Practical SEO Copywriting Review — The Easy Way To Learn SEO Copywriting
I provide SEO copywriting for a number of different businesses, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to help everyone. You see, a large number of the people who contact me are website owners with budgets that are simply too small for the amount of copy and content they need.
The other group is moms, dads and students who would like to earn some extra cash writing for a living. They want to do it, but they just can’t afford to pay me to teach them one on one and finding a decent course on it is like finding a needle in a haystack blindfolded!
While I do help some of these people on rare occasion, I simply can’t afford to help all of them. Now, with Practical SEO Copywriting by Glenn Murray, I can!
About Glenn…
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Glenn Murray of Divine Write for almost three years now. We met over a tweet about SEO of all things. I was looking for some good quality resources to learn more about SEO, and he was kind enough to offer me a copy of his book SEO Secrets.
Being a creative, writing-obsessed, information addicted, quirky soul with a passion for SEO like me, we hit it off instantly and spent a good chunk of time talking about…I don’t know…something. Anyway, despite the fact that we’re technically competitors, we’ve become colleagues, and most importantly, great friends. We’ve worked together and helped each other more times than I have fingers and toes. (Might explain why I don’t know how many times we’ve helped each other out!)
You’ll never find another copywriter more interested in talking about the industry and willing to help. He’s smart, knows what he’s talking about, and is certainly ahead of the game compared to most in the industry. Naturally, I was excited and flattered when I got a sneak peek at Practical SEO copywriting.
Glenn and Writing
Perhaps one reason Glenn and I get along so well is that we have the same methodologies, techniques, and ideas when it comes to SEO copywriting and running our businesses. (They say imitation is the best form of flattery 
)
Well, we do argue about one thing: I’m a firm believer in the idea that contractions should be used to improve the flow of the writing, but they should be mixed with the long form to add variety and emphasize various points. He doesn’t. As a result, it has become one of our favourite arguments that I poke him with just often enough to keep him on his toes. (I keep meaning to write a post about that…)
Ok, ok. He uses a lot of funny words that remind me of Crocodile Dundee, his spelling is a little off (who spells tire with a ‘y’ anyway? ) and he’s made me go digging through an Australian/Canadian dictionary for a translation more than once, but I digress.
In short, Glenn has written a book that contains the teachings I would have included in a book about SEO copywriting. He is an extremely talented copywriter, successful, and someone I look up to very much.
Practical SEO Copywriting
I absolutely loved the way Glenn formatted and set up the book. Not only was there lots of pretty pictures and tables to look at, but it also meant I could absorb more information by reading less. Who doesn’t like that?
The problem with writing about SEO copywriting is that it contains many problems you don’t encounter or think about until after you get going on it. This can make these situations a bit difficult to for someone new to the gig to understand. Glenn, however, handled it beautifully.
He explored each of the common issues in detail using simple and entertaining English. (I must say that ‘The sniff of an oily rag is the Honda ride-on mower’s equivalent of over-eating!’ is my favourite line in the whole book.) The problems, solutions, and examples included in the book made it easy to understand what he was getting at and how to solve them.
Glenn also covered a number of the dilemmas I was forced to learn through experience. I think this will give everyone wanting to know more about SEO copywriting a huge advantage that those of us who came before this book simply just didn’t have.
Everything you need to know about SEO copywriting is in this book and explained in a way everyone can understand! It’s far better than most of the multiple week training courses I’ve seen, and if you don’t think so, Glenn is more than happy to refund your money. (If it makes you feel better, I don’t remember Glenn ever having to give someone a refund on any of his books.)
What I’d Like To See In The Book…
Like the brain freeze that comes with ice cream, you have to take the good with the bad. On the bright side, the sugary sweet goodness more than makes up for the momentary discomfort.
First of all, Glenn doesn’t talk about himself or brag about himself near enough. I know him, so I know there’s much more to the story that I think others would have related to and found interesting. It would also have gotten readers to realize exactly how big of a deal he really is. (In case you’re wondering, he’s as big in the copywriting world as Oscar the Grouch is on Sesame Street. Wait…is Oscar still on Sesame Street? Never mind. You know where I’m heading with this. You definitely want to get to know him!)
