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Tag: copywriting

My First 30 Days at a Raleigh PR Agency: Day 12

June 14, 2012January 31, 2023 Margot HorganBlog, Entry-Level PR Job, Professional DevelopmentAP style, copywriting, entry-level PR job, entry-level PR position, Public Relations, Raleigh PR Agency, Raleigh Public Relations Agency, writing skills

Working in public relations is a lot more than planning events or helping a celebrity or corporation recover from a public blunder. Yes, event planning and crisis communications are very important skills for public relations professionals, but the most fundamental, absolutely necessary, hire-or-fire skill is something a little less glamorous – great writing. Whether it’s a tweet, blog, press release or annual report, clear and concise writing is one of the most important weapons a PR practitioner can have in his or her arsenal.

2012 AP Stylebook — the #1 resource for all things style and grammar!

The difference between good writing and bad writing is a press release that gets primetime media coverage verses a release that gets ignored because of its weak lead; it’s the difference between an attention-grabbing tweet that is shared and retweeted, boosting a company’s ROI and SEO, compared to a tweet that is too long or boring to get noticed; it’s the difference between a strong, convincing, informative brochure or fact sheet that can inspire publics to act and change their behaviors, compared to a ready-to-use piece that inspires nothing and no one. But, most importantly, it’s the difference between the ability to generate results for the client or to not.

At Clairemont, the importance of writing is stressed on a continual basis, and nearly all of my daily tasks are centered on writing in one way or another. A number of my assignments are creative writing projects, and this past week, I’ve been working on writing copy for a furniture client’s new collections. While the style of writing is certainly different than that of a press release, it still comes down to the same concept of aiming to create results. For furniture copy, this means exuding the feeling and style of the collection or piece. It is about making a customer feel the sophistication of the product. Furniture copy is not just a description – it’s a feeling.

Writing furniture copy isn’t always the easiest, though. It takes time to perfect and to know how to write in the client’s style. For me, the biggest help is to sit down with Josie and walk through the editing process with her. Instead of just passing my copy on to her to edit, she will sit down with me and show me exactly what she is looking for and how to make those edits. This way, I can see the mistakes or style issues in my writing and address them in future assignments.

Does anyone else have any other writing or editing tips? We are always looking for ways to improve because it is such an important skill!

 

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What People Aren’t Telling You About Zappos

October 24, 2011January 31, 2023 Dana PhelpsBlog, Copy CatAbbie Fink, copywriting, Kate Spade, PRSA, Shonali Burke, zappos14 Comments on What People Aren’t Telling You About Zappos

It’s a More Monday! Maybe you’ve already heard the story, and now here’s a little bit more!

I love the Zappos copy on the box *almost* as much as I love my new handbag.

Abbie Fink and I might be the only women I know who don’t like to go shopping. For me, I think it is the go part that bugs me. Sure, I like to buy things that I really like, but I don’t like to spend the time to go searching or to aimlessly browse. I realize that that makes it a bit of a mystery as to why I’m so late to the Zappos game.

Thanks to Shonali Burke for piquing my interest in Zappos when I met her recently at the PRSA International Conference where she was carrying a very stylish handbag. Shonali admitted that she too had been slow to try the online shopping extravaganza that seems to have a cult-like following. She was quite pleased — and not surprised — with the exceptional service.

Now that I have tried it, sign me up as a satisfied customer. But maybe not for the same reasons that’s resulted in Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, holding the title of media darling for quite some time now (all really great reasons, by the way). You see, I’ve heard so much about how fast it is that unless my new Kate Spade arrived in pizza delivery time, it would be hard to be impressed on that alone.

Oh, and there’s the return policy. I’m confident that if I needed it, it would have been as simple and wonderful as I’ve heard that it is. But try prying the beautiful zebra print handle from my sweaty little paws. Not gonna happen. So, yes, it arrived three days after my order. Yes, I know I can ship it back for free if I want. However, those are not the things that have made me fall handbag over heels in love with Zappos.

It’s the copy! Oh, how I love clever copy, and I don’t understand why people aren’t talking about the (apparently) super smart and creative copywriters at Zappos. Instead of the boring “here’s your shipping confirmation info” email, here’s the one I got from Zappos:

Hello Dana! Your order with Zappos.com has shipped. YAY! We’ve enclosed some tracking information, so you can follow your order to its final destination. It’s almost like being a superspy! Mission Control advises that you take a look at the top-secret information below.

Love that someone took the time to make it just a little more fun. So imagine my excitement when the box arrived, and in addition to my prized new accessory being inside, the outside was accessorized with more cute copy that reinforces one of the company’s brand messages of speedy delivery. Zappos, I was slow to come around, but I hope you’ll have room in your heart for one more fan. xoxox

What’s the best thing you’ve ordered from Zappos and what was your favorite part of the experience?

 

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Copy Cat: Johnnie, I love you back!

September 16, 2011January 31, 2023 Dana PhelpsBlog, Copy Catcopywriting, Johnnie Boden, PR6 Comments on Copy Cat: Johnnie, I love you back!

If you’ve read our other Copy Cat posts, you know that the Clairemont team loves good copy. I really like it when I find a little gem in my stack of junk mail,which is the case with this Johnnie Boden postcard.

Extra points go to the Boden copywriters for pulling off the use of the word “quiver” in this direct mail piece. Additionally, the line “What I’ve lost in muscle tone I’ve more than made up for with experience” demonstrates a keen understanding of the target audience.

“We used to be so good together…” the flipside reads. Yes, we did. And I think I need a new fall wardrobe.

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Copy Cat – When is a burrito more than just a burrito?

