http://workflowWriting.com The Information Writers Need, Where They Can Find It Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:23:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 http://workflowWriting.com/59070/come-together-right-now-introducing-copyblogger-media.php http://workflowWriting.com/59070/come-together-right-now-introducing-copyblogger-media.php#comments Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:44:10 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=10268 Over the last 4 years, I’ve launched several companies from this simple blog of mine. The idea that building an audience with content and letting the revenue-generating ideas, products, and services reveal themselves based on what the audience actually wants has worked out amazingly well. It’s become a full-fledged business model. And yet, there’s a bigger picture. These last years I’ve been putting together pieces of a broader vision – things that work together as one, for our internal use and for you. Problem was, the only common element in each of these different companies was me, and often that made unity of purpose difficult. So, this is an announcement of a coming together of my various companies, plus the addition of a valued outside venture. And right about now, you’re thinking… Who Cares? I know, it’s hard to get excited about what’s essentially a press release of a merger.…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/59070/come-together-right-now-introducing-copyblogger-media.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/55926/the-three-key-elements-of-irresistible-email-subject-lines.php http://workflowWriting.com/55926/the-three-key-elements-of-irresistible-email-subject-lines.php#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:11:26 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=10124 Email is back. Despite repeated proclamations of its extinction, rumors of the death of email marketing have been greatly exaggerated — especially since email and social media are a powerful combination. You might not reach the average college freshman, but for slightly older types (you know, the ones with the money), email is still the way to go in many lucrative mainstream niches. You must first, of course, get your emails read. And it all starts with the subject line. Email subject lines are a form of headline. They perform the same function as a headline by attracting attention and getting your email content a chance to be read. So, headline fundamentals still apply. But the context is different, with the email space having its own funky little quirks that need to be accounted for. Here’s the good news — email also implies a special relationship with the reader; a…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/55926/the-three-key-elements-of-irresistible-email-subject-lines.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/55393/social-media-marketing-insight-from-21-smart-people-and-me-too.php http://workflowWriting.com/55393/social-media-marketing-insight-from-21-smart-people-and-me-too.php#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:50:44 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=10055 There’s a new book out called Success Secrets of the Social Media Marketing Superstars. Yes, that title sets off my hyperbole radar a bit too (not to mention my alliteration alert), but it’s a solid collection of smart social media advice based on real-world case studies, best practices, and proven techniques. I wrote Chapter Two of the book – The Psychology of Social Media. It’s about applying tried-and-true influence factors in the social media space to build a business or make whatever case you’re trying to make. Here’s what else you’ll learn: How to Create a Mega-Following With Social Media – Gary Vaynerchuk Personality: How To Stand Out In Virtual Crowd – Andy Wibbels]]> http://workflowWriting.com/55393/social-media-marketing-insight-from-21-smart-people-and-me-too.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/54580/join-sonia-and-brian-at-blogworld-2010-and-save-20-with-this-discount-code.php http://workflowWriting.com/54580/join-sonia-and-brian-at-blogworld-2010-and-save-20-with-this-discount-code.php#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:41:48 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=10009 Sonia and I will be speaking again this year at BlogWorld in Las Vegas, October 14 – 16. This time we’ll be doing a keynote presentation along with our friend Darren Rowse of Problogger. We’re excited to be presenting together, and if we pull it off like we plan, it’ll be educational and entertaining. Of course, the show is much bigger than the three of us, which is the real reason you should attend. BlogWorld & New Media Expo is the only trade show and conference created for the industry of blogging and new media. It gives participants the strategies, tools, and technologies they need to stake their claim in the blogosphere. Specifically, BlogWorld is all about creating content, getting it noticed, and achieving your goals – whether that be money, influence, or both. The even bigger draw is the networking, deal making, and good ol’ fashioned camaraderie that happens…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/54580/join-sonia-and-brian-at-blogworld-2010-and-save-20-with-this-discount-code.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/50786/let-us-write-you-a-killer-tagline%e2%80%a6-right-now-and-no-charge.php http://workflowWriting.com/50786/let-us-write-you-a-killer-tagline%e2%80%a6-right-now-and-no-charge.php#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:46:08 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=9718 We got an amazing response and have now wrapped up this tagline clinic. We’ll do it again in the near future. When people arrive at your website, they’re looking for instant guidance. They want to know what you’re about, and if you can help with whatever they’re looking for. That’s the function of your tagline. It’s an up-front statement that encapsulates and delivers your big-picture promise – and it’s got to hit the mark with your target audience in seconds. First up, here are two articles on ways to formulate a killer tagline: How to Create a Rock-Solid Tagline That Truly Works Does Your Tagline Create Clarity or Mystery? Creating the perfect tagline is an expression of your positioning, so also check out these two articles about developing your winning difference: Differentiate Your Blog or Die Take 15 Minutes to Find Your Winning Difference Now, for the cool part: In…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/50786/let-us-write-you-a-killer-tagline%e2%80%a6-right-now-and-no-charge.