Don’t just step into your reader’s shoes – take a big jump
Putting yourself in your audience’s position is a simple concept. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Read more
Page 1
Getting better words #4. How to judge a writer’s draft.
Telling good copy from bad isn’t always as straightforward as you might think. There’s a lot to consider – while keeping a lid on your personal preferences. Fortunately, the fourth instalment in our ‘Getting better words’ series makes it easier for you by highlighting the essentials. Read more
Why use a professional writer?
You wouldn’t trust a plasterer to fix your boiler. You wouldn’t trust an accountant to service your car. And you wouldn’t trust Erica in Sales to remove your tooth. So, argues Richard, why trust someone who doesn’t write for a living to write your words? Read more
Getting better words #3. How to brief well.
Every writing project stands or falls by the quality of the brief. We all know that. Which would be a problem if the third instalment in our ‘Getting better words’ series didn’t offer a simple guide to making the whole process plain sailing. Read more
Getting better words #2. The price is right… isn’t it?
Getting a reasonably accurate cost for a writing project is rarely straightforward – and it can be even harder to tell if it’s good value. But don’t worry, the second instalment in our ‘Getting better words’ series helps you tiptoe safely through this particular minefield. Read more
Getting better words #1. If you don’t like kissing frogs, read on…
Choosing a writer can be time consuming, labour intensive, and sometimes even fraught with danger. In the first of our 'Getting better words' series, we tell you how to avoid the pitfalls – and sidestep a costly bad decision. Read more
What have the Romans ever done for us?
To that long list John Cleese mentioned in The Life of Brian, we can add the Five Canons of Rhetoric - or the basis of good writing. But what's been good for two thousand years seems to have fallen by the wayside of late. Read more
Five ways to stop the words sabotaging your project
If we pocketed £1 for every conversation we've had about how the words hamstrung a project, we'd have enough to throw a pretty big shindig (you'd be invited, of course). But what's causing the headaches, hand-wringing and hair-pulling? And more importantly, what can you do about it? Read more
The glorious side effects of blogging
Blogging isn't just good for your business, it's also good for the blogger. But it can feel like hard work. However, frame it differently, and blogging can feel less of a millstone around your neck and more of a milestone in your personal development. Read more
University challenges (for university marketers)
For universities, attracting the right type of students in the right numbers is an ongoing headache. Here we look at how a little behavioural science can help institutions lead students from interested to engaged to enrolled. And how the words you use can help you do it. Read more