What the heck does it mean to “eat the big frog first” – and what does it have to do with writing? 

First, let’s look at this cryptic and confusing phrase!

Mark Twain said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”

Over the past 100 years, this phrase has shifted to “eat the big frog first.” In other words, tackle the most challenging or dislikeable task first – or a big task that will produce your greatest results.

 

Now, let’s look at how you can “eat the big frog first” when writing articles, blog posts, or website content.

In this context, “eating the big frog first” means tackling the most difficult aspect of your writing project, right off the bat.

For example, if you’re creating all new content for your website, you would tackle the Home page copy first. This challenging chunk of copywriting can be difficult and daunting. Why?

Website Home page copy must:

• Convey your brand in a nutshell.
• Communicate your key benefit message.
• Be brief.
• Be on target (for your target market).
• Inspire the website visitor to keep reading, then contact you!

What if you don’t want to eat the big frog first?

Truth be told, I rarely eat the big frog first! I’ve been a professional copywriter for 30+ years. Often, I’ll start by writing smaller chunks of content. Editing a pile of testimonials. Compiling relevant notes to the project designer or developer. Later – when the creative juices are flowing – I’ll eat the big frog.

You can “nibble the little tadpoles first!” 

Thanks to 2 recent conversations on this topic – with my client Debra and with my friend and marketing colleague Susan – we collectively coined the phrase, “nibble the little tadpoles first!”

Some people want to tackle the challenge right off the bat. These brave souls eat the big frog first. Meanwhile, some of us prefer to first nibble on little tadpoles to get the creative juices flowing.

Which approach is right for you? 

There’s no right or wrong approach. As a professional copywriter, I encourage you to sink your teeth into your writing project and start by either eating big frogs or nibbling tadpoles.

One way or another, get started – and get that writing project done!