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/43156/the-force-that-powers-persuasive-content-and-3-ways-to-intensify-it.php http://workflowWriting.com/43156/the-force-that-powers-persuasive-content-and-3-ways-to-intensify-it.php#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:17:10 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=9369 You hear it from us all the time… If you want to engage and influence, connect emotionally and then justify logically. That’s still true. But there’s a Force more powerful than logic or emotion… And it’s you. Same as it Ever Was First, what do we know about effective persuasion? We can now scan and record human brain activity in controlled tests, and the results continue to verify decades-old social psychology studies on persuasion. Those same social psychology studies confirmed the effectiveness of centuries-old persuasion techniques practiced by sales people, savvy politicians, and smart parents. And those very techniques originate with the observations of the ancient Greeks and Romans over 2,000 years ago, who developed the art of rhetoric to effectively persuade the masses of the day. It’s a cliché, but the more things change, the more they stay the same. In other words, technology, media, and cultural context are…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/43156/the-force-that-powers-persuasive-content-and-3-ways-to-intensify-it.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/43505/get-more-great-content-from-copyblogger-on-twitter.php http://workflowWriting.com/43505/get-more-great-content-from-copyblogger-on-twitter.php#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:04:46 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=9397 Since we’re taking it a bit easy this summer by dropping from six posts a week to three, you might find yourself going through withdrawal. Not to fear. We share additional content related to copywriting, content, social media, SEO and online marketing from many sources across the web @copyblogger on Twitter. So join us on Twitter! ]]> http://workflowWriting.com/43505/get-more-great-content-from-copyblogger-on-twitter.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/41970/the-writer-runs-this-show.php http://workflowWriting.com/41970/the-writer-runs-this-show.php#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:46:56 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=9290 We have the technology. We have the business skills. We have virtual ink by the barrel. The writer runs this show. We’re the ones who command the attention. We’re the ones who create the engagement. We’re the ones who influence what people think and do. The writer runs this show. We won’t toil in obscurity waiting for a green-light. We won’t submit to “creativity” by committee. We won’t accept meager pay while others cash in our copyright. The writer runs this show. If you won’t read until your eyes blur. If you won’t write more to write well. If you won’t invest the blood, sweat, and tears . . . Then you’ll have to work with real writers. And pay those writers exceptionally well. If they have the time, that is. Because the writer runs this show. About the Author: Brian Clark is founder of Copyblogger and co-founder of Thesis,…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/41970/the-writer-runs-this-show.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/41014/the-grateful-dead-4-step-guide-to-the-magical-influence-of-content-marketing.php http://workflowWriting.com/41014/the-grateful-dead-4-step-guide-to-the-magical-influence-of-content-marketing.php#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:28:43 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=9221 What did one Grateful Dead fan say to the other when the drugs wore off? “Man, this music sucks!” Jokes aside, no one can argue the cultural influence of the Dead and the legions of loyal Deadheads who continue to love the band. And a big part of how it happened was due to the band’s pioneering content marketing approach. Instead of banning recording at concerts, the Dead actively encouraged audience taping and distribution of the band’s legendary live shows. This turned attendees into raving fans – a word-of-mouth marketing force that out-performed most of the contrived corporate attempts we see today in social media. So what are the key differences that set the Dead apart from, well … the dead when it comes to content marketing? Let’s see what Grateful Dead co-founder Jerry Garcia had to say. 1. The Thing And the live show is still our main thing.…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/41014/the-grateful-dead-4-step-guide-to-the-magical-influence-of-content-marketing.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/36204/how-to-have-a-great-life-and-a-great-business.php http://workflowWriting.com/36204/how-to-have-a-great-life-and-a-great-business.php#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:50:04 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8962 Check out this free 31-page PDF report called How to Have a Great Life and a Great Business (Especially if You’re Not the “Business” Type). It not only ties together the themes we’ve touched on so far in the Lateral Action Entrepreneur series, but also delivers practical ideas on starting a business that leads to more than just money. Here’s what you’ll discover: Why I quit my cushy law firm job and turned to online publishing. How I failed miserably. How I then succeeded miserably. How I learned my lesson the hard way. The allure of the global microbrand. The rise of the “feeder” business. Why small is beautiful (and powerful). The 37signals approach to market research. Real-life examples of “smartly small” entrepreneurs. Plus, you’ll get an examination of the 6 critical components of smart entrepreneurship: Create (Don’t Compete) Lead (Don’t Manage) Communicate (Don’t be Shy) Automate (Don’t Duplicate) Accelerate…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/36204/how-to-have-a-great-life-and-a-great-business.