to call in a professional so that you don’t have to do all the writing yourself!
2. Talk it out. You’ve got a fantastic product or service. If you can’t seem to get it on paper, grab a tape recorder or fire up the audio recording program on your computer. Pretend you’re talking to your ideal client or customer. Tell her what she’s going to get out of your company and how it can make her life easier/happier/better. You can then directly transcribe this recording or use it as a springboard for your copy.
3. Outline. If you’re writing a longer piece, outlining always helps get those first words onto the screen. Break up the writing into manageable chunks. If you’re selling natural pet treats, for example, you can break it up into cat treats and dog treats, then split your outline further into dry biscuits, liver snaps, tuna-flavored, tartar control, etc. For me, outlining is the framework for a successful piece.
4. Write. When I was in high school drama classes, my drama teacher told us that the best way to cure stage fright was to just walk onstage. The same thing applies to writing: just start. Use the blank page as a “brain dump” and just start writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect; in fact, it’s better if your writing isn’t. You can always go back and revise it once you’re done, or as a less expensive alternative to hiring a copywriter, you can hire a copyeditor to polish your words.
About Christine Parizo
Modern marketing knowledge and vintage grammar sensibilities - that's what Christine Parizo brings to every project. Whether it's a website, brochure, white paper, or press release, Christine gets the job done right. She can tailor her copywriting and copyediting services to assist any kind of business with their marketing and public relations material. Visit her website for more information; follow her on Twitter at @cparizo; like her Facebook page; or visit her on LinkedIn.
Great Post! I thought those were really helpful tips and that are actually manageable for anyone looking to get something read on the web or in real life. I know I frequently get stumped and just chit-chatting about what I'm thinking helps to get the creative juices flowing.
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