This article is a bit of a departure from the tips and strategies on social media marketing and search engine optimization you normally find here. I was invited by a good friend, Wendy Pitts Reeves, to take part in this blog tour which explores the writing process. I met Wendy at a Spark & Hustle conference a couple of years ago. She was so excited because she had just come up with a new direction for her coaching business. That seed of an idea eventually became “Secret Adventures for Courageous Women.” You can read her blog tour article here.
Here are my responses to the blog tour’s 4 questions:
Q1. What am I working on?
I always have multiple projects in the works. I write blog articles for several different clients, including a couple of home builders and a landscape lighting company. I’m getting ready to start work on a couple of website optimization projects, which involves writing keyword-rich copy that demonstrates what’s unique about my client’s product or service, and why someone should do business with them.
I’m also getting ready to launch my first telesummit in June! It’s called Shortcut to Success: Expert Secrets to Help YOU Quickly & Easily Grow Your Business in Record Time. This event will feature 9 expert speakers (including myself) who will share their best tips on a variety of business building topics. I’m excited about this event and am confident it will help small business owners make more money this year.
Q2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Whether I’m writing blog articles or website copy, my process involves gathering as much information form the client as possible so that I can write in their voice. The ultimate goal is lead generation. But they’re the expert in their field – not me. It takes time learning about different industries, but at least my day is never boring!
Q3. Why do I write what I do?
I enjoy writing! It’s also a thrill when the copy I write gets results. I remember my first client was so disappointed that their brand new website wasn’t generating calls. I discovered the reason why. No one could find the website by searching Google. After I added some important keywords to the copy and meta tags, their website landed on page one! And more importantly, their phone started to ring. That’s music to my ears!
Q4. How does my writing process work?
I read first of all. If I’m writing a blog article, I gather as much background information as possible on the subject and read it all. Once I have a good grasp of the topic, I start to write. I usually go through a couple of drafts before I’m satisfied. When it comes to web copy, I have the client fill out a web creative brief that gives me details about the company, its products and services, and why someone should buy from them. Then, I do keyword research to determine which phrases will resonate with the target audience and the search engines. Once I have a thorough understanding of the topic, I’ll write a first draft. Then, I’ll close the file and pick up another project. I’ll go back and read the copy the next day and make changes. The copy always looks different with fresh eyes. I typically find ways to shorten sentences and make the point clearer.
That’s my process. And now I pass the torch to:
Carmen Perez worked as a commercial real estate paralegal for about 20 years when in 2008 she developed a chronic autoimmune disease for which there is no treatment or cure. Until recently Carmen’s condition prevented her from living an authentic heart-centered life due to regular bouts with pain and fatigue. After years of analyzing studies, reading books, and speaking to experts about physical, mental and spiritual well-being, Carmen has learned that by reclaiming our time we can achieve and maintain our well-being. Today, Carmen is an international motivational speaker and writer. Her book How to Go from Surviving to Thriving will be published later this year. Carmen and her productivity tips have been featured on Fox’s Morning News Show and Her blog, EffortlessLivingOnline.com has received national recognition. You can read her posts here.
Mary Foster is a Freelance Media Specialist with over 20 years of experience. The foundation of her expertise is in Corporate Communications, Education and Instructional Design, and Technical Writing and Editing. Some of her clients include multinational corporations and mid-sized companies, universities, and public television statewide networks as well as trend-setting magazines. Her passion is to create media that helps her clients develop their brand and establish their credibility in the changing marketplace. Click here to read Mary’s blog.
Dr. Leonaura Rhodes is a Health and Happiness Coach, Author, Physician, Neuroscience Expert, speaker and seminar leader. She uses powerful coaching techniques and medical knowledge to help individuals and families transform their lives with research based programs designed to improve health, happiness and success. Bringing two decades of experience as a physician in the UK working with adults and children, in Public Health Medicine and expertise in Neuroscience, Dr Leonaura now specializes in the neuroscience of positive health and family health and wellbeing, with a special interest in families with a child with special needs. Originally from England, Leonaura lives in Connecticut with her husband and two sons. She loves dancing, kayaking and having adventures with her family! You can read Leonaura’s blog here.
