Wordsmith & More  can help you develop your

• PR strategy
• Media releases
• Professional bio
• Brochures, flyers
• Content, handouts
• Speech notes

Re-use and recycle! Get real value for money when you re-use copy from website copy or business plans in media releases, presentations, online articles, blogs, etc. Ask us how!

Get ready to network! | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

Have you run out of hours in the day/days in the week to complete all the tasks you once managed beautifully alone? There’s a lot of writing needed to run a business: customer-focused words for sales and marketing; and internal, staff-focused words to let everyone in your organisation know what they should be doing and why.

Don’t miss valuable opportunities

Marketing materials can be difficult to write. Most of us know how to sell face to face, but when it comes to writing we get bogged down and miss online business and valuable media opportunities.

• Need website content?
• Social media content – blogs, articles and newsletters?
• Media or press releases?

Let’s talk! I will work with you to create customer-focused sales copy that is unique to you and designed to get results. We can maximise your investment by re-using copy across all promotional platforms – online and off.

Micro-managers read on…

Another way busy business people get trapped is by micro-managing, often struggling to find the time to provide enough training and guidance to allow staff to manage responsibly without constant supervision.

• Need job descriptions and induction manuals for new staff?
• Need a business plan/action plan so that staff know where they fit in the scheme of things and are working towards the same end result?
• Need an operations manual or risk management plan?

These internal business documents don’t need to be bulky, wordy tomes. They can be simple, direct and solution-focused.

When you’re short on time, you need someone who can create these documents with minimal interruption to your business. That’s where I step in.

Here’s how I can help:

• Facilitate a business planning session so that you can participate fully with management/staff in creating a shared vision for your business
• Review existing documents and procedures
• Identify gaps in information or understanding, and recommend ways to remedy these
• Create simple and direct operational documents

Call Kaye Hall, Wordsmith on 0409 848 765 and take the pressure off today.

Wordsmith & More Making words work for you!

Not enough hours in the day? | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

• Storytelling
• Emotion
• Repetition
• Repeated calls to action
• Testimonials

Cater to readers and skimmers

Long repetitive sales copy hypnotises some people and frustrates others. As with any copywriting, it’s important that you understand who you are selling to. Some people find long sales copy too ‘spammy’.

It is possible to hedge your bets and use long sales copy devices (storytelling, emotion, etc) without as much repetition. Or you can insert shortcuts for readers wanting to ‘cut to the chase’. I recommend focus group testing any new marketing material before going out to the wider marketplace.

Long sales copy sells | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

You can already sell face-to-face, the trick is translating your sales approach into winning sales copy. I will work with you to create copy that reflects you/your organisation’s personality and customer service standards.

My working style is very collaborative. Particularly in the early stages of a copywriting job I need to spend time (skype, phone or meeting) with someone in your organisation who can talk about

• The inspiration, passion and commitment behind what you do
• The clear intent behind your communication
• Your clients – who they are, what they need
• Your competitors and your competitive edge
• Your website – layout, functionality, SEO strategy, keywords, etc

Creative process – business outcomes

The briefing process will help bring your strengths, competitive edge and communication aims into focus, and allow us to produce intentional, targeted copy that really speaks to potential clients. I will

• Listen and reflect back your needs
• Suggest a way forward
• Explain the principles behind my recommendations
• Weave my magic

Once the briefing process is complete, the turnaround time on copywriting is quick, often 2-3 days, depending on the size of the project, my workload and how quickly you get back to me with feedback.

Outstanding brief = outstanding results | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

Quality Management System ISO 9001:2008 provides an internationally recognised framework for monitoring and improving business performance. With more than 1million accredited organisations worldwide, it is one of the most widely used management tools in the world today.

What is a Quality Management System?

If you are consistently delivering quality outcomes (i.e. customers are generally satisfied) then it’s safe to assume you have some sort of quality management system in place. You will have formal or informal policies and procedures. Some of these may be documented, some not.

No matter how little or how much documentation you have, you will be surprised by how easily I can translate your existing management system into the ISO 9001 quality assurance format required for accreditation.

