P.S. Jones Communications

April’s Brain Candy Podcast

Princess Jones — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:16:29 +0000

I’m a big fan of stories in any form, which means that I love a television show just as much as I love a good book or play. Sometimes I get flak for enjoying TV as much as I do but I just let that roll off my back. Once upon a time, Shakespearean plays were just a way folks spent their Saturday nights. Now, we study them in-depth. So when I feel like writing a 1200 word article on the themes in American Horror Story or why Whitney sucks, I know I’m just ahead of my time.

This month, my topic for Moxy Magazine’s podcast has to do with TV and how this year’s crop of women themed sitcoms have disappointed me. If you have a moment, head over to Moxy Magazine to listen to April’s Brain Candy podcast where we dissect Hillary’s text messages, being too pretty, and this year’s women-centric sitcoms.

What Batman Can Teach You About Great Copywriting

Princess Jones — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:30:46 +0000

If you know anything about me, you know that Batman is my idol. I love a guy with an intense need to right wrongs, a dark past, and a badass car. But I also think that Batman is a great model for my copywriting career. Whenever I’m in a jam, I just think to myself “What Would Batman Do?” He knows all the tricks to persuading the reader through the written word and uses them in everyday life.

I wrote about Batman’s copywriting skills and outlined all the lessons you can learn from the Dark Knight. If you have a moment, head over to Kelly Kautz’s One Woman Marketing and read What Batman Can Teach You About Great Copywriting.

March Brain Candy: KONY 2012, Douchebaggery & Michelle Obama

Princess Jones — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:39:41 +0000

I’ve always wondered why people think Michelle Obama is so pretty. I admire her personality, her work, and the grace in which she’s accepted what I believe is the worst job in America. But I’ve always wondered why the world always describes her as beautiful, fashionable, and glamorous when I see her a strong and intelligent. I’ve talked about it endlessly and haven’t found a satisfactory answer. Until now.

This month, I’m featured on Moxy Magazine’s monthly podcast, Brain Candy. Along with Natalia Sylvester and Kim Coughlin, I sit down and chew the facts about current events and pop culture. This month, they change my mind about why people think Michelle Obama is so pretty. If you have a moment, head over to Moxy Magazine and read March Brain Candy: KONY 2012, Douchebaggery & Michelle Obama.

Model Your Communications After Batman and Robin

Princess Jones — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:20:00 +0000

I love superheroes. I love the idea of wearing cape, a mask, and a utility belt as you run through the streets of your town trying to right the wrongs of the world. Oh and flying through the air is pretty cool, too.

But we can learn a lot about ordinary things from superheroes, too. Communicating is just one of them. If you’re writing communications copy, you can conquer any headline/body problems by looking to the Dynamic Duo, Batman and Robin. The teamwork these two exhibit are the perfect example of how a good headline/body combo should work.

This week, you can find me over on Small Business Bonfire, a website, community, and blog that offers tips, tools, and resources for entrepreneurs everywhere. If you have a moment, head over Small Business Bonfire to read Model Your Communications After Batman and Robin.

Boob Stories on Literally Social

Princess Jones — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:40:11 +0000

I talk about Boob Stories everywhere I go. Mostly because I think it’s a fun subject and I want to sell more books for charity. But every now and again, somebody actually invites me to talk about Boob Stories on purpose. Those times are even better because I don’t feel guilty going on and on about my passion project.

One of those opportunities recently came my way in the form of Lori Randall Stradtman’s podcast, Literally Social Show. Lori interviewed me about the origins of the project, how we put it together, and how social media played a huge role in making it all come together.

So if you have a moment, head over to Literally Social, read my guest post, and listen to my interview about one of my favorite topics.

From the Swipe Files: Oz Moving

Princess Jones — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:53:15 +0000

Remember when I told you I love taking the subway and bus because I get to take in all the examples of ad copywriting? Well one of my favorite subway ad campaigns belongs to Oz Moving. They make lots of plays on The Wizard of Oz references, which definitely entertain the reader. But they do it in a way that also emphasizes the benefits to anyone moving with them.

I saw this ad last week:

Living in New York City, you get used to small apartments. Anyone on the F train seeing this ad understands what “Munchkin-sized” apartment is like. And they look for the day they can find something a little better. Even the yellow brick background is working for it. It’s a good example of doing it right and it’s going in my swipe file.

2 Questions I Start With on Every Project

Princess Jones — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:55:40 +0000

I ask a lot of questions when I start a copywriting project. I think that the key to working with someone else’s baby brand is to listen to what they have to say. I’ve been told that sometimes the questions I ask are unconventional. But that’s OK. I just want to know as much as I can possible know when it comes to delivering something we can both be proud to show off.

The questions usually change depending on the project or the client, but there are two questions I tend to ask about every project. Here they are:

Who are we talking to?

Why should they care?

