Copywriting That Sells High Tech Blog

Top Books for Technical Copywriters

2012-01-12T08:43:00-08:00

Does your bookshelf hold the latest pearls of marketing and copywriting wisdom? The classic books that can help you develop well-targeted, well-written promotional content and materials? Here's my list of "must have" books for technical copywriting today, listed alphabetically by title. (Click on the title to order from Amazon.com) Writing Guides Copywriting That Sells High Tech, my own book, is still the only guide written specifically for technical copywriters. It gives you an everyday reference for writing white papers, case studies, data sheets, and Web content to promote technology products and services. Crafting White Paper 2.0, Jonathan Kantor. This book presents a good overview of new writing and design techniques to use in white papers and other promotional documents to attract and engage readers. Stories That Sell, Casey Hibbard. Presents clear, in-depth, and relevant guidance on producing case studies and managing customer reference programs. The Yahoo! Style Guide. If you work for a large company, it's likely that you must follow the writing rules laid out in a corporate style guide. If you don't, then you may need a style guide to follow--both for consistency and clarity in your own writing and to offer guidance to colleagues who write their own text. This book is an excellent resource for both purposes. Words That Sell, Richard Bayan. This classic presents word lists to describe product characteristics and phrases for many types of promotional text. It is the most-used reference on my bookshelf. Writing White Papers, Michael Stelzner. A complete and in-depth guide to writing white papers. Information Design Slideology, Nancy Duarte. Although focused on improving PowerPoint slides, this book is full of great ideas for visual explanations and elements in any type of content. Her other book, Resonate, is also an interesting read about how to powerfully convey information and persuade readers or audiences. Wall Street Journal Guide to Infographics, Dona Wong. If you frequently interpret and present any type of numeric data, this book is a clear and easy-to-use reference. Each topic includes multiple examples of correct presentation techniques as well as typical mistakes. Content Marketing Content Strategy for the Web, Kristina Halvorson. Presents ideas on framing content management in the business prospective that will appeal to the executives who need to approve your budget. eMarketing Strategies for the Complex Sale, Ardath Albee. Great insights for copywriters about how readers view and respond to any type of marketing content. Snap Selling, Jill Konrath. Terrific insights into the challenges that your salespeople--and your marketing content--face in reaching and engaging prospects. The Content Rules, Ann Handley & CC Chapman. A good overview of current thought about content marketing. The Web Content Strategist's Bible, Richard Sheffield. Presents solid information about the nitty-gritty work involved in the new, content-focused job roles that are now assigned to many writers.

Resources from Copywriters Marketing Roundtable Seminar

2011-12-06T13:08:07-08:00

Here are the resources that I mentioned in today's interview with Chris Marlow for the Copywriters Marketing Roundtable: Jan Vermerein book, How to Really Use LinkedIn: http://www.how-to-really-use-linkedin.com/ Google SEO Guide: http://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/untrusted_dlcp/www.google.com/en/us/webmasters/docs/search-engine-optimization-starter-guide.pdf Recent inspirations for my writing work: Backroads bicycle tour catalog: www.backroads.com William Stolzenberg: Where the Wild Things Were Useful books for the copywriting life: Janice King: Copywriting That Sells High Tech and Becoming a High-Tech Marketing Writer Jill Konrath: Snap Selling Vicki Robin: Your Money or Your Life (about defining success on your own terms) Ben & Rosamund Zander: The Art of Possibility The voice-recognition software that I use: Dragon NaturallySpeaking www.google.com/.../search-engine-optimization-starter-guide.pdf

Learn the Best Marketing Strategies of Successful Freelance Copywriters

2011-09-13T08:30:00-07:00

If you're freelance copywriter like me, you're always on the lookout for new ideas about marketing your services and attracting new clients. Yes, even after 22 years of successful freelancing, I know there's always something I can learn from others, especially some of the most well-known freelancers in the copywriting business. So I'm delighted to be included in the group of presenters for the Copywriter's Marketing Roundtable, an exciting, online training program put together by copywriting coach Chris Marlow. In 15 audio interviews and live interactive sessions, you'll hear how these notable freelance writers have achieved their success. They'll cover specific marketing techniques, strategies, and advice that you'll likely find immediately helpful to your own situation. I know and respect some of my fellow presenters and I'm looking forward to learning from the rest. In my session on December 6, I'll share insights on the technical copywriting marketplace, working with corporate clients, and how to survive the ups and downs of freelancing. Learn More and Register Now ... the event starts on October 4 and a very limited number of spots are available ... you won't want to miss this unique, one-time event!