Why do I need ISO 9001?

I believe there’s great value in this work. The ISO 9001 closely links your business and marketing plan, keeps staff informed and responds to customer needs. It provides an objective platform for decision making based on recorded data. It is dependent on record keeping for performance reviews, business improvements and product development.

To document your Quality Management System, I will

To become certified you will need to get in contact with an accredited certification organisation to audit and certify your Quality Management System.

Quality Assurance – Quality Management System ISO 9001:2008 | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

You need quality copy on each page of your website so that the search engines have something to work with – minimum 125 words per page. Your copy should aim to build trust and give value to clients and potential clients. You can follow these 7 simple steps to improve your search engine ranking.

Improve your ranking in 7 Simple Steps

Moving on up!

1. Submit your URL to popular search engines
2. Research keywords using customer feedback, Google Keyword Tool, etc
3. Ensure keyword meta data is in place
4. Update website copy using keywords and phrases
5. Keep your copy fresh with regular keyword rich, content rich blog posts
6. Become a hub – generate relevant non-conflicting inbound links
7. Establish yourself as an expert in your field with valuable information and advice – share on Youtube, Twitter and article directories to generate backlinks to your site.

Optimised web copy to improve your organic ranking | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

Suddenly those winter kilos are an inspiration, not a drag. Spring cleaning has begun. I’m clearing out the clutter both literally and figuratively, and I’m looking forward to turning up the music and finally painting the spare room!

Of course my new-found energy and focus extends to work. I’m really happy with my new website, Spring 2012 Wordsmith brochure and copywriting ‘tricks of the trade’ workshop, quietly developed over winter. And I just got back from Darwin where I ran my ‘True Life Stories’ workshop, which is always a creative pick-me-up – not to mention the amazing road trip through the green Red Centre!

I’m calling my new 120-day plan the ‘Get a jump on spring’ plan!

• Blog regularly
• Distribute new brochure
• Stay in touch with my client base
• Ask for referrals
• Seek networking opportunities
• Run more workshops

As well as writing and editing, I’m really keen to start sharing my copywriting expertise. I’ve had really good feedback while testing the new ‘tricks of the trade’ workshop and handbook, and am ‘ready when you are’ to deliver it to your staff or association members.

So please get in touch if you want to share some of my enthusiasm for this time of the year, kick around ideas for spring-summer or 2013, or if you need my help with

• Web copy, media releases, etc
• Large documents or writing projects
• In-house copywriting training

I’d love to hear from you!

I’d also really appreciate your help. If you could refer me to someone you know who could possibly use my services – that would be SO GREAT!

Sending you all my best pre-spring vibes  Please stay in touch.

5 months to Christmas?! | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

Every time we say “I can’t…” we are giving into fear – fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of looking stupid.

I just returned from 3 weeks, 8000kms drive Mansfield-Darwin return with my son. By the time we left I was carrying the burden of other people’s fears. “It’s a looong way” they said, “The petrol is twice the price.” Someone hinted we might get mauled by wild dogs, “Make sure you stay on the right side of the dog fence.” Others warned of breaking down, victim to the next axe murderer that drove past, or dying of thirst or exposure. I’m not kidding, only very few people said “Go for it, you’ll love it!”

I comforted myself by remembering how we had loved our time in China after similar fears had been levelled at us – “You’re taking you son to China?” If experience had taught me anything it had taught me that fear is a liar, that the fear of the journey is usually more painful than the journey itself.

Nevertheless it got to me, the fear, and I drove out of country Victoria full of foreboding. It made the early part of my journey harder than it needed to be, carrying that heavy load… (The metaphor now so clear to me, the burden of fear is so debilitating…)

SA sees the lighter side of traffic control

Back home and I carry that sense of freedom with me, into my work as a writer and plans for the future, conversations and creations, thankful for the journey from fear to freedom, reconnected once again with pure inspiration – my own and other’s.

Fear or freedom? | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

My growing desire to ‘teach a man to fish’ and connect more with others has begun to transform my thinking around my business, Wordsmith & More.

