Author / Copley Sutton

by Copley Sutton

Good help is hard to find – and EXPENSIVE!

Where are all the good writers in South Africa?

My client base is growing on a monthly basis and it’s starting to get harder and harder to keep up. So much writing to do and too few hours in the day to do it in. I am currently in desperate need of a good writer in South Africa to help share the workload—but where do I find one?

At this point I have not extended my copywriting services outside of Elance and local word of mouth. But I have found Elance to be a difficult place to find good writers. Many write as a hobby—not as a career. These are not the type of people who are willing to learn and grow. As much as I hate to say it, their writing displays this.

So I turn to local writers in South Africa. Maybe through my LinkedIn network and through local advertising I will find the right person. But in South Africa, good writers are scarce. They do exist, but those who can REALLY write are grossly expensive. I guess when you’re getting paid in Rands instead of Dollars, the price is exorbitant.

 

I’m putting this blog out the in hope that some young writer will find it. For a whole year now I have searched the web for great writers—and been disappointed. So if you are a writer who wants to grow in the industry, then please contact me. The work is out there; I just need someone who can help me cope with it all.

by Copley Sutton

Copley’s Customer Diary #1 – Just not a good fit

Sometimes you get the opportunity to deal with clients who teach you a lot. Although negative feedback can be a sensitive issue to a freelance copywriter, it must be embraced if we are to improve and grow.

 

Recently, I had dealings with three customers who showed me that my writing was not up to scratch. Of course, I first went through the typical ‘writer’s denial’ before accepting this. Here’s what happened.

 

Client #1

My first client asked me to write an article as a test. He asked that the writing be conversational in tone. If he was happy, I would get more work. This client had already checked out my profile. This was not a job I applied for—he sought me out.

 

Feeling chuffed with myself, I set out to deliver a factual, well-researched article. But wait, that wasn’t what he asked for, was it? No; he asked for a CONVERSATIONAL piece. I skipped this instruction and delivered the article—facts and all.

 

Needless to say, the client thanked me for the work and paid me. But I didn’t hear from him again. Worst of all, the feedback was positive. But the fact that he didn’t come back spoke loud and clear.

 

Client #2 and #3

In a slightly different situation, I had two clients who needed content written. The one needed blogs, and the other needed web content. After doing these jobs, both did the same thing.

 

Both clients re-wrote my work! This is not a minor edit—this is a complete rewrite. They stated that the rewrite was the style they wanted. They also added that I was a great writer, but that they wanted me to follow the tone provided.

 

At first glance, the style seemed less appealing than what I had done. Besides, I’m the one who studied copywriting. Don’t I know what I’m doing?

 

A question of style

Of course, it’s not really about what I write; it’s about what the client wants. They are paying me to do it THEIR WAY.

 

In the instance of the one client, I tried my utmost best to write according to his style. He paid me for the job and left me a decent rating with the message, “We just weren’t a good fit.”

 

I don’t want to make the same mistake with the other client. So I’ve asked him to highlight the sections he feels I should redo. Hopefully I won’t have to work double time on his project.

 

What can you and I learn from these clients?

First, let me just say that my attitude was wrong with all three of these clients. I was over-confident with the first, lacked confident with the second, and was apprehensive with the third.

 

So how should a copywriter handle clients like these? Here are my suggestions:

  • Recognize that your style may not be what the client wants and accept it without taking it personally.
  • Be willing to learn a new style. You may get another client in future who wants the same thing.
  • Ask the client for specifics. If they send you their version of the writing as an example, insist that they highlight specifics they want you to change.
  • Once you’ve identified style changes, read up on them and learn how to switch to a different style when needed.

 

Yes, I’m just a freelance copywriter from South Africa, but I want to grow on an international level. Clients like these help me to do that. How about you?

by Copley Sutton

Butcher Block Counter Tops Care

Those who possess butcher block counter tops in their kitchens are often concerned with how these tops should be properly maintained. While wooden counter tops are designed to handle fairly robust activity, stains and dirt can and do show up—but only if the top is not cared for properly. There are simple methods you can implement into your daily cleaning routine which will provide proper butcher block counter tops care.

 

What happens to your counter top over time?

Your butcher block counter top is most often used for slicing and chopping food in preparation for a meal. Most of these ingredients are raw when you process them and raw meat—especially raw chicken—can pose a health risk if care is neglected. This is especially true because of cut marks in the wood. Bacteria tend to fall into these tiny little slits and this will eventually result in a bad smell if the wood surface is not properly cleaned. So what are some efficient ways to clean your butcher block counter top?