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/35890/why-%e2%80%9cbusiness-as-usual%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-work-and-the-art-of-remarkable.php http://workflowWriting.com/35890/why-%e2%80%9cbusiness-as-usual%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-work-and-the-art-of-remarkable.php#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:13:04 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8918 Following up on Sonia’s report 8 Reasons Why Rich People Hate Their Lives, we’ve got two exceptional interviews with a couple of healthy, wealthy, and wise gentlemen. You know them as novelist Steven Pressfield (author of The War of Art and The Legend of Bagger Vance) and entrepreneur Jason Fried (president of 37signals and co-author of Rework and Getting Real). Both audio seminars are available at no charge. Here’s what you can expect. Jason Fried Reworked Why is it when some people hate you, you’re doing something right? What’s the most effective form of online marketing? How do you decide what to make and sell? Why is doing less the key to achieving more? What’s more important, talent or action? These are just a few of the topics from my discussion with Jason Fried, President of 37signals, and the co-author of Getting Real and the New York Times bestseller Rework.…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/35890/why-%e2%80%9cbusiness-as-usual%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-work-and-the-art-of-remarkable.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/35071/last-day-to-save-70-a-month-on-scribe.php http://workflowWriting.com/35071/last-day-to-save-70-a-month-on-scribe.php#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:19:44 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8863 Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Get the Scribe Advanced Plan for only $27 a month — a $70 monthly savings off the regular price — when you use PROMO27 at checkout. Check out the deal and everything that’s new with Scribe here. This message (and the offer) will self-destruct at 5:00 pm Central. ]]> http://workflowWriting.com/35071/last-day-to-save-70-a-month-on-scribe.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/34543/scribe-new-versions-better-features.php http://workflowWriting.com/34543/scribe-new-versions-better-features.php#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:11:16 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8820 There’s a whole bunch that’s new and improved with Scribe – our content optimization service that makes SEO copywriting simple. Because there’s so much to talk about, I’m going to give you a quick bullet point summary that also serves as hyperlinked navigation for this post. Let’s go: What’s Scribe? New integrated keyword suggestion tool Scribe 2.0 for WordPress Scribe for Joomla Scribe for Drupal All versions of Scribe included Free SEO copywriting podcast What’s Scribe? First, let’s not assume everyone knows what Scribe is or does. Here’s a quick summary. Scribe is a search engine optimization software service that analyzes the content of web pages, blog posts, online press releases, or any other web content … all at the click of a button. Next, Scribe reports back and tells you how to tweak your content to get better search engine rankings and more traffic, all while maintaining quality reader-focused…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/34543/scribe-new-versions-better-features.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/33205/is-f-e-a-r-holding-you-back.php http://workflowWriting.com/33205/is-f-e-a-r-holding-you-back.php#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 13:41:34 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8714 I’ve written in the past about the nasty effects of fear – how it can lead to procrastination, creative blocks, and unremarkable content. It’s our sense of fear that derails success more often than actual failed attempts at success. Looking deeper into the topic, however, I’ve discovered that often it’s not actual fear we’re dealing with. It’s something much more ridiculous. It’s not fear that holds you back. It’s F.E.A.R. Fear is a Good Thing Fear is an emotional response to an actual threat, and it’s a fundamental survival mechanism that’s served us well throughout human history. When you’re in immediate danger, fear tells you to get yourself to someplace safer. Once our ancestors saw a few friends and relatives devoured by lions, fearing lions became a smart move. Nowadays we react in a similarly legitimate fashion when faced with an AK-47, a car veering toward us, or a film…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/33205/is-f-e-a-r-holding-you-back.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/33031/who-is-the-copyblogger-internet-marketing-newsletter-for.php http://workflowWriting.com/33031/who-is-the-copyblogger-internet-marketing-newsletter-for.php#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 20:16:08 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8701 It’s only for people who want: A systematic, simple way to get a good grasp of the power of effective online marketing. Easy-to-navigate tutorials on the “Copyblogger method” of creating a profitable online business or marketing your offline business online. An organized reference guide to the “best of the best” that’s appeared on Copyblogger over the years. Internet Marketing for Smart People is a free 20-part course and ongoing newsletter that’s delivered via email. Each week you’ll get a new lesson on one of the four essential pillars of effective Internet marketing. You don’t have to be a genius to master Internet marketing. You just have to be smart enough to take us up on this free offer. Sign up here. ]]> http://workflowWriting.com/33031/who-is-the-copyblogger-internet-marketing-newsletter-for.