I would have liked to see him dig a bit more into formatting text and the importance of bold, italics, colour, and underlining. On the Web, this can make or break your copy, as far as I’m concerned.
While making headlines and text scannable was mentioned in the book, I would have loved to have seen a section devoted to it. Other items such as studies, reports, statistics, etc that outline the habits of online readers (the first three words of a title, for example) would have been another great set of topics to consider, even if it was simply providing links to further reading.
The book doesn’t dig much into creating headlines, but at the same time, this is sort of a tough one to teach. You just need to practice. A pull file filled with great headlines you find along your travels can really help too.
I think those new to copywriting and websites would have benefited from a set of examples they could refer to. The book does have examples, but some people learn better when they can compare before and after samples in different styles. Perhaps it would have been even better to give some exercises at the end that we could work on and compare to the optimized version? That’s right, I need more dammit!
From now on, those who ask me about SEO copywriting will definitely be getting a link to this book.
So, if you haven’t already purchased Glenn Murray’s Practical SEO Copywriting, I strongly suggest you do so. You won’t be disappointed!
(Yes, these are affiliate links on an honest review.)
Copywriting | 2 comments
Angie’s Copywriting Gets Nominated for a SEMMY!
I was very pleasantly surprised yesterday. My piece, ‘Don’t Blame the Snake Oil Salesman‘, has been nominated for a SEMMY Award in the ‘industry’ category! Voting opens on January 20th.
I wanted to thank them very much for the nomination. Being ‘new’ to the industry (especially in comparison to many others on the list) and a copywriter, I’m honoured to know that my post is considered one of the year’s best.
Lighter Side | No comments
Even A Writer Can Help…An Appeal For Victims of The Australian Bushfires
If you are unaware of the Australian’s plight, I urge you to read these posts by Lee Hopkins on the Australian bushfires. He is only one of many wonderful people I’ve come into contact with in recent months. While he may not be in danger yet, nor any of the others I know personally thus far (still waiting to hear of some), others are.
So far, there are thousands homeless, well over a hundred people dead — some instances wiped out entire families — thousands injured, and thousands of animals in need of care.
While I go into it in more detail on my Writer Coaching and Consulting page, I will say here that I need to do what I can to help. While I do have several other small things planned, I wanted to announce that ALL of the proceeds from any coaching or consultation sessions booked from now until further notice will go directly to the Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army, and CFA.
I don’t generally ask for much, but I ask that you help me help them, or make a direct donation to help. They need it.
Tweet this post, blog about the situation, share the word, make a video, share the Red Cross donation link, and do what you can. Every small step will turn into a giant helping hand for someone who really needs it.
Lighter Side | 3 comments
A ‘Hidden’ Gem For Online Writers — Freelance Writing.Com
If you have started as a copywriter, but have never gone to Freelance Writing.com, you may just want to head over there and check it out. These guys have collected some of the finest resources on the web together in one place. Writer forums, freelance writing jobs, articles, guidelines, and more you want to bookmark this site.
I have yet to participate in the writers forums there. Honestly, it just isn’t something I have time for on top of all the other projects I have on the go, and another huge project on the horizon. I do recommend browsing through it though.
Their articles, free ebooks, white papers and other resources are filled with important information. I guarantee that if you need to know something about writing, you’ll find it or a link to it there. Spending time digging through this stuff is well worth the effort.
The freelance writing jobs section pulls open jobs from all over the web including more prominent sites like Elance as well as many of the hidden ones. This eliminates having to bounce through 20 or 30 sites at once. This is a huge bonus for anyone needing to spend less time looking for work, and more time actually making money. Keep your eye out for the gems!
I won’t argue that writing online can certainly be profitable, but you shouldn’t overlook the traditional magazine industry either. With the economy on a harsh downward style, more and more of them are replacing journalists and in-house writers with freelancers. While I don’t necessarily agree with some of this, it does open that market up to those of us without formal training. If you get the right opportunity, it could mean great things in the long term once this crazy world straightens itself out.
Just like in-print media can be a good thing, submitting to printed media without doing your homework can devastate a career in an instant. Freelance Writing.Com has an extensive list of writer’s guidelines that you will want to check out.
