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Mother’s Brewing Company
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Project Goals
Mother’s Brewing Company in Springfield, MO is a good group of people who love what they do: brew badass craft beers. The kids at Mother’s like to cut loose, and they wanted their site writing to show it yet compete well for SEO.
Here are a few ways I did that:
- Hit the SEO elements but avoided a heavy hand
- Used an easy-going, casual tone
- Cracked jokes to break up any tedious info or necessarily detailed descriptions
- Got up close and personal with Mother’s tasty beers
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To start the uphill SEO climb for Mother’s,
I targeted smart terms:- mother's beers
ranks # 1 - 4 of 10,700,000 results - craft brews
ranks # 2 of 489,000 total results - american blonde beers
ranks # 2 of 2,700,000 total results - brown beers
ranks # 16 of 10,700,000 total results - springfield india pale ales
ranks # 1 of 129,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.23.11
- mother's beers
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To break down Mother’s brewing process,
I kept it simple and clear:- Touted high alcohol levels without sounding like a drunkard:
"How does Mother’s brew such heady craft beers?" - Maintained consistent parts of speech to aid memory retention:
Each heading is a noun, and each sentence jumps right to the action/verb in the first few words. - Explained any beer jargon:
"... we separate the sugar liquid (referred to as wort) from the grains..."
- Touted high alcohol levels without sounding like a drunkard:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To protect the youngsters, I wrote copy for the site’s gateway:
- Played off a mom's duties:
"Like any good mother, we can’t turn a blind eye to underage drinking." - Was clear and firm:
"No ID? No way." - Reminded users good things can wait:
"If you’re jumping the gun, run along for now. We’ll be here with open arms on your 21st birthday."
- Played off a mom's duties:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To reflect the brand, I kept it light when letting users know what matters to Mother’s:
- Most importantly to users, great beers:
"Mother’s is a growing family that’s all about heady craft beers." - People and good times:
"We’ve also got a whole lotta love for our friends, neighbors, local and global communities, good food, and living it up." - Brewing beer with care:
"So we started our own brewery, and we’re producing as much love per barrel as we possibly can." - Sense of community:
"So sip away, and consider yourself one of the family."
- Most importantly to users, great beers:
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Spin Mentor iPhone App
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Project Goals
The Spin Mentor app lets users choose increasingly difficult spin class routines and hear their own iMix music playlists while they exercise. I used various writing styles and techniques to help ensure the success of the app, regarding sales as well as usability and benefits for users:
- Wrote fun yet clear spin class routine and level descriptions
- Wrote clear, quickly readable instructions
- Wrote engaging and persuasive SEO-ready copy for the promotional site
- Used a tone that resonates with driven people (or those who wish they were)
- Wrote a memorable tagline that also describes the app: “Pro Spin Classes. When & where you want them."
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To drive traffic and sales, I targeted logical, focused key terms:
- spin classes
shown in iTunes Store featured header area, even before filtering by Media Type to narrow results - spin classes app
ranks # 1 of 1,300,000 total results - spin class app
ranks # 3 of 1,440,000 total results - pro spin classes
ranks # 4 of 2,830,000 total results - pro spin class routines
ranks # 1 of 3,030,000 total results - spin class routines
ranks # 23 of 138,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 06.14.11
- spin classes
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
An iPhone app has a tough job—keep users interested when a million other apps are screaming for their attention. So people actually use the app, I wrote copy that does the following:
- Establishes credibility:
"Revamp your daily exercise routine with challenging workouts designed by our professional spin class instructor." - Assures people the app is easy to use:
"Getting started is as easy as 1, 2… well, you know:" - Provides clear instructions that follow proven style standards, like starting steps with the same parts of speech:
"1. Choose your session. 2. Select your playlist. 3. Start your workout."
- Establishes credibility:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
So people benefit from the Spin Mentor app by, you know, exercising with it, I appealed to their competitive natures and even vanity when naming and describing routines (as shown here with MVP-level routines):
- Got the Stomach?
