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How to Write Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines

August 17, 2011 by 2 Comments
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Freelance writing clients and all clients in general could be approached from a fishing perspective. Clients are the fish and subject lines are the lure. It takes one line, one hook to catch their attention. Do this and you’ll have no problem reeling in BIG catches every day.

A great headline is hard to resist — a subject line is no different. It opens the doorway to communication. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. Use five to eight words and no more than 40 characters to entice readers to click on your email campaign.

How to write attention-grabbing subject lines

1. Write your subject line and then rewrite it. Do this until you’re completely satisfied.

2. Test email campaigns with various subject lines and analyze which ones offer the best return.

Tip #1: Write your message first, write your subject line last.

3. Consider personalizing the subject line. If you use an email provider such as Constant Contact, you should be able to customer email blasts.

4. Let’s face it; a deadline-driven subject line could do the trick. If your offer is very tempting, clients and potential clients will feel an urgency to respond.

Tip #2: Avoid exclamation points and other symbols because they’re linked to spam email.

5. Is it really Urgent? How much will clients Save? Can this be true? A Free offer? These call-to-action terms are overused. Do they still work? They do; however, savvy clients and customers will chuckle at them because they ‘spammy’ terms when they read them. Your email blast has a good chance of being  flagged as spam. Or, it could go straight to trash!

Format email campaigns in a clean, clear, and concise manner. Focus on providing solid information instead of overwhelming clients and potential clients with a bunch puffn’ fluff. It’s tempting to fill email campaigns with graphics and videos but your email will mostly end up in the spam or trash folder. To ensure your message is received loud and clear, provide useful content and avoid all the fluff.

6. Read magazine and newspaper headlines and think like a ‘seasoned’ magazine or newspaper writer. These folks know how to write headlines that make readers stop and read the article.

7. Get to the point. Keep a subject line between five and eight words.

Tip #3: Know your target audience and email list. Sending an email blast to everyone on your list isn’t a good idea. Tailor email blasts and campaigns accordingly.

Gain Thousands of Web Visitors Overnight … Offer Ends at Midnight … are examples of calls-to-action to motivate clients and potential clients. Your call-to-action could motivate clients and potential clients to visit your website, “like” your Facebook fan page, follow you on Twitter, connect with you on LinkedIn, review your video tutorials, etc. Your call-to-action will set you apart from the competition.

Rebecca

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Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

August 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Question: Rebecca, why did you become a freelance writer? What’s appealing about it? How difficult is it to think of blog post and or article topics? What is your writing process? Do you suffer from writer’s block? How do you stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market? I want the 411!

Answer: Thank you for asking. I became a freelance writer for many reasons. Read them below.

Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

1. I love to read and write; I’m grateful for my literacy. My favorite high school classes were art and history; English and literature; and marketing. Writing was natural for me. Completing writing assignments such as book reports, poems, and short stories was easy for me. I enjoy the creative process and creating in general.

2. I fell into freelance writing by applying for a marketing and writing opportunity with a travel company in Arizona. I was given a 2-week ‘trial’ period to see which position I was suited for. The writing position won hands down. The rest they say is history.

3. I enjoy freelance writing because of the variety it offers. I love variety and options! I have my favorite industries and writing specialties but the beauty of freelance writing is you get to decide what you want to write and who you want to write for.

4. It’s not difficult for me to think of a blog post or article topic. This goes hand-in-hand with writer’s block. I can write a blog post or article based on a phrase or word I hear or read. I read blogs, books, newspapers, and magazines. I brainstorm to discover different angles for ‘hot’ topics. I participate in the Creative Copy Challenge and play brainy and word games. I also pay attention to conversations. This may sound like voyeurism (Lol!), but I really listen to what people say. Believe it or not, there are many writing ideas within these conversations.  Finally, I used to believe in writer’s block but not anymore.

5. My writing process differs for each project. For example, if I’m working on YA, fiction, or non-fiction, I’ll create an outline. I never liked using outlines but it helps to keep me on track with my writing. I’ll write the synopsis and plot. I then move into character development; I use a character/action grid. I use this same process for screenwriting. The next step is to research.

Blog posts and articles are different. I research when it’s necessary, but I usually write directly in WordPress. I’ll journal ideas or keep a list in a Word document. Sometimes, I’ll keep ideas in WordPress. I review ideas and will delete the ones I know I won’t develop.