While some clients outsource their writing for objective business management reasons – usually around resource management – others outsource their writing because they don’t think they can do it themselves. I’m happy to write for clients who are too busy to write for themselves but for people who lack the confidence to write, I would like to offer a different kind of service.

I believe we are each our own best PR. People who are passionate about their business are usually clear and articulate in person. The challenge is to overcome their lack of confidence or knowhow when putting this passion down on paper.

Arts-based self expression 'The Hug' clay sculpture by Kaye Hall (blindfolded)

Part of my life’s journey has been exploring my own self-expression through journaling, story writing, poetry, drawing, printmaking, clay modeling, carving, spiritual awakening and dance. While many people see ‘business’ and ‘personal’ as completely separate, my experience has been that most people who are passionate about their work are coming from the Heart. For many, their business is extremely personal, which means the business itself is a form of self-expression.

Sometimes, the closer to your Heart something is, the harder it can be to put it into words. Harder still when those words will be read, judged and impact directly on your bottom line – it’s no wonder these people shy away from writing their own marketing copy!

But I think I can help. There is an ‘art’ to copywriting. They key is passion, confidence and knowhow. I have developed a new workshop called ‘Copywriting: Tricks of the Trade’ that, in a few hours, will transform how you write about your business. You already have the passion, I can give you the knowhow and seeing the results will give you  the confidence – it’s that simple!

After sitting at the desk of Wordsmith & More for 6 years, 4 days a week, 6 hours a day, I’m ready for more face-to-face interaction with others. My satisfaction comes from helping others and, in the context of my work, this means helping people express themselves in a business sense. I love seeing people light up, the tension drain from their faces, when they realize they can actually do it themselves.

Over the next year, I will be offering writing workshops ‘Copywriting: Tricks of the Trade’ and ‘Writing Your (True) Life Story’ as well as developing a whole raft of arts-based workshops focused on self-expression with artists and healers from around the country. Please stay tuned for more

Copywriting: Tricks of the Trade | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

When I started out in this business, my clients all came to me via word of mouth. I was happy to have found my niche, able to provide a service that was much needed and much appreciated. My clients and I were like-minded more often than not.

In recent years the Internet has kicked in and my virtual business network has begun to grow, presenting a real challenge for me: I have discovered I am not a machine! In order to write effective business and marketing copy I really need to connect to my clients’ passion; to know them as individuals and understand both their business and personal goals. Online this can be difficult; faced with barriers of technology, more distrust and less commitment than I ever encountered face t0 face.

There is no doubt this disconnect has amplified a need in me; to connect with others in a meaningful way. I also want to help others develop their own communication skills, rather than rely on me. I truly believe we each have our unique ‘voice’ and are our own best spokesperson. Sometimes translating that into print is difficult, but having the confidence, guidelines and practice definitely helps!

So, six years into my business I am developing workshops and guidelines for copywriting, business planning and creative writing… with a fair pull towards also working with others to develop a whole range of workshops focused on self expression using meditation, dance, clay, voice – whatever works!

Is this another business? Or can it be a natural extension of Wordsmith & More, as it is a natural extension of me? I guess time will tell – I’m going to enjoy the journey, I hope you will too.

Business morphs | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

MAD Women July 29, 2011  saw ex-Age columnist, Catherine Deveny take to the stage in Mansfield. Larger than life comedian, writer and commentator, Catherine pulled no punches and we loved her funny and unflinching take on all things female. Some gems to remember:

• Our world is being controlled by dead men, i.e. lawmakers from hundreds of years ago. Isn’t it time we updated? Is anyone really benefitting from the status quo?
• Where are the women? As you’re reading newspapers and watching TV, notice how few women are having a say.
• Parenting advice: 1. Let them know they are loved and 2. Let them see you trying to get your sh-t together.
• When you start wishing he was dead, it’s time to move on!
• Alarming stats about the number of older women living in their cars, penniless and too ashamed to ask for help…
• And my personal favourite: We all need “f-off status” i.e. social and financial independence so we can call the shots in our own lives.

See you again soon sister!