"Pretty people envy your body." - Never Say Die
"Maybe you can cheat death." - Iron Will
"Put the pedal to the mettle."
- Got the Stomach?
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To convince users they’ve found the app that’s right for their workout needs, I used audience-specific appeals:
- Chose language competitive, self-motivated people can respect:
"intense, professional workout; challenges you; sleeker, healthier you" - Showed personal concern:
"Ready for an intense, professional workout that challenges you,
not your budget?" - Noted convenience and
individually-dictated benefits:
"With your custom iMix at your fingertips, you’ve got all you need to spin your way to a sleeker, healthier you."
- Chose language competitive, self-motivated people can respect:
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Buses at the Brewery
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Project Goals
When Dan Spencer said he was organizing a Buses at the Brewery event and wanted me to write and do SEO for the site, I couldn’t wait. It’s a happy challenge to write copy good enough to sit with Dan’s design and Chad Spencer's dev., and this site was no exception. I hit our goals to make the content all you’d expect on a VW bus site:
- Wrote laid-back yet informative copy
- Targeted high-scoring SEO terms
- Condensed info to better fit the design
- Created headings and callouts that grab users' attention
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To let people know about the Buses at the Brewery event, I targeted key SEO terms:
- vw buses beers
ranks # 1 of 2,350,000 total results - volkswagen bus enthusiasts
ranks # 4 of 2,580,000 total results - vw buses enthusiasts
ranks # 4 of 1,160,000 total results - vw buses event
ranks # 7 of 43,800,00 total results - vw buses swag
ranks # 1 of 222,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.23.11
- vw buses beers
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
I piqued users’ interest with a few simple yet proven writing devices:
- Spoke the audience’s language:
Many VW bus lovers associate swag with good music, good vibes, and good times. That makes it perfect to set the tone for this event. - Announced prizes to sweeten the deal:
"With every paid entry, we’re giving a quality pint glass [...] And that’s just
for starters." - Sparked curiosity with a teaser:
I mentioned "you can score an awesome swag-stuffed goodie bag" but didn’t kill the intrigue by spilling the exact details.
- Spoke the audience’s language:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To persuade users to act immediately, I made reserving a room clear and easy:
- Eliminated any confusion about a sleepover event:
"Sorry, kids: There’s no camping
on site." - Offered solutions so users know the event promoter cares:
"But here’s the 411 on some nearby camping and hotel options:" - Optimized links for SEO purposes:
I wrote link title attributes that offer info and target SEO terms. The attributes appear when users mouse over the links.
- Eliminated any confusion about a sleepover event:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To ensure even the registration form wasn’t entirely boring, I wrote as if joining users in casual conversation:
- “Don’t sweat pre-registration;
just show up.” - "And, yes, we take plastic."
- "Register the old school way:"
- “Download the entry form and send it our way with a payment.”
- “Don’t sweat pre-registration;
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Habitat for Humanity
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Project Goals
A nonprofit organization, Habitat Springfield relies on donations from its website users to serve the community. As one80one writing director, I worked with writer Lindsey Davis and focused on crucial aspects when writing and editing for Habitat:
- Created compelling calls-to-action, encouraging donations and volunteering
- Wrote SEO-ready content
- Organized info-heavy content into easily manageable sections that won't overwhelm users
- Used tone that reflected Habitat's mission and values throughout writing
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To improve Habitat Springfield’s placement in search results, we targeted important terms:
- Habitat Springfield MO
ranks # 1 & 2 of 54,400 total results - Project ReHabitat
ranks # 1 & 2 of 4,930 total results - Volunteer Habitat Springfield
ranks # 2 & 3 of 1,060,000 total results - Donate Habitat Springfield
ranks # 3 & 4 of 1,080,000 total results - Habitat ReStore Springfield
ranks # 1 of 817,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.10.10
- Habitat Springfield MO
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To recruit volunteers, I used themes meant to resonate with the midwestern audience:
- Responsibility to the community:
"Habitat Springfield recognizes that constructing homes builds hope while building our community." - Power of the individual:
"Without volunteers like you, we would be unable to build lasting relationships and provide hope to families in need." - Assumption that individuals will help:
"How will You build hope?" - Ability to overcome adversity:
"No building experience? No problem. [Our] volunteer construction crews need both seasoned builders and beginners."
