Tag: TVWebRadio

From old-school radio ads to the evolving world of YouTube videos – and whatever comes next (probably being dreamed up right now by some 20-year-old wunderkind sitting in his boxers in his parents’ basement) – the mission is the same: create persuasive copy that connects, captivates, and includes a strong call to action.

Don’t have the time or capabilities to get the job done right?

Then you’ll be happy to hear that we do.

Our writers know how to speak the language of your viewers and listeners, writing copy that fits the format. They’ve got an ear for TV and podcasts … an eye for Instagram and explainer videos … a brain for understanding your business, what sets it apart, and how to sell it … and a sense of urgency.

Which means they’ll keep your content current and never miss a deadline.

Working with The Writers For Hire is like adding a dedicated creative staff to your business. Your team will include a lead writer with specialized skills who will ensure your copy is the best it can be, an editor to fact-check and polish, and a project manager who will make certain your project stays on track (and can give you a fast and easy update any time you need it).

Web Video

Our writers create believable copy that tells a story, attracts attention, and inspires action. For online media, we also ensure your copy is search-engine-optimized:

  • It begins with a gripping, clickable headline that includes specific benefits and makes the reader want to learn more.
  • It targets keyword phrases.
  • It includes page links to leader your readers where you want them to go.
  • It’s concise and easy-to-read.
  • It gets shared. Remember, what people say about you is more important than what you say about yourself.

Explainer Videos

Because they can capture attention and engage website viewers more easily, explainer videos are exploding in popularity. These short animated or live-action pieces show, rather than just tell, viewers what your product or service can do for them. Generally 30 to 90 seconds long, explainer videos encourage people to spend more time on your website, and that increases your search engine page ranking. In addition, studies suggest that using video on landing pages can increase conversion by 80%, boosting revenue.

Of course, a bad video – ad-libbing, unprofessional production values – can be worse than no video at all.

How can you get the most from your explainer video?

  • Remember that the explainer video is intended to intrigue viewers and get them to take a next step. You won’t have time to tell everything there is to know about your product or service, so you have to use your seconds wisely.
  • Your copy should be benefit-heavy. Tell how your product or service will change the viewers’ lives.
  • Simplify the complex, or you run the risk of glazed-over eyes. Sure, your subject matter experts are geniuses, but they can be too mired in the details to get the story across effectively. A skilled copywriter can work with your subject matter experts to tease out what’s most important.
  • Although you want to educate the viewer, it’s good to be entertaining, too. And, yes, it is possible to do both simultaneously and still be taken seriously.
  • Include a call to action. It can be visible throughout the entire video or pop up occasionally.

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Good Discussion Makes Good Writing

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

I can remember back to a creative writing class I took in college. It was the first round-table discussion writing class I ever took, and had I known ahead of time that each one of my classmates would read and critique my work each time an assignment was due, I probably would have never signed up in the first place.

See, I was comfortable writing for the eyes of my teachers only. Comfortable with the fact that the only one to critique me (besides myself) was the person instructing and giving out the writing assignments. That I could handle. But the judgmental verdicts of a class full of kids my age? It was a death sentence. And honestly, I was right. When it came time for the first round of peer reviews, my work was grilled…and not just grilled, but skewered and roasted to a slow and painful death.

Ok, so it wasn’t really that bad. It was sorely uncomfortable…but in a good way. Kind of like when your dad takes the training wheels off of your bike and gives you the first push into the world of two-wheel freedom. Surprisingly, the peer review opened my eyes to a whole new way of understanding my talent for words. Not only did I get feedback from others with my same talent, I also learned from reading their work.

“”

It was a whole new world of varying styles and techniques – a hearty stew of words for me to feed on. So, instead of writhing in agony every time someone made comments or corrections to my work, I learned to absorb the good stuff and throw out the bad. I learned that styles that work well for some writers don’t necessarily work well for me…and that was ok because I was still learning. Learning that my writing weaknesses could be strengthened by someone else critiquing my work. Learning that someone else’s work could be strengthened by me.

