Copy Q & A ~ Tom Buford Interviews Lisa Manyon of Write On~Creative Writing Services, LLC.
What the heck is copy? This is a question I still get and all too frequently. It’s seems kind of like an oxymoron for a copywriter to be asked what copy is — BUT there are many people who don’t understand the importance of copywriting let alone what copy means. AND, that’s OK — it takes time to get all the advertising and marketing lingo down.So, I’ll break it down: content (copy) is sometimes treated as an afterthought and this is one of the biggest marketing mistakes around. In short, copy is the written part of any marketing, advertising and promotional material. It’s the message that connects (or should connect) your products or services with your ideal market.
It’s important to really think about your content and have a strategy for all of your marketing and advertising materials. There are specific formulas, tricks of the trade and styles that will help you craft the most effective message to get results. You can choose to learn more about copywriting so you can write your own copy or you can take the time to select the best copywriting for your project.
Either way, here’s a quick Copy Q & A where Tom Buford interviews me about copy.
Remember that it’s VITAL to find the right copywriter for your projects. Someone who can craft copy that really represents your voice. If you already have your copy written it’s always a good idea to have a professional review it and give you pointers.
For example: I offer a Manyon Marketing Web Makeover where I’ll review your site & give you feedback to improve your copy and/or web flow to really connect with clients. This recent feedback from a client reinforces how important it is to choose the right person for the job.
“Lisa Manyon has the unique ability to immediately grasp your unique essential message. She then shapes your site into a mirror reflection of that message communicated in a way that will engage your target audience. I’ve spent a fortune and many weeks and months trying to achieve what Lisa was able to provide in one hour. Master your opportunity with Lisa. Consider a Manyon Marketing Web Makeover a well placed investment in yourself that will deliver an immediate R.O.I.:
Valery Satterwhite, Moxie Master -
(please note the MMWM was last week & she’s still incorporating changes)
www.MoxieTherapy.com
I’m not saying I’m the best copywriter for every job. I do know that I really care about providing the best service possible and I have alternative suggestions for projects that might not be the best fit for me.
How’s your copy?
Don’t forget to grab your FREE Copywriting Action Plan (click on the “Grab Your Free Stuff ” icon at the top of this page to get yours) it will help you improve your own copy and select the right copywriter for your job — even if it isn’t me.
Is your copy really connecting with your ideal clients?
What are you looking for in a copywriter for your business?
[tags] copy, copywriting, free copywriting action plan, Copy Q & A with Tom Buford & Lisa Manyon, choosing the right copywriter, what is copy, Write On ~ Creative Writing Services, www.writeoncreativecom, Lisa Manyon, Tom Buford, copy writing, content, marketing, advertising, Manyon Marketing Web Makeover [/tags]
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Wow Lisa…and to think I was going to do all the writing myself. Thank you for talking about the benefits of hiring a professional to truly capture the message of what my business is all about. The point about being to close to my business and bringing someone in that can give a fresh new perspective is a really smart idea.
Kiyla
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March 23rd, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I think one of the most challenging tasks for me is all the writing that needs to be done. It is good to know that there are professionals like yourself that take this burden which will allow me to focus on the parts of my business that I love to do!
Dr. Robert Fenell
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March 23rd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Hi Kiyla,
It’s OK to do the writing yourself and sometimes it’s better if you do because if you are really in the flow, you know your own voice, products and clients best. However, even I have others look at my work because sometimes I’m too close to my own stuff. A great example: I used to call my my Manyon Marketing Web Makeover a Web Critique (seriously — who wants to be critiqued – they weren’t attracting clients under that name). A special thanks to James Roche for snapping me out of that one and suggesting I add a little spice. Now, people are snapping the MMWM’s up like crazy and they are so much fun.
Another thing to consider is how much you enjoy writing. If it’s really not your thing then you will want to find the right copywriter to establish a longterm partnership with. And, if you dig writing you can do it yourself and invest in editing (which is WAY more affordable than copywriting from scratch). The cool thing is you have options.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 23rd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Robert,
Excellent point. One of my favorite sayings “Do what you do best and outsource the rest.”
By the way, I’m happy to help.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 23rd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
“Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should”-Lisa Manyon
Great video interview Lisa!
As entrepreneurs it is easy to get caught doing EVERYTHING! But the real art is doing the things you’re good at and hiring others to do things they are good at to help you.
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March 23rd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Laura,
This is so true. Love the quote you pulled from the video. Going to post it on my FB status and tweet it, too.
Thanks for your support.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 23rd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Great post Lisa – your insights benefit not only me in my business but the members of my not for profit communication network also.
I am passionate about writing and often find I pick up lots of areas for improvement by reading my work out aloud. The best feedback and tweaking however has always come from having another set of eyes reviewing my copy.
Heidi Alexandra
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March 24th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Lisa,
You are so right! I’m too close to what I do. Your fresh perspective would be very helpful. I definitely need you for copywriting so I can focus on my talent which is psychic reading and intuition coaching. I’m interested in your copywriting services. What do you recommend as a next step? How would I best start working with you?
Many blessings,
Joanna Garzilli
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March 24th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Hi Heidi,
I am so glad this information is helpful and I’m particularly passionate about non profits (I’ve worked for several and did volunteer work for one that is near and dear to my heart).
