Timothy Dahl

I'm noticing a shift in content marketing writing. What used to be blog posts, ebooks and articles is now THAT plus email copy, updating old content and first-person essays -- now more than ever! Why? AI can't write those last three content types! #WebWritingAdvice

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I’ve had a few discussions lately and a problem that popped up was making content. More specifically on how to write and structure content that calls out ideal clients. So let’s dive into a process you can follow: 1. Pick 1 problem and 1 individual you want to cover 2. Call out the problem you want to cover in the first line (and the individual) 3. Your second line should aim to re-hook the reader to ensure they read on 4. Start by sharing the problem you are going to cover 5. Share WHY you see this as such a big problem 6. Share WHY your ideal clients struggle to solve this problem 7. Share WHAT they’re currently doing and why it’s not working 8. Share WHAT the solutions they could use instead to solve this problem 9. Include actionable steps they can follow to know HOW to use this solution for themselves OR share how your offer uses this solution and why it would benefit your ideal client This isn’t something I follow rigidly, but can be a useful framework to follow for creating posts that target your ideal clients. P.S. If it would benefit you, I share how to make 7 posts in 2-3 hours in this newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eWpCen9F

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In content, some things are technically OK without being actually OK. An example: The AP Stylebook has weighed in on how to make "CMS" (content management system) plural. Answering an Ask the Editor question, they said it should be ... "CMSes" Yuck. Found that out on Monday, and it almost ruined my whole week. The editors on our team were similarly upset. Here are some of the responses this little factoid received: – "I will 100% edit everything such that we don't have to use the plural version."  – "Over my dead body." Just because it's technically OK doesn't mean it's really OK. Side note: I love working with a team that feels that strongly about nitpicky editing questions. I'm grateful for them and the discussions we have. #Editing #EditingTips #AP #Content

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I have a gripe about some common PR practices. I get that sources hire PR reps to get them publicity, vet and manage PR opportunities, and protect their privacy. However, when a PR rep says they won't have their source forward me their written response directly because it violates their agreement, it frustrates the heck out of me! I want to use your expert's commentary in my article because they are proven to be a frontrunner in their field. But I can't just cut and paste what you sent me because how do I know the words actually came from your source? I'm not accusing anyone in particular of ghostwriting for their clients, but I know it does happen. Based on the agreements I have with my editors (and my own sense of journalistic integrity), I need to make sure what I submit is well-written, well-researched, and contains expert commentary from the actual thought leader. I realize I can remedy this problem by conducting phone interviews, but the asynchronicity of email interviews often works well for both parties. Do other writers run into this? If so, does it bug you? What are your thoughts, PR professionals?

Just because a word sounds cool doesn’t mean it should make it to your final draft. When you write, there’s room for: • rewriting • editing ( Developmental, content, line, and copy editing). • Proofreading. Use premium tools. I use Grammarly. Writing is one thing, editing is another thing. While writing involves generating ideas, drafting content, and developing the initial structure. Editing involves revising and improving the text for clarity, accuracy, and impact which is the main goal. Always give your work rounds of editing before turning it in to your editor. #contentwriting #editing #writer

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If you're a content/SEO writer, you've probably been wondering what the Google SEO leak means to you. Will our business dry up? Will clients realize the importance of content for reasons beside SEO? (Fingers crossed.) Can we ignore the SEO "experts" when they insist we insert grammatically impossible keyword phrases into blog posts? This commentary from charles B. doesn't outright answer those questions, but it does clarify the situation in layperson's terms And it makes me glad that I always insisted on writing for people first, search engines second.

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Calling all content leads/managing editors/marketing pros – I've got your next best freelance hire. Writer & editor extraordinaire Alison Bowen has some availability for new clients and you should snap her up ASAP. I've been working side-by-side with Alison nearly two years, and I cannot sing her praises loudly enough. (If I had the work, I'd give it to her! So you're lucky she's temporarily available!) Here's what you'll get if you work with Alison: • A thoughtful, whipsmart, incisive editor who will source and manage freelancers, write assignment briefs, handle onboarding and invoicing, deliver developmental and copy edits, and upload to a CMS • A brilliant, award-winning writer and researcher who can tackle everything from front-page national newspaper stories to branded lifestyle content to B2B research reports. She spent over a decade as a features writer at the Chicago Tribune and she specializes in finding compelling human stories that make you care about the problems people are facing. • A kind, considerate, joyful person to work with. Alison is always positive without being Pollyanna. She approaches every business problem with curiousity and a spirit of collaboration. She can speak to CEOs and veterans with PTSD and treats everyone with the same level of respect and genuine inquisitiveness. • An organized, punctual project leader who can delegate to and mentor editorial collaborators. If you have a large-scope project that needs a careful, experienced guiding hand on copy, Alison is your person. • A veteran journalist who can work seamlessly with marketing and branded content stakeholders. Alison understands that the best branded content is produced with journalistic rigor and the highest editorial standards, while still uplifting and promoting the brand. I know I'm gushing. But it's all true. If you'd like any more of a recommendation, please DM me and I'm happy to share more about my experience working with Alison. I'll link to her portfolio in the comments, and you can reach Alison at [email protected].

