I am by nature long winded. What takes others four words to say, probably takes me 25, and I will repeat myself. As a writer though, redundancy and wordiness need to be left behind.

At DDA, writing copy, specifically for websites, oftentimes means writing search engine optimized content. As I know my fellow writers have already covered, SEO content requires a lot more than just punching in keywords here and there. We need to create upwards of 30 to 40 professional and knowledgeable pages — and on a few occasions a lot more — of content targeting specific keywords, written specifically to the intended audience, with accompanying paragraphs and additional optimized content.

As with anything else, you need to be as concise as possible. People have short attention spans and regardless if they’re reading a brochure, watching a video, or looking at a tradeshow banner, the message has to be clear and to the point.

This holds true for content development for highly optimized websites that we are designing and developing.  While we target literally hundreds of keywords, the writers go to great pains to guarantee that every single one of those keywords is integrated correctly and concisely just as we would for any other content we are writing.

By keeping it concise and to the point, we are engaging visitors and keeping them interested, while at the same time achieving optimal search engine rankings.

Back in the day, when someone asked what I did for a living, well, it was an easy answer, reporter.

Since joining Dynamic Digital Advertising (DDA), however, it’s not so easy. To say that I am a writer doesn’t exactly encompass everything I do and to say that I work for a digital advertising agency doesn’t either.

The truth is DDA isn’t that easy to explain in just a few words. I can describe us as a web development company, a video production studio, graphic design, programming, illustration, you name it. If it relates to anything design, digital, or technical, chances are, we can probably claim that name as well.

And then you have to consider our approach to projects. It’s not typically what you think of when you hear the words advertising or marketing. We take an entirely different approach than any other agency, or search engine marketing company, or marketing firm out there.

Ours is a holistic approach, a full-bodied solution in an age where our industry still remains so fragmented. A look at our Executive Summary gives a glimpse at what makes us different but it’s our work that speaks volumes. In all that we do, whether it’s website design and development, integrated video, search engine optimization, or even copywriting, DDA strives to bring innovative and unique solutions to fully meet the needs of our clients.

As expected, when you work for a company that is on the cutting-edge, your job is going to be a bit different as well. Working with so many services under one roof, I am constantly learning about different mediums and technologies and learning how to explain and describe those to my clients.

But perhaps my favorite part is in New Business Development where I get to see the ideas for this innovation just starting to form.

There’s a lot of complexities to DDA and in my job, but that’s OK. Now, I’ve learned that answering the “What do you do for a living?” question will require four more words than before, “Well, let me tell you.”

The weather is supposed to be beautiful today, which makes concentrating rather difficult. Though I know that I must get my work done, especially since I will mot like not be in tomorrow since I have been called for jury duty.

Serving on a jury is one of our duties as a citizen of the United States. I have heard many stories since I received my notice in the mail on ways to get out of being called. Why would I want to do that? Yes, it is inconvenient that I have to alter my schedule but I would rather serve on a jury than live in a country that does not even have such a system in place.

So, I need to buckle down and focus. I need to make sure that everything is running smoothly, well, as smoothly as can be expected. I will spend my day reviewing the Project Coordinator’s task lists to assure that there are no deadlines, making sure that everyone has something to work on for today and tomorrow, reviewing our clients PPC campaigns, running a few more SEO reports, and completing any brochure, sell sheet, CD-rom/DVD replication proposals that may come through.

I bought my house four months ago knowing that there were plans for a new house to be built on the empty lot next door. I never thought they would start so soon, but they have.

The past two days they have been starting up their machines at 6:30 a.m. and waking up the neighborhood. This is not a nice way to start the day. And forget any chance of a peaceful morning once they actually start working at 7 a.m. The machines are getting so close to my house that it feels like there is an earthquake with the way everything shakes.

I find it very rude that the developer, who happens to live on the other side of this empty lot, never made any kind gestures to inform the neighborhood of what was coming. It would have been as simple as knocking on a few doors and telling us what his plans were.

We all take pride in knowing that DDA would never treat anyone in this manner. We all make sure that our clients are satisfied with our services. We will not take any step with a project without the clients knowledge and approval. Our programmers, designers, SEO Specialists, and everyone else always take the time to contact a client before proceeding with a project.

DDA likes to keep things a simple as can be for our clients. For that reason it is only natural that we offer print services on pieces that we design.

The print industry is its own world with terms and processes that are foreign to many. It takes time to understand how everything functions, and just when you think you understand something, it’s bound to change, either because of technology or because of the type of project.

Print projects range from pop-up tradeshow booths, to banner stands, to vinyl banners, to catalogs, to brochures, to sell sheets and postcards. These are all of the more recognizable items that are offered by DDA. We can also meet any other needs you may have.

Each of these items are different. They require different specs for the designer and a different print process to achieve the final product.

In my years at DDA, I have become much more knowledgeable of the print industry than I was prior. It was not something that I was admittedly not interested in when I started, but as time progressed I have developed an interest in how everything comes together.

I enjoy having the ability to explain the process to a client so that they have an understanding of what their project will entail, because if everyone is on the same page than the project will move along much smoother.

Many processes are regulated at DDA so that things don’t fall through the cracks, and the day goes smoothly. However, our individuality is welcomed and encouraged.

At our old office, I didn’t like the bright fluorescent light above my desk, and I asked if I could hang a kite or something above my desk to filter the light. I settled on the idea of a Chinese paper parasol, and Elizabeth suggested I pick several parasols so it would be a theme. I had fun going to China town and picking out several different colored parasols, and they worked like a charm to soften the light!

One of the greatest things about being a Project Coordinator is the completion of a project. And I mean this in the pride that comes from a job well done, and the pleasure in hearing or reading the happiness of our clients.

I will admit some projects go smoother than others. When you deal with such a wide breadth of mediums, whether it’s websites, video, or illustration, and industries, Medical or Corporate, you’re going to encounter a lot of different personalities and some bumps along the road.

But in nearly the year I have been with DDA, I can honestly say that every single time we have completed a project, it has been turned over to the hands of a pleased, and a more than happy client. It’s a good feeling knowing that everyone, sometimes within all departments, from design and video to programming and Search Engine Marketing, have come together to meet the clients needs and deadlines beyond the typical.

I think with DDA, and as a full-service advertising agency, it’s greater knowing that we are able to accomplish just about any kind of marketing or advertising need,  and the cross pollination allows for the most innovative, cutting-edge techniques.

One of the projects I am coordinating, an animation, is very near completion. We are waiting for additional information on the client’s end. But so far, the process has gone beautifully. There were nearly eight people involved in pulling this off and every single one worked seamlessly together. The client has been happy each step of the way, and I know when we finally turn it over, we will be keeping DDA’s winning track record intact.

With Project Coordination and New Business Development duties, developing content, whether it’s for clients or DDA, is not something I always get to do a lot of.

Which is why when I have a particular writing project that I am working on, I look forward to it. For me, writing copy can be a very interesting and challenging process. I absolutely abhor cliches and as I am not always an expert on what I am writing — because we have clients in so many different industries — I am continuously pushing myself to find new and unique ways to write content that is engaging and that will catch the reader’s attention.

I even enjoy the variety in the style, as the content on a brochure is laid out much differently than the content for a website. You have to know what headline or short phrase is going to fully grab the reader and entice them to read the rest of the content, to know exactly what that particular audience is looking for.

I know that I would not have the same variety in style, topic, or to whom I am writing the piece, if I did not work for a full-service advertising and marketing agency.

I truly believe the constant challenge has made me a better writer.