Freelance Writing.Com knows that writing isn’t just about work, and they addressed that with their writing contest and events sections. It is definitely worth a peek if you have some time on your hands, or would like to connect with other writers.
Head over, and have a look. Let me know what you think!
For the Writer | 1 comment
Big News, Small News And Interesting Tidbits At Angie’s Copywriting
News and Reviews for Freelance Writers
You have likely noticed that there hasn’t been much going on this past week or so. That’s ok! I have a really good excuse. A few of them actually, and I can’t wait to tell you!
Thursday Female Freelancing Solutions — Get Organized And Save Your Hair!
Since taking Dave’s ‘30 Hours In A Day’ program, my biggest problem is getting organized. Well it is not just getting organized, but also keeping it that way when things are crazy busy. I need to fix it, and fix it now. I’m starting 2009 off with a bang! In response, I have entered into a ‘Just Say NO To Clutter‘ project with Vicki Flaugher of SmartWomanGuides.Com (Check out her stuff! She’s fantastic and there’s lots of additional help there.)
Anyway, we had discussed the fact that a huge problem for most women entrepreneurs is office organization. When I look around my office, I have to agree. At the moment, my office is home to three computers with three different purposes and has several different roles. When everything happens at once, it gets worse. It seems like the only time somebody wants to give me something or do something is when I’m in the middle of something I can’t stop. Does that happen to you to?
Starting immediately, I will introduce you to my real world whirlwind called Angie’s Copywriting, and we’ll go through the process of getting it sorted out so that everything is streamlined. We’ll be getting everything done faster and with a higher quality because we are spending less time digging through junk (real and virtual). Vicki will feature this part of the process on her blog at SmartWomanGuides.Com.
I will take it one step further by giving you hints, tips, tools, and techniques to get yourself organized. If you want to make more money without working hard, or spending a dime, this will definitely help in the work smarter category.
Writing Spotlight Saturdays
Every Saturday, I am going to showcase a particular site or writing spot that will help you get started making money online instantly. It will be loaded with tons of hints and tips for boosting your sales. Some of these are well known, some not so much. These will also include the interviews with site owners and others from the companies themselves. I am definitely looking forward to these!
Guest Posts
I have had the pleasure of meeting up with several geniuses in the copywriting and freelance world. I will have managed to twist the arms of some very interesting points and secrets for success so that we can all get a little insight as to what it’s like and learn lots along the way I’m sure.
Write A Book!
I’ve never known much about my family history, and it has managed to cause a roadblock on a few occasions. That caused me to think about what my son will know about me and how he came to be who he is. After spending a fair amount of time reading Havi Brooks of Fluent Self, I’ve broke down and decided to write a traditional book. Will I try to get it published? Not likely. Will you ever get to read it…doubtful. I’m not much of a creative writer. At least, not for public eyes.
My entire purpose is to record all of this stuff and leave it to my son. This will be a great addition to the scrapbook, which currently has nothing past his first Christmas. He is now 8.
I hope that if you are thinking you would like to try writing your own book even if you don’t plan on doing anything with it. It can be great mental exercise and possibly therapeutic. If you do, maybe we can support each other a little bit to get it done.
Attention Wordpress Users (beginners, intermediate and up)
Michael Martine of Remarkablogger has completed his SEO bible for Worpress called **CENSORED** I received a sample of it when I purchased Online Business School, and I was thoroughly impressed.
Yesterday, I got my hot little hands on the finished project, and I have to say wow! It’s an ebook with coordinating audio and video to guide you through the entire process of optimizing your blog. The entire thing is step-by-step, easy to follow, and thorough.
It not only covers SEO for writing your posts, but it also tells you how to tweak your blog to get it noticed by Google. For a non-technical person like me, the results are amazing. Awesome stuff! I learned a lot, and I am going to give you the opportunity to get it here as well.
I will be providing a review of the product to give you an idea of what’s really here. However, I want you to know that I am not pressuring you or telling you to purchase it. I simply want to make sure you are aware of this stuff and have every opportunity to make as much money as you can without having to work harder. It launches in January, so make sure you keep your eye out. Can’t say much more until it comes out. I can hardly wait!
(image was taken by just.Luc. Thanks!)
For the Writer | 5 comments
