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...

Word Up! Here's My First Monthly Content Review...

The last month or so has been manic. So manic, in fact, that I've reached out to a couple of talented freelance copywriters for an extra pair of hands on a project or two. It's meant that I can meet my clients' deadlines well ahead of time, which is always a bonus - for me and them.

So, what else have I been up to in the last month or so? I've been helping a company that sells kids' toys update its site, put together a series of landing pages for a web hosting firm, kept on top of Distinctive Chesterfields' social media pages, and made some final tweaks to some content for a bed manufacturer. And now to rest (pun intended)!

What's been going on in the wider world in October? Apart from a million and one pumpkin pics (I love seeing everyone's efforts on Facebook, Instagram and the like), and the clocks going back (hooray for darker nights - no, really, I absolutely love them!), there's been all sorts. And in my very first Content Review post, I'll be sharing with you some of the best articles, hints and tips from around the net. In this monthly posts, there'll be advice for copywriters, suggestions for small businesses, and a few bits and pieces in between. Read on...

Discover How to Stand Out Online

Want to know how to propel your brand? Katrina of KC Communications has written this blog, which tells you exactly how you can. The Managing Director of a fellow Huddersfield business, Katrina left a full-time marketing position a few years ago to found her brand - and over on her blog, she offers plenty of useful info for companies looking to get ahead. Check out the piece Katrina's penned about boosting your business online; it gives you all the details you need to ensure you're seen and heard amongst a sea of competitors.

"Can I Get an 'S'?, Can I Get an 'E', Can I Get an 'O'"

Reputation is everything when it comes to standing out online, but you can also give yourself a helping hand by way of a little thing called SEO.

Most of us are well aware what SEO stands for, but for those not in the know it's 'Search Engine Optimisation'. And what that means in simpler terms is 'using a little technical know-how to ensure your site is pops up when people search for the services you offer' (well, that was a mouthful!)

Don't know where to start? Aaron of The Evergreen Academy may well be able to help. He has a super duperly exciting online course to help any business owners looking to give themselves a leg up on Google. I've tried it out myself and it's smashing.

One of Aaron's best pieces of advice, though, is this: 'To rank well online, you have to deserve to rank.' So, create good, regular content and you're pretty much onto a winner. It's what I'm aiming to do as we speak, by writing this very post.

"Talk to Other Copywriters"

As a member of The Professional Copywriters' Network, I always keep an eye on its site to see what others are writing about. There's always plenty of good stuff to be found over there, with a regular 'Members' Spotlight' piece. One of the latest was definitely worth a read. In it, Cat Roberts-Young advises that anyone looking to join the industry should simply 'talk to other copywriters'.

I'd say the same rings true for freelancers in general. It can be a lonely life, working from home on your own - and this group has proved a life-saver on those mornings when I'm ready to chew someone's ear off (hello, Postman!) about anything and everything.

And yeah, if you're wanting to make the foray into freelance copywriting, say hello! I was fortunate enough to receive plenty of advice when I was starting out and I'd love to think I've helped someone a little, too.

Want to Make Your Content Smarter?

Okay, so your content won't be able to do maths. Well, I hope not anyway (damn, robots!). But you can make it smarter, according to Search Engine Watch. It's all about that little acronym again: SEO. But it really is important to optimise your site. Otherwise, it can seem like you're talking to yourself, especially if your site is relatively new.

And Finally...

Andrew Boulton is, hands down, one of my favourite copywriters. See, it's nice to give praise where it's due - even if it is your competition. But seriously, what that guy can do with words...

So I thought I'd share this with you: Andrew's piece on how copywriters write copy. Putting content together is like making an omelette, apparently. Pop over and have a read. And make sure you enjoy what's left of October.

Can I help you tick a few things off your copywriting to-do list as we move into November? Just let me know and we'll have a chat. Hey, I'll even treat you to coffee and cake if you're local.

Until next time...