• Content Collaboration Partner

    What's that mean?

    First, if you're a solo-preneur, sole proprietor or small business person, I can teach you to write it or write it for you: news releases, social media marketing (like blogs and email blasts), creative web copy, e-zines & newsletters, brochures, and articles.

    Second, if you want to learn how to make money as a freelance writer and content creator, I can teach you that, too.

  • Recent Projects

  • Thanks!

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Are you a dream client?

Posted on April 23, 2013 by kelly koepke

Be a good clientWant to be a dream client for a writer? Any creative professional, actually? Know these four things when you talk to them:

  1. Know the benefits of your product or service. Specifically, what problem does your service or product solve. Why should someone buy something, anything, from you? That you’re a great person isn’t enough.
  2. Know the vehicle by which your message will be delivered. Is this message for an email campaign, a web site, an article in a business publication, or something else? The method of information presentation will often dictate the content and message length.
  3. Know your style. Do you want the message to be presented in a humorous way? Formally? With a cheeky tone or in a straightforward manner?
  4. Clarify language “dos” and “don’ts.” At the beginning of the project, be specific about words you need to include or exclude, either by regulation or out of sensitivity to your audience. YOU are the expert in your industry, so if there are hot button words – positive or negative – share them with the writer.

Keeping these things in mind will make your work with a writer go more smoothly. It will also clarify the intent and purpose of your communication.

Filed under: Blog, Brochures, Ghost Writing, Grammar, Newsletters, Press Releases, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Accentuate the Positive

Posted on March 28, 2013 by kelly koepke

Regular, consistent and POSITIVE communication is the key to getting your message out and noticed. Ditch the negative and accentuate the postive and you’ll go far. So says Johnny Mercer (click on Mr. Mercer for a treat).

Johnny Mercer

Filed under: Blog, Brochures, Ghost Writing, Newsletters, Press Releases, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Time Saving Tip: Social Media Scheduling

Posted on March 21, 2013 by kelly koepke

Schedule FB postsScheduling social media posts in advance is a great way to save time and efficiently maintain a presence online. Facebook has a schedule post feature for personal and business accounts, and HootSuite is an effective tool for managing and pre-scheduling multiple social media updates. Because not everyone can be on their smart phone, tablet or computer all the time!

Filed under: Blog, Newsletters, Press Releases, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | Leave a Comment »

Key Question To Ask When Writing Anything

Posted on March 18, 2013 by kelly koepke

One key question to answer when creating any written communication (email, newsletters, blogs, postcards, letters, press releases, websites):
What action do I want my readers to take? Do I offer them too much? What’s in it for them to act immediately? Then start writing.

Filed under: Blog, Brochures, Ghost Writing, Newsletters, Press Releases, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Saying Thanks

Posted on March 11, 2013 by kelly koepke

thank you languagesWhen you get good press – a story in your local newspaper or magazine, or are interviewed on the radio or TV, thank the reporter or editor who made it happen. Your kind words in an email or handwritten note might lead to bigger opportunities – a column, regular show or follow up story.

Filed under: Blog, Newsletters, Press Releases, Web Copy | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

5 Blogging Tips

Posted on August 6, 2012 by kelly koepke

Having trouble getting that blog post to write itself? Try these 5 tips to get the juices flowing:

1. Write What You Know. Pick a topic that you know about & you’ll find it much easier to write quality content quickly.

2. Let Perfection Go. Accept now that you’re going to make a typo, need to edit later, or even change your mind. You now have permission to do all of those things.

3. Think Short. Not every post needs to be a book. Sometimes short is better.

4. Use Templates. Try a “5 Tips” style post. Choosing a headline and format makes the content creation easier.

5. Be Inspired by Others. Reading other blogs, the newspaper or trade magazines. They’ll help you models posts and generate ideas.

Bonus tip: Hire someone to help you create your posts. You’ve got the ideas. Now let someone else put your brilliance on the page/screen.