6. I stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market by realizing that which is mine can’t be taken away from me. I believe in the saying, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” I can’t force clients to work with me, nor would I want to. I like what Oprah says, “If you don’t want me, I don’t want you.” I also stay on my side of the road which means I don’t pay attention to what other freelance writers are doing or the accolades they may receive. If I constantly paid attention to what other freelance writers are doing, I would lose focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m all for ‘congratulating’ writers on their accomplishments, but I have writing to do.

7. Becoming a freelance writer is a business. Luckily, I have business degrees and am comfortable in business. Sales and marketing are a part of the freelance writer’s life. There’s no getting around it. I’m confident in my writing ability and talent. I keep my writing skills sharp by taking writing classes and workshops; I read books about writing. I love education and enjoy educating myself.

Rebecca

Bonus!

*I love researching and solving problems! I’m a stickler meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. First, I’m a natural problem solver and researcher. However, I can sit in front of my laptop and research for hours. I adhere to a ‘researching’ schedule. Second, I worked in accounting (real estate) and had to meet deadlines. Most of the time ‘corporate’ increased the closing deadline. I also had to solve problems like “Why is the marketing department over budget?” My controller would forget about the opening of a new property. Sometimes, we had to hire more temporary workers than anticipated. It happens!

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Freelance Writing Clients Discover How to Use Twitter … Confusion Ends

August 5, 2011 by 2 Comments
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Are you confused on how to effectively use Twitter for business? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Twitter is one of the easiest social media websites to use. However, it can take a while to build a Twitter following, especially when you’re a small business owner because you probably do everything yourself. The good news is you can hire a freelance writer to write your blog posts and articles and take care of your social media while you focus on marketing and selling products and or services.

Using Twitter doesn’t have to make your head hurt. It’s one of the easiest social media websites to use. There are no ‘bells and whistles’ which makes it more appealing. You can say what you want to say and say it in 140 characters or less. There’s no worrying about your mom, spouse, etc. wanting to ‘chat’ with you while you’re trying to grow your business. Sometimes the ‘chat’ feature (Facebook) can be distracting when family and friends see you’re online but don’t realize you’re working. Twitter is one of the most ‘balls to the walls’ social media websites on the internet.

How to Effectively Use Twitter

1. Sign up with Polldaddy, create a poll or survey, and tweet it.

2. Ask questions to gain insight about followers.

3. Tweet blog posts and other relevant links.

4. Some experts believe it’s best to ‘tweet‘ at 5 pm EST; post one to four tweets per hour.

5. Tweet during the midweek and weekend.

6. Write and post attention grabbing tweets.

7. If you’re an ‘expert’ in your field, show it by sharing your opinions about your industry.

8. Share tips and tricks. What works for you? What works for your customers?

9. If you’ve developed a ‘new tool’ for customers, share it!

10. If you hire a freelance writer to review your product (social media or writing software, writing app, etc.) and write about it, share the review on Twitter.

Rebecca

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Bloggers and Authors Who K.I.T. Have Loyal Followers

July 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Bloggers and Authors,

According to Elizabeth Marshall, co-author of The Contrarian Effect and founder and host of AuthorTeleseminars.com, “Authors need to develop a habit of keeping in touch.” I agree with this and would take it a step further to say, “It’s important to keep in touch with your audience. As an avid reader of books and blogs, I appreciate  blog owners and authors who respond to a comment I post on a blog post or fan page. However, some don’t respond; even with an automated response. While I understand you can’t respond to every single comment (unless you have an assistant or two), some readers would appreciate knowing their comment meant or contributed something to a post or discussion.

Elizabeth emphasizes that it’s important to build and develop the right relationships. She says, “Build rapport before asking for favors.” This could be applied to the developing your relationship with your target audience. Allow them to see how much value you add; allow them to see your relevance. Make sure your audience understands your message and vision. How do they align with it? Does it apply to them? When the time’s right, you can ask for help with promoting your blog and or book.

Tips to keeping in touch with your audience

* Reply to comments left on blog posts and fan pages.

* Reply to emails.

* Send out email blasts with updates about your blog and or book.

* Create a Twitter account and post relevant information.

Developing audience relationships is just as important as developing business relationships. Let’s face it; you don’t get accolades and awards without your audience. You don’t get on The New York Times Best-Sellers list because critics believe your book is the best. You get on the list based on weekly sales. And that’s the bottom line!