Unflinchingly female | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

The inaugural MAD Women event on May 20, 2011 was a great success, with a thought-provoking presentation by Sheree Marris, environmental ambassador and author of KarmaSEAtra, Sex Lives of Sea Creatures.

Sheree Marris and local artist, Billy Pridham

Sheree’s unique approach to environmental ‘infotainment’ was both funny and inspiring. The MAD crowd was blown away by the beauty and diversity of sea life in our own Port Phillip Bay – we can expect a convoy of Mansfield families heading down to Rye next summer to snorkel around Sheree’s Octopuses’ Garden, Victoria’s first snorkelling trail.

Some pearls of wisdom from Sheree:

• Look after yourself – work life balance is vital for good health, and your health is your number 1 priority
• Don’t listen to anyone who says you won’t make it – believe in yourself
• Sometimes the most incredible life and opportunity is right on your doorstep – take a dip in Port Phillip Bay and find out for yourself!

Sex lives of sea creatures | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

Truth and simplicity are the gateposts of my approach to communication in whatever form – written, spoken or in artform. I find being able to articulate ideas very liberating and I have always loved being able to help others experience the validation and expanding opportunity that comes with ‘putting it out there’ and being understood.

2. Free exchange

There are many types of conversations – selling, research, teaching, social, etc. Whether it’s ideas, money, products or services, I really love the free flowing exchange that comes from communicating effectively. Communication is a two-way street – you need to create an open and engaging dialogue with others. You need to provide your audience with enough information to make a reasoned judgment and be prepared to receive their feedback with an open mind and respond intelligently.

3. Satisfaction

When a client says to me ‘you nailed it’ I know I have been able to translate their (or their organisation’s) personality, ideas and offer into words that resonate with their audience and generate new possibilities for everyone involved. That is intensely satisfying for me – and for them.

Kaye Hall, Wordsmith & More

Why writing for business lights me up | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

Lively discussion at this event seemed to run aground on the issue of stay at home mums Vs staying in the workforce. To me it’s not either/or but rather what we can do to ensure women are INDEPENDENTLY financially secure throughout their lives, whatever choices they make.

It’s clearly confronting to consider what would happen if hubby leaves, gets sick, gets violent or dies. No matter how sweet things look today, the unthinkable can and does happen – and then what? If you have no super and nothing saved for your old age, one day you might find yourself like so many women over 65 today living in poverty. With women’s life expectancy 95 that’s 30 years getting by on the smell of an oily rag.

Surely it’s better to talk about the unthinkable and MAKE SURE you are financially secure no matter what than put your head in the sand and hope it never happens to you.

Some ideas for mums or mums to be: continue to work from home/online; go halves on staying home with the kids; work even 1 day/week to keep up with latest developments in your chosen field; hubby places $ in YOUR super fund while you’re home raising kids; put the baby bonus into your super fund.

The next MAD Women speaker will be Marlyse Carroll on May 25th with her talk: ‘Is there a dark side to spiritual evolution?’ Hope to see you there!

A man is not a plan | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

QA addresses the principles and processes around the design, development and delivery of any product or service. I love it that the whole process is focused on the end result – customer satisfaction. Some of the benefits of Quality Management are:

• Increased efficiency
• Increased consistency of product or service
• Factual approach to decision making
• Increased customer confidence
• Improved supplier relationships
• Improved employee morale

Quality Assurance ISO 9001:2008 accreditation is often a requirement of large government, national or international Tenders.

I see great value in this work, enjoy the process and am keen to do lots more of it. No matter how much or how little documentation you have, you will be surprised by how simple and painless the QA documentation process can be… Call Kaye for more information.

Quality is an amazing tool | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

EVER WONDERED WHY WE STILL NEED TO FOCUS ON WOMEN’S ISSUES?

Statistically women in Australia are going backwards – losing ground in the workplace, politics and health. Why is this happening? Does it matter? How can we help?

Anne Summers discusses the social, economic and political issues effecting women with astounding intelligence and clarity. Her personal journey is equally compelling.

The gender gap in Australia is widening.