- Responsibility to the community:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To increase donations, I used numerous persuasion methods:
- Played off Habitat's well known Get Involved slogan:
"Get Invested: Donate to Habitat Springfield and Help Build Lives." - Drew empathy for people:
"To help struggling local families rebuild their lives, Habitat for Humanity of Springfield needs donations from caring community members like you." - Showcased the overall goal:
"One local habitat. One little goal: safe, affordable housing for all."
- Played off Habitat's well known Get Involved slogan:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To immediately grab users' interests, I used various appeals:
- Chance to join peers:
"Who's Building Springfield? Join Compassionate Construction." - Fact that suffering is close to home:
"Your donation will help build safe, decent, affordable housing for families struggling to survive—right here in Springfield and Greene County, MO." - Instinct to work for change:
"Roll up your sleeves to help build Habitat homes & hope in Springfield."
- Chance to join peers:
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Sadie's Sideboard
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PROJECT GOALS
Sadie's Sideboard is a Branson buffet that needs its site to wow users who plan their vacations online, so they won't risk missing Sadie's BBQ and buffet when they visit Branson. As New Media Samurai writing director, I met crucial goals when writing the site copy:
- Established warm, friendly tone that reflects folks in The Ozarks
- Wrote SEO-ready content
- Sealed the deal with meal descriptions
- Ensured the site is a resource vacationers use often
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To improve Sadie’s Sideboard’s placement in search results, I targeted the following terms:
- Branson BBQ Buffet
ranks # 1 of 8,740 total results - Branson Buffet
ranks # 10 of 151,000 total results - Branson BBQ Restaurant
ranks # 6 of 112,000 total results - Branson Breakfast Buffet
ranks # 5 of 30,700 total results - Branson BBQ
ranks # 19 of 139,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.10.10
- Branson BBQ Buffet
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To ensure website traffic becomes foot traffic at Sadie's Branson buffet, I did the following:
- Cited popularity, building credibility:
"Since 1982, our [...] restaurant has been a part of happy memories for countless Branson visitors and locals alike." - Provided Branson entertainment info, establishing the site as a resource:
"You're sure to fall in love with Branson on your own, but we figure a little insider info about our hometown can only add to your Branson experience." - Offered exclusive discounts, letting users feel like VIPs:
"Join our email list for exclusive coupons and other promotional invitations."
- Cited popularity, building credibility:
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EMAIL MARKETING SAMPLE
To drive users to the site, I wrote seasonal newsletters, using writing devices to keep readers' attentions:
- Heading that's familiar and inviting:
"Here Comes the Sun!" - Content that promotes Branson:
"After a hearty, fresh breakfast buffet, we'd start with some swimming and sunning in beautiful Tablerock Lake, [...] catch an award-winning show, and finally settle down for a cold drink and barbeque ribs, slow-smoked to perfection." - Fact that Sadie's is family-oriented:
"Like so many of you, the Sadie's family imagines the perfect summer day."
