I received a question several years ago about using “a” vs “an” before an acronym. Most native English speakers understand the “a” vs. “an” difference when the “a” or the “an” comes before a full word. However, it can be fuzzy when the “a” or “an” comes before an acronym. Here’s a good example to […]
Before we discuss how to get testimonials from clients, we should examine why we should bother in the first place. If you’re cynical-minded, you might wonder if testimonials matter since businesses are only going to post glowing words from their clients and customers, right? Here’s the thing: Even if our logical minds realize this, our […]
It always amazes me when companies overlook simple things, like their own birthdays. Marking major milestones, like 10, 20, or 50+ years in business, is a great way to engage customers, reinforce credibility, and garner press. In 2022, I’m celebrating 20 (!) years in business as a freelance copywriter. So in the spirit of my […]
Need some company newsletter ideas? Here are eight to consider. 1. Private Sale/Private Offering. Construct a newsletter around a special sale or offering that will be available to subscribers only. Promote this fact on Twitter and Facebook and grow your list while you’re at it. I recently worked on this concept for one of my […]
I recently worked on a messaging project for a client who’s in an industry where everyone says the same thing. Part of the reason for the message’s “sameness” is due to legal and compliancy issues. But the other reason has to do with fear. When I thought about it, I realized this situation is no […]
Had an interesting conversation with the owner of a PR firm the other day. I asked how much business she gets from her website. Her response? “I don’t use my website for lead generation. PR is personal, and people rely on word of mouth because PR is all about trust.” I don’t doubt that referrals […]
Dear Copy Bitch: You had a recent newsletter about status update ideas for company pages on Facebook. I thought it was a helpful article — is a digital version available so I can share it with friends and colleagues? Thanks! —Susan W., Boston Answer: Ah, yes. It’s summer. The web guy is busy drinking margaritas […]
Dear Copy Bitch: We’re an HVAC company, and we keep encountering marketing consultants who say we should abandon direct mail marketing altogether. But here’s the thing: our direct mail pieces convert. The ROI is great. Still, I wonder if this is just an anomaly, and if I should get out while I can and redistribute […]
Note from The Copy Bitch: I wrote this post in 2010, meaning SEVEN years ago (as I sit here reviewing it on 7/9/17). I was talking about “authentic copy” and “honest marketing copy” seven years ago, and now I’m screaming it at the top of my lungs. Be real, people. The other day, I had […]
Dear Copy Bitch: I’m banging my head over here because, once again, I’ve encountered a client who thinks writing web copy and feature articles in third person is “right” and that “conversational” is unprofessional. I know you advocate conversational copy, so how do you handle this with clients? —Frustrated Copywriter in Boston Answer: I feel […]