According to the ‘Global Gender Gap Report 2011′, from the World Economic Forum, since 2066 Australia’s gender balance ranking has slipped to

• 18th for economic participation and opportunity for women (down from 12)
• 38 for political empowerment of women (down from 32)
• 74 for health and survival of women (down from 57)

According to the National Centre of Social Economic Modelling (NATSEM) the wage gap between men and women has increased from 15% in February 2005 to a high of 17% four years later.

In 2010 Gender Equality Blueprint identified women in leadership as one of five key priority areas in achieving gender equality. However, the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) 2010 Australian Census of Women in Leadership found

• Only 8.4% of Board Directorships held by women
• 54% of ASX200 companies had no women Board Directors (an increase from 49.7% in 2004)
• The number of women board directors has increased only 0.2% since 2002.

Come along and meet Dr Anne Summers at Highton Manor, 140 Highton Lane, Mansfield on Friday 9 March, 7.30-10.30pm. Tickets $38 includes glass of bubbles/wine and supper.

Why women’s issues still matter | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

Apart from the disappointment (I have been very much looking forward to this Friday) WHAT AN AMAZING OFFER – quite a coup for Mansfield to have Australia’s leading feminist here to celebrate International Women’s Day! In Anne’s words: “It seems that’s what the goddess has in mind for us!” Lucky we all have so much practice in going with the flow…

Please pencil in FRIDAY 9 MARCH for IWD with Anne Summers - trust me, she will be worth the wait 

Anne is an extraordinary woman, writer and commentator. She helped establish Australia’s first women’s refuge, the US magazine ‘Ms’ and in the 80s she ran the Office for Women in the Paul Keating government. She was awarded the AO for her services to journalism and women, and featured on the Australian Legends stamp series in January this year, along with Germaine Greer, Eva Cox and Elizabeth Evatt. She has had an amazing journey, written and published 3 books and works as a journo.

There’s been lots of talk about doing something in Mansfield for IWD next year, so now we have our anchor event!

Timing is everything | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

Candles and elephants | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

But when ORIGINAL COPY is written to reflect your expertise, philosophies and specific business aims, these articles can become a GOLDMINE of content for other parts of your business. I encourage my clients to recycle articles as web content, media releases, blog/news content, email to your clients, newsletter or even an eBook. Or start with web copy and recycle it into articles, media releases, etc – it works either way! In each case, slight tweaking will ensure it stays fresh and relevant to each new application.

I’m not sure if it will help with global warming – but it WILL save you money! Give me a call if you want to know more  Cheers, Kaye

Recycling words | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

On July 29 2011 we’ll be welcoming Catherine Deveny. Comedy writer, comedian, author, social commentator and broadcaster, Deveny is perhaps best known for her work as a columnist with The Age newspaper and the ABC’s The Drum. She also has an impressive list of TV credits including Full Frontal, Good News Week, BackBerner, Q and A, Rove Live, The Wedge, skitHOUSE and the 7pm Project. She is also a popular fill in broadcaster on 774 ABC Melbourne.

Deveny is co-founder of ‘No chicks no excuses’ a website dedicated to redressing the lack of female voices in public life. She is also a member of the Federal Government’s working party on Dyslexia and her extensive charity and community work includes Griefline, Asylum Seeker’s Resource Centre and Broken Rites. She is a proud ambassador for Dying With Dignity Victoria, The Big Issue and International Day of People with Disability.

Provocative and hilarious, Deveny will deliver insights from her seventh book “Tantrum with Reality” at the MAD Women event later July 29, Deck On High. Buy a ticket and bring your laughing gear. Trust me – this will be a night to remember!

Brought to you by Wordsmith & More, online business and marketing copywriting. Tickets are selling fast to this one time only event. Bookings essential!

Deveny tickets selling fast | Wordsmith Copywriting and More

A few months later I’ve managed to fund a new website and regular advertising, attend a couple of conferences and hold my own MAD Women networking event in Mansfield. Yesterday the Herald Sun rang – doing an article on rural women in business featuring yours truly online business and marketing copywriter. Wow! Sure beats sitting at my desk waiting for the phone to ring 

Want to know how? Give me a call!

Real growth | Wordsmith Copywriting and More