(“be prepared” – the girl guides)
Before you can even start writing, you first need to have the proper preparations in place. Michael Phelps didn’t win gold without warming up before getting in the pool! This is the same thing except you’re Michael Phelps and you’re swimming in copy.
Prep Steps:
- Have everything you need with you from the start. This will stop you from constantly stopping to grab these things later. (includes: water, pen and paper, tissues, etc.)
- Get rid of the phone! Technology is great but phones are a major distraction.
- Tell people who might bother you that you’re busy. Before you start, tell them you’re going to be busy. This stops you from having to tell them later when they bother you.
- Engage the brain! If your head isn’t in the game, you won’t get anything done.
- Create a plan but don’t overthink it!
(Lurie, 2014)
Pro Tip: Backup your copy! This is important to prevent the devastation of losing hours of work. (Lurie, 2014)
Tips to Create a Plan:
- Spend 30mins max. on it
- Look at your notes regarding the audience (this can be from the client, your boss, etc.)
- List all the collateral the copy will be used for
- Make two lists for style; one of styles that will work and one for styles that won’t
(Lurie, 2014)
Conclusion/Takeaways:
Having good preparations is important. Take away distraction from the start and get ready to be in the “working” mindset. Create a plan of the copy before starting any writing. Channel Michael and prep to win (or to write)!
If you have any questions or comments from this section, leave them in the comments section down below!
Sources:
Lurie, I. (2014, May 30). Learning to Write Marketing Copy. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-to-write-marketing-copy/
Swimming: Michael PhelpsPortraitTime Inc. StudiosNew York, NY USA08/29/2016SI-523 TK1Credit: Simon Bruty
Digital Marketing || Stephanie Cervo 