Yes, reading your work aloud helps. Another tip is to read it backwards sentence by sentence. Often our mind will play tricks on us when we’ve worked on a project for any length of time. We’ll see words that we think are there because in our minds we know they should be.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 24th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Joanna,
I would love to support you. Your next step depends on your needs.
If you have not yet reviewed the Copywriting Action Plan, I suggest you start there — because you’ll get an idea of which projects are most important to you.
From there we can discuss your needs and develop a plan. My preference is long-term relationships with clients. That way I learn the essence of your business and continue to help you craft your message as you grow without a lengthy re-education process each time.
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions at all and I’m happy to help.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Hi Kit,
I do offer editing services, too. In fact, copyediting is more affordable than copywriting. Feel free to send me an email to Info@writeoncreative.com and let me know what you need. And, I do have other resources, too.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 24th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I’m so glad you had this interview with Tom, it gives you a wonderful opportunity to showcase what you do and help people “get” the importance.
Sue Painter
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March 24th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Hi Sue,
Thanks so much. Yes, it was a wonderful opportunity. I realize how important it is to help educate people about the copywriting process.
I appreciate your support.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 25th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Congrats on the great interview, Lisa! Write On, Sister!
LOVE these:
“Do what you do best and outsource the rest.”
“Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.”
You ROCK! -:¦:- ? -:¦:- K.
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March 25th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Lisa, you ‘got’ me with the fact that you actually have someone look at your own work too. I’m a writer, but I know that I am too close to what I do, assume that others can add words that are left in my head and I am too much of a perfectionist to do anything quickly!
The time in nearing when I will be needing you.
Lynn
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March 25th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Lisa,
Fantastic interview with Tom and really gets to the nitty gritty of your services. You are truly a professional and have such wonderful services to offer. Growing a business is a process and hiring a copy writer that truly understands your goals and can speak your language (through copy) is crucial. I LOVE what you offer and hope to partake soon!
Hugs! Anita
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March 25th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Hi Lisa –
Fabulous interview! What a great way to get the message out about what you do!
I am a writer and always have been (creative writer in college and then a lawyer), but even I know that I am too close to my copy for my businesses! I need to just get you on retainer so that I can focus on my content and have you make it what it needs to be for my audience! Thanks for saying my motto outloud: “Just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD.” Man, that really applies to me in this category!
xo
Jessica
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March 29th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Jessica,
I would absolutely LOVE to be a part of your team. Let’s talk and see how we can support each other!
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 25th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Great interview, Lisa!
Your insights are thoughtful and well presented. I also really value the wisdom dispensed in your follow up comments! A professional can add real value and take copy from good to great!
Phil
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March 25th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Lisa – really really great info and a very professional video. I love your comments about being too close to your own business and needing another set of eyes for perspective. And it’s good to know that copy-edting exists too – this world of copywriting is very new to me and I’m soaking up all the great tips and advice so thank you!
Trudy
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March 27th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Lisa – this is great and really hits home. I love your quote in your followup comments
“Often our mind will play tricks on us when we’ve worked on a project for any length of time. We’ll see words that we think are there because in our minds we know they should be.”
As a writer/ author I find this so true – I give it a rest and then come back – the overnight test – otherwise we do see what in our ‘minds’ rather than what is on the page.
I love that you offer editing too – what a great service!
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March 28th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Lisa,
As always I am blown away by your generosity in sharing your expertise.
Terry
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March 28th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Katherine,
Thanks so much for the support. Glad you enjoyed my message. I really do have a true passion for helping others hone their message so they truly connect with their ideal clients.
I feel blessed to do what I do and LOVE it.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 28th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Lynn,
I would love to support you. Yes, an objective perspective is needed regardless of experience. There are times when I get in a hurry and send something before my editor or proofreader has reviewed and often I will have missed something. It’s a fact that no -one is perfect. That’s why it’s wonderful to have a team.
Let me know what I can do to help you.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 28th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Anita,
I am equally impressed with what you have to offer the world.
Your input in valued and I would love the opportunity to be part of your team and help you connect with your ideal clients via copy so you can, in turn, help more people.
Let me know when you are ready.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 28th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Phil,
Thanks so much. Yes, it’s important to be of service especially on the blog. When people reach out, take the time to comment and support us, it’s vital that we do the same.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 28th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Hi Trudy,
Any time you have a question, just let me know. I’m happy to help. Copywriting does tend to overwhelm. There are so many elements to running a successful business and unfortunately copy is often an afterthought. The tragic thing about that is it can really impact business.
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 28th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Pinky,
Thanks for the comments and good to have a fellow writer admit to seeing what isn’t there.
That’s why copyediting is so important. I really enjoy going in and massaging marketing messages. Often clients will come to me with a really solid foundation for their copy and with a few tweaks they are off and running (with more effective copy to truly connect with their ideal customers).
Write on!~
Lisa
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March 28th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
What a great interview! Congratulations Lisa. You have made some very valid points here and the one that really struck a cord with me was being too close to your business. I will take a look at your Copy Writing Action Plan too. Thank you for sharing these generous gifts.
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March 29th, 2010 at 7:20 am
Hi Christine,
Yes, being too close to our own work is one of the business truths we must embrace to get the support me need to really shine.
I’m glad you’re going to grab your own copy of the Copywriting Action Plan. I’ve been told I should be selling it but I feel good about being of service to others. Those who really want a copywriting partner will make the next move.
Write on!~
Lisa
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