August 17, 2011January 31, 2023 Josephine ButlerBlog, Copy CatChipotle, copywriting

When it’s “a foil-wrapped, hand-crafted, local farm supporting, food culture changing cylinder of deliciousness,” of course! While I prefer Chipotle’s burrito bowl instead, this creative spin on the traditional form makes me re-think my order. I mean, come on, who can pass up a cylinder of deliciousness?

What’s so smart about this copy is that it captures the essence of the Chipotle brand by delivering the company’s unique selling propositions in one very hip, clever, comprehensive package. It not only speaks directly to our growling tummies (which is what matters most in the restaurant business), but it goes one step further to touch on the company’s values that are similar to those of its socially and environmentally conscious following.

Chipotle positions its product as “food with integrity,” claiming to use ingredients that are sustainably grown and naturally raised with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food. They support local family farmers, source organic and local produce whenever possible, and serve up meat from animals raised without the use of antibiotics or added hormones.

Yes, I like Chipotle’s copy and creative packaging. Almost as much as I like its hot salsa.

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Copy Cat — Talbots & Our Favorite Feline

August 3, 2011January 31, 2023 Dana PhelpsBlog, Copy Catbrand makeover, copywriting, PR, Talbots

We were just talking in the office today that the Clairemont team is definitely made-up of dog lovers, but that doesn’t stop us from admiring a good cheetah print when we see one. The photo from Talbot’s August email newsletter definitely caught my eye.

And then… I read the copy and fell in love. “Call of the Styled.” What a great play on words, followed by the equally clever caption under the photo that read, “There’s a print for every personality this month. Pair them with a little black pant or fall-ready sweater, and you’ll see why cheetahs always win.”

Meow, Talbots copywriters! We like your work. The playful copy is a nod to the company’s efforts to be trendier and to reach a younger demographic while retaining existing loyal customers. My recent Talbots purchases have received the thumbs-up of our younger team members, and an intern wore the most adorable Talbots dress to our office last week.

The marketing efforts are apparently working, and we are certain the copy has something to do with it.

 

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Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media platform? It’s called Threads, and it’s being referred to as “the new Twitter.” Read everything you need to know about Threads in our latest blog post - link in bio!
SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc (client) today, and rumor has it that @blah2voila has already been hamming it up with Dell! We know you want a selfie with Dell to post on Pigstagram, too!
We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of P We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of Public Relations Consultants Group, allowing us to offer clients expertise and support across the country! Clairemont founder, Dana Phelps aka @blah2voila, recently attended the PRCG conference in Oklahoma City.
2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Comm 2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Communications! Visit our blog for the full 2022 year in review!
As communications professionals, we wear a variety As communications professionals, we wear a variety of hats to meet our clients’ needs.
 
We’re writers, social media managers, photographers, marketers, editors, content creators- the list goes on and on.
 
Check out our recent blog post to learn what @olivia.noles , account coordinator here at Clairemont, does on a weekly and monthly basis.
#communicationsagency #communicationsmajor #pragencylife #pragency #raleighpr
This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voi This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voila , will be speaking at the 2022 @nc_prsa Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference! Phelps is a repeat presenter at this annual conference, and this year she is leading a session called Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor during which she will share three of her coined concepts: knowcasting, morecasting and collabolighthing. Visit our blog for the link to register for the conference!
@clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative g @clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative go together like the bacon and eggs! And speaking of bacon and eggs, have you been to @therainbowluncheonette yet? YUM!
Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc, a master-planned community just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, will welcome @parksideraleigh, a Raleigh-favorite restaurant known for its fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, to the community!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Parkside.
“What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we “What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we get this question often, we have a series on our blog where we dive into our recent projects to give you a look at what a PR Agency really does.
 
For example, a statewide resource for small businesses recently hired Clairemont to devise an executive visibility campaign to help position the organization and its director as the leading small business resource in North Carolina.
 
Head to our blog to read what exactly an executive visibility campaign entails and to learn more about our services!
So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let us tell you about our new favorite @drink321coffee ! If you are in Raleigh, go see Paul, the other Paul, Emma  or whichever smiling faces are working today. We LOVE this place and the coffee! ❤️❤️❤️
Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest mas Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest master-planned communities in the Triangle, closed on its first age-eligible rental community plan, Arden at Wendell Falls, that will offer 140 open-concept units and exclusive onsite amenities!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Arden at Wendell Falls.
Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by client @vitaviteraleigh for good snacks and great wine!🍷 Both locations are open normal hours Friday-Sunday and closed on Monday.
You never know who might be hanging out at The Cla You never know who might be hanging out at The Clairemont House. Thanks to @yellowdogcreative for helping save this buddy. Notice that we speak lizard. Or skink. Or gecko or whatever he is. Or maybe it’s the extra caffeine before our client presentation.
Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh
Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting?
Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street South @raleighwineshop ! @blah2voila was there today representing Clairemont at the grand opening festivities and enjoying the @grandchamphospitality sandwich pop up. Yum! 🍷🥪
It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers ar It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are needed more than ever! Many organizations with scarce resources rely on volunteers and would not exist without them. Visit our recent blog post to read about the organizations Clairemont has supported and how you can make a difference in your community!
Authenticity is trending, and research shows that Authenticity is trending, and research shows that consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content as authentic. Read our recent blog post to learn about UGC, how it can benefit your brand and how to use it in your marketing strategy.
From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 has left an impact on every sector of life, including marketing. Read our blog on marketing in a post-COVID world to learn how things have changed and how that should impact your business strategy.
We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned eight awards, five gold🥇and three silver🥈, at this year's Sir Walter Raleigh Awards hosted by the Raleigh Public Relations Society!🎉 We are beyond grateful to work with so many amazing partners, clients and industry friends!
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