- Heading that's familiar and inviting:
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one80one
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PROJECT GOALS
As one80one writing director, I led creative direction on the copy and established the tone for the digital agency's website. Writing with Jessie Cannady, Caleb Copeland, and Lindsey Davis, I ensured we met the following goals:- Used an edgier style
- Wrote headlines and callouts that grab users' attention
- Covered technical topics in an entertaining way
- Reflected the personalities that made the agency great
- Drove users to contact the office
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To improve one80one’s search rankings, we targeted the following key terms:- digital creative agency springfield
ranks # 1 & 2 of 24,700 total results - digital creative agency mo
ranks # 3 of 19,100,000 total results - creative agency springfield
ranks # 3 of 1,060,000 total results - SEO content strategy springfield
ranks # 1 of 15,600 total results - creative agency mo
ranks # 12 of 268,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.11.10
- digital creative agency springfield
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
Web development firms offering SEO and design aren't exactly rare. If you want to stand out from the competition, you better impress potential clients. I wrote to entertain users:- Make them laugh:
"Come on, baby, when you gonna give up those digits?" - Put them at ease:
"Really, though, cheap come-on aside, let's get together and talk shop." - Make communication easy:
"Just complete the quick and easy contact form below, and we'll get back to you right away."
- Make them laugh:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To earn interest immediately, we built the brand on its best asset—the talented innovators who once led one80one's work:- Young, hungry, and bold:
"Ready to meet? Contact us. Take things a little slower? Size up our work, see our services, or mull over our process." - Diverse and experienced:
"Each personality we hire brings a rich history of professional experience..." - Easy going and funny:
"And, hey, our mothers assure us we've got some winning personalities of our own. So unless you think our moms are liars, you can trust that you'll actually enjoy working with us."
- Young, hungry, and bold:
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Mother's Brewing Company
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PROJECT GOALS
Mother's Brewing Company in Springfield, MO is currently rocking out some amazing craft beers. Mother's will first make its goodness available in the Midwest this spring and will expand from there. We're developing the full website now. In the mean time we created a fun splashpage to help get people talking:
- Established friendly, inviting tone
- Covered the crucial details for the brand
- Targeted a couple of key terms to pave the way for future SEO efforts
- Invited user interaction
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To set the tone for the brand's style and voice, I kept things lighthearted and fun:
- Played with the Mom angle:
"Trust your Mother's on this one: Life is meant to be enjoyed." - Introduced the brewer for credibility:
"Our brewmaster loves what he does, and he's currently creating craft beers that'll make the every-day moments in life something to celebrate." - Made it clear that the Mother's team is all about good times and great beer:
"If you spend your time sipping incredible craft beers with some fun-loving friends, you're making Mother's proud."
- Played with the Mom angle:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To bring users back, I let them know the full site is coming soon:
- Wrote a heading that plays off the thing Mother's does best:
"Mother's Website: It's Brewing." - Teased the upcoming site:
"While it's true a mother's work is never done, we promise this site will be finished before you know it." - Invited users back, casually:
"Drop by again soon." - Used humor to make the social networking invite more compelling:
"You can find us at our favorite online hangouts—where we'll keep you loaded with craft beer info..."
- Wrote a heading that plays off the thing Mother's does best:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To gain ongoing interaction, I asked users to opt in for the Mother's newsletter:
- Wrote a heading with the emotional appeal of getting letters from Mom:
"Get Mother's Notes." - Leveraged the fact that not all users dig social media:
"Not into the whole social media thing? No problem. We'll keep you posted with our progress by email." - Reassured users that Mother's is trustworthy, playing off the idea of a protective mother:
"And don't worry; Mother's always protects your info."
- Wrote a heading with the emotional appeal of getting letters from Mom:
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LAMP Online High School
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PROJECT GOALS
A free public high school online, LAMP (Learn at My Pace) gives students a chance to earn a degree without a rigid daily schedule. As New Media Samurai writing director, I focused on these major goals for the site:
- Used tone teenagers can relate to
- Wrote SEO-ready content to increase website traffic
- Organized written content into logical sections on the site
- Ensured prominent callouts, quickly guiding the often impatient target users to the info they need
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To improve LAMP’s placement in search results, I targeted the following key terms:
- learn at my pace
ranks # 1 & 2 of 7,030,000 total results - learn at my pace high school
ranks # 1 & 2 of 51,300,000 total results - lamp high school minnesota
ranks # 1 & 2 of 320,000 total results - lighting the path to your future
ranks # 2 of 3,750,000 total results - core high school online minnesota
ranks # 18 of 2,950,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.10.10
- learn at my pace
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To increase student enrollment, I used the following to ensure the process was clear and appealed to young people:
- Credibility and attainability:
"Graduating from LAMP Online High School, a state-approved Minnesota public school, is a goal you can reach—at your pace." - First-person, so readers feel invested:
"Orientation helps you learn about LAMP [...], how you can best reach your educational goals, how to be a successful online learner, and more." - Speed and ease:
"Does it sound too easy? Really, it's
that easy!"