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/32415/get-a-great-deal-when-you-join-third-tribe-before-june-1-2010.php http://workflowWriting.com/32415/get-a-great-deal-when-you-join-third-tribe-before-june-1-2010.php#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 15:31:50 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8639 Are you stuck in the middle with your online marketing? Too much integrity to be an Internet marketing huckster, and too much respect for cash flow to be a social media idealist? What if I told you the middle is exactly the place to be? And what if I also told you that you can get a ton of Internet marketing education for pennies on the dollar, all while meeting up with like-minded people who can help take your business to the next level? All at no obligation? What Is Third Tribe? Third Tribe is the educational community for online marketers started by Darren Rowse, Chris Brogan, Sonia, and yours truly. It’s grown way beyond the four of us, thanks to thousands of smart marketers who’ve come together to share information, form relationships, and give each other a helping hand. There’s an entire story behind how Third Tribe came into…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/32415/get-a-great-deal-when-you-join-third-tribe-before-june-1-2010.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/28907/free-seo-copywriting-report.php http://workflowWriting.com/28907/free-seo-copywriting-report.php#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 14:11:53 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8393 I’ve written a lot about SEO copywriting over the last 4+ years. And it’s still the topic that seems to generate the most questions and confusion. That makes sense, since the modern practice of SEO copywriting is a diverse discipline that goes well beyond keyword location and frequency. So I decided to take a look back at everything I’ve written over the years and see if I could create a coherent “master document” that serves as a comprehensive guide. I assembled, rearranged, cut, compressed, and then wrote some entirely new sections. Then I started revising. Then Sonia got involved and took a substantial editing swipe at it. (She calls me Professor Clark when I slip into an academic writing style, and she doesn’t mean it as a compliment). Sonia helped make what can be a confusing topic as simple and clear as possible, which I think you’ll appreciate. We eventually…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/28907/free-seo-copywriting-report.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/27862/gravity-forms-review-powerful-wordpress-forms-made-simple.php http://workflowWriting.com/27862/gravity-forms-review-powerful-wordpress-forms-made-simple.php#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 19:17:56 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=8242 People ask me all the time for recommendations on premium WordPress plugins, and I often have nothing to say. With people like Chris Pearson, Sean Jackson, and Tony Clark as partners, if we want WordPress to do something it doesn’t, we build it. Luckily, the premium WordPress market has matured to the point that excellent developers are building things we happily buy rather than build. Gravity Forms from Carl Hancock of Rocket Genius is one such product, and that’s why I’m doing my first ever WordPress plugin review for you – I’m that impressed. What is Gravity Forms? In their own words: Gravity Forms for WordPress is a full featured contact form plugin that features a drag and drop interface, advanced notification routing, lead capture, conditional logic fields and the ability to create posts from external forms. Got that? How about once more in English? Basically, Gravity Forms is software…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/27862/gravity-forms-review-powerful-wordpress-forms-made-simple.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/23082/thesis-makes-wordpress-way-better-again.php http://workflowWriting.com/23082/thesis-makes-wordpress-way-better-again.php#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:53:28 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=7628 There’s a new version of Thesis out, and this is one of the best updates in quite a while. And yet there are a lot of new Copyblogger subscribers who might use WordPress, but might not really “get” what this Thesis thing is all about. So in this post I’ll share with you why Thesis makes WordPress way better, and then let you know what’s brand new in Thesis 1.7. Ready? The lowdown on the Thesis Theme for WordPress First of all, Thesis is the flagship product of DIY Themes, a company I own together with Chris Pearson. He’s the design and code genius, I’m the rapper. Thesis powers Copyblogger and many other high-traffic sites, but it’s more accurate to call it a code and design framework rather than a theme. Basically, Thesis is software that delivers rock-solid SEO website code, plus unprecedented design flexibility for WordPress — without requiring…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/23082/thesis-makes-wordpress-way-better-again.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/23813/5-things-depeche-mode-can-teach-you-about-effective-online-marketing.php http://workflowWriting.com/23813/5-things-depeche-mode-can-teach-you-about-effective-online-marketing.php#comments Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:36:37 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=7725 I was walking the streets of downtown Austin between SXSW parties last month and someone asked me when I was going to do another pop-music-analogy post on Copyblogger. “What do you want to see?” I asked. “I bet you can’t do one using Depeche Mode songs, “ he challenged. “I bet I can,” I countered. “Look at that guy in a dress playing the oboe!” he replied. Rather than share more of the superb street scenery of Austin, Texas, here’s what Depeche Mode, the most popular electronic band the world has ever known, can teach you about effective online marketing. People are People People are people So why should it be You and I should get Along so awfully Want to market successfully online, but don’t want to deal with all that human psychology stuff? Sorry, but that’s basically all there is to it. Understanding what makes people tick and…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/23813/5-things-depeche-mode-can-teach-you-about-effective-online-marketing.