 

Don’t make the mistake

It’s important to remember that certain wood care chemicals are off limits to your butcher block counter. That’s because you are dealing with consumables and because most of these chemicals can cause severe health problems if they come into contact with your food or drink. Many chemicals which are not compatible with the wood may even cause further damage—so avoid your home maintenance store for the solution.

 

Prevention is better than cure

It is essential that you keep your butcher block counter clean at all times. This means wiping it down after every use—and not waiting too long to do so. By continuously cleaning your counter top you will prevent most of the stains and smells that can occur. You will also ensure that, for the most part, it remains relatively hygienic. Continual cleaning is as easy as taking a warm wet cloth and a drop of dish detergent. Give the counter a good wipe and then rinse excess soap off with a dripping-wet cloth.

 

Minor scratches and stains

However, you cannot protect your counter top from every form of damage or blemish. Wood is simply more susceptible to these elements which is why proper care is extra important. After prolonged use, your counter top will start to show signs of small cuts and faint stains. There may also be an unpleasant smell because of bacteria that has not been cleaned out properly.

 

Germs can be effectively removed by washing your butcher block counter top with white wine vinegar. Vinegar is a natural sanitizer and will destroy any unhealthy bacteria that might be lurking on your board. For stains, a simple scrub with some lemon juice should remove minor blemishes; and will also leave a pleasant smell behind. By washing your counter top in this sequence, you will effectively sanitize it with the vinegar and fragrance it with the lemon juice. Both of these natural ingredients are of course also perfectly safe to consume.

 

Serious damage

After years of use, accidents are bound to happen. Wooden counter tops are prone to suffer burns, deep scratches and serious stains. In cases such as these, a major counter top service may be required every two to three years. This maintenance involves sanding the counter top lightly where the damage or stain is visible. Make sure to sand with the grain so as to maintain the integrity of the wood. Once this is done and the damage is no longer visible, treat the wood with warmed up food-grade mineral oil. The wood needs to absorb the oil so leave it for at least half an hour before wiping the residue off with a dry cloth.

 

Conclusion

Remember to educate all the members of your household on how to prevent serious damage to your wooden counter top. You can now also teach them how to provide proper butcher block counter tops care by following the above prescription. These methods will also work well for portable butcher blocks, but are especially useful for built-in tops which are not washable under running water.

 

Be sure to enjoy your wooden counter top and continue using it for what it was meant for—preparing fresh, homemade food for you and your family.

by Copley Sutton

5 Essential Tools for Advanced Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance

The difference between mediocre landscaping and perfect landscaping is often in the equipment. There are a number of excellent landscaping tools every good garden service should possess. Among the following five essential pieces of equipment are high-end lawn maintenance tools, as well as general cleaning devices. Consider each one for the enhancement of your landscaping service.

 

Zero-Turn Mowers

For precise lawn mowing and excellent manoeuvrability, zero-turn mowers are a must-have. Many medium to large gardens have complex garden bed edges which can be difficult to navigate. Every garden also has that tight area which is hard to get to without the right equipment. Bear in mind the size of the mower you opt for. Narrower models are a safer option because of their versatility. They are more gate-friendly and ideal for compact garden areas.

 

Mini Excavators

In order to perform proper, professional landscaping services, there is no substitute for a mini excavator. These excavators deliver 360 degree turning in small areas while performing digging tasks that would take a person hours to do. There are now models available in approximately 27 inches wide and even smaller. Again, a smaller model is your wisest choice so that it can fit through narrow gateways and tight garden areas. You also want an excavator that is easy to transport to your various job sites.

 

Skid-Steer Loaders

Skid-steer loaders are like mini tractors and are perfect for moving—or removing—large piles of gravel or refuse. Various attachments can also be fitted to the arm of a skid-steer loader in order to speed up landscaping tasks. Tasks include—but are not limited to—logging, clearing and rock removal. The versatility and speed of these machines deliver a great return on investment by reducing your need for laborers and resulting in less work completion time. There are also certain tasks that just cannot be done properly without the benefits of heavier garden machinery.

 

Weed Eaters & Hedge Trimmers

Neatness is what separates the good landscaping companies from the great ones. Weed eaters and hedge trimmers allow your workers to bring real refinement to garden beds and sidewalks. Large, complex gardens often have pebble-bed areas, stepping stones, and bricked sidewalks—all of which look horrible when covered in renegade grass. These devices zone in on those hard-to-reach places and render them neat and distinguished.