- Credibility and attainability:
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EMAIL MARKETING SAMPLE
To drive website traffic and enrollment, I wrote a marketing email focusing on the following:
- A tone that engaged and resonated with high school students:
- "You'll love LAMP for finally giving you control of your education."
- "If you've not decided on a career yet, no worries: LAMP's wide range of classes will let you discover the career path that's right for you."
- The fact that courses were available to all students:
"We Leave No Path Unlit." - The hook, posed as a question:
"Why is LAMP a great opportunity?"
- A tone that engaged and resonated with high school students:
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Katie's Voice
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PROJECT GOALS
A nonprofit organization, Katie's Voice has one goal—spread awareness and prevention of DVT/PE symptoms. As one80one writing director, I worked with the site's writer Jessie Cannady to accomplish the following:
- Incorporated emotional appeals to drive donations and volunteering
- Ensured SEO-ready content to get the message to more people
- Maintained professional tone with often-personal information
- Established site as a reliable resource for DVT/PE information
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To improve placement for Katie's Voice in user searches, I targeted the following:
- Katie’s Voice
ranks # 1 & 2 of 14,100,000 total results - Support DVT Treatment
ranks # 3 of 2,210,000 total results - Stop DVT/PE
ranks # 4 of 26,600 total results - Support DVT Prevention
ranks # 7 of 1,740,000 total results - Support DVT Awareness
ranks # 6 of 311,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.10.10
- Katie’s Voice
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To inspire users to join the cause, we incorporated effective motivational appeals:
- Addressed the reader as if we we're speaking directly to her or him:
"With your help, we can give hope and support life." - Used positive, doubtless terminology about the impact users can make:
"By supporting our mission for DVT/PE prevention and awareness, you can help keep families together..." - Addressed the severity of DVT risks:
"DVT treatment and prevention can reduce the number of DVT associated deaths each year."
- Addressed the reader as if we we're speaking directly to her or him:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To gain repeat traffic, we established the site as a reputable resource for medical information about DVT/PE:
- Encouraged users to avoid the risks:
"Know Hope. Know DVT Symptoms, Risks, and Early Warning Signs." - Provided medical definitions:
"Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot breaks off into pieces and those pieces get into the lungs." - Included link to CDC, a clear authority
*Ensured link opens in new window, so users don't leave the site before getting involved with the cause
- Encouraged users to avoid the risks:
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Midwest Reporters, Inc.
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PROJECT GOALS
Midwest Reporters, Inc. provides court reporting and related services in various midwestern states. As New Media Samurai writing director, I met the following goals to revamp the client's website content:
- Established polished, professional tone
- Wrote content with SEO in mind (though not contracted for SEO)
- Structured the copy-heavy content into easily approachable sections
- Used language that resonates with audience of lawyers and legal secretaries
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To improve the site's ranking in users' search results, I targeted relevant terms:
- Midwest Reporters
ranks # 1 & 2 of 1,030,000 total results - midwest court reporters
ranks # 4 of 2,150,000 total results - midwest court reporting
ranks # 6 of 2,160,000 total results - midwest legal videography
ranks # 3 & 4 of 369,000 total results - midwest court videographers
ranks # 3 & 4 of 516,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.11.10
- Midwest Reporters
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To impress the well-educated, discerning target audience, I touted the following:
- Professional credibility:
"Midwest Reporters, Inc. has built a staff of specialists ranging from certified legal videographers and court reporters to video and audio technicians." - Beneficial service:
"We provide all the extras, so your legal team can easily concentrate on winning your trial or hearing." - Dedication:
"Why are we so committed to excellence? Because our success depends on your success."