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/21493/the-ancient-persuasion-tactic-behind-%e2%80%9cbut-wait-there%e2%80%99s-more%e2%80%9d.php http://workflowWriting.com/21493/the-ancient-persuasion-tactic-behind-%e2%80%9cbut-wait-there%e2%80%99s-more%e2%80%9d.php#comments Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:49:29 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=7395 You’re watching late night TV when you encounter the inevitable infomercial. The pitchman is asking you how much you’d be willing to pay for the super-new-thingamabob, and then it comes… But wait, there’s more! Then you discover you’re getting not one, not two, but three super-new-thingamabobs for only $19.95, plus a mechanized back scratcher and a wearable blanket that also makes great fries. This technique keeps getting used because it keeps working. But the marketing gurus of Ginsu and Veg-O-Matic didn’t come up with this technique. Nope, it’s been around way before Ronco made a fortune with late night ads for amazing kitchen products you just couldn’t live without. This technique has worked for over two thousand years. All you need to do is apply it in a context-appropriate way for your audience. Pump Up the Volume But wait, there’s more! is the application of a rhetorical tactic in the…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/21493/the-ancient-persuasion-tactic-behind-%e2%80%9cbut-wait-there%e2%80%99s-more%e2%80%9d.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/19856/the-power-of-confident-writing.php http://workflowWriting.com/19856/the-power-of-confident-writing.php#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:18 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=7236 There’s a wonderful European-style market and bakery in the Oak Lawn area of Dallas. They serve everything from made-to-order salads and sandwiches to chef-prepared, ready-to-eat meals. But what I love most about the place is the sign on the door when you leave. It’s classic. The sign doesn’t read “Please Come Again” or “Thank You for Your Business” or some other typical exit sign platitude. It says . . . “See you tomorrow.” That kind of confidence is compelling and downright sexy. Sure, a fantastic product, service, or experience is the starting point from which confidence comes, but too many people play it scared and safe even when what they offer is truly great. I’m not talking about arrogance. Arrogance is an indication of fear, not assurance. Too many people, however, approach copywriting from a defensive mindset. You’re already back on your heels from the start, instead of proudly sharing…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/19856/the-power-of-confident-writing.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/17693/check-out-this-preview-of-the-scribe-seo-web-based-application.php http://workflowWriting.com/17693/check-out-this-preview-of-the-scribe-seo-web-based-application.php#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:54:02 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=7131 I want to share a video with you. It was created for current Scribe customers to let them know what’s coming next month, but I’m going to hook you up too. It’s a preview of the Scribe web-based application. So while you can use Scribe right in your WordPress interface, you will also be able to use this web-based version to analyze any content before posting it online on any platform. Or analyze and optimize older content for any platform. Total freedom. This is especially useful for professional web writers who create content for clients. The Scribe web version even generates an SEO analysis report that you can deliver to your clients along with the content. This video preview was made by Sean Jackson (one of the technology ninjas behind Scribe) for our current customers. So trust me, it’s not a sales pitch. But it’s very useful for getting an…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/17693/check-out-this-preview-of-the-scribe-seo-web-based-application.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/17134/scribe-seo-introductory-offer-extended.php http://workflowWriting.com/17134/scribe-seo-introductory-offer-extended.php#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:01:04 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=7075 Just a quick note to let you know we’ve extended the Scribe introductory offer – where you get the Advanced Plan for the Starter price – until this coming Friday, February 26. So you still have time to take Scribe on a free test drive and take advantage of a great deal. Take the Scribe tour Frequently Asked Questions Take Scribe on a Free Test Drive If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out Introducing Scribe: SEO Copywriting Made Simple. If you’d like to know why we’re extending the offer, keep reading. So, we had an unexpected hiccup last week. While we did extensive beta testing, a problem with a third-party data provider led to end-of-day outages after we added in a whole bunch of enthusiastic Scribers to the mix. The good news is that we corrected that issue last week, and we’re actually happier with the…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/17134/scribe-seo-introductory-offer-extended.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/16080/introducing-scribe-seo-copywriting-made-simple.php http://workflowWriting.com/16080/introducing-scribe-seo-copywriting-made-simple.php#comments Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:18:35 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6953 You may have noticed I’ve been writing a lot about SEO copywriting lately. More than that, I’ve been working on a content optimization software solution for the last 6 months with a team of very smart people. It’s called Scribe, and it makes SEO copywriting simple. Creating search optimized web pages, blog posts, and press releases used to be time consuming at best and mystifying at worst. Not anymore. What is Scribe? Scribe is an SEO software service for WordPress that analyzes the content of web pages, blog posts, online press releases, you name it… at the click of a button. The Scribe API then reports back to the WordPress interface and tells web writers, bloggers, affiliate marketers, and small business owners how to tweak their content to get more search engine traffic, all while maintaining quality reader-focused copy. It’s like having an SEO expert as an editorial assistant. How…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/16080/introducing-scribe-seo-copywriting-made-simple.