 

Backpack Blowers

Portable backpack blowers are perfect for large gardens. The operator can move to any section without having to worry about a power connection or frustrating cables. Strong blowers are able to clear a large garden area within a fraction of the time it would take to sweep or rake. Landscaping and lawn maintenance involves a lot of cleaning up—especially during fall when trees are dropping leaves by the thousands. These devices come in a range of battery- or fuel operated choices—either of which will suit your needs as a landscaper.

 

To remain ahead in a competitive industry, landscapers are encouraged to buy high quality tools to reduce time and fit more clients into their schedule. These tools and machines will not only increase your company’s productivity, but they will also bring a sense of professionalism to your work.

by Copley Sutton

When in doubt about what to write

Times often come when you have simply drained your creative juices and are not sure what to write anymore. That unfinished paragraph is just staring at you and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to squeeze meaningful content out of your brain and onto the screen.

 

Here are some quick-fix ideas on how to give your content a new dimension and make it more conversational:

 

  1. How-to in action

A great way to showcase your description or point is to describe it in action. For instance, if you are writing about how to create compelling essays, describe a scenario where the student receives the essay. The student then hits writer’s block, get’s stressed, and eventually reads your blog to get the much needed advice. Put yourself in your reader’s shoes and empathize with his or her situation.

 

  1. A list

Sometimes it’s easier to say something by breaking it up into multiple points. Consider creating a list of features or benefits to describe your subject better. This not only makes it easier to read, but will arrange your content in a neater, comprehendible way.

 

  1. Benefits instead of features

You may very well be stuck in the rut of only describing the features of your subject. Try taking a different approach by discussing how the subject can benefit the reader. People always respond better to benefits than features. Therefore, if you mention a feature, be sure to elaborate on how it will better the circumstances of the reader.

 

  1. Slip in a joke

Sit for a minute or two and think of a way you can add humour to a sentence or a paragraph.  A well-positioned joke can re-capture the attention of a reader and lighten up a dreary article. It also adds a touch of humanness to your writing—and people respond to human writing. This doesn’t mean you should be crude. It also doesn’t mean you should make a joke at someone else’s expense—unless it’s you. Exaggeration is a good example; or simply elaborating on what’s going on in someone’s mind when they are frustrated. Use your imagination.

 

  1. Make an analogy

A real lifesaver in writing can be an analogy—especially when you are struggling to explain a concept. Simply compare your concept with something that clearly represents it well. Make sure you use an analogy that the reader can relate to, or you run the risk of further confusing the issue.

 

  1. Give an example

Don’t confuse this tip with #1. You aren’t describing a scenario here; you are simply providing an example. Your sentence will start with, “For instance,” or “An example of this is…” It’s a great way to elaborate on your point and further solidify the concept in your reader’s mind.

 

  1. Ask a question. Give an answer

Asking questions in your article is a great way to be conversational. Pre-empt what the reader may ask once you have said something. By showing the reader that you know what they are thinking, they will see your writing as personal and authoritative.

 

Know of any other tips? Let us know on the comment section below. Happy writing!

 

About the author: Copley Sutton is an international copywriter based in South Africa. His services include conceptual copywriting, blogging, website content, proofreading & editing, press releases and product descriptions.  

by Copley Sutton

How to cope with freelancing stress

One thing I have come to notice while freelance writing is that freelancers are continually faced with a discipline issue. This issue comes up in the form of a choice that each one must make during every moment: “Do what I WANT, or do what I MUST?”

An interesting observation is that whenever they make the choice to do what they want, they are immediately struck with a feeling of anxiousness. This anxiousness comes from allowing themselves to prioritize their comfort over their work.

This results in a snowball effect of stress because the more they do what they want, the more behind they fall in their work—which leads to even more compounding stress. Even if they force themselves to do what they must, their minds are distracted by that which they want to do. And so it isn’t long before they stop working and start watching their favourite comedy or playing a favourite computer game.

So how do I counter this way of thinking? Well, it’s all in the knowledge of what is going on in my mind. If I can realize that doing what I want causes unimaginable stress, then doing what I must will be the remedy to that stress. In other words, if I decide that I do not want to be stressed out and worry about my work, I will sit at my desk and WORK!