 

Filed under: Blog, Ghost Writing, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | Leave a Comment »

10 Writing Tips

Posted on March 22, 2012 by kelly koepke

From David Ogilvy, advertising guru. He wrote them in 1982. They’re still spot on today. Tip of the hat to BrainPickings.org

1. Read the Roman-Raphaelson book on writing. Read it three times.

2. Write the way you talk. Naturally.

3. Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.

4. Never use jargon words like reconceptualize, demassification, attitudinally, judgmentally. They are hallmarks of a pretentious ass.

5. Never write more than two pages on any subject.

6. Check your quotations.

7. Never send a letter or a memo on the day you write it. Read it aloud the next morning — and then edit it.

8. If it is something important, get a colleague to improve it.

9. Before you send your letter or your memo, make sure it is crystal clear what you want the recipient to do.

10. If you want ACTION, don’t write. Go and tell the guy what you want.

 

Filed under: Blog, Ghost Writing, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | Leave a Comment »

15 Grammar Goofs – They Make You Look Silly, Are Easy to Avoid

Posted on March 6, 2012 by kelly koepke

Avoid looking silly. Let me proofread your stuff before you send it out into the world.

15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly
Like this infographic? Get more copywriting tips from Copyblogger.

Special thanks to Copyblogger for allowing anyone to use this. My hero!

Filed under: Blog, Ghost Writing, Press Releases, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | 2 Comments »

You Need a Spring Checkup

Posted on February 23, 2012 by kelly koepke

Does Your Communication Need A Check Up?

February’s speeding to an end. March means two things: spring and the end of the first quarter of the year. This is a great time to review things – your health, how well you’re organized, your vacation plans for the coming months. Have you thought about reviewing your business communication?
Unless you’re actively engaged in how you communicate with your customers, you may be missing amazing opportunities. Do you thank your clients for purchasing your service or product? How often? Do you offer regular customers special deals they can’t get anywhere else? Do you engage them via social media? Do you tell the press about your achievements? Do you tell the press anything?

If you aren’t doing it, who is?

That’s why I created my Communication Diagnostic Evaluation – a communication check up. Let’s talk about what you’re doing to tell your story. You’ll receive a snapshot report of your communication strategy, and ideas to grow your business that you can implement immediately.

Got a website? It is all it can be?

I also provide a Website Evaluation service.  I’ll review your website for the elements it could (and should) have. You’ll receive a written evaluation with suggestions you can immediately implement.

Feel free to pass this on to someone you know who could take advantage of it, too. You’ll be a hero by helping them rev up their marketing communication in 2012!

Filed under: Blog, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | Leave a Comment »

I Didn’t Know You Did That!

Posted on July 27, 2011 by kelly koepke

Do you customers say that to you? Sometimes, they say it to me, even though we’ve been working together for a long time. It pays to remind people that you do more than the 1 or 2 things they originally came to you for. So here’s a rundown of some of the things I do to help my clients better communicate. I don’t do everything for each client. I do however, help them with what they need, when they need it. Recently, I:

  • Created client Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn accounts and got clients started with regular posts to these social media sites.
  • Wrote a client’s weekly blog posts.
  • Edited a client’s website and created new content for it.
  • Crafted two clients’ monthly newsletters, including interviewing their customers for testimonials, and finding images to illustrate their products and services.
  • Drafted and sent several press releases – about client name changes, new services and products, special events and open houses, and new hires.
  • Edited course manuals to ensure the content is clear and adheres to their templated standards.
  • Read up on the latest social media application or feature.
  • Wrote a feature article about one of the co-stars of Breaking Bad for a local arts publication.
  • Researched, researched, and researched marketing, public relations and communication.

I also volunteered my marketing, writing and non-profit skills for Creative Albuquerque.


When you’re ready to tell your great stories  – on your website, in a press release to the media or a newsletter to your customers, let me know. I’m ready to help.

Filed under: Blog, Press Releases, Social Media Marketing, Web Copy | Leave a Comment »

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