An Expert Agency Copywriter's Confessions

As an agency copywriter, writing blogs is a big part of my job. But let me tell you, it's not as easy as it seems. I know what you're thinking: "Just put some words together and hit publish!" If only it were that simple.
Tyler Heatley
Senior Content & Press Manager

As an agency copywriter, writing blogs is a big part of my job. But let me tell you, it's not as easy as it seems. I know what you're thinking: "Just put some words together and hit publish!" If only it were that simple. From battling writer's block to finding the right tone and voice, there are a plethora of reasons why writing blogs is hard. And as an expert in this field, I'm here to spill all the details on what really goes into crafting the perfect blog post. Get ready for some confessions from a professional wordsmith.

I'm not a writer

As an expert agency copywriter, you'd think I'd have this blogging thing down pat, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that's not the case. One of the main reasons why writing blogs is hard is that, despite being in marketing and communications for over a decade, I still don't consider myself a writer. Sure, I can whip up some compelling copy for a website or a brochure, but writing a blog post is a whole different ballgame.

It's like being a professional basketball player and suddenly being asked to play soccer. Sure, there are some similarities, but the nuances of the game and the skills required are vastly different. Writing for a blog requires a different approach and a different set of skills than writing for other marketing or communications channels. It's not enough to simply be able to write; you have to be able to write in a way that engages and captivates your audience.

So, even though I may not consider myself a writer, I still push myself to write blogs. Because at the end of the day, it's not about being a perfect writer or having the perfect blog. It's about connecting with your audience and providing value to them. And that's what keeps me motivated to keep trying, even when the words don't come easily.

I don't have anything interesting to say

Have you ever sat down to write a blog post and found yourself thinking, "What do I even have to say?" As a copywriter at an expert agency, I've certainly been there. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that every piece of content you create needs to be groundbreaking, revolutionary, and industry-changing. But the truth is, not every blog post needs to be a game-changer. Sometimes, the most effective marketing and communications strategies are the simplest ones.

Instead of trying to come up with something entirely new and original every time you sit down to write, focus on what your audience wants to hear from you. What challenges are they facing? What questions do they have? How can you help solve their problems or provide them with useful information? Remember, not every post has to be a deep dive into the complexities of your industry. Sometimes, a quick tip or a list of helpful resources can be just as valuable.

Of course, this isn't to say that you should never strive to create innovative, thought-provoking content. But don't let the fear of not having anything interesting to say hold you back from creating a consistent content strategy. At the end of the day, your blog is a valuable tool for engaging with your audience and building your brand. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts, even if they don't seem earth-shattering. You might be surprised at how many people find your insights helpful and engaging.

I'm not an expert on anything

Another reason why writing blogs is hard for me is that I often feel like I'm not an expert on anything. It's intimidating to write about a topic when I know that there are people out there who have more knowledge and experience than I do. I worry that my blog posts won't be taken seriously or that readers will quickly realize that I don't know what I'm talking about.

But the truth is, I don't need to be an expert on a topic to write about it. Sure, there are certain subjects that require specialized knowledge, but for the most part, blogging is about sharing personal experiences and insights. I may not be an expert on the latest marketing strategies, for example, but I can still write about my experiences testing different tactics and share my own unique perspective.

Another thing to remember is that everyone starts somewhere. Just because I don't feel like an expert now doesn't mean I won't eventually. The more I write and research, the more I'll learn, and the more confident I'll become in my knowledge.

So if you're like me and worry about not being an expert, don't let that hold you back from writing a blog. Share what you know and what you're passionate about, and let your readers be the judge of whether or not you're an expert.

I'm too busy to write a blog

Ah, the age-old excuse. We've all used it at some point, haven't we? Whether it's work, family commitments, or just a never-ending to-do list, it seems like we never have enough time to do the things we actually want to do.

But let's be honest - how many hours a day do we really spend scrolling through social media, watching TV, or doing other mindless activities? We may not have all the time in the world, but we can certainly find a few spare moments here and there to sit down and write.

And who says you have to write a blog post every day, or even every week? Start small - commit to writing one post a month, or even just one post every few months. The important thing is that you're putting something out there.

Plus, think about all the benefits that come with blogging. Not only is it a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field and share your knowledge with others, but it's also a way to connect with your audience and build relationships with them.

So, the next time you find yourself saying "I'm too busy to write a blog," remember that it's all about priorities. If you truly want to do it, you'll find a way to make it happen. And who knows? You may even find that writing a blog becomes one of your favourite ways to unwind and de-stress.

I'm not a good enough writer

One of the biggest roadblocks to writing a successful blog post is the fear that you're not a good enough writer. Trust me, I've been there. As an agency copywriter, you'd think I have no problem putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and churning out amazing content. But the truth is, even professional writers struggle with self-doubt.

It's easy to get caught up in the idea that every word needs to be perfect, every sentence needs to flow flawlessly, and every post needs to be Pulitzer Prize-worthy. But that's just not the case. Writing is a process, and even the most experienced writers go through multiple drafts before they feel confident in their work.

One thing that's helped me overcome the fear of not being a good enough writer is reminding myself that blogging isn't about being perfect – it's about sharing your ideas and starting a conversation. You don't have to be the best writer in the world to create content that people will enjoy and engage with. All you have to do is be authentic, knowledgeable, and willing to put yourself out there.

If you're struggling with self-doubt, remember that every writer starts somewhere. Even the best writers in the world had to start with a blank page and a little bit of courage. So take a deep breath, start typing, and see where your words take you. Who knows – you might just surprise yourself.

I don't have time to promote my blog

Promoting your blog can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when you're juggling multiple responsibilities. It's not just about writing the content; you need to put in effort to make sure it reaches the right audience. But let me tell you something - promoting your blog is just as important as writing it! After all, what's the point of crafting an amazing piece of content if no one's going to read it?

There are various ways you can promote your blog - sharing it on social media, adding it to your email signature, reaching out to other bloggers or influencers, etc. But these tactics take time and effort, which can feel daunting.

So, what can you do when you don't have much time? Start small. Schedule a few minutes each day to promote your blog on social media. Create a content calendar to plan out your posts, so you're not scrambling for something to share at the last minute.

Another way to save time is by automating your social media promotion. Use tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule your posts in advance. This way, you can set it and forget it, knowing that your blog is still being promoted even if you're too busy to do it manually.

Remember, promoting your blog doesn't have to be an all-consuming task. Even a little effort can go a long way in getting your content out there and attracting new readers. So, take a deep breath, and dive in - you got this!

I'm not sure what a blog is

If you're anything like me, the term "blog" might be something you've heard thrown around a lot but don't fully understand. Is it a diary? A news article? A place for people to rant about their personal opinions? The truth is, it can be all of these things and more.

At its core, a blog is simply an online platform where someone can share their thoughts, ideas, or experiences with an audience. It can be a way to express your creativity, share your expertise, or simply connect with like-minded people.

The beauty of blogging is that there are no rules. You can write about whatever you want, in whatever style you want, and as often as you want. You can include photos, videos, or other media to enhance your content and make it more engaging.

So, if you're not sure what a blog is or how it works, don't worry. The beauty of this medium is that you can start small and learn as you go. Start by reading some of your favourite blogs to get a sense of what resonates with you. Then, when you're ready, jump in and start sharing your own voice with the world. Who knows where it might take you?

Tyler Heatley
Senior Content & Press Manager
Former automotive journalist of 12 years turned PR specialist. Motorsport addict often found seeking refuge at a race track, in restaurants, or behind the wheel.