The reason these questions are so important is that how I write and what I put down on the page is all about the person who is supposed to read it. It’s all about them. So, I do everything I can to speak to them in a language that they understand. The other stuff–benefits, text placement, call to action, etc–is important in its own way. But if I don’t get the audience right, it doesn’t matter anyway.

Photo Credit: alexanderdrachmann

Are you ready to work with someone who does more listening than talking? It’s time you worked with me. Let’s figure out how we can speak to your audience in a language they understand. Call me at 646-397-4012 or email me at princess@iampsjones.com

4 Signs It’s Time to Update Your Copy

Princess Jones — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:00:17 +0000

Copy isn’t forever. You may want to leave well enough alone when you figure out something that works but that’s not always possible. As you and your audience grows, your copy should, too. You don’t go on your website or read your brochures each day so it’s difficult to know when your copy is getting stale. Here are a few signs that scream it’s time for a copy re-do:

Your company has made some changes. Things move fast and you’re growing everyday. But no one outside of your office knows that. If you have new products, new services, or new staff, you need some new copy to go with it.

Your audience has changed. Just as you’re doing new things, your customers are trying new things, too. You can’t expect them to stay the same. In some cases, you’re moving on to a whole new market. Maybe you’re hoping to attract a new type of clientele. Whatever the case, a change in focus needs a change in copy.

It’s been a while. Have you ever been in a house that was last remodeled in the 70s? The shag carpet and loud wallpaper make it obvious, even if it’s still in perfect working order. It just needs an update. So does your copy. Even if you’re still the same organization, doing the same thing for the same group of people, you should update your copy every so often, too.

You’re updating anyway. Copy isn’t the only thing on your website that needs updating. Maybe you’re tweaking the design. Are you changing the color scheme or logo? Well since you’re putting on a fresh coat of paint, you might as well refresh the copy, too.

Photo Credit: fhwrdh

The right copywriter can improve your conversion rate in ways you’ve never imagined. Developing a prospect into a customer or user is an art. Fortunately, I can help you do it. Let’s talk about what I can do for your bottom line. Call me at 646-397-4012 or email me at princess@iampsjones.com.

A Salesperson Behind a Typewriter

Princess Jones — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:25:19 +0000

“A copywriter is a salesperson behind a typewriter.”

When I first came across that quote, Bob Bly was attributing it to Judith Charles of Judith K Charles Creative Communication in The Copywriter’s Handbook. Since then, I’ve seen in many variations of the quote with many different attributions. Either way, the sentiment sticks because it’s true.

Every writer has a point. Bloggers, novelists, kids writing book reports–they all have a final thought they’re trying to get across to the reader. Copywriters persuade readers to take action. They want you to click “Buy Now,” sign up for updates or vote this way. (If you’re ever wondering what a copywriter wants you do, check the “call to action.” It’s the thing the writer urges you to do, unusually near the end of the copy.) When you hire a copywriter, you’re hiring a new sales member for your company or brand. She has the same goal as the sales staff in your store.

Today’s copywriters don’t use typewriters anymore. We’re more likely to be pounding out copy from our laptops than leaning over a typewriter. But, the end result is the same. If you want to convince your reader to do something, you need a copywriter.

Photo Credit: Twylo

The right copywriter can improve your conversion rate in ways you’ve never imagined. Developing a prospect into a customer or user is an art. Fortunately, I can help you do it. Let’s talk about what I can do for your bottom line. Call me at 646-397-4012 or email me at princess@iampsjones.com.

When a Copywriter Takes the Subway

Princess Jones — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:40:54 +0000

For the past few years, I’ve been a straphanger. I’ve never enjoyed driving and moving to metropolitan areas (first Chicago, then NYC) meant I rarely had to drive again. While many people find public transportation frustrating, I enjoy it. I don’t have to pay for gas, I can read the whole trip and I don’t have to spend 20 minutes attempting to parallel park.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to catch up on what’s new in ad copy.

For you drivers out there who don’t know, buses and subway trains have ad copy all over the inside of them. For the companies and organizations advertising, it’s the perfect way to reach a captive audience. (You’re not going anywhere until the bus gets to your stop, right?) Like tiny billboards, the posters and placards call out into the crowd to their target marketing audience and convince them to take the next step. I’ve seen some great stuff or clever tactics just paying attention to the ads on the subway.

That’s not to say that every ad I see while using public transportation is a gem. I’ve seen a few I’d love to rewrite to make clearer or have a bigger impact. But, that’s just a good way for me to exercise my copywriting muscles. I either gather my ideas together for my inspiration folder or I consider pitching the company directly. Some of the ads are written so badly that it’s obvious they need to hire a strong copywriter immediately! And, I’m just the girl for the job.

Photo Credit: Joe Shlabotnik

Does your brand need a strong copywriter to make it stand out in a world full of noise? Turn “blah, blah, blah” into copy that makes a statement. Give me a call at 646-397-4012 or email me at princess@iampsjones.com and let’s do something great together.