Monthly Content Review: December

Get chance to read my first monthly content review last month? In it, I offer links to some handy resources and blogs small to medium-sized businesses can make the most of, for the rest of this year and beyond, to ensure things are kept ticking along quite nicely.

So, what happened in November? Here's a snapshot of my month as a freelance copywriter.

I've been working with the lovely team over at True9 for some weeks now, helping them get a long-running client's website ready for a refresh. I've been crafting some new content for all sections of their site, including the 'About Us' page, and turning some of their case studies into (I hope) sparkling prose!

I continue to write a series of lighthearted but informative health blogs for Chemist.co.uk, as well as keep the news section of the Yazz Hair site updated. On top of this, I've recently hit 'send' on another blog for the Oxford Dictionaries site, and spent a lot of the month finalising plans for a website for my other writing-related venture. It's been a busy 2017 and I can't wait to see what 2018 has in store for myself and my clients

Two Go Wild on the Channel Islands!

I was in need of a spot of relaxation this month, what with all those projects on the go, so it's pretty convenient that my job sometimes allows me to jet off somewhere lovely and enjoy a trip away - completely free!

This assignment saw me writing a piece for Simply Magazines' portfolio of glossy mags, with a trip to Jersey with my Mum. Find out what happened when 'two went wild on the Channel Islands' by clicking here. Plus, you can also drool over this delicious-looking afternoon tea, below.

Rock 'n' Royal & a Trip Down Memory Lane!

News of the Royal wedding saw me take a trip down memory lane recently, thanks to this front page scoop I scored for a paper I used to be a full-time writer on. Who knew Prince Harry was a fan of former punk band, the Towers of London?!

Apparently, he is. Or was. I posted all about it on my Instagram page (come and say hello, if you haven't already).

Time to Plan for 2018?

If you're a small business owner like myself, maybe you're ready to get the ball rolling on a great 2018? If that's the case, you can do a lot worse than check out this blog by the folks over at Moz.com.

It features tips on building a content marketing strategy, and it offers all sorts of advice you can make use of in the New Year. One of my goals for 2018 is to get better at updating my social media pages - and it's one thing we all could try to do as January comes into view.

I'm helping myself get organised with a paper planner. I usually use Google calendar to schedule events and meetings - and I still will be doing. But for longer-term objectives, I'll be using this fun little planner I found on Amazon. Who said organisers need to be dull?

Instagram: #thanksforthememories!

If you're an Instagram devotee and you haven't yet done it, make sure you head here to discover your social media highlights for the year.

The 'Instagram Best Nine' site rounds up...yep, you guessed it...nine of your most-liked photos from 2017, creating a fun and nostalgic photo collage for you to look back on. Or wonder why you're such a narcissist (see mine, below) #slightlyashamed

Are you on Instagram? Hit 'follow' on my business page here and I promise I'll do the same back.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone - my clients, old and new, and anyone who's stopped by and read my blog, or simply made an enquiry via my site, a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2018.

And if you think I can help you tick a few things off your to-do list in the New Year, get in touch and I'll book out some time for you in my new planner.

Until next time...

In Case You Need Another Reason to Hire a Freelance Copywriter...

...and not just any copywriter (but meeee!), then here's the very reason you're looking for: my rates are lower than most. Lower than the national average, actually.

How do I know this? A survey from the Professional Copywriters' Network (an organisation I'm a member of) dropped into my inbox the other week and it revealed, amongst other things, that the average copywriting daily rate here in the UK is £339.

I can tell you my copywriting rate falls under that.

But that's not because I'm no good at my job and I'm therefore devaluing my services. No, no, nooo. Instead, it's because it's just as important to me to be competitively-priced as it is to offer my clients great work. After all, I live and work in Yorkshire - and I realise people like a good deal round these parts.

Here's a look at the highest copywriting daily rate out there, alongside the average. As far as freelance copywriting rates go, £339 isn't to be scoffed at. That's £339 to have someone make a start on your website, brochure, or compile a few press releases. Not bad at all, eh?

And while you may think that anyone can write great copy, that's really not the case. Furthermore, well-crafted copy really does lead to boosted sales. Or at the very least it'll help to cement your reputation amongst a sea of industry-wide competition. All that for less than £339 per day.

If you're looking for freelance copywriting services Leeds, you'll find there are lots to choose from. But are there lots that offer a daily rate that falls under the national average? I say: 'no, Siree'.

My rate may be more reasonable than those offered by other freelance copywriters, but I still produce the results my clients are looking for - and I'm a relatively quick worker, too. Just try me; I bet I can make a dent on the projects on your to-do list within a day or two. I've done the very same for clients including High Definition Brows, QVC and Flowers Direct, to name just a few.

Discover how reasonable my freelance copywriting daily rate is by getting in touch here.

I'm looking forward to hopefully becoming your new, reliable (and extremely reasonably priced!) go-to copywriter. Let's chat!

Until next time...

Did Someone Say Cake...?

Yesterday (Friday, January 23) marked my ninth year as a freelance copywriter. And how do I know this? Good old LinkedIn. Its helpful reminder had me reaching for the cake (any excuse to celebrate, eh?) and wondering where on earth the best part of a decade has gone.

Need a Hand with Your Next Copywriting Project?

So, what does my nine years' experience mean to you? Assurance. I'd like to think it takes away any reservations you may have about choosing me for your next copywriting project - big or small. After all, I've been crafting copy for businesses like yours for round about 3287 days, give or take weekends. And yes, I had to Google that - there was a reason I chose a career with words, not numbers.

In terms of experience, nine years has seen me put my creative copywriting skills to everything from email marketing, printed advertising, web copy, press releases, and social media updates. I've worked with brands as diverse as QVC's shopping channel to Fosters Beer, Flowers Direct, and Denby Dale's Yummy Yorkshire ice cream parlour - and I can't wait to take on my next big assignment!

How has the last nine years panned out for you? Perhaps you'd like to give your business the boost it deserves, but you're not sure where to start?

Yorkshire-based Freelance Copywriter - Available for Hire

Need a copywriter? I'm a Yorkshire-based freelance copywriter working from my home in Huddersfield. But don't let that put you off; the fact I work remotely means I can lend a hand to your brand and its communications, wherever you are.

Fancy a chat about your next project? Simply send me a note over here and we'll go from there.

You Know You're a Freelancer When...

... despite the short commute from the shower to the study, no less than two cups of coffee are required before computer switch on commences

... you find yourself wondering if it's socially acceptable to invite the postie in for a cuppa and chat. All work and no interaction makes Lauren a very dull copywriter

... you convince yourself that 90-minute lunch break is actually conducive to a more productive afternoon...

...ditto that sugar-laced slice of Vicky sponge cake

... the prospect of slipping on yet another pair of well-worn (but oh so comfy) jogging bottoms is more appealing than it probably should be

... your parents still don't understand what you do day-to-day...

...and sometimes, you're not 100% sure you do either: SEO, ROI, B2B, GA, PPC. Acronyms are the new black, apparently.

...you start the day with great intentions (early morning gym session, anyone?), before deciding you'll go 'after you've smashed that deadline'. Only to abandon the idea in favour of Dinner Date and a second slice of sponge cake.