a.k.a writer

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Promote your portfolio using Pinterest

April 9, 2012 — 2 Comments

Three days after declaring I was going to delete my Pinterest account, I had an epiphany: portfolio showcase. Since Pinterest is such a visual social network, it’s the perfect place to highlight my copywriting work.

I already have an online portfolio, so why add it to Pinterest? It’s one more way to get my work in front of potential clients. It also shows current and potential clients that I know how to use the third most popular social network in the U.S. In her fantastic Copyblogger post, Beth Hayden shared some persuasive numbers: In January 2012, Pinterest drove greater traffic to websites than LinkedIn, Google Plus, Reddit, and Youtube—combined.

Beth convinced me. Now that I’ve figured out how to showcase my copywriting on Pinterest, I’m sharing what I learned with you. (more…)

A fork in the road: taking both paths as a writer

February 20, 2012

If I could choose one word to describe the last year, it would be focus. I’m more focused in the type of freelance copywriting projects I want and I’ve become very clear in my goals—and voice—as a creative writer.

This blog: not so focused. But I’m going to fix that.

Because this site has housed my portfolio and been the launching point for my business a.k.a writer, I’ve been mindful of being professional. I’ve written every post as though as prospective or current client might read it. That’s fine, but it’s felt very confining when it comes to the creative non-fiction writing that I love so much. It muted my voice and created a distance that didn’t feel write right.

So now I’m going to focus a.k.a writer on copywriting and freelancing, which includes things like tips for building a business and “ask a.k.a.” I’ll also be posting related images to my pinterest boards. For a more creative outlet, I’ve started a new tumblr a written life: the alphabet’s personal. My tumblr is more of a playground and will include quotes, links, photos and posts about writing. Topics will range from memoir to finding an agent to what strikes me at the moment. (You may see some content seeded from old a.k.a writer posts; I will also be writing new pieces.) Having the two sites has been re-energizing and inspiring. There’s so much to write!

There’s no obligation to visit both sites, but I hope one of them will speak to you. If there’s anything you’d like to see on a.k.a writer, let me know in the comments here.

Portfolio Perusal Options

November 2, 2011

Welcome to my copywriting portfolio. This is just a small sample of the copy I’ve created. These pieces all have a few things in common: they were produced on strategy, on time and on budget. And they all represent the distinct voices of my clients.

Sample sorting

To scroll through examples, you can use your trackpad, mouse or left and right arrow keys. You can also use the “older entries” link on the bottom right-hand side of the pages. (There are more than a dozen samples.)

To find specific types of work, you can click on tags on an individual post or use the links here. Available sorting:

B2B (business to business)

B2C (business to consumer)

Brochures (print and online)

Web

To request a sample not shown here (e.g., script writing) or to discuss your needs for a brand and marketing writer, contact me [jesaka @ jesakalong.com].
Let’s distinguish your copy.

Portfolio: B2B Postcard

November 1, 2011

Jesaka-Long_portfolio_postcard_onetoonrelocation

Postcard copy (on the back):

In today’s economy, recruiters like you are juggling ten jobs. We can take one off your plate: relocation. We can create an initial package, track your budget and get Jane packed and moved. Most importantly, we are real, caring people on the other side of the computer and phone.

When you call us, Jane won’t have to call you. One to One Relocation.

Portfolio: B2B Rebrand

November 1, 2011

My role with White Plate Creative has included collaborating in the development of the company voice and tagline as well as writing web copy. Sample copy: A small, boutique agency specializing in marketing communications for the B2B food ingredients industry, White Plate Creative gives you that fresh twist so you stand out. Like the perfect chocolate croissant: memorable, irresistible.

Ask a.k.a: getting & keeping a freelance life

October 27, 2011 — 2 Comments

As a freelancer, how do you balance your time? Is it difficult to not always “be” at work since your home office is in the next room? – Shelley L.

You could ask 10 difference freelancers this same question and get just as many answers. Why? It’s about what works for you.

One of the reasons I picked answered this question is because I found myself assessing my priorities this spring. While claiming I wanted more time for a personal writing project, I proceeded to book copywriting gig after gig, racking up more than 280 hours in a single month.

I also kept comparing myself to other freelancer friends who were billing 60 hours a week or building businesses as weekend warriors (taking new projects on Friday afternoon and delivering them on Monday morning). They were thriving. I was burned out.

With the help of very supportive people in my life, including a fantastic mentor, I started to focus on what I needed to do to achieve my goals and take care of myself. Here’s what works for me (at least for now). (more…)

Portfolio: B2C Website Landing Page Deals

September 16, 2011

This home page was the main building block for the rebranding of Rainbow Rewards, a local company offering a free cash back program to members. I was contracted to develop brand messaging into copy across all platforms and across all audiences. An additional page with longer copy is available here.

Portfolio: B2B Website Landing Page

September 16, 2011

My role with One to One Relocation has been helping them develop a new brand, which included renaming the company (formerly Blackstar Relocation) and creating the company voice. This copy example is printed on all business cards: You hire Jane. She’s moving from Vermont. Meet me. I’ll make sure Jane has a place to stay, a home to call her own, an expert to pack her up and someone to lean on.

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April 9, 2012 — 2 Comments

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October 27, 2011 — 2 Comments

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