The Confident Copywriter

Archive for the ‘Copywriting Tools’ Category

Among my global business contacts, I often hear the phrase, “Let’s get together for coffee over the phone”, meaning “Let’s chat by phone.” It’s a comforting and friendly way to request a phone call, isn’t it? The image of two friends, connected across time zones, sharing coffee together…it’s so global Starbucks!

This ‘coffee over the phone’ idea, first mentioned to me by my very good friend and colleague, the UK’s Gerard O’Donovan at Noble-Manhattan Coaching, gave me a brilliant idea.

Why, I asked myself, was there no real forum for copywriters to get together during the business day to find resources, ask a question, get help with a problem, boost camaraderie…and what would it take to create such a forum?

So I did what any logical person would do…I began to research copywriting forums. I found there are many, but only a few respected ones. But none of them seemed to fit the bill for what I wanted to accomplish.

Around this time, I stumbled on the LCO Network, targeting the Hispanic market. Through my membership there, I became friendly with Doug Dolan, one of the network’s founders.

AND THEN IT HIT ME! I didn’t want to build a forum…I wanted to build a network! Suddenly, everything fell into place, and The Copywriters Business Network was born.

I am so excited to tell you about this, and to begin 2010 with The Copywriters Business Network firmly on its way towards explosive growth.

Of course, I’d love to see you there as a member. But what I really want you to think about is this:

Where can you go to…

… Talk to other copywriters when you have a work issue? Not LinkedIn, or Twitter, or Facebook…all great venues, but not industry-specific.

…Find other copywriters at all experience levels who are looking to collaborate on projects or partner on ventures?

…Access the latest resources, interviews, and industry insider news to help you build your business and profit?

…Promote yourself as a copywriting industry expert?

…Get the inside scoop on available projects?

The Copywriters Business Network is the place! And the more members we have, the stronger this network will be. It’s that simple. So that’s why I want you to join. It’s the only way currently available for copywriters to support each other while building better, stronger, more profitable businesses.

So jump on over there and sign up. It takes less than a minute, and you can begin benefitting from all the fabulous news, information, contacts and job opportunities right away.

Let’s make 2010 the best year ever for copywriters everywhere!

A quick Internet search reveals a vast array of tools for copywriters, from the ridiculous to the sublime. Article spinning software, spelling software, tools to create eyeball-grabbing headlines, tools to measure keyword density…you can easily empty your bank account buying all sorts of items to help you write more effectively.

For those of us copywriters who exist on a less than lavish income…which tools work the best? A week ago, we talked about FreshBooks, invoicing software that can really help keep freelance money matters in order. Feel free to skip back a few blog posts and learn more about it.

Other affordable tools I really like include:

• RingCentral
• iDictate
• Website Grader
• Press Release Grader
• GoToMeeting
• Carbonite
• YouSendIt

RingCentral provides a toll-free phone number and a fax number, so you can call in and out of Canada and the U.S. and send/receive faxes to/from anywhere in the world. Not only does this save on your cell phone bill, but it’s incredibly affordable even for beginners.

iDictate is a great little program that can help you work faster and smarter. It’s dictation for the 21st century! If your clients send you Mp3s or other materials that need to be written out, iDictate can make your workday a lot easier.
Website Grader and Press Release Grader are neat little tools that ‘grade’ the effectiveness of your writing. This software quickly points out where your copy might be failing, so you can correct it before it goes live.

GoToMeeting is a fast, affordable way for groups of any size to discuss and collaborate on projects – if you work with a team, check it out. A real time saver.

Carbonite is an internal back up drive for your computer. Never worry again that a computer crash might destroy your files!
YouSendIt allows you to send and receive large files that are too big to travel via email. I’ve used it many times and found it truly invaluable.

Just because you work alone doesn’t mean you have to be alone! You can operate a global business from your home computer using these great tools and many others.

Watch this space for a comprehensive Copywriter’s Resource List that can really have a positive impact on your business!