It was (and still is) a simple give and take that is one of the most rewarding experiences in the writing profession. So if you’re not in the practice of having others review your work, dive right in. Join a writing group or have a trusted mentor look over your work. Any way you go about it, keep an open mind and allow someone else the opportunity to help your writing flourish. You’ll be amazed.

Show, Don’t Tell: Avoiding the ‘Information Dump’ in Fiction

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

The key to good fiction is giving your readers a reason to keep going — little mysteries and mini-conflicts that add suspense and create tension. After all, if you feel like you know everything about a character in the first few pages, is there any real reason to waste time finding out what will happen to him?

Here’s what I mean:

Pete works at a pharmacy. He’s in his mid-20s, and he loves Asian cuisine and professional wrestling. He lives with his mother, but he wants to move out on his own when he saves up the money. He likes a girl at work named Myrna, but he’s afraid to ask her out on a date.

This is critical stuff: We have hints of a few conflicts: Pete is shy, but he’d like to go on a date with a coworker. He wants his own apartment, but he can’t afford it right now. And, we know a little about his interests and goals. But, it’s dull, dull, dull. It’s an information dump — in a rush to introduce Pete, we’ve put our readers into a coma.

This one’s a little better:

Pete set down his plate of teriyaki and stared at Myrna from across the break room. Even dressed in her white, polyester lab coat, she was stunning.

I wonder if she likes wrestling, Pete thought. I’ve got two tickets to next week’s match. Maybe I should just ask her out. Just as friends. Oh, who am I kidding? I can’t even afford my own place — who wants to go out with a guy that still lives with his mother?

Myrna looked up and met his gaze. Pete snatched a newspaper and opened it to a random page, trying to look casual. That’s when he saw the advertisement: “Wrestlers needed for amateur match. Saturday night. First prize $5,000.”

The hints of conflict in the first version have become specific questions: Will Pete ask Myrna on a date? Will he put on tights, get in the ring, and win first prize? Focus on showing — revealing details through a character’s speech, thoughts, and actions — rather than simply telling the reader what’s important.

Stamp Out Wimpy Verbs

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

Any good writer will tell you to build your sentences on verbs. It’s not nouns or adverbs or adjectives that make your prose shine. When it comes to great writing, the verb is the powerhouse.

OK, so write with verbs. That sounds easy enough. But as with all things writing, wrapping your sentences around verbs can be more difficult than you think. To make it even more difficult, not all verbs are created equal. Some verbs are just plain wimpy. And for hard-hitting copy, you need hard-hitting verbs.

Here are a few limp verbs that should send your editor alarm bells ringing:

Let. If I had a penny for every time I saw this one. Let us serve you with our 100 years of experience at financial planning, blah, blah, blah. Blech. You can do better than that. Try instead: From our first meeting, we pull from over 100 years of financial experience to build your retirement plan.

Allow. Just like let, allow is a lazy verb. It’s easy to write and easy to ignore.

Offer (or Provide). Yes, you’ll probably have offer in your copy somewhere, and that’s fine. But be aware. Offer can get boring, fast.

Here’s an example with allow and offer in the same sentence: We offer mobile, onsite services that allow us to clean and detail your vehicle anywhere — from your home to your office.

Try instead: With our mobile, onsite services, we’ll clean and detail your vehicle anywhere — from your home to your office.

To Be. Am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been. Use too many forms of the “to be” verb, and you are sure to put your readers to sleep. Of course, you do need some of these. But instead of “We are an award-winning establishment that works for you 24-7. Do: “At our award-winning establishment, we work for you 24-7.”

Have. “We have more than 30 stores to serve you.” Okay, fine. Not a terrible sentence, but it isn’t exactly making me jump out of my seat either. How about: “Find your next widget at your choice of over 30 locations.”

Am I saying to avoid this list of verbs at all costs? Of course not. They are part of the English language, and they have their place. But if you find yourself using one, take another look at your sentence. Chances are, there is a more powerful verb waiting to get out.

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