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Jill Bellrose
Expert Guru
I'm Jill Bellrose, your writer NW. I have degrees in Creative Writing/Literature and English, and I've been creating persuasive copy for nearly 20 years.
Most recently (from 2004 until 2008), I worked for one of the nation's top 20 media corporations as Multimedia Content Developer. My responsibilities included marketing/advertising concepts (from product names and taglines to full-page newspaper and online ads); special sections copywriting (with byline); magazine advertorial; radio and TV ads and search engine optimization.
My contest entries have garnered clients prestigious regional, national and international awards and honors.
I began optimizing web pages some years ago for an incredibly successful honeymoon website, and believe the difference between a page 1 site and one that's unseen is the quality of the copywriting. A skilled writer can make keywords flow and place them so they pop!
I look forward to working with you!
Interview
What books have most influenced your life? I've been influenced by masterpieces ranging from the complete works of Shakespeare to Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins.
Who are your favorite music artists? My tastes in music are pretty eclectic. I'm crazy about Beethoven, Tom Waits, anything with a samba beat, the Beatles, and the beat goes on.
What are your favorite websites and why? Powells.com is a great site for readers; I also peruse Amazon a lot and Overstock.com for good deals. I like TheBigDay.com, because it's one of many sites I helped write!
Where else can people find you on the web? My website writernw.com is under construction. I named it in honor of my recent move from LA back to beautiful Oregon.
What are your professional highlights? Being named employee of the month, a corporate hero and "creative genius" were great. But my real joy comes when my words move the reader and every time my copy works wonders for a client.
What advice do you have for the journey of life? Learn from your mistakes, cherish the past, live in the moment, work toward a brighter future. Travel--it's the best teacher. And never give up!
What are you most passionate about in life? Honesty. Integrity. In my business, helping others succeed brings me success. My beautiful family tops my list, of course, followed by a love of the arts and a desire to preserve and improve the environment.
What ticks you off? Dishonesty and laziness. I don't like wasting time that could be used creatively.
Any thoughts or ideas on living a greener life? Well, I started by moving back to Portland (the greenest city in the US). Do all the obvious things we do: recycle, ride the bus or your bike, replace your lawn with less thirsty (and more beautiful) plants, buy locally, and turn off everything you're not using.
What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised to know that I love motorcycle racing. Vrrrrooooooom!
Philosophy
I'm passionate about writing effective marketing copy. Of course, it's always important to follow the rules and tell the truth. I'd never market a product I didn't believe in. And, of course, a good writer always want to please clients by giving them concepts and copy they like and have confidence in. But, as I once told my boss at a large daily newspaper: my inspiration and joy in writing marketing copy is that I want it to work!
Copywriter Editor Speech Writer Web Writer Journalist PR Writer
Project Experience
Direct Mail Keyword Research Newsletters Speeches Text Ads (PPC) Print Ads Optimization White Papers Tech Articles Video Content Slide Shows Articles Book Brochures Press Releases Catalogs
Industry Experience
Entertainment Hospitality High Tech Non Profit Publishing Search Marketing Magazines Educational Sports
7 Tips from Jill Bellrose
Pin it down, then let it fly!
Whether you're writing a novel or a banner ad, it's important to give yourself an outline--a "road map" to keep you on point and on the right track. But once your outline is as detailed as you can make it, let your writing flow. Don't edit as you go. Sure, you'll have to edit the first draft (you would, anyway!), but you'll be amazed at how much good material you'll get by just letting thoughts fly directly from your mind to your hands and onto the page.
Bloggit: Write the way you speak
Internet writing, blogging in particular, requires different skills from print writing. Your blog should be conversational, personal, almost confidential--as if you are sharing your secrets with an audience of one. You'll want to use contractions (as you do in "real life") and help your reader relax into the blog.
Great desserts come in small packages
I love dessert so much, I once opened a bakery, just to smell (and sample) all the cakes, pies and danish pastries. Luckily, I had just enough self control to keep myself from packing on an extra 100 pounds of chocolate-related body weight. These days, with so many of us conscious of healthy eating, I still serve up dessert--but in adorable, tiny portions. A perfect cupcake dusted with 10 karat gold is as fulfilling as a wank of fudge cake. Or think about baking tiny lemon tarts instead of doling out hefty wedges of pie. Your guests won't pass on dessert, and they'll be grateful for your extra effort.
Are you talking to me?
Before settling in to start a copywriting assignment, get as much information as possible about your client's audience. Is it a B2B (business to business) message or a B2C message (business to consumer)?
If it's B2C, are you targeting young, affluent potential customers or middle-aged, conservative current customers? Once you have pinpointed your audience, you'll be able to use language that reaches your target.
Wear a white hat
Copy is key to successful search engine optimization. Focus on keywords that searchers might actually use when conducting a search. Are you working for the Acme Widget Company in Walla Walla, Washington? While it's possible that some searchers will be searching for the Acme Company, it's more likely they'll be looking for widgets in Walla Walla. Start your SEO by placing "Walla Walla", "Washington", and of course, "widgets" naturally throughout the homepage.
Greener than green
After several years in California, I recently moved back to Portland Oregon. California was warm, it was lucrative, it was everything it claims to be. I moved back because I missed the green of Portland. There are more shades of green just outside my door in SE Portland than most of the world's people will ever see. But it's also the "greenest" city in the nation. If you're planning a move to The City of Roses, you'll want to be a part of everything green. Here are a few tips to get you started: 1. Recycle. Portland makes it easy. Everything from lawn debris to assorted colors of glass can easily be separated and left for pick up. 2. Buy local produce. It will save on transportation costs and pollution. Oregon is an agricultural dream. Aside from citrus, there's not much that isn't growing right outside. 3. Replace your lawn with herbs. You'll use less water, make your yard a showplace, and your cooking will never be better. 4. Hike and bike. Everyone in Portland hikes. It's a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city. 5. Use public transportation. Portland's public transportation is great, and it's used by more people from all walks of life than that in any comparably-sized city.
To tip or not to tip
People in the US are the biggest tippers on the planet. But in some countries, tipping is not only not required or expected, it can be considered an insult! And in a few countries, it's actually illegal.
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