But I do want to say I’ve been coming back to their site for more advice ever since I first discovered them. Why else would I write a headline like the one that made you read this post? It’s #1 on the list from 10 sure-fire headline formulas that work.

Copyblogger is a blog that tells you how to become a better writer, especially if you’re writing copy or blogging.

Anyway, recently I discovered a post on Copyblogger that caught my attention: 20 warning signs your content sucks. Number 17 says, “You write less than 1000 words a day”. Well, if you read that post, you’ll discover there’s a lot of warning signs that apply to my blog; Augh! That’s another story, forget I mentioned it. Let’s talk about number 17 since it’s the one that got my attention.

I asked myself honestly if I write 1000 words a day. I don’t. I tried to add up all my daily emails and IM’s — those count, it’s writing — but it still didn’t come close to 1000 words. The only time I write that much is when I’m working on a special project, like a short story or article, etc. And I think what Copyblogger’s referring to when they say 1000 words — actual content; stories, articles, etc.

So, that’s my goal for the month of July: write 1000 words a day. I’m going to take the advice of Copyblogger and see if my writing improves. But hey, it’ll be our little secret okay, don’t tell anybody. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime so if you decide to join me, keep it hush and happy writing!

1. Unclear call to action
2. Offering too many choices
3. Asking for too much information
4. Too much text
5. Not keeping promises
6. Visual distractions
7. Lack of credibility and trust

After about 42 minutes into the video they begin to talk about Google’s Website Optimizer and less about design. It shows you how to test, track, and optimize your landing pages.

I was having problems with embedding the video on this blog but it seems to play okay here at the Google Adwords Blog Site.

When I came across these billboards on the side of the Interstate I just had to wonder who was the mastermind behind this. Is this the result of an unassertive graphic designer or an excessively pushy client? I wondered what was the back-story to this scenario.

The wordcount is 25 not including contact info and logo

Let’s say for the sake of a back story that it was the client who had something they absolutely had to say. The designer did their best to cut the text down to size but the most they could get was a couple words here and there. The billboard goes up with dozens more words than anyone can possibly read while driving by at 65+ mph and their advertising budget is spent on something completely worthless.

I mean you can’t really expect someone to stop and pull over their car to read your novel of text on the side of the road, can you? Do you really think someone would give you that sort of attention? Who in their right mind would pay any attention to this? Who in their right mind would take a picture and… post it on the… Internet?

Hmmmm, with that in mind I took it a step further and masterminded my own campaign of billboards for Sidelanes.com.

My Billboard

My billboard again (In case you want to have another look)

Keep a lookout, you’ll see these popping up all around the Salt Lake Valley.

I came up with the joke that every design I did for him just needed more cowbell. (If this makes no sense, watch this video).

That being said, cowbell really at the heart of the matter was something you didn’t want. So, when I came across this billboard, I had to laugh.

Why… on earth… would anybody REALLY want more cowbell?