SEO copy writing is not poetry
February 7th, 2008 by jerryI have known many copywriters over my career. I hired many, having managed both a technical writing business, and a technical PR/marcom business. Last week I ran into a past employee who has been a copywriter for many years. She told me how writing for the Web has been a struggle for her, but an interesting experience. I could relate. She likes writing for the Web, but had a difficult time with the transition, having to let go of the quest for just the right word in every case. While “traditional” marketing copywriting and SEO copywriting require different styles, I would choose a copywriter who can do both well. A combination of the styles is the best bet, because while good SEO copywriting plays a role in getting them to the site, it’s not helpful if it does not eloquently get across your message. Well, I think I will visit a few poetry sites now…
February 7th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Those are all good points. In my opinion, copywriters are going through the same type of adjustment graphic designers have gone through when adapting for the web. Designers don’t have as much control over web design as they do with print design, especially in this Web 2.0 era.
Those of us on the technical side of the biz are used to constant change and adjustment. Thanks to Web 2.0, we’re dragging everyone else along with us.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Thanks, Jerry, for raising this topic so elegantly. SEO copywriting and poetry certainly are their own distinct categories. Unless, of course, you consider bad poetry:
SEO Copywriting, it has its own tone
SEO copy writing, a fine skill to hone
The prospect does search on terms all her own
We must meet her through Google or stay all alone.
Search copywriting
meter verse rhyme stanza free
a niche poetry
There once was SEO copywriting
The search engines found it so inviting
And prospects may too
you say “sandal”; they say “shoe”
We’re dipolmats really…how exciting!
February 8th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
*snort*
Susan is SO going to win the marketing slam poetry competition.