As small business owners or representatives, we often choose to or need to write our own marketing copy. Here are the five biggest mistakes small business people make when they put on their “DIY Copywriting” hats:

1. They become far too clever for their — or anyone else’s — your own good.

How can you hate advertising when it is doing a public service? These anti-drunk driving ads are a great way to promote a product while still being socially-conscious.

I’m really not sure who thought this would be a safe idea for advertising. A 200lb washer cruising uncontrolled down a mountain…

Interesting double meaning with this ad.

Does this make you thirsty or what? Great ambient advertising from Schweppes.

Non-Profit Guerilla Advertising that will Blow Your Mind [Pics]

1. Chicago Anti-Pollution Campaign

This was created using a stencil and a power washer. It is a great example of non-destructive guerrilla marketing. This great technique probably took its cues from “clean graffiti ” where instead of defacing buildings and walls with spray paint, artists clean sections to make their designs. Here is a great NPR Article about it.