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/15275/does-writing-for-people-work-for-seo.php http://workflowWriting.com/15275/does-writing-for-people-work-for-seo.php#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:16:50 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6884 Hang around web writing circles for any length of time, and the inevitable “write for search engines or write for people” debate comes up. It’s a bit strange, really. Last time I checked, it’s people who use search engines, not some other life form. So you’re always writing for people. Obviously, the debate stems from the fact that search engines are powered by computer algorithms. But as search engines have gotten smarter, writing that pleases people and satisfies spiders is not that far apart, if at all. Let’s look at four factors that work well for SEO and see how well they cater to the needs of people. 1. Compelling Content As we saw in Does SEO Copywriting Still Matter?, link attraction is the biggest aspect of today’s practice of search engine optimization. Google looks at the links pointing at your domain, and those pointing at particular pages, as votes…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/15275/does-writing-for-people-work-for-seo.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/14747/five-areas-to-focus-on-for-effective-seo-copywriting.php http://workflowWriting.com/14747/five-areas-to-focus-on-for-effective-seo-copywriting.php#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:51:17 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6839 When I first started Copyblogger in 2006, I was almost militantly against on-page search optimization. Seems strange, since I’d been a successful student of SEO since 2000. It was because I saw all these people fretting over keywords like it’s 1999, and yet they had no links. Their content was weak. Their sites weren’t trusted. You can’t optimize something that’s dead in the water. So my initial goal was to get people to focus on content that attracted attention and links first. Only then do you have something you can make better (that’s what optimize means, naturally). Fours years later, it seems things have swung in the opposite direction for some. Social media “experts” maintain that SEO doesn’t matter because search traffic just “happens.” Yes, search traffic “happens” if you produce unique content and don’t make it impossible to find. But the “right” search traffic doesn’t just happen, not unless…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/14747/five-areas-to-focus-on-for-effective-seo-copywriting.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/14387/does-seo-copywriting-still-matter.php http://workflowWriting.com/14387/does-seo-copywriting-still-matter.php#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:28:11 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6804 If there’s any one thing that can be said about SEO with certainty, it’s that it manages to cause a lot of confusion. For example, it seems like many people’s idea of SEO was formed 10 years ago, and hasn’t bothered to change with the times. Even an online veteran like Robert Scoble is completely clueless about modern best practices for search engine optimization. So, before we go any further, let me answer the question posed by the headline . . . Yes, SEO copywriting still matters. Here’s why. Search is still the biggest game in town “Pick your survey, search remains one of the top activities on the Internet and has been for over a decade,” said search industry legend Danny Sullivan when I pinged him on Twitter. Danny pointed me to one such survey that shows search is the most common online activity after email, and that fact…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/14387/does-seo-copywriting-still-matter.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/13198/37-seconds-to-great-storytelling.php http://workflowWriting.com/13198/37-seconds-to-great-storytelling.php#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:38:26 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6636 We tell you about the power of stories quite a bit. And now we’re able to see what happens in our brains when we encounter a compelling story. But how do you learn to tell these types of stories? Often, just by studying great ones. Take 37 seconds to read this one: ______ The soul of the city is in a football game three seasons ago, the return to the Superdome, on a Monday night when those of us who love New Orleans first realized the city would be back. It was Sept. 25, 2006 — Payton’s and Brees’ first home game. The Friday night before, Payton gathered his team in the empty stadium. People had died there, just 13 months before. The bodies were stored in a catering freezer. The building seemed unfixable, and now the Saints stood at midfield. On the video board, Payton played a movie about…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/13198/37-seconds-to-great-storytelling.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/12691/three-quick-steps-to-clear-writing.php http://workflowWriting.com/12691/three-quick-steps-to-clear-writing.php#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:46:20 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6562 “Few appreciate brilliance, but everyone appreciates clarity.” I came up with that line on Twitter, and thought . . . Why waste it there? Here’s the quick and clear guide to clarity in writing: Short Short words are the rule that makes your exceptional words sing. Short sentences make powerful points faster. Talk Write like you talk, except better. Better words, better arrangement, better flow. Know the rules of grammar, then break them like you do. But better. Care Clarity comes from deeply caring if people truly understand. Do you? About the Author: Brian Clark is founder of Copyblogger and co-founder of DIY Themes, creator of the innovative Thesis Theme for WordPress. Get more from Brian on Twitter. ]]> http://workflowWriting.com/12691/three-quick-steps-to-clear-writing.