The more work I get done, the lower my stress levels seem to fall. I think a big mistake many freelancers make is that they think it’s the work that is what’s stressing them out, when in fact it’s the procrastination that is. Making a conscious decision to work even though I don’t feel like it is NOT the answer. Making a conscious realization that one option leads to stress, while the other option alleviates stress, is the best way to approach every working day freelancers are at home.

 

About the author: Copley Sutton is a freelance copywriter in Johannesburg, South Africa. He and his team of writers handle a number of international and local writing projects for the web, magazines and students

by Copley Sutton

Copywriters in Johannesburg – Good help is hard to find!

There seems to be a great need for good writers in South Africa which is why so many local clients opt for international freelancing platforms to get their work done. As an international writer, I have often been overwhelmed with too much work. This leads me to search for writers in South Africa who have the kind of experience I need to cater for all my clients and meet their deadlines.

This is not as easy as it sounds. Upon searching for writers and copywriters in Johannesburg, I found that many fancy themselves as writers, but either lack the qualifications or the drive to do it well.

Then there’s the question of work ethic. Those who are decent writers in South Africa are often full of excuses as to why their work could not be delivered on time–or why it wasn’t checked before delivery. As a South African copywriter who has been in this industry for over three years now, I know that such writers will not get far at all. They may have talent, but you need to be disciplined and apply that talent if you want to get anywhere. They may have good work ethic too, but get the qualifications behind your name before you start promising quality to companies.

Writing has also evolved into more than just the expression of ideas. Online writing has a multitude of categories:

  • Landing page copywriting
  • Product description writing
  • Website content that is SEO friendly
  • Business blogging
  • Online magazine writing
  • …and more

South African writers and copywriters who do not stay up to date with all of these trends will fall by the wayside. That’s why I encourage my team of writers to have a serious passion for online writing so that they can continually grow with the industry. It changes so fast.

 

If you are a great writer who knows you were destined to be in this industry, I’d love to hear from you. See my contact page and pop me a mail if you are looking to make an entrance into the exciting–albeit tough–world of online writing in South Africa.

 

by Copley Sutton

Golf Drills to Help You Hit a Flop Shot Correctly

Phil Mickelson is well known for making the flop shot look easy. Learning this shot comes in handy for clearing bunkers, while at the same time adding a spin to the ball and directing it to the desired spot. However it’s actually one of the most difficult shots to perfect. Below are some of the technicalities of the flop shot that will assist you in practicing your drills.

 

The right club for a lob shot

A club that should be present in every golfer’s golf bag is a sixty degree lob wedge. Many golfers prefer using a sand wedge for a flop shot, but for the purposes discussed here, the sixty degree lob wedge is the best tool for the job.

 

Setting up your clubface for a lob shot

When making a perfect flop shot, you should have two goals in mind:

  1. You should aim to get lots of height on the ball.
  2. You should aim to add a spin on the ball which will make up for too much distance if you hit the ball further away from your target than what you intended.

To perform these two tasks, you will need to turn your sixty degree lob wedge so that the face is 100% flat facing upwards. The face should be as level as you can get it to make this shot do what it is meant to. Remember to grip the club in this position, rather than compensating your wrists and turning it into this position post-grip.

 

Aiming your lob shot

Because you’ll be adding a spin to the ball, it’s important to compensate for this by aiming slightly to the left of your desired target. Twenty degrees to the left is enough of a slant to make the flop shot. The spin you will put on your ball won’t be too heavy, so only a slight deviation left of the target is necessary.

 

Too much height – Too much spin

This shot will take some practice to perfect. Depending on the distance of your target, try and find a good balance between flying the ball over the bunker, and adding enough spin to it for when it lands. Remember that the harder you hit, the higher—not further—the ball will travel, so make the call on which of these you want to achieve.

by Copley Sutton

Winter Fire Safety

Why is fire safety equipment such an important addition to every home? Well, winter time is an especially danger-prone period in terms of fire risk. Our need to keep warm during cold periods inadvertently leads to hundreds of house and company fires every year—and that’s in the UK alone.

Fortunately for UK home owners, preventative equipment like a fire extinguisher or a Kidde smoke alarm are readily available at Fire Protection Online. It’s important to remember that safety should never be compromised for the sake of comfort.

So here are some of the main dangers to look out for during winter months, and details on the fire safety equipment you can utilize to prevent these dangers.

