What is a Copywriter?

I mentioned that we have started up a copywriting business. What is that?

You may not be sure about the term copywriter - and what they do. The term has evolved over the years. It was first used in the middle of the 19th century to describe the people who wrote ads, primarily for newspapers. Today it means far more.

What Do They Do?

Copywriters today may write sales letters to sell a product, or persuade readers to take some other action. They may do similar things in the rapidly growing area of web marketing. They write business letters, white papers to convey information, case studies of successful application of products, press releases to communicate to the outside world, business letters for busy executives. Sometimes they are hired to describe complicated business issues or technologies in a clear and understandable manner.

Content vs. Direct Response

One simple view is to divide copywriting into content writing and direct response writing. Good content copywriters are skilled at gathering information and writing concise and insightful copy that educates and tells a good story. Good content writers may be writing as part of larger effort to promote a company or a product, but many times the pieces they write are primarily for information. Today we understand that consumers are always in search of useful information, and providing that is an important part of building a relationship with them.

Direct response copywriting, however, is focused on strongly leading the reader to a response. That response might be a direct purchase, or it might be the first step of a multi-step purchasing decision. Good copywriters are attuned to the emotional modes that attend to persuasion.

Our Work

We are comfortable in moving back and forth between content and direct response, and we strive to write in the voice you want to convey to your audience.

One clear trend in organizations is that more and more are recognizing the importance of strong communications, both internal and external. At the same time the growing trend of organizations to outsource has led to an expanded use of freelance copywriters to aid communications.

It may be time for your organization to examine the possibilities for using freelance copywriting to improve your communications in both content and direct response.

Contact us now at Ervin Copywriting. A consultation on possible copywriting projects is free.

Please call at 512-431-2954 or E-Mail at ErvinCopyWriting@austin.rr.com