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/11467/thesis-affiliate-program-moving-to-share-a-sale.php http://workflowWriting.com/11467/thesis-affiliate-program-moving-to-share-a-sale.php#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:50:51 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6465 Last year was big for the Thesis Theme for WordPress, and our awesome affiliates played a huge role in that. But we’re just getting started. In 2009, we paid $392,828.80 to Thesis affiliates. In 2010, we’re aiming for $1 million in affiliate payouts. To accomplish that goal, it’s time for the DIYthemes affiliate program to once again take a step up. While the wonderful Missy Ward helped us grow last year, this year we aim to accelerate that trend by moving from an in-house to a world-class program. To do that, we need a world-class affiliate management partner. For us, Share a Sale is the only logical choice. Why Make a Switch? We’ve always tried to run a different kind of affiliate initiative, in that we don’t view affiliates as an alternate sales channel that our direct efforts compete with. Instead, we go out of our way to promote the…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/11467/thesis-affiliate-program-moving-to-share-a-sale.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/9440/the-best-of-copyblogger-2009.php http://workflowWriting.com/9440/the-best-of-copyblogger-2009.php#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:46:52 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6234 You didn’t think we’d close out the year without a “Best of 2009” post, did you? Well, you’re not getting off that easy. Here’s the best Copyblogger content of the year, based on your enthusiasm via comments, links, retweets, and gratuitous offerings of produce-based holiday desserts. We thank you all for your continued support (but we trashed the fruitcake, sorry). Let’s get started. The First Rule of Copyblogger – It’s a wonderful thing to wake up one morning, check the blog, and see that your Senior Editor has made a Fight Club reference that also establishes the underlying theme of the entire publication. Her name is Sonia Simone, her name is Sonia Simone . . . . The Winnie the Pooh Guide to Blogging – Adding to a Copyblogger portfolio that includes drag queens, cross-dressing and what women really want, James Chartrand kicked off the year with blogging lessons from…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/9440/the-best-of-copyblogger-2009.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/9016/happy-holidays-from-copyblogger.php http://workflowWriting.com/9016/happy-holidays-from-copyblogger.php#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:25:32 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=6208 Here’s to a safe and joyous holiday season for you and yours. In case you’re actually looking for something to read, here are some Copyblogger gems for your solstice surfing pleasure. Copywriting 101 Content Marketing 101 How to Write Magnetic Headlines SEO Copywriting 2.0 Landing Pages Turn Traffic Into Money Keyword Research for Bloggers Internet Marketing for Smart People (free 20-part course and newsletter) See you next year! ]]> http://workflowWriting.com/9016/happy-holidays-from-copyblogger.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/7380/how-to-do-less-and-get-more.php http://workflowWriting.com/7380/how-to-do-less-and-get-more.php#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:18:52 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=5986 I’m a big fan of Leo Babauta. His book, The Power of Less, is required reading for anyone who wants a rewarding life. But many of Leo’s followers think doing less means, well, settling for less. I’m here to tell you it can mean achieving much more. In the last 4 years, I’ve been living the power of less. In fact, I started with that philosophy well before I knew it was one. Do Less to Achieve More I annoy many of my partners and friends with my approach. But the reality is, engaging in busy work is not the secret to success. Success comes from ignoring the busy and sticking with developing content and pursuing projects that matter to your goals. That means you need time to think. Enjoy the Stillness Don’t get me wrong, I work hard and push the envelope. But I choose the things I pursue…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/7380/how-to-do-less-and-get-more.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/3921/50-spots-left-in-the-lateral-action-entrepreneur-course.php http://workflowWriting.com/3921/50-spots-left-in-the-lateral-action-entrepreneur-course.php#comments Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:38:53 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=5790 UPDATE: We’re sold out. Thanks! A whole bunch of you read the creative entrepreneur report I released last week. Many of you seemed to like it. But did you know about the Lateral Action entrepreneur course that’s about to start? It looks like we’re going to have a great group of charter members for the kick-off of the course – it’s an intensive 18 topics designed to give you the head start I wish I had 10 years ago. Our charter member deal is pretty sweet, so we’ve decided to limit the size of the group based on response so far. We’re cutting off the charter membership group at just 50 more aspiring entrepreneurs. How sweet is the deal? Charter members not only save 50% off the 2010 enrollment fee, they get access to everything we add to the course in the future – at no additional charge. Grab your…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/3921/50-spots-left-in-the-lateral-action-entrepreneur-course.