I try to keep my initial complimentary consultation focused on the problems of my prospective clients, and the potential ways I can help. Questions about cost can bog the conversation down. Business owners (and marketing managers eyeing their budgets) understandably feel they’re entering uncharted territory when they seek freelance writers or editors. Even in the
My freelance copywriter and editor networking group, The Copywriter Conclave of Portland, recently engaged in a lively and free-wheeling discussion about prospective clients and proposals. We were able to attract prospects and even get to the proposal stage, but sometimes, the almost-projects fell through shortly thereafter. We all determined that some unseen, emotional aspect comes
(Image Credit: “Light Bulb No. 2” by Chuck Coker) My networking group, The Copywriter Conclave of Portland, keeps a regularly updated blog chock full of valuable information for me, my fellow “Conclavists,” and our clients. I’ve been thinking a lot about what Conclave founder Amber James brought up in April: the ideal client. Amber mentions
Spring is finally here (well, for some of us), and it’s a great time to focus on your backyard or porch garden. It’s also the perfect time to attend to to your “content garden.” Web copy, print collateral, blogs, PR, social media, and even TV or radio commercials all need care and attention to thrive.
2013 was … unique, wasn’t it? It definitely was for me. I transitioned from a Portland area freelance writer and editor to a branded business complete with a new office, an Oregon registry number, and a city license. I felt sort of like Dak, Luke Skywalker’s gunner from The Empire Strikes Back. I felt like
We may be transforming into a paperless world, but I will always believe in the power of print. In my opinion, high screen resolution and pristine digital images will never replace the scent of finely-milled paper or dust jackets as glossy as polished stone. In the marketing realm, you can’t beat the allure of the
Last month’s Enlighten Writing blog post discussed why I don’t think writer/editors should work for free. I discussed the importance of a market rate. But what is a market rate? And how does a writer or editor determine her or his market rate? The Business Dictionary defines a market rate as, “the usual price in
I’m an experienced freelance writer, so I’m acquainted with the ups and downs of this vocation. One of the more challenging aspects of being a professional writer – especially in the aftermath of a terrible economic recession – is that some people expect writers to work for free, or below their market rate. For example, some
Content strategy is a broad concept, by design. The content strategy for a small business in Portland or Hillsboro, Oregon, will differ from Whirlpool‘s content strategy, for example. Of course, both content strategies may share similar elements, like social media outreach and special promotions. Research and A/B testing would likely play a role for each
My freelance writing and editing business has a global focus, as well as a local one (Portland, Oregon), and I tune my marketing accordingly. I advertise locally, and I write this blog to reach potential clients all over the world. I added e-mail marketing this week. I kept my first e-mail newsletter (e-newsletter) short, included
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