Every business today knows the value of having a strong web presence and more commonly a strong social media presence. Whether you use it as a way of keeping in touch with your customers, or obtaining feedback, or promotion, social media is becoming increasingly important. The time taken need not be intrusive on your everyday business activity, a quick tweet or Facebook update may be all that's required.

But what if you want to engage further, or build a deeper relationship with your customers, potential customers and readers? A blog may be the answer, with opportunity for you to show off your knowledge and skills in a particular area and also to show off your business personality. This requires a little more effort and time though and can be especially costly for small businesses. KD writing is now offering a new business blogging service. Get rid of that nagging thought that you should really be writing more often, that your blog is neglected and that you just don't have enough hours in the day. After an initial consultation, I will get on with the research and writing so you can get on with what you do best.

Why blog?
Here's just a couple of reasons, from Spinweb's paper on 'Why nobody reads your corporate blog'

• COMPANIES THAT BLOG GET 55% MORE WEB TRAFFIC
• B2C COMPANIES THAT BLOG GENERATE 88% MORE LEADS PER MONTH THAN THOSE WHO DO NOT
• 57% OF BUSINESSES HAVE ACQUIRED A CUSTOMER THROUGH THEIR COMPANY BLOG

If you think you could benefit from KD writing's new business blogging service get in touch and we can discuss how it can work for you.

I have recently spread my wings a little and started a new study course. It's a PDA in ITALL (Intro to tutoring in adult literacies learning). It involves some volunteer work with the Adult Basic Education department with the local council. It may seem a departure from my usual focus on digital marketing or whiling away the hours in my college library, however, I actually don't see it as very different to the core of my work. At the centre of everything I have worked on or been interested in is an enthusiasm for communication.

This has (hopefully) shone through in my work in contributing to local music magazines, websites and blogging. It has been the reason why I developed an interest in self-publishing, proofreading, copywriting and copy editing.  It was where I found the desire to help other creatives bring their writing to the market through Vine Arts Publications (a small publishing venture, now with 4 books successfully published and one new poetry chapbook released this very week! Follow @vineartspub for more information on this project.) It has fuelled my interest in marketing in general, working in educational settings, the food industry, and eventually my freelance work for KD Marketing. 

A passion for words is at the heart of all I have worked on, in its many different forms. Even with digital marketing, I have discovered that strong writing skills are essential, even in the skills required to consider web copy or keywords for Search Engine Optimisation. My time spent working in an educational library has given me another insight into how literacy and digital literacy can open doors and give people opportunities.

And so now I am starting on a journey of encouraging others in their reading, writing and basic IT skills. Not because I feel led to suddenly become a teacher, but because the world of words and communication has been so central to all I have worked on and been involved in that I cannot imagine my life without it. I have been fortunate to have great teachers, mentors and opportunities to learn and I'm excited to pass on any little knowledge or enthusiasm I can. The reality of the course is the volunteering starts now so I will post back (hopefully with my enthusiasm in tact!) when I've completed some more of the course. Thanks to all who have supported and encouraged me through years of many and varied random, or perhaps not-so-random projects. 

So the business plan for my new social media idea is now down on paper. I await decisions on funding and am learning about a whole new world of jargon mostly related to business and money. As with most things though, I have seen that it all comes down to communication, and at least that is an arena I am familiar with. Having recently tried my hand at writing competition entries, award submissions and now business plans, I realise that every project is essentially an opportunity to pitch your story, a chance to say I'm the only one that meets the criteria. 

And now it's time to pitch again.

This time I am challenging myself to the ultimate copywriting challenge, and I have had great fun with it.

Check out the genius that is the Leith agency in Edinburgh and their HOTDESK

So every so often I find it useful to take on a writing challenge, to keep the creative flow on the move. This time I found a challenge from a digital company in Edinburgh called Shake. They threw down this little gauntlet ...

"Research and write 400 words on ladies fashion for the over 55’s. Think topical, think target audience and think engagement.

And here's me picking up that gauntlet and running with it..


Faux pas free fashion for the over 50s

Do you know your LBD from your VPL? Concerns about bingo wings and crows feet?
Never fear, daytime TV is rife with well meaning advice on what to wear and where to shop, who to look like and what not to ever ever do. If Gok Wan hasn’t already convinced you that 50 is the new 20 and all you need is some supportive undergarments with a double dose of confidence, then we are here to do just that. Confused? You will be!

Instead of being blindly led by the blind and continually fretting that your best dressed days are behind you, why not relax and take some time to really evaluate your wardrobe and how you feel about it? And while you’re at it take five minutes to yourself (when did you last do that) to think about your own body. And we don’t mean the bumps and sags and bits you would rather hide, we mean the curves, the maturity and the elegance that only you can carry off. Appreciating the kind of fabrics you have come to love over the years and the styles you can’t stand to see making a comeback is all part and parcel of dressing well as a woman over 50. It’s not all comfort and practicality - you know what you like and that’s essential to looking and feeling great.

Take some time to browse through our ShakeInteractive brochure and you’ll soon see style and desirable outfits designed precisely with you in mind. Complete the simple step-by-step guide to choosing shapes, colours and budget to suit you and then sit back, relax and let the virtual personal shopper assistant collect items for you to choose from. Before long your wardrobe will be personally thanking you for ditching the two piece cardis and the floral floor length floatys. 

So if you are tired of the teens getting all the fashion attention and feel it’s time to refresh your look then step this way and get ready to shop like you’ve never shopped before. Leave your petticoats by the patio and step into something altogether more 2010. 

Only you know you like we do.


Ok, so maybe you'll only appreciate this if you're a woman of a certain age, but I was mildly pleased with the copy and enjoyed getting some practice in.

I have recently had the pleasure of working alongside an excellent graphic designer from Edinburgh and thought I would share his work here. Being my colleague and trusted creative friend I highly recommend his graphic services and ability to handle projects large or small from logos and branding, to posters and flyers for every and any event. It is a privilege to work with Stephen and means that my copywriting can be read in beautifully created settings. Should any small business, church, organisation or club wish to stand out from the crowd, Creative82 can help do just that.
www.creative82.com