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/3111/free-report-how-to-become-an-entrepreneur.php http://workflowWriting.com/3111/free-report-how-to-become-an-entrepreneur.php#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:19 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=5698 I’ve written another piece of extended content, this time for Lateral Action. Rather than sending you over there, I’ll just tell you about it here. It’s a free 31-page PDF report (don’t worry, it reads fast) called The Lateral Action Guide to Becoming a Creative Entrepreneur. It’s probably the most personal I’ve gotten about my history, but it’s still heavy on actionable, real-life examples. Here’s what you’ll discover: Why I quit my cushy law firm job and turned to online publishing. How I failed miserably. How I then succeeded miserably. How I learned my lesson the hard way. The allure of the global microbrand. The rise of the “feeder” business. Why small is beautiful (and powerful). The 37signals approach to market research. Real-life examples of tiny, highly-successful entrepreneurs. Plus, a deeper examination of the 5 critical components of the new entrepreneurship: Create (Don’t Compete) Lead (Don’t Manage) Communicate (Don’t be…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/3111/free-report-how-to-become-an-entrepreneur.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/425/the-thesis-theme-for-wordpress-gets-even-better.php http://workflowWriting.com/425/the-thesis-theme-for-wordpress-gets-even-better.php#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:38:49 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=5387 There’s a new version of Thesis out that has our customers excited, thanks to some really cool new features. And it occurred to me that there are a lot of new Copyblogger subscribers who might use WordPress, and yet not really “get” what this Thesis thing is all about. So in this post I’ll tell you what’s brand new in Thesis 1.6, and also bring everyone up to speed on why Thesis makes WordPress way better. What is the Thesis Theme for WordPress? Thesis is the flagship product of DIY Themes, a partnership between Chris Pearson and me. It’s the theme framework that powers Copyblogger and many other high-traffic sites. In a nutshell, Thesis is software that delivers rock-solid SEO website code, plus unprecedented design flexibility for WordPress — without requiring the novice user to code anything. For sophisticated users, Thesis is a search-optimized development framework that allows designers and…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/425/the-thesis-theme-for-wordpress-gets-even-better.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/1592/what-purple-rain-can-teach-you-about-effective-online-marketing.php http://workflowWriting.com/1592/what-purple-rain-can-teach-you-about-effective-online-marketing.php#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:18:51 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=5563 Ever had an idea that couldn’t miss? You took immediate action, created the perfect warm-up content, the best launch strategy, and the perfect offer . . . . And then it totally failed. So yeah, the film Purple Rain contains the consummate lesson on this one. No, really. The Lesson of Lake Minnetonka Upon mature reflection, the album Purple Rain is a work of genius, while the film . . . not so much. But any true Prince fan loves it anyway. And as a teenage boy in 1985, the fact that a diminutive man sporting a Jheri curl and a ruffled shirt could score with gorgeous women was rather encouraging, you know? One memorable scene involves Prince giving bombshell Apollonia Kotero a motorcycle ride through rural Minnesota. As he pulls up to the shoreline, Prince lets her know she has to prove herself. “You have to purify yourself in…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/1592/what-purple-rain-can-teach-you-about-effective-online-marketing.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/421/here%e2%80%99s-something-to-think-and-talk-about.php http://workflowWriting.com/421/here%e2%80%99s-something-to-think-and-talk-about.php#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:55:47 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=5517 I’m flying to New York City today for the Audience Conference, so I thought I’d share a quotation about the relationship between writers (or any content creator) and the people they hope to connect with. When talented people write badly it’s generally for one of two reasons: Either they’re blinded by an idea they feel compelled to prove or they’re driven by an emotion they must express. When talented people write well, it is generally for this reason: They’re moved by a desire to touch the audience. ~Robert McKee Let’s discuss. What do McKee’s words mean to you? About the Author: Brian Clark is founder of Copyblogger and co-founder of DIY Themes, creator of the innovative Thesis Theme for WordPress. Get more from Brian on Twitter. ]]> http://workflowWriting.com/421/here%e2%80%99s-something-to-think-and-talk-about.php/feed 0 http://workflowWriting.com/429/three-ways-to-make-your-competitors-irrelevant.php http://workflowWriting.com/429/three-ways-to-make-your-competitors-irrelevant.php#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:06:18 +0000 Brian Clark http://www.copyblogger.com/?p=5326 Buying online is a consumer’s paradise, right? One can compare competing offers ‘til the heart’s content, all with simple clicks of a mouse. Well, it’s not that great if you happen to sell online. And what if I told you it’s not really that great for consumers, either? Sound crazy? Read on. Preface: Start with a killer product or service This should go without saying in our age of global competition and reduced barriers to entry. But so often merchants are looking for a magic bullet to widely distribute something that the market simply finds inferior. The problem is, there are plenty of people out there with exceptional products and services who are losing out to others with lesser offerings and higher prices. What’s going on with that? Superior marketing and sales techniques, that’s what. Here are 3 ways to level the playing field (or even tip the scales in…]]> http://workflowWriting.com/429/three-ways-to-make-your-competitors-irrelevant.php/feed 0