So many copy writers- But they are still a rare species

[jayden.fellze]

There are so many copy and content writers out there. But yet, I see people going from pillar to post in search of a good writer for their websites. Why is that? Well, the answer lies in the mindset of both service providers and clients.

As it is easier to call oneself a "freelance copy writer", every tom, dick and harry who can operate a computer is venturing in this field. But there is a huge difference in expressing your own opinion on forums and writing quality content for websites. It needs a lot of commitment and writing talent.

Some website owners are also at fault as they hire anyone who agrees to write content within their budget. They must understand that quality never comes cheap.

I think a website owner should never compromise on the content quality. What do you think?

[John_S]

Most people don't want a good writer. They want cheap price. Oh, they'll complain alright ...about every single low bidder they ever hired.

They just can't see past a low bid.

Part of this is you can SEO a bad site, rig page rank and get traffic. It just doesn't convert very well. And the SEO industry is ever ready to supply the only answer which puts the kids through college: More Traffic.

Few realize if the upped their conversions they could get more sales at lower bandwidth and SEO costs.

So it's not just the flood of poor copywriters, it's the incentive structure. That's why you rarely see great email spam. You just up the volume to make up for the copy, no matter how poor that copy may be.

Trouble is, with website content, SE Spam keeps people from returning. It prevents word-of-mouth from building your traffic naturally. And who benefits? SEO industry.

Poor content puts the SEO's kids through college. The idea higher traffic fixes all ills is good SEO marketing. That all you need is 250 words written by a keyword stuffer is accepted common wisdom. All the copy does is keep keywords from running together.

[Cherilyn Woodhouse]

Sad, but true...

Originally Posted by John_S

Most people don't want a good writer. They want cheap price. Oh, they'll complain alright ...about every single low bidder they ever hired.

They just can't see past a low bid.

Part of this is you can SEO a bad site, rig page rank and get traffic. It just doesn't convert very well. And the SEO industry is ever ready to supply the only answer which puts the kids through college: More Traffic.

Few realize if the upped their conversions they could get more sales at lower bandwidth and SEO costs.

So it's not just the flood of poor copywriters, it's the incentive structure. That's why you rarely see great email spam. You just up the volume to make up for the copy, no matter how poor that copy may be.

Trouble is, with website content, SE Spam keeps people from returning. It prevents word-of-mouth from building your traffic naturally. And who benefits? SEO industry.

Poor content puts the SEO's kids through college. The idea higher traffic fixes all ills is good SEO marketing. That all you need is 250 words written by a keyword stuffer is accepted common wisdom. All the copy does is keep keywords from running together.

[ecoverartist]

Hopefully things will turn around when people wanting $1 articles and massive spinning software will see that the goal is to get REAL people to read their articles.

Likewise for sales letters. You may have the most beautiful, user-friendly site in the world, but if your copy isn't user friendly - you've lost the sale for good.

[myob]

There is much more to good copywriting than stringing together SEO-friendly sentences rich in keywords. Writing articles to inform is simply not enough either. Good copywriters understand the psychology of selling. Anything less than engaging copy that is SEO-friendly and includes a call to action is merely prose. Most of what I see passing as "copywriting" is nothing more than creative writing; it doesn't convert and is just a waste of money. This can actually be the most expensive no matter how cheap the price. Paying for professional copywriting is the most economical way to go in the long run.

[Raydal]

About three years ago I read an article in Writer's Digest about how the
internet was causing a deteroriation in writing quality because the
bar was now so low to enter the field. This was not about copywriting,
but it still hold true for this market as well.

The internet is a double-edged sword. People who couldn't get a voice
can now do so--which is good, but since ANYBODY can now have a
voice then you have to be more critical about who you listen to.

Of course, anyone could add "copywriter" to their names, because
unlike law or medicine you don't need a license to operate.

It means "buyer beware" because you have to do your due diligence
which can be as simple as looking at the portfolio of the copywriter
and ask former clients about their results.

When I first started offering copywriting services, the number of
copywriters offering services online were very few. I could get a
first page on Google Adwords for 5 cents per click!

Now the picture is quite different and the low fee pricing has also hurt
the industry overall.

Still, good copywriters are as scarce as they
have ever been--and that will never change.

It's just tougher for the consumer to choose.

-Ray L.,

[shocs]

Yes, there are many many copywriters BUT only some have creativity. So, most probably, the creative ones are always being "hunted".

[Capone]

Many copywriters but not many good ones. Spend some time reading over at Ezine some day and you'll be amazed. Most published work is virtually illegible. A good solid writer will ALWAYS have work and be able to name his price.