Caryn Starr-Gates's Blog – June 2014 Archive (18)

Somewhere along the line, people have forgotten how to use simple, clear language in their business communications and insist on falling into a big bucket of jargon-y goo. Marketing-speak and consultant-comm are creeping into the common lexicon like boll weevils in a cotton patch, changing how we talk to each other. It would really be terrible if this problem extended into private, personal, informal conversation and I am thankful I have yet to hear this.



My rant…

It occurred to me the other day, as I was writing what seemed like gazillion little press releases from mere snippets of information, that writing copy is often like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.

I love jigsaw puzzles. I have been known to complete a 1500-piece puzzle over a weekend in my spare time. It requires focus, an attention to detail, and an appreciation of order. The puzzler must be able to visualize the end result in her mind's eye and…

A blog post by a fellow copywriter from the U.K. inspired me to write this entry today. The questions of "What do you do?" or "What is a copywriter?" are not unusual.



First of all, I am not a lawyer who works with copyrights. Copywriters work with copy--with text that promotes and sells in some fashion. They come up with concepts to convey the sales message, in tandem with the art director who conceives the visuals that complete the website, TV…

I am now a published author, with the publication of a new book from Woodpecker Press titled, "Jersey Women Mean Business! Big Bold Business Advice from New Jersey Women Business Owners: Practical Pointers, Solutions, and Strategies for Business Success."

The book is a compilation of business how-to chapters by 72 individual women entrepreneurs from throughout New Jersey, who have contributed…

Why is it that so many advertisers feel the need to cram every single message they have into one ad? I'm sure someone told these businesses that with their limited advertising dollars, it's best to use the shotgun approach, put all their selling points out there, and see what people respond to.



Uh, not a great idea. Really, I would not give you a bum steer here. Keep your ad copy simple. If you cannot afford to run more than one ad for something, resist the…

I have witnessed some serious downward spirals in interpersonal communication on social networks and it's quite disturbing. 

And many of these are from so-called communications professionals, copywriters, and marketing…

Why is it that plumbers, electricians, and handymen are not questioned about their fees and consumers pay them handsomely for their services? 



How is it that lawyers charge several hundred dollars an hour to share their expertise, and clients pay for that without querying the attorneys about their qualifications that support this rate? (Dear Esquires, I am not picking on you, really - this is just to make my point.)



What is it about freelance…

Hurricane Sandy turned the social networks into virtual, 24-hour, non-stop newsrooms for many people. Whether or not you had power, whether you checked your pages on a desktop or mobile devices, it seemed everyone everywhere in affected areas (and beyond) were communicating, updating, and commiserating on the social networks.

Here's my take on the way new media helped keep us all infomed -…

A peek into my serial careerist lift and more. http://thecopyblock.blogspot.com/2013/02/guest-post-from-amore-journey-about-me.html

Clients often call me to write a news release for them but quite often, I'm left asking, "What exactly is your news?" All too often, business owners or managers believe that what is news to them or important to them carries equal weight with the reporters and editors who will be receiving the press release release, or with the public that will end up reading…

All your news is not fit to print -- here are 20 reasons to make your company's "news" appropriate for pitching to journalists or sending news releases to the media.

http://thecopyblock.blogspot.com/2013/05/twenty-great-reasons-to-write-and.html

You have an idea, marketing project, website, commercial -- something you want to do to promote your product or service. You might even have retained the services of a graphic designer or art director but now need someone to put together the words. That's the copywriter. 





Writing copy is more than just spitting out verbiage, though.  …

A nostalgic look at my days in ad agencies and a take on the "new world."

http://thecopyblock.blogspot.com/2013/09/missing-old-days.html

Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows that I am a stickler for detail, good grammar, and a typo-free piece of communication. I have been known to snarkily point out the errors on other people's website pages, in their social media posts, their articles . . . and restaurant menus are a particular favorite of mine. (Honestly, doesn't the Italian restaurant know how to spell "cappuccino?") I apologize in advance about my nasty habit but these things just jump out at me, begging…

As the old saying goes, “You only have one chance to make a first impression.” In the online world you have one moment, so make sure you make the best impression right away on your business’ website. Here are five ways to make sure your website works in positive ways to build your online reputation and identity. 

Read five tips about websites at…

I was recently asked by an executive of an account I work on to lead a class for seniors as part of the organization's lifelong learning program. I was flattered and said "yes" although as a copywriter I was not sure what I could teach. My contact suggested "creative journaling"and I agreed.



I don't keep a journal and barely remember to update this blog but after a little research I had my outline done, a two-page handout for the class, and some ideas for our…

Disclaimer: I am not an SEO expert or…