“Your free content tells your readers what to do. Your paid content tells them how to do it.” – Internet marketing consultant Wendy-Leigh Montes de Oca

“You can also tell people how to solve a minor problem when you’re selling the solution to a bigger problem.” – Internet marketing guru Terry Dean

So set some of your best content free online. In the process, you’ll demonstrate your thought leadership, add value to your clients, and start to see your website traffic and sales soar.

The guest speakers included a technical writer, an IT professional, a recruiter of technical professionals, and me, Melanie Lundheim, corporate freelance writer that specializes in communicating about technical subject matter in lay terms.

Graduates and undergraduates interested in technical communications were in attendance, where they learned about what hiring managers look for in candidates, what should be in their writing portfolios, and the outlook for technical communicators.

View a narrated version of my presentation: “Tips from a Six-figure Freelance Writer: Your Future is Bright!” 

1. Observe how your audience speaks
2. How does their style differ from yours?
3. Make your message resonate with, rather than intimidate, your audience

In general, easier-to-grasp communications are more effective. So think
“use,” instead of “utilize,” or “get,” instead of “obtain.”

What’s unique about your audience’s conversational style? Share at
the Good Copy Fast Facebook page.

Middle aged and still don’t know what you want to do with your life?

1. Think about what you don’t want
2. Put their opposites in a pot and stir
3. Let ‘em simmer a while

You’ll know what you really want when your new brew starts to sizzle. Share what’s in your recipe for success at the Good Copy Fast Facebook page.

Thanks to Xin Gu of SmashBlox for the inspiration behind this post!