Category: writing advice

1. Stay on top — Putting attention-grabbing text first has always been important — more so with mobile website content. For example, email summaries can appear in on-screen windows, so you want to catch as many eyes as possible.

2. Less is more — Keep email, blog, and website headlines short. Crop copy to only one or two main ideas per page.

3. Link it — If you’re writing for more than one device, one way to “mobilize” longer website or blog content is to separate it into different pages and add click here to read more or next page links at the bottom.

4. Scannability — Make your text easier on the eyes; my newsletter features more online content formatting advice.

5. Personality — Your mobile website content don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got some zing. Pizzazz suits the smaller screen. It’s more about what you say and how you say it. People tend to see themselves in their smartphones and in their tablets. The more personal nature of these devices means your content should be more personal, too — emphasize “you” more than “I.”

Quotes

“If you’re not using mobile marketing to attract new customers to your business, don’t worry — your competitors are already using it and are getting those customers instead.” ~ Jamie Turner, 60SecondMarketer.com

“Mobile is not the future, it is the now. Meet your customers in the environment of their choice, not where it’s convenient for you.” ~ Cyndie Shaffstall, Spider Trainers

Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.

Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com

1. Over-capitalization — Sometimes business owners capitalize the first letter of every word in their copy, with the idea that it will get more attention. Not every word in your marketing materials should be or needs to be capitalized. Keep the caps for proper names, job titles, etc.

2. You or I — If you refer more to yourself and your services in your materials than to your customers and their needs, think again. Rephrase those passages with more “you” references and emphasize how your products or services benefit your customers.

Example: Let’s connect, so I will give a quick overview of what I do.
Revised: Let’s discuss how Theracare can relieve your pain and get you back on your feet again. Call 555-867-5309 today.

3. Mismatched words — Make sure singular and plural words match. Otherwise, reading can become an awkward experience.

Example: Do you have old postcards stored away and want to do something with them? It could be mementos from people you know and places you’ve been.
Revised: Do you have old postcards stored away and want to do something with them? They could be mementos from people you know and places you’ve been.

4. Punk-tuation — Do you use question marks when you ask a question. Maybe you just love to add exclamation points for excitement! Perhaps apostrophes are they’re, but there in the wrong places. These are some of the most distracting punctuation errors, as you’ve probably just noticed.

5. Redundancy — Cut unnecessary words.

Example: Please RSVP.
Revised: RSVP.

You’ll often see it on invitations. RSVP is an acronym for the French phrase “répondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “respond if you please.” Those of us who truly find French a foreign language might not know what it means, and if you often see the acronym only, you can easily forget the meaning.

Quotes

“If your ad is peppered with misspellings and grammatical errors, not only will it make the description difficult to read, the buyer might wonder if the seller is as lazy about the way she cares for and packs her items as she is about grammar and spelling.” ~ Dawn and Bobby Reno, The Unofficial Guide to eBay and Online Auctions

“Spelling is the clothing of words, their outward visible sign, and even those who favour sweatpants in everyday life like to make a bella figura, as the Italians say –- a good impression –- in their prose.” ~ Mary Norris, Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen

Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.

Michelle Troutman
Classy Writing
207.332.8379
classywriting.com

1. For your eyes only — Shut down your inner critic and write with the goal that no one will read your words. Dive into the middle, if necessary, without a beginning or an ending. If you dislike your writing, trash it. This session can also warm-up your mind before a bigger task.

2. Pen pal — If you’re drawing a blank page, pretend you’re writing to someone you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts with. Who knows? You just might like what you read, and if you’re ready, show your muse your piece for his or her feedback.

3. Just say it — Maybe the keyboard or the pen aren’t the best instruments to play your theme. Perhaps speaking feels more natural, and your voice will provide the perfect pitch. If so, record your thoughts alone or in conversation with someone and see if that frees your mind.

4. Reward yourself — Looking forward to something can make our days brighter. Give yourself a writing goal, and treat yourself for completing it afterward. For example, finish two pages today and later hang out with a friend, watch a favorite TV show, or enjoy some chocolate. This act can also trick your mind into complying and the anticipation of your reward can entice you to follow through.

5. Keep time — A la the Pomodoro Technique, write for a set time period, such as 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. Continue writing for another 20 minutes and take another break, if necessary. A change of routine can refresh us, yield a better perspective, and make us more productive.

Quotes

“There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That was invented by people in California who couldn’t write.” ~ Terry Prachett

“Convince yourself that you are working in clay, not marble, on paper, not eternal bronze: Let that first sentence be as stupid as it wishes.” ~ Jacques Barzun

Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.

Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com

1. You’ll build R-E-S-P-E-C-T. If you keep your audience and their interests in mind, you’re more likely to write shorter, more focused attention-getting content. One size doesn’t fit all: if you’re targeting sneaker wearers, they’re more likely to feel comfortable dressing-down than those who don high-heels.

2. You’ll build believability. Readers tend to trust informative, stylish, and error-free text. Such content is also more memorable. In the 1980s, Coca-Cola’s slogan “Coke is it” reinforced its name and reputation among the biggest soft-drink sellers.

3. You’ll build credibility. You’ll look smarter if you consider how people will understand your writing. To use Coca-Cola as another example, when the company began selling their soda in 1920s China, shopkeepers translated their name phonetically on signs and among the variations was one that meant “bite the wax tadpole.” This funny misinterpretation has become so famous Coca-Cola even features a blog post about it.

4. You’ll make a better impression. Forethought cuts the effort required to create a piece compared to winging it until it fits your topic. This results in clearly structured, easier to understand writing.

5. You’ll build authenticity. Friendliness and approachability helps business. If you aren’t too pushy and take care to write truthfully with heart and some soul, you’re closer to connecting with customers. Overall, follow the first four steps and people will like your content more than if you ignore them. 🙂

Quotes

Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give. ~ William Arthur Ward

Before you speak, text, or write:

T: Is it True?
H: Is it Helpful?
I: Is it Inspiring?
N: Is it Necessary?
K: Is it Kind?

~ anonymous; sometimes attributed to Socrates (“Socrates’ sieve“)

Comments? Suggestions? Need help with your writing? Feel free to contact me.

Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com