Content Marketing Blog mint

Content Marketing Blog

Improving Your In-House Copywriters' Skills with Tips from the Pros

In the lean, mean structure of smaller businesses, in-house copywriters often don’t specialize in copywriting. It’s just one of many hats they wear as part of their overall duties. Creating high quality digital content isn’t easy. Consumer behaviours change, Google’s algorithms change, search trends change, and all of this means content must adapt. Copywriters who work on their writing skills and keep up with the user experience will be more effective. Here are four tips from great novelists that can take your content writing to the next level.

 Be Direct When Using Verbs

Stephen King said, “Timid writers like passive verbs for the same reason that timid lovers like passive partners. The passive voice is safe.” In active voice, the subject performs the verb’s action. “The dog chewed the bone.” “The customer bought the car.” In passive voice, the subject is acted on by the verb. “The bone was chewed by the dog.” “The car was bought by the customer.” Active voice is much stronger in writing. Passive voice often complicates the issue and can sound stiff. Try to write in active voice as much as possible.

Don’t Wait for Inspiration

Octavia Butler said, “First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not.” When a blank page challenges you, pick up the gauntlet. Free write for five minutes and look for an idea to get you started. Talk to a colleague for a few minutes about something in your industry. Start with the ending and work back to the beginning. Just write and get the juices flowing on paper.

Be Succinct

John Grisham said, “Read each sentence at least three times in search of words to cut.” When you eliminate wordiness, you grab your reader’s attention. Your content is more impactful. Avoid fluff words that don’t add meaning to the content. Remove redundant words. You don’t have to say, “evolve over time,” or “major breakthrough.” Use your words judiciously.

Vary Your Language

Martin Amis said, “Don’t start a paragraph with the same word as the previous one. That goes doubly for sentences.” Repetition will take the reader out of the content. You don’t need to get out the Thesaurus; just keep your sentences different. Reading out loud can help you identify monotonous writing. In content writing for the web, be extra careful to keep sentences short. Run-on sentences don’t convey the message as well, and of course, nobody reads online, we only scan.

Invest in High-Quality Content

If your copywriter is bored with writing, it will show through in the content. Consumers have other options. You can’t afford to create mediocre content that doesn’t convert. An experienced, multi-talented content agency can fill the gap and help you create a content strategy going forward. Contact MintCopy to learn more.  


Use our online form to get in touch. You can also follow us on Facebook LinkedIn, and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest content marketing trends.

Resources

https://www.marketingprofs.com/chirp/2021/44861/15-writing-lessons-from-famous-authors-infographic

Share


Recent Posts

Sheetal Pinto - 7/25/2024 06:00

Your Trusted Partner in Content Marketing

Mintcopy

Well, we did it! Our content agency just turned Sweet Sixteen.😊

Sheetal Pinto - 6/20/2024 06:00

Content Marketing Ideas You Can Use

In today's marketplace, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it's a business imperative. As eco-consciousness continues to rise among consumers, small and medium-sized companies recognize the value of integrating green initiatives into their operations and communications. Content marketing is a powerful tool to highlight these efforts, build brand trust, and engage with a growing demographic of environmentally aware customers. Here are some effective content strategies to help your brand shine in the eco-conscious landscape.   

Sheetal Pinto - 5/23/2024 06:00

But Play by the Rules and with a Clear Conscience

My last blog post was the first time I ever wrote about a deeply personal experience. It certainly was heartwarming and overwhelming to receive so many kind and encouraging messages from family, friends, co-workers, clients, and even some past students and interns. Thank you! Some business associates and clients also responded with feedback on my comments about the “AI-generated content elephant in the room”. Healthy discussions ensued and I want to clarify that I am not against AI-generated content. If your small or medium-sized business has time and budgetary limitations, and you cannot hire a content agency, professional copywriters, and SEO content writers, then AI tools may be the way to go. I’ve summarized the key questions clients are asking about this.

Sheetal Pinto - 5/14/2024 17:31

MintCopy’s Content Writers Are Ready to Power Up Your Game!

Hey there, wonderful readers!

It feels surreal to be back at my keyboard, tapping away after what seems like a lifetime. If you're wondering why I've been MIA, let me catch you up to speed. Towards the tail end of 2023, I found myself in a bit of a pickle, or rather, a crumpled mess of metal and broken dreams on the side of the road. Yep, yours truly was in a gnarly car accident that left me with more than just a dent in my bumper. I was in shock from an explosion that sounded like a small bomb going off, and 2000+ pounds of force hitting me like a bolt out of the blue.

Sheetal Pinto - 11/23/2023 06:00

Why Quality Content Still Is, and Will Always Be Important

Ever pondered the intricacies of Google's search process? In the blink of an eye, the algorithm serves you tailored answers to your queries. It's a seamless dance of technology and user intent. Google's mission is crystal clear: deliver precisely what users seek. At the heart of their business model lies the commitment to provide top-notch search results. As your copywriters craft content, steer away from rigid algorithmic formulas that are in a perpetual state of flux. Instead, dive deep into understanding user intent and champion the creation of content that resonates with quality, setting your brand apart in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Sheetal Pinto - 11/2/2023 00:03

Let Your Local Retail Business Outshine Big Box Stores!

It’s a common misconception—bigger is better. As a local retailer, you know that isn’t true. With your personalized attention, carefully sourced, unique products, and a charmingly different brand experience, you can serve holiday shoppers far better than many big box stores. To do that, however, you have to start with drawing attention away from those mega retailers to your local business. Here's a 10-point checklist that will have you competing with those brand name stores and leaving a trail of tinsel envy.

Sheetal Pinto - 10/19/2023 14:03

Connecting with Your Audience

In today's fast-paced digital age, businesses often rely on automation and AI-generated content to reach their audience. While these tools have their merits, nothing can truly replace the authenticity and impact of content that speaks from the heart. The ability to forge genuine connections and elicit emotions from your audience is where the magic happens. Let me illustrate this with a recent experience.

Sheetal Pinto - 10/5/2023 06:00

10 Insightful Tips to Refine Your Content Strategy

Picture this: you're strolling down the street, leash in hand, with your furry friend by your side. As you navigate the sidewalks, you might be able to rediscover the art of content marketing – one step at a time. Yes, you read that right! There are uncanny similarities between dog walking and effective content marketing. Intrigued? Let's take a leash and dive into some pawsitively awesome tips, tricks, and techniques you can apply to your content strategy. As your friendly pooch does her ‘moonwalk’ and you prepare to ‘stoop and scoop’, you can soon declare, “We have liftoff!” Engage your audiences and achieve greater lead conversion with content marketing that works. Happy to share our top 10 tips—keep reading!

Sheetal Pinto - 9/21/2023 06:00

Include Your POV to Encourage Conversion

Imagine how differently we'd see Star Wars if it was told through the eyes of a stormtrooper trying to get his next promotion or through Chewbacca's point of view. The reader of a story interprets the tale through the perspective of the narrator. Choosing an engaging and valuable point of view (POV) is essential to the narrative. You may not think of your content as a novel or a movie, but you're still telling a story through your blogs, email newsletters, videos, and other forms of digital content. Offering a unique POV with your online content can help make your brand stand out.

Sheetal Pinto - 9/7/2023 06:00

SEO Strategy Tips from Presenters at CMW 2023

According to a LinkedIn report, professionals can expect their jobs to change by 65% by 2030 due to the implementation of Artificial Intelligence. AI tools are making their way into every industry, including SEO and content marketing. Don't fire your copywriters just yet though – you need them now more than ever before! Content Marketing World asked its presenters and experts to provide their best tips for 2023 to incorporate AI into your content strategy. Here's an overview.