I'm Bob Therieau, a writer and voiceover actor based in Southern California. Hello.
I write copy for websites, press releases, white papers, ebooks, brochures, social media, and speeches for clients around the world. Clients big and small. I've written for brands that you've heard of, and for companies that are no more. (Not my fault, honest.) I also lend my voice to companies trying to sell you something, Organizations trying to get your attention, and authors who want to bring their characters to life. I'm glad you stopped by. I hope you'll take a look at what I can do for you.
this is the voiceover page
Allow me to introduce you to my voiceover practice.
What do you want to do when you grow up? I answered that question a long time ago when I picked up a portable reel-to-reel recorder and started creating stories for my imaginary radio audience. I'm still quietly shouting into a microphone and I'm still a fan.
I'm slowly adding demos on this page to share a bit of my range, so if you need a solid performance that will wow your audience, let's talk!
Commercial Demo
I asked some folks to produce a demo that represents a wide range of projects. I didn't write the copy, but who does in this economy, am I right?
Radio Station Identity
This is an audition for a new online 80s radio station. I was thinking that it might need to sound like Jack FM or one of the other satellite or streaming stations, except without the sneer and without the snark. We'll see how it goes.
this is the work page
Wherein I make the pitch for my writing
Everybody can type. Some people can even share a secret with a robot that will do the typing for them.
That's fine for some people, but I think that readers can see through content that merely goes through the motions. They gravitate towards targeted copy, a message that's crafted to engender an emotional response and spur action. I've managed to do that for a quarter century, and you'll see a few examples here.
You know what you want
Any writer can put something on a page, but I will listen to you, capture your vision, and help you share it with the world.
You don't know what you want
The project is due, the boss is breathing down your neck, clients are drumming their fingers on the table. Collaboration is what I do best. We'll work together on multiple concepts until we find the right fit.
You'd rather not think about it
If you need to fill a 500 or 5,000 word hole in your website, presentation or press release, you've come to the right place. I'll conduct an analysis of your needs, your competitors, and create copy that captures the attention of your customers.
A small sampling (Click to enlarge)
Training sites
Dell Technologies needed a tool to train channel reseller staff and keep them coming back for more, so we gamified the experience in a 3D online portal. Participants could earn points and compete against colleagues while learning about Dell's latest products. I wrote the training materials, quiz questions, and promotional email and social media copy. This brought about a 50% increase in new user sign-ups in the first quarter and consistent year-over-year engagement growth.
Promotional videos
We were proud of the fact that we had completed 100 projects for Juniper Networks and created a short video to celebrate the accomplishment. I was selected to write the copy for this piece because I'd crafted the copy for most of the projects showcased here.
Print advertisements
This is a print advertisement that ran in an industry trade magazine. I wrote the copy and developed the concept with Susan Eigenbrodt, who designed the piece and cursed me while she was calling out each of the spots.
Social Media
I wrote the copy in these social media posts for Juniper Networks. Their tone and voice is very specific, and I had to be very careful with the wording in each of them. The word count is low, but these kinds of constrants make the challenge more fun.
This was an ambitious project for a local contractor who offers products and services different enough that they needed a narrative through-line to tie them together. I developed an entirely new website, wrote new copy, added new gallery features, and made SEO improvements.
Product information sheets
I wrote the copy for a series of product information sheets detailing technical features for a line of robotic asset management devices. Beep, boop.
Newsletters
I wrote most of the articles for the Martha's Village & Kitchen donor outreach newsletter increasing community engagement and spurring increased donation levels.
Press releases
I composed this press release for Martha's Village & Kitchen to promote a funding initiative with First 5 California.
Direct mail
This direct mail appeal features a revised brand voice and new direct mail template design that I developed with our marketing team.
Brand launches
I wrote the copy for this magazine ad introducing Agilent Technolgies to the world. They grow up so fast, don't they?
Catalogs
I was one of two writers on this project that spanned product lines. Working with Debi Klein, we gathered and rationalized product information from division managers at HP for dissemination to the sales channel.
Spec ads
I wrote the copy for this series of spec ads for National Semiconductor. Remember them?
this is the photography page
Wherein I share a few photographs
Photography isn't just a print in a frame. Most people don't print their pictures at all. When I look through the viewfinder, on a DSLR through precisely-crafted and coated glass, or the slightly yellowed plastic of an vintage instant camera, I try to keep the memory of that time and place alive.
I'm not composing a grand catalog of the world's most important events. I'll leave that for others. These shots are more like a quiet reflection of time and place.
A small sampling (Click to enlarge)
Sunsets tend to be pretty dramatic around here and are a frequent subject of mine. It's hard to become bored with the deep colors and endless variation.
I've been using a vintage Polaroid OneStep camera with some decent results. The color reproduction is hit or miss, but this shot was a definite hit.
this is the about page
Wherein I attempt to explain things
Congratulations! You’ve happened upon bobtherieau.com. It’s home to work I've produced over the years that I hope you'll find interesting. It’s also where therieau.com redirects in case you're into that sort of thing.
Is any of this a good idea? I think so!
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to poke around and if you like what you see I’d love to hear from you.
I’m Bob Therieau and I work as a writer and editor. While a majority of my recent work has been in B2B marketing for the tech sector, I've had the privilege to produce pieces for happy B2C and not-for-profit clients too.
Also, I should mention that I rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome vintage computers, cameras, PDAs, and typewriters. You've seen some of them from my collection on these pages. If you need help restoring your own device, let me know.
As always, I thank you for stopping by.
Contact
Let's make some noise!
Send email to "info" at this URL or say howdy at the social media places.