Rebecca

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How to Make Your eBook Stand Out

July 18, 2011 by 1 Comment
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If you wrote or plan to write an eBook, follow the guidelines outlined below on how to make your eBook stand out. Having and providing readers with great content is half the battle. I know you’ve heard this before, but sales and marketing are part of the equation. Publishing is a business! Remember, you’re not in the business of selling books. You’re in the business of sales and marketing and solving problems.

How to Make Your eBook Stand Out

1. Write an eBook that readers want to read. What problems do people have? What solutions can you offer them? Research and dig to find what people need help with. Of course, if you’ve experienced a problem or got through a difficult time, you can best believe that others have experienced what you did. Write about it!

Make sure your eBook has been edited and proofed before you publish it. Hire an editor

2. Reach out for help. Get together with a group of 2-4 five writers and critique each others’ work. Make sure constructive criticism is the name of the game. Hire an editor (you’ll want to do this anyway) to review your work. Also, check out web-based writing communities such as CritiqueCircle, WritersBBS, My Writers Circle, and other critique groups.

3. Purchase an ISBN number. This is how retailers track the sales of your book.

4. Cover design. Go big, or go home! Make a statement by having a cover design that literally (I know I used literally) stands out. Use bold colors and graphics. You want to grab the attention of readers. However, make sure readers can understand what your eBook is about by creating a ‘targeted’ book cover. This is known as the 2-second test. If they can’t tell what your book is about by looking at the cover, a re-design is necessary. Hire a professional graphic designer or use the services provided by your self-publisher. This way you’ll look like your belong at Barnes and Noble and ‘mom and pop’ bookstores.

5. Think beyond the ink. Thanks to technologies such as the iPad, you can include graphs, illustrations, and video clips. Reading devices will evolve throughout the years. Visit BookBaby and learn about their available special formatting options.

6. No more Word. Alas, you’ll have to convert your Word or Text file to make sure it’s compatible to eReaders. The main file extensions are:

1. EPUB (.epub). Is the most popular and standard format. It allows DRM. Major retailers use this except Amazon.

2. Mobipocket (.mobi). Users can add a blank page within the text for notes, bookmarks, corrections, and drawings. Very cool!

3. Kindle (.azw). This is Amazon’s proprietary format based on mobipocket. It comes with its own digital rights management protections.

The good news is you can use Adobe InDesign (love this) to convert your book to an EPUB eBook. Visit JimAndZetta or ePub Conversion and get assistance with the conversion. Another alternative is to have your distributor/self-publisher convert your eBook for you.

7. Sales and marketing. The most dreaded step for some writers; others embrace the joy of sales and marketing.

Sell eBook here:

1. Apple iBookstore for iPad

2. Amazon (Kindle)

3. Barnes and Noble (Nook)

4. Reader Store (Sony Reader)

5. Google eBookstore (multiple readers)

Use the following marketing tips to spread the word about your eBook:

● Social Media. You’ve heard this before but it begs repeating. Open a Facebook Fan page and actually interact with your fans. Get to know them don’t make it all about YOU because this will deter readers. Hold a contest, say “Thank You” once in a while, chat with your fans, and allow them to have discussions about your eBook. Create a separate Twitter account. You may consider opening a MySpace account since the website is undergoing major changes.

● Create a website. Create a ‘special’ website for your eBook. Blog about it and be open to feedback from readers. You may consider creating a forum on the blog to allow readers to discuss your eBook.

● Schedule a book signing and or readings. Readers love to meet authors. I should know. I volunteered at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona and witnessed many book signings. It’s exciting for readers to meet and speak with authors. You may consider reading your book and having the audience discuss it. You’ll receive a lot of feedback and insight.

● Get to know other writers. Start a group where writers can meet and discuss writing topics such as eBooks. You could always create an online group or find one on the internet.

● Attend conferences and trade shows. Be where the industry is. Networking and making connections can take you and your writing to the next level.

Writing and selling an eBook has transformed through the years. Digitally distributing your eBook is yet another adventure you get to experience within the world of publishing. If you ever feel that self-publishing isn’t for you or worth it, remember that great writers such as William Blake, Walt Whitman, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, T.S. Elliot, John Milton, and many others self-publishing their writing at one point or another. Imagine how many more readers they would have reached through eBook readers. Write on, write from the heart!

Rebecca

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