No less than seven months after becoming a freelance web copywriter, I finally have a website.
Seven months.
Can you imagine how embarrassing it is for a web copywriter to not have a website? It's like a designer dressmaker walking around naked. Well, slightly less embarrassing than that, but not by much.
The name was the first problem, I hope I cracked that. You can read about where it comes from if you’re curious. The next problem was far harder to solve:
I didn’t have a clear idea of who I would be writing for.
What I was really wrestling with was this: I write online press releases, blog posts and articles for businesses who are run by people who don’t participate in the online world. They’re either too busy or simply don’t want to get into social networking and the web in general.
That’s fine, one could even say great, as it means I am extra useful! I interview them once a month, translate that interview into juicy keyword laden content and everyone’s happy. Nobody has to go to the internet if they don’t want to.
But then I thought about what else I want to do with my business. In the spirit of Nisaba, I want to be helpful, I want to offer words and knowledge, but the people who I write for already won’t consume it through a blog. And I love writing blogs.
So I spent the better part of 3 months thinking that I would have to write in a style that wouldn’t alienate them, and then try to get them to come here and join in when that isn’t what they want.
Humpf. Not satisfactory, and on a deep level, it blocked me.
The dilemma was resolved thanks to a sterling workshop delivered by the sparkling Pamela Slim of ‘Escape From Cubicle Nation’ fame. At the risk of sounding like a total fan-girl, she was just as exuberant, enthusiastic and inspiring as I had hoped – and more. She helped me to take a step back and really look at what my plans were for Your Nisaba and giving me the moment of clarity needed to progress.
About halfway through my day with Pam, it hit me. I didn’t have to write for the same people that I provide monthly copywriting services for. I have a huge amount of knowledge that could help other people who are running online businesses, people who already write blogs and participate online like I do, but don’t know about all of the different things they can do with words to help their businesses to grow.
Hurrah! Peace! Resolution!
So, here is my blog based mission: to help people who are already online to learn about how content can help their business. I want to take people like you by the hand and say “Relax, I’m here, I can help with the words and the online PR and the dreaded SEO. Everything is going to be ok.”
I can be myself here. I can run ideas by you and you can ask me questions. Relaxed. Fluffy. Friendly. Just the way I like it.
And for the customers in the real world who don’t read blogs? Well, maybe I’ll be able to lure them here, give them a place to dip a toe in the water. I’ll be writing a newsletter too (hey, you can sign up for that too, even though you’re an enlightened blog reader) so they can get that by e-mail and some of the e-books I have planned should help everyone. I can find them in the real world, whilst people like you can find me online. Everyone’s happy.
So, Your Nisaba is officially launched. How can I help you?
Nisaba be praised. (What’s this about?)
Tags: freelance web copywriter, online press releases, Your Nisaba