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Tips from a copywriter who's been there, done that: Believe in what you are selling, or no one else will.  Saturation doesn’t exist if your product is newer, faster, better or cheaper.  Base your decisions on data, not solely on assumptions. That's it for today. Happy Monday!

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A big mistake I made at the start of my editing career: (And something I still see a lot of editors doing.) Looking to a client's or employer's *old* content to answer questions about how to edit their *new* content. For example: You're editing a blog post for a client. You have a question about the way they like to discuss a particular subject. So you do a "site:" search and find a piece of their old content that discusses that topic. That's all fine. This is where the mistake happens: You use the old content as guidance for the new content. Why is this a problem? Because they hired YOU to make their content better. (Hopefully.) It's (very) likely that they don't like some or all of their old content. And they may not even have a full picture of everything they have floating around on their site. There's no guarantee that they want it done the same way they did it a year or more ago. Don't rely on that. What do you do instead? If you can't answer the question with your editing instincts, style guide, onboarding materials, etc., there's a really simple solution: Ask. Just ask the question. Don't be embarrassed or scared. Good clients will be glad you asked. #Editing #EditingTips #Editors

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When I worked at my former company as an associate content writer, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to reject a piece of content. I disliked our content editor back then. He would ask me to rewrite the blog posts about three times until they were nearly perfect. He called them “substandard” To say the least; he was a near perfectionist. He would say: “Listen, I don’t care how long it’s gonna take you to write this article, but I will not publish it until it covers the story we want. Until it gives the audience what they’re looking for” Often, I would freak out when I opened the document— tons of comments and suggestions from my editor. Some days I felt like quitting because I’d run out of ideas and yet it amazed me how he provided us with solutions. Lol. I learned so much from him, and always I am grateful I had the opportunity to work with such a detailed and nearly a perfectionist. Now, as a CMO at a travel startup, I understand how much my editor had to endure while working with me. Each time I edit the content calendar, I am reminded of the days I had to rewrite. When I read a draft and something appears to be missing, I understand why my editor warned me about writing mediocre or substandard work. These experiences shaped me. Interestingly, I’ve become just as unrelenting, often asking for rewrites when necessary. Like my former editor, I’d rather delay an article going live than risk leave the wrong impression of the brand. Some of the lessons he left with me: 1. Every word you write should mean something. No word is meaningless in a sentence. If a word has no function in a sentence or article, take it out. 2. The first time I heard the word “flesh out”, I heard that from him. He insisted I exhaust my points and not leave the reader hanging. 3. He believes that if content—be it copy, article, script—is poorly written, it reflects poorly on the brand. Reasons why he would delay publication until all necessary changes were made. 4, He may not have been a perfectionist, but now that I am in his shoes, I understand the demands of leading a content team. 5. Have you had a similar experience like this one? Share it with us in the comments. #contentwriting #freelancewriter #editing #CMO #writing

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Struggling to get shoppers to click “Buy Now”? Well, let’s talk about CTAs that ~actually~ work. In eComm, your Call-to-Action (CTA) is everything. It’s the moment when your copy convinces someone to stop scrolling and take action – whether that’s adding to a cart, signing up for an offer, or completing a purchase. But too many CTAs are vague, uninspiring, or more importantly, don’t clearly communicate value. Here’s how to fix it: ----------------- 1️⃣ Make It Clear ----------------- Skip the generic phrases like “Learn More” or “Click Here.” Tell your customers exactly what to expect when they click. ❌ Instead of: “Shop Now” ✅ Try: “Browse the Fall Collection” ------------------------ 2️⃣ Highlight the Benefit ------------------------ Shoppers don’t care about the action, they care about the reward. Make sure your CTA reflects what they’ll gain. ❌ Instead of: “Sign Up” ✅ Try: “Unlock 15% Off Today” ----------------- 3️⃣ Add Urgency ----------------- In our DTC space, a little FOMO can go a long way. Give customers a reason to act now rather than later. ❌ Instead of: “Get Yours” ✅ Try: “Order Now – Limited Stock!” I see a lot of writers turn to their CTA copy last, making it more of an afterthought than anything else. But it’s the final nudge that turns browsers into buyers! The clearer, more specific, and more compelling it is, the better your results will be. ------------ Your turn 👀 ------------ What’s the best-performing CTA you’ve used for a brand you’ve worked with? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

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One of the unfortunate truths of freelancing: ya gotta market yourself. The more you market, the more introductory calls you have. The more you market, the less it stings when one (or a few) clients invariably drop the ball. That’s why this habit of marketing matters: it ultimately puts you in charge of your business, rather than resigning yourself to the freelance ‘feast or famine’ cycle. I know lots of freelancers bemoan marketing. Heck, I didn't really get into a habit with this until two months ago. But I see the value it adds to my business. As with anything, we have to start working out this muscle somewhere. Next month, Austin L. Church will be teaching "How to create a marketing plan that doesn't suck" with me a la The Writers' Co-op. In this 75 workshop, he'll teach us how to turn your mindset around so that you can market *every single day* (even if it's just a little bit), and give suggestions on tactical things to do that constitute marketing. You'll walk out with a tailor-made plan on a marketing plan that you'll be able to execute on. If you want to have more control over your freelance business, you'll want in on this workshop. Limited seats, so grab your tickets today! Details: May 14, 12-1:15 PST. Tickets: https://lnkd.in/gPkYj7_N

