Any recommendations for how to improve online copywriting skills?

AIMS member Brian Moran sends in the following...

I'm a copywriter with many years experience writing traditional marketing communications copy (brochures, web site copy, ads, etc.). I want to update my knowledge of online marketing so I'm able to work in a marketing agency/firm that specializes in marketing for the online world.

I've already sent resumes to dozens of agencies that specialize in online marketing but none are interested in seeing me. I'm wondering if fellow AIMS members could make some suggestions as to how I could update my skills.

I'm considering a return to school (the Centennial program looks good - http://www.centennialcollege.ca/future/ccc_nmd_index.jsp), individual courses, conferences, etc. I'm up for anything that will update my knowledge and make me more marketable.

Any practical suggestions would be appreciated.

Anyone have any suggestions for Brian?

Comments

[Judy Gombita]

Brian, I'd recommend you go check out the website of (Canadian) online copyrighting guru, Nick Usborne, located at http://www.nickusborne.com/ and blog located at
http://nickusborne.typepad.com/.

You'll find them to be a great resource.

I've been receiving his biweekly Excess Voice e-newsletter for a few years and find it very interesting and helpful. Nick is also quite generous about answering specific questions and requests from his community.

Good luck!

[Chris Biber]

Brian,

Two of the other gurus out there are definitely the Eisenberg brothers, Brian & Jeffrey. They've written a total of three excellent books, the most recent of which is 'Waiting for your cat to bark'. These guys really get it...

The books, and their very insightful grokdotcom newsletter at http://www.grokdotcom.com/ are highly recommended. Of course, there are a lot of other resources out there - feel free to ask for more...

Good luck

Chris
SearchingWorks

[Brandy]

Hi Brian,
I took the NMD program at Centennial College and can vouch that it is a good program. This certificate had a big focus on building new media - the actual design skills - with a sub-focus on project management and writing skills.

So depending on your desired outcome, this may or may not be the program for you.

If you are looking purely at upgrading your ability to WRITE for online, I think there may be more applicable programs out there.

I too am looking for similar courses and would welcome feedback from others on which courses are best... for example, this one:
http://www.learningtree.ca/courses/221.htm

[Ray Litvak]

Hi Brian,

Two other excellent resources are S. Krug's book 'Don't Make Me Think - A Common Sense Approach To Web Usability' found at www.sensible.com, and Jakob Nielsens's book 'Homepage Usability-50 Websites Deconstructed. Nielsen also addresses web copywriting on his site at www.useit.com

Hope this helps,

Ray Litvak

Leading Website Designs

[Eden Spodek]

Hi Brian,

Ragan Communications is offering a two-day workshop with Shel Holtz called Connecting with the Wired World, here on Nov. 13 & 14. Day one focuses on social media and Day two focuses on writing online. I participated in his social media webinar and took Writing for the Wired World workshop 8 years ago. Both were very helpful.

For more information, check out: http://www.ragan.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=slides&mod=Slide+Show&mid=82B3D78493524A74A687940D42EDCA6C&tier=3&slid=CBA33A3A7FE44A52A916CEBA9C9AE9D3&page=1

Cheers,
Eden Spodek