Engagement Without Strategy is Pointless
I read a blog post by Seth Godin last week that had me shaking my head and thinking “He’s wrong!”. Now normally I totally agree with Seth – he focuses on getting things done, being yourself, telling stories, and all the good things that help grow your business. But, this time, I don’t agree… Here’s what got me so riled up: "And then the internet comes along and it's mysterious and suddenly we … [Read More...]
Why The Wrong Audience Can Sink Your Business
Are you talking to the right audience? I recently read an interesting report (the fourth annual 2012 Social Media Marketing Industry Report from Social Media Examiner) showing some of the differences in social media usage between B2C and B2B companies. Basically, they both use social media (in fact, over 93% use it). But B2B companies use LinkedIn (86.6%) and Twitter (84&) almost as much as Facebook (87%), … [Read More...]
Focus On Your Business, Not Social Media
Why are you using social media? If you’re like most business owners, I’m guessing it’s because “everyone else is using social media” or “we need more followers online”. But think a little more. What you’re really answering is the wrong question. Perhaps I should’ve asked why you want to grow your business, or why you want to sell more products, or why you want more speaking engagements. The … [Read More...]
Why We Should Step Away From The Computer
I feel guilty. Today is Wednesday. I usually post to my blog on Tuesday but I was so busy with client work that I just didn't get to it. And so this morning I feel guilty. Why? Because I didn't do something I'd committed to doing (publicly, no less!). But then the thought comes up - given the huge volume of client work, was it better to write a blog post or focus on my clients' needs? Of course it's possible … [Read More...]
The Perils of Perfectionism
Have you ever held back from implementing a new idea, publishing a blog post, or updating your website because it’s not quite perfect? I know I have. And I’ve regretted it. I had an interesting conversation with a client yesterday about why his blog hasn’t been updated in four months. He told me that he has half a dozen draft posts already written, but none are “good enough to publish.” So, while he … [Read More...]
How To Get People To Open Your Emails
Which would you rather have – a 1000-subscriber email list with a 10% open rate, or a 500-person list with a 50% open rate? It’s not all about the size of your list! If subscribers don’t actually read your emails, you might as well not bother sending them. So how do you encourage people to open your emails? If you’ve been following this 5-part series on email lists, you’ll know that building trust … [Read More...]
Reach New Readers: Stop Preaching to the Choir
How do you reach new readers, subscribers, buyers, or customers? Think about it – the people visiting your website, following you on Twitter, or subscribing to your blog already know you. They’re familiar with your brand, your products or services, and what you have to say. Those aren’t the people you’re trying to attract. Instead, you need to get your story out there in multiple formats and and through as … [Read More...]
Gaining Insights Into Your Web Traffic
Where do most of your customers come from? If you're like most companies, you're starting to do more business over the internet and web buyers are becoming a larger part of your revenue stream. Whether you're selling services (design, consulting) or products (equipment, plants), internet sales should be a part of how you do business. But how do you best market to this online audience? Not all web-based buyers … [Read More...]
20 Ways to Grow Your Email List
You’ve decided that you need an email list, chosen your email marketing provider, put an awesome opt-in form on your website, and now you’re waiting for people to sign up for your email list. You could be waiting a long time… Growing your email list usually needs only a few small tweaks to your website, or including a link to your opt-in form wherever people find you (for example, your email signature, … [Read More...]
Increase Email List Conversions with Awesome Opt-In Forms
To realize the many benefits of an email list, you need to have people on your list. Pretty obvious, right? But how, exactly, do you generate a list in the first place? To get people on your email list you need to do two things: Ask them to sign up (I’ll give you tons of ideas for how to do this in a later post) Have a way for them to provide their email address to you In other words, you need an opt-in … [Read More...]
