…in another language. Yep, that’s the catch (if you see it as a catch, that is). Speak to the Future, the campaign for languages supported by organisations like the Chartered Institute of Linguists, has set up the 1000 Words Challenge.
Do foreign words help or hinder?
Throughout its development, the English language has cheerily been hijacking words from other cultures. But does it help or hinder web copy when we pluck a word from another tongue to add a bit of style to our text?
Colons and semicolons
People can be very creative with their punctuation, whether they use it too much, not enough or in new and wonderful ways. Colons and semicolons often bear the brunt of this.
When copy makes you go ‘bleurgh’
Sometimes, tongue-in-cheek web copy works really well. Other times, when not viewed in context with other content, it just makes you go ‘yuck’.
New content podcast
Here’s an interesting new launch for content professionals. Digital media company Four-i’s has started a new content podcast, Content Matters, which talks about today’s web with the people managing and making it.
If you’re going to do it, do it correctly
Aaah, mobile phones. The ease with which they let us copywriters feed our grouchiness with sloppy language and questionable grammar.
‘Kid’s Corner’ or ‘Kids’ Corner’?
Microsoft’s ‘Kid’s Corner’ should really be ‘Kids’ Corner’. It’s not just for one child; it’s for all children. Deliberate naming choice or slippery apostrophe?
Harvey and Rabbit
I love this advert. Maybe it’s because I have dogs and can recognise that very intent ‘think about me’ look.
But it makes me laugh and I’m hooked from the start because of the strong story line, and that’s what every piece of communication should do.
Christmas card fun
When I’m not web copywriting, I like to have a little doodle and also work on my languages (out of both interest and necessity living in Spain and marrying into a German family).
How to write effective web copy
Your website must be well written, engaging and easy to find. Hiring a professional web copywriter to produce compelling text is, without doubt, a good investment — and one which will probably pay for itself with a single new piece of business.
But if you’re planning to write the web copy yourself, read on to find out what you need to consider (in a nutshell) and for five top tips. I wrote this with an SME audience in mind, but it applies to anybody who has to write text for a website.