NOTE: Much of this post is still accurate since Google’s Panda and Penguin updates. But don’t put too much emphasis on keywords. Over-optimization will harm your optimization efforts rather than helping. Your best bet is to write for people, then go through the article to be sure Google will be able to see what it’s […]
8 Rules for Clear, Readable Copy
Some say the headline is the most important element of your promotion. Others say the offer is most important. But let’s face it, if you want results, your promotion must get read. That being the case, perhaps readability is more important than either the headline or the offer. How can you make sure your copy […]
The Importance of Being Social
More than 75% of U.S. households use social media, according to a mid-2010 report by Nielson Company. And it accounts for more than a fifth of their time online. Listen to these stats: 20% of U.S. adults publish or own a blog. 55% have one or more social networking profiles. 20% provide advice about movies. […]
Branding vs Marketing: Which Is More Important?
The debate continues to rage. Which is more important, branding or marketing? Or are they two gears in one machine? As we discussed last week, marketing is the process of getting people who need your service or product to know, like and trust you — so they’ll buy from you. So what is branding and […]
The Most Valuable Brands Are Always on our Minds
In Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2010, the five most valuable brands are: Coca-Cola IBM Microsoft Google GE How valuable are they? Anywhere from nearly $43 million to $70 million. In fact, every one of these brands account for more than half of the company’s market capitalization. How did they become so valuable? By both shaping and […]
8 Ways to Help Your Customers Know, Like and Trust You
According to John Jantsch, “Marketing is getting people who have a specific need or problem to know, like and trust you.” Why know, like and trust? Because your business isn’t about selling products. It’s about building relationship with people who have a need or problem you can solve. Think about it. One-time sales may be […]
How to Make Your Product Irresistible
What goes on in the mind of your prospect when she’s considering a purchase? If you’ve never given it much thought, you’re leaving money on the table. Lots of it. Let me explain. Contrary to what you might think, you’re not in the business of selling a product or service. Your customers are only interested […]
Make Your Prospects Believe
I’m sitting in my office now, my roll-top desk at my left elbow, a big picture window in front of me. It’s cold outside, and a chill has settled like fog over the room. A steaming cup of tea sits beside me. It’s calling to me, begging me to stop typing and settle down with […]
The Power of Imagination
“Imagination is the beginning of all creation.” George Bernard Shaw Today’s post is by John Forde, world-renowned copywriter, author, speaker and shamelessly proud father. I had the honor of meeting him in Delray Beach, Florida, at a copywriting seminar. Hailed as one of the top direct marketing copywriters in the business, he’s as entertaining on paper as […]
One Sure-fire Way to Derail Success
Has your career or business reached a plateau or, worse, a steady decline? Are you ready to do whatever it takes to gain some momentum and start making forward progress again? No matter what your challenge, moving to the next level is as much about what you believe as what you know. As professionals, we’re […]