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Editors… If your free content sucks/provides no value, why would anyone buy your paid content? At the same time, If your free stuff gives everything away, why anyone buy your paid content? The game is finding the perfect balance 💯 Examples/ideas to come

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Advertisements are all around us. You’ve probably scrolled by a few before this post! If you’re an editor looking to level up your editing skills and attract more clients, learning to effectively edit marketing copy is the way to go. https://zurl.co/fUYS #Marketing #Business #Freelancing #Advertising #Editing #EditorTips #CopyEditing #RightTouchEditing 

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Orium’s been selected as a finalist for the 2024 Timmy Awards for Best Remote Tech Work Culture. Here’s why it matters to me: I’ve worked at places where remote work is viewed in a negative light. I’ve gone to offices feeling sick or with injuries, wishing I was able to work from home to get the same things achieved with the ability to take breaks. I’ve also left offices in the middle of the day feeling incredibly guilty for taking time to go to appointments for my well-being, helping a family member in need, or taking time to decompress after a long meeting or finishing a larger project (introverts will understand this one!) Being in an office 9-5 filling a seat and making every moment look productive, isn’t for me either. It adds to my anxiety and the feeling of having to be “on” every second of the day! Orium’s different. The positive remote work culture puts the responsibility on me to get the work done and contribute in a way that works for me. I’m not a morning person, and I don’t have to pretend I am just to fill a seat and half-heartedly get work done. I can take my time to settle in and work, and break up the work into the evening or night if that’s when the next spurt of creativity comes. I can take care of my well-being, be more present with my family, or run a quick errand in the middle of the day when it’s less hectic out there. And guess what… the work still gets done! I also get to participate in so many activities and organization-wide meetings set up by our Culture Team and Leadership Team. I've been connecting with coworkers, building meaningful relationships, and feeling a sense of belonging everyday. TL;DR: Vote for Orium to win because it has a great remote work culture. You can vote once every 24 hrs before August 15th! https://lnkd.in/gvKwFQ3P #TimmyAwards #TechInMotion #workingathome #culture #virtualteam #remotefirst

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One example of why copyediting takes time: compiling the word list on the style sheet. The word list for the fantasy novel I'm copyediting is 400 words long. Those are either real words I've looked up in Merriam-Webster to check how they're spelled and styled (capitalized or lowercased, hyphenated/left open/closed up), or invented words I've checked in the manuscript to make sure they're spelled and styled consistently throughout. This is just a fraction of what we do.

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Later this week, I'm publishing a new post on the Web Writing Advice blog about what TYPES of content I'm being hired to write in the content marketing niche in the age of AI. Writers - There is still work out there! Marketers - Steal these ideas for your next editorial calendar! If you'd like a reminder in your email inbox when this post goes live, sign up below. Thank you! https://lnkd.in/gv32qVH Have a great week ahead! ~ Angela #WebWritingAdvice #ContentMarketing #AI #WritingTips

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People say less is more. But when it comes to email marketing... The volume of emails sent matters. Lot of writers have this huge misconception that sending more than one email per week is "spammy" to subscribers. And that people will unsubscribe. The reality? Plenty of writers send emails: - 3x per week - 5x per week - 7x per week And guess what? Their lists are thriving. Of course, some subscribers won't like being emailed all the time. But like anything else, you can't please everyone. It's a fact of life. So, if you're afraid to increase the number of emails you're sending to your list... - Chill out - Take a breather - Set your intentions And move with confidence. If you want to actually achieve the results you want from email marketing, then be a bit adventurous. Try new things. Be uncomfortable. What's stopping you? . . . PS. How many times do you email per week?

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If you’re not scraping your newsletter subscriber list, you’re killing a few things like…. 🙁 Open rate & CTR — if they aren’t opening, you’re dragging down your averages ☹️ Budget — for those of you using platforms that charge for list length, you’re losing $ sending to subs that don’t engage 😢  Compliance — High #’s of unengaged readers can land you on blacklists and increase the likelihood of blocks 😭 Sender reputation — want out of the ‘Spam’ folder? You need engaged readers It can be hard to say goodbye to audiences that once were interested in your content. But, when you DO scrape your list, you get: 🙂 Better engagement from a more aligned list  😏 Better data to help you with future targeting 😁 Lower costs, higher reputation and deliverability 😃 A little boost in your step because you know you’re talking to your people, not a brick wall Every month, I: ➡️ Segment my subs to identify who hasn’t opened an email in 4 weeks. ➡️ Send a cheeky re-engagement/farewell message ➡️ Save a handful of subs who actually tend to respond to this email  ➡️ Say Sayonara 👋 have a cup of coffee, dig into the data and better understand how to target and serve those who do engage. What you have to offer the world is valuable. But only if it’s landing in the right inboxes. How often do you scrape your subscriber list?

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