Writing Without Waffle
Writing to get results
Highlights of my recent presentation to Asia Speakers (APSS) including: Paper-tearing exercise, 4-step copywriting formula, 10 mistakes speakers make on their websites, 2 x case studies, Q&A.
Writing Without Waffle
Celebrating 20 years of freelance copywriting
On 6 April 2021, I celebrate 20 years as a freelance copywriter. I can’t quite believe it. That’s 240 months. 1,043 weeks. 7,300 days. And an awful lot of words. In this article, you can indulge yourself in reminiscing and understand some recent changes. Looking back When I launched the Read more…
Writing Without Waffle
“What’s the best way to promote my services?”
“I’d like to write my own marketing copy but I find it awkward to talk about myself.” “The best way to promote your services is to get someone else to do it for you.” “What do you mean?” “Prospects are more convinced by what other people say about you than Read more…
Writing Without Waffle
Musing on messaging
The headlines scream ‘Boris says you MUST stay at home’. But the streets near me (Beckenham, south London) seem almost as busy as ever. In April 2020, the London Underground was running at just 4-5% capacity. On 4 January 2021, even before most people went back to work after the Read more…
Writing Without Waffle
“There’s a dead body down the road.” A Christmas Story
We were enjoying Christmas lunch at my parents’ house when the doorbell rang. An unusual occurrence on Christmas Day. My Dad answered the door, we overheard a muffled conversation, then he scurried to make a phone call before returning to the table to tell us: “There’s a dead body down Read more…
Writing Without Waffle
Choose your weapon
If you were challenged to a duel, you’d be invited to choose your weapon. Fists would fight fists, swords would fight swords, and guns would fight guns. Clearly, a gun would win in a sword fight and a sword would win in a fist fight. Communication channels are similar. Being face Read more…
Writing Without Waffle
I’m feeling old
October has been conference season. One of the events I attended was the Speaking Business Summit – online of course. The European speakers gave a presentation about innovation in speaking which made me feel really old. It seems tools from gaming are now leaking into virtual presenting, such as a Read more…
Writing Without Waffle
End of an era
Did you see the news that the Argos catalogue is never to be seen again? It makes me a bit sad. But production, print and postage are expensive, so I understand why. And they will continue to sell online. As you may know, I started my copywriting career at one Read more…
Writing Without Waffle
12 questions to ask before you choose your copywriter
Before you choose your copywriter, here are some of the questions to ask (with our answers): How long have you been a professional copywriter? I have worked as a full-time copywriter since 1983. I project manage a handpicked team that I have personally trained and mentor every month. I’m a Read more…
Writing Without Waffle
Copywriter Club
At 20m, Charlie is possibly the youngest visitor to my #Copywriter Club on Facebook, now with 900+ members. I’m running a webinar for them next week, and launching a mentoring programme. (He’s the grandson of Kay, one of my team.)