In which areas does a marketer need the most help with copy?

[GenerousBoy]

Hi, there, as some of you may know, I'm a senior copywriter, freelancing at London ad agencies. I do a LOT of copywriting for blue chip companies, sometimes top 5 FTSE clients. OK, so that's the big guys... I have internet marketing friends, saying, Nic, you should produce a 'product' for internet marketers - on copy.

But it's such a broad area... Where the hell do you start? Apart from the obvious sorts of tips on sales letters - big bold emotive headline spitting out benefits! - and emails with clever subject lines, etc. etc. I was wondering what is it you guys felt you most needed help with in the copy field. Is it even 'copy' these days? Is it not, rather, video scripts for video sales letters?

In short, what is it we copywriters could best help you with? Is a product even good enough? Maybe 1-2-1 tuition is what people really need... ?

[MRMagMark]

Originally Posted by GenerousBoy

Hi, there, as some of you may know, I'm a senior copywriter, freelancing at London ad agencies. I do a LOT of copywriting for blue chip companies, sometimes top 5 FTSE clients. OK, so that's the big guys... I have internet marketing friends, saying, Nic, you should produce a 'product' for internet marketers - on copy.

But it's such a broad area... Where the hell do you start? Apart from the obvious sorts of tips on sales letters - big bold emotive headline spitting out benefits! - and emails with clever subject lines, etc. etc. I was wondering what is it you guys felt you most needed help with in the copy field. Is it even 'copy' these days? Is it not, rather, video scripts for video sales letters?

In short, what is it we copywriters could best help you with? Is a product even good enough? Maybe 1-2-1 tuition is what people really need... ?

I'm in marketing. I'd say a HUGE area of need for marketers is writing powerful web copy. I've seen many business web sites that had the most boring copy around. It was filled with "business-speak" and outdated jargon, often not focusing on the WIIFM factor for their visitor.

Another area needing improvement would be a strong call to action on the web page. I think some businesses (the B2B ones) are afraid of the "CLICK HERE" because they may think it doesn't sound professional. So if you can figure out a way to explain how to create one, I think you'd have some takers.

The competition is stiff out there for internet marketing training. What are your unique contributions to the field? I'd focus on figuring that out first, then narrowing it down to serving a specific niche.

[Hugh Thyer]

The biggest area I see is identifying the big selling idea. Quite often they've got it, but it's buried way down in the copy. Other times they simply haven't identified the reason why people should buy their product or do business with them. It's there, it just has to come out.

[Mark Andrews]

No you're right thinking about it Hugh. It was a little harsh perhaps. I deleted my two replies / comments.

Thank you for hauling me up on it.

Back to work I go developing my latest product. A much more productive use of my time. I hope you have a great day.


Pete

[Hugh Thyer]

Sweet mate, all the best with your product.