- Professional credibility:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To land clients, I showcased the company's best qualities when describing its services:
- Comprehensive support:
"From certified court reporters to in-house legal videographers, our expert staff is qualified to deliver wide-ranging services that strengthen your case." - Winning ways:
"Our results are undeniable: Midwest Reporters helps your legal team win." - Quick delivery:
"Midwest Reporters, Inc. understands our clients often need to use deposition testimony immediately, so we offer instantaneous transcripts."
- Comprehensive support:
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Queen City Rocker
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PROJECT GOALS
Queen City Rocker is the website for Bobby Skulls, former front man of The Rhones. To increase awareness of his solo effort, I created a new website. While handling development, copy editing, and SEO, I met the following goals for the project:
- Maintained brash rock and roll style
- Used best practices SEO techniques
- Built upon the client's growing reputation and recent success
- Established easy access to music
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To improve Queen City Rocker’s search results ranking, I targeted the following:
- Bobby Skulls
ranks # 2 & 3 of 1,130,000 total results - Sonic Slumlord
ranks 1 of 85,200 total results - Queen City Rocker
ranks # 3 of 316,000 total results - The Rhones
ranks # 2 of 1,950,000 total results - queen city rock and roll
ranks # 5 of 1,350,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.10.10
- Bobby Skulls
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To earn credibility with critical rock fans, who treat their playlists like exclusive clubs, I used the following appeals:
- Noted his popular former band to spark immediate interest:
"The Queen City Rocker and frontman of The Rhones, Bobby Skulls, has resurfaced." - Reflected an in your face attitude:
"Hippies, pigs, and yuppies who discover Sonic Slumlord be warned: you will be crushed upon listen."
- Noted his popular former band to spark immediate interest:
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BEHIND THE SCENES
I never claim to be a developer, but I do know my way around code. For example, to create this site, I completely customized an appropriate template. Here's a small sample of what I did during development:
- Adjusted functionality and design by using a development application and by updating the HTML code itself
- Implemented a media player to showcase new songs
- Used Photoshop to create and/or adjust images to reflect the EP's cover design
- Included links to the sites of legendary rock musicians who played on the EP
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Wellness Provider Network
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PROJECT GOALS
WPN promotes natural health & wellness across the U.S. and offers member discounts at any health provider in the network. As one80one writing director, I met the following goals when writing the site copy:
- Built awareness about the opportunity to join WPN
- Promoted perks for members and providers alike
- Implemented proven SEO techniques
- Conveyed credibility through polished, accurate wellness information
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SEO TARGET TERMS
To continually increase visibility of the Wellness Provider Network brand and improve ranking in search results, I targeted the following search terms:
- wellness provider network
ranks # 3 of 1,010,000 total results - WPN benefits
ranks # 4 of 14,900,000 total results - wellness provider network
member benefits
ranks # 20 of 1,080,000 total results
*All results last tracked on 09.10.10
- wellness provider network
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To gain members, I used appeals that ring true with the alternative medicine community:
- Cited impressive statistics:
"The wellness industry has seen sales explode to more than $500 billion annually, and it's quickly becoming the next trillion dollar industry." - Provided a solution to high costs:
"Because WPN providers aren't struggling to reach new clients and survive the economy on their own, they can offer impressive discounts..." - Established interaction by addressing questions users would have:
"How does the WPN benefit members?"
- Cited impressive statistics:
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WRITING HIGHLIGHTS
To convince providers to join WPN, I focused on goals business owners commonly share:
- Increasing client lists:
"The WPN also makes it easy for providers within our network to meet—and ultimately treat—far more clients than they could as individuals." - Ensuring a practical benefit to investment ratio:
"Along with positively impacting the wellness and health of far more people, becoming a WPN provider comes with impressive returns and very few requirements for you."
- Increasing client lists:
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