Best of Blackbird

I’m wrapping up the book, Content Strategy for the Web by Kristina Halvorson and while it’s a great guide for anyone who works with content writers, or websites in general, there is one section of the book that has struck me: The Web Writer.

Halvorson explains that the web writer is much more than a copywriter. She says:

“Your web writers need to have the skill and talent to write content that’s engaging, persuasive, and clear. And that is a rare and valuable skill. Which makes it difficult to find.”

Beyond this, Halvorson goes on to say (and I agree) that the role of the web writer is much more faceted then writing pretty sentences. In fact, the role of the web writer must include an understanding of:

Web usability – content writers need to understand how people use websites, where they want to find information, and what information they want to find.

Search Engine Optimization – sign, groannnn. Still, a basic understanding of SEO is necessary for a web writer to write words that are interesting and engaging, but that also get your business found.

Metatags – While not a necessity, it’s incredibly helpful for your web writer to employ metatags. This is especially true of they will be publishing your content in addition to writing it.

Industry writing standards – Writing for the web is different. It’s concise and pushes boundaries. Having a web writer that understand this more than the need for fluffy marketing speak will make all the difference to your visitors, customers, and your bottom line.

Functionality – Your web writer must understand the way your website will work, or does work. Without a knowledge of what each section’s purpose is and what the end goal should be, they cannot write effective content.

Publishing – Again, not necessary, but helpful. Either your web writer will be your publisher, or they should at least understand the proper format to send content to the publisher in order to make it easy for them and to save time.

So, the next time you are looking for a web writer, or receive a proposal from a web writer, consider everything this person should know in order to give you the best content for your business. It takes skill and creativity to be a copywriter. It takes skill, creativity, and a host of technical knowledge to be a web writer.

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“I’m at the coffee shop.”

“Did you get my proposal?”

“Did you get my email?”

“I’ve already implemented that.”

“I’m going to the coffee shop.”

“I’m just not feeling creative today.”

“What tone are you looking for?”

“Who is your audience?”

“You should be blogging. You should definitely be blogging.”

“Did you read my blog?”

“Let’s check my Google Anallyyyytticccsss”

“It’s so nice not having a boss.”

“Sometimes I miss working in an office.”

“I’m taking a break”

“I have a wide range of experience…no, I’ve never done that.”

“I’m waiting on design.”

“What about an infographic?”

“I CAN’T FOCUS!”

“Have you ever read any Hunter S. Thompson?”

“Retweeting that!”

“Did you read that article on Copyblogger?”

“Inbox zero!”

Clicking mouse frantically “Wait, what just happened?”

“Did you get my invoice?”

“I’m at the coffee shop.”

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Colors are fantastic. That may seem ironic coming from the girl who spends most of her blog in black and white…

I envy graphic designers. They spend their days immersed in every color under the rainbow. Analyzing hexadecimal charts they get to ponder, “which color magenta would REALLY tell the story of this makeup artist and her website?” Being surrounded by color makes me feel surrounded by beauty, warmth, and at once, makes me feel alive.

Us writers don’t have it half bad either. We get to surround ourselves with juicy, four star words and get to ponder things like, “will the word ‘depict’ or ‘display’ being more effective for this author’s web copy?”

Because I don’t get to write IN color, I like to think of ways to write WITH color. Choosing meaty words to get my point across in a way that’s unique to even me helps make my world a little prettier. In fact, here are five of my favorite colorful words:

1. dazzle
2. unequivocal
3. curated
4. copacetic
5. wild

You see, colorful words don’t have to be the hardest to spell (though I did have to look up how to spell “copacetic”) or have the most syllables (though I did have to look up how to spell “syllables”) they just need to make you FEEL something. Words that have the ability to make you feel something the way a vibrant green or blue can make you feel are words you should add to your dictionary. Writing with color is the best way to paint a picture of your purpose to your audience, and to make them feel something.

And that’s coming from the girl in black and white. 

What are your favorite colorful words?

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When it’s good it’s very good…

This month marks my one-year anniversary of embarking on one of the biggest learning experiences I’ve had the pleasure of enduring: freelancing. Becoming a freelance writer has allowed me freedom, peace of mind, reduced stressed and a whole lot more, and it’s also taught me some valuable lessons.

There are certain challenges to freelancing I didn’t expect. Working from home was a major hurdle I’ve since overcome by renting my very own office! Working at home created unnecessary distractions and an inability to separate my work and home life. Having a separate workspace has catapulted a positive shift in the way I operate on a daily basis. If you work at home, I strongly recommend investing in your workspace – it will return the favor ten fold. I’ve heard great things about ColLab Nashville, and I recommend you look into it!

As a freelancer, not only am I responsible for completing my daily tasks, but I’m also responsible for selling my services, keeping my own books, and managing my own content. I’m no expert in any of these categories, but this experience has taught me priceless organizational and multi-tasking skills.

I’m the boss…that’s why.

Another role I play as a freelancer is being my own boss. This is the most addicting part of my job. As my own boss, I can work when I want, how I want, and can tackle the projects I want. My priority list is my own, and the fires I have to put out are only the ones I’ve started. This creates a deep sense of value and peace in my professional life, and it’s not something I want to give up anytime soon. As I start my own family, this flexibility is of even more value to me.

When I first began freelancing, I fell into it. I took a chance because I wanted to see where it would take me. Looking back, I’m so fortunate to have my clients, and to be able to work on the projects I am. I’m addicted to so many aspects of freelancing, and I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way! Let’s keep this crazy train rolling!

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