American Marketing Association Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) Content Marketing Practice Exam

In what sequence should you generally write marketing copy?

1. Proofread, Edit, Prepare layout, Write

2. Write, Edit, Proofread, Prepare layout

3. Edit, Proofread, Write, Prepare layout

4. Prepare layout, Write, Edit, Proofread

The correct answer is: Write, Edit, Proofread, Prepare layout

The recommended sequence for writing marketing copy is to first write the draft of the content, followed by editing, then proofreading, and finally preparing the layout. Writing comes first because it allows the marketer to get ideas down on paper without getting bogged down by perfectionism or the finer details. This stage focuses on creativity and the flow of thoughts, which is crucial for effective marketing copy that engages the audience. Once the initial draft is complete, the next step is editing, which involves revising the content for clarity, structure, and style. This phase ensures that the message is coherent and aligns with the marketing objectives. After editing, proofreading is essential to catch grammatical errors, typos, and other mistakes that could detract from the professionalism of the copy. This step is critical to ensure that the final product is polished and credible. Finally, preparing the layout is the last stage, where the visual presentation complements the content, enhancing readability and impact. This progression ensures that the marketing copy is not only well-crafted but also presented effectively, supporting the overall goals of the content.