 

Risk # 1: Chimney fires

A clogged chimney accounts for over seven thousand chimney fires across England alone. A fire in your chimney can have disastrous results, not the least of which is causing a full-blown house fire. Prevent this by always making sure your chimney is cleaned out. The best time to do this is just before or after winter—since it’s in winter when your chimney will be utilized the most.

 

Risk#2: The fire place

Let’s not leave the fireplace just yet. Many house fires are also caused by sparks from embers jumping onto your wooden floor or carpet. This often happens when people go to asleep and neglect to properly put out their fire.

Preventing this disaster is two-fold:

  • First, install a fireplace guard to prevent sparks from jumping out.
  • Second, get yourself a Kidde smoke alarm which will warn you of a fire while you’re in bed. Catching it in time can mean the difference between life and death.

 

Risk #3: Electric blankets

Unless you want to live life recklessly or plan on sleeping with fire safety equipment under your pillow, it’s best not to fall asleep with your electric blanket on. An electric fire can wreak havoc if you don’t have the right equipment to control it. Make sure an electric blanket and a hot water bottle are never found in the same bed, as this is very risky.

 

Risk #4: Candles

With cold weather comes dry weather, which is why having a fire in your house should always be a secondary option. If your lights have gone out, opt for a torch rather than a candle. There’s less risk involved. Many fires get started because of home owners falling asleep and forgetting about a burning candle left in the room.

 

Preventative measures

Now that you’ve been made a bit more safety conscious, it’s time to take extra precautionary measures to ensure the safety of you and your family. One good way to do this is to install a Kidde smoke alarm. One particular variant of this brand has a battery that lasts for ten years. Its high pitch alarm will ensure you wake up in time to prevent a fire emergency.

You can get lots more advice about winter fire risks by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter. We’re also on Google+. Feel free to pose any questions you may have about fire safety on our social profiles and we’ll be sure to respond with sound, expert advice and availability of our fire safety equipment.

by Copley Sutton

8 tips on how to create interesting Facebook content for your business

Running out of ideas for your Facebook content? Here are some ways to give your social media interaction a shot in the arm!

 

Write for people, not for your company

You need to add value to the information you’re posting for clients. This means that simply forcing ads in front of their eyes is not going to help you achieve your goal.

 

If you fail to post something interesting to read, your fans are simply going to scroll past your content. Make sure your content is interesting and engaging by using catchy headings and trendy topics!

 

Add a poll

If you have over 1000 LIKES on your page, consider yourself eligible to hold a private little survey for your Facebook fans. People love giving their opinion, so get them interacting with you to build trust and brand loyalty.

 

Make sure your question is interesting—ask around for some suggestions and make it relevant to your industry wherever possible. Also try not to overdo polls: Once a month is more than enough.

 

Diversify your content

If you keep posting the same type of content every week, your fans will quickly lose interest in your posts. Mix it up a little by diversifying between videos, pictures, news events, notifications of specials, blogs, and even a few jokes.

 

Do a service check

Though you may think that getting a public complaint on Facebook is bad for business, it actually helps you in more ways you can imagine. Consider posting a public message asking clients about the service they have received. Benefits to this are:

  • You are likely to get great testimonials which you can add to your website
  • Complaints will come to you instead of being spread secretly by word-of-mouth
  • You can publically handle the complaint to the satisfaction of the client for all to see
  • Other customers will feel at ease dealing with you because they can see that you care about giving satisfactory service

 

Highlight a blog section

If there’s a particular paragraph in your most recent blog that you feel is very relevant, highlight that subheading to your fans when posting. This will serve to entice them even more to read your blog because you’ve sparked their curiosity.

 

Quizzes

A quiz is simply irresistible to Facebook browsers. Ask a question, and offer to provide the question by getting your fans to take a short quiz. This will win you both clicks as well as lots of interaction from participants.

 

Keep up with what’s trending

Base your content on news that’s very popular. Recent examples of this is the Ice Bucket Challenge. To get an idea of what’s trending, spend some time on news sites or even YouTube.

 

Don’t neglect your weekend fans

Did you know that you can schedule posts? If your company is closed on the weekend, it doesn’t mean you can’t still reach out to your loyal fans.

 

Use Facebook to set up a future post and schedule it to go off on a Saturday morning or a Sunday afternoon. Think how good it’ll look to everyone that you’re always open to communicate!

 

About the author: Copley Sutton is a South African copywriter working out of Johannesburg, Gauteng. He specializes in optimized blogs for companies as well as SEO strategies for South African businesses.