Web Copy Specialist

More Style Than Substance

Have you ever heard that expression? It usually means something like “the lights are on, but no one’s home”. Unless you’re a fashion model, you probably don’t want someone using that phrase to describe you. In fact, it’s usually used from a critical point of view.

So…what would make someone say that about your website? Personally I’ve run across who knows how many websites with fantastic designs, and yet I couldn’t tell you what they were about. And in many cases, I couldn’t even find who designed ‘em. I wouldn’t have been able to hire the “cool designer” even if I had wanted to.

And here’s the key…those sites didn’t rank on Google (or any other known search engines)…they didn’t have any traffic…and there wasn’t enough interesting information to get me past a click or two. Bottom line: no substance.

Substance doesn’t have to be an encyclopedia or wikipedia. And it doesn’t have to be a 200 page corporate website. (yawn) But it does have to exist. And it has to be easily noticed…and easily accessed. We live in a sound byte world, not a classical requiem. So I believe clear, concise substance will win the day. And your target audience. Give it a try and let me know if I’m wrong.

Stay tuned,

P.S. If you’d like to hire a web copy specialist who’s always gonna work to give you quality substance for your business and your website, consider contacting me, today. The Tony Writes specialty is copy for websites, online catalogs, Wordpress blog installation, and copy and production for permission marketing.

Tags: sound byte, target audience

Social Interaction…Dialogue…Conversation

You know what all three of those words have in common?

You can’t do them alone…at least not without looking like a bit of a lunatic. Social means more than one person. Interaction happens when your actions are combined with someone else’s. Conversation comes from speaking, being heard, and returning the favor.

With all the cool technology, nowadays, we can even do all this online. I personally use my business blogs, my email accounts, my Skype ID, and my social media accounts to interact, converse, and have dialogues with lots of friends, family, and clients. Some are more immediate than others,  but they all have the same effect of speaking and listening.

After all…who wants to speak if no one’s listening? And who wants to listen if the same courtesy isn’t returned? I know I don’t. When an expert gets me to “sign up” for access to their expertise, and they don’t respond to my questions or comments, I unsubscribe. And there’s no substitute for the real thing. You can’t fool me by hiring a VA or customer service to handle it for you. I didn’t subscribe to the VA or customer service.

So…I guess my “rant” is this…be as good at listening as you are at speaking. Be willing to share your knowledge, but be willing to learn. And always remember…when your mouth is open, you’re not learning something new.

Stay tuned,

P.S. If you think a web copy specialist might be just the ticket to improve your online presence, contact me today. Using blog tactics, social media, and permission marketing we can jump-start your business.

Tags: business blog, Skype ID, social interaction