Remember when the Internet was new and referred to as “The World Wide Web?” You saw the “AOL Keyword” hovering in the corner of most TV ads, and brochure sites were popping up left and right. As marketers quickly recognized the limitless marketing power of this amazing new channel, specialty marketing disciplines grew and buzz words [...]
As marketers are becoming publishers, the ongoing need for content is becoming more and more prevalent. Not only is there a need for more content, it has to be of value to your target reader. Talk about pressure! But some good news here – not all content has to be original. You can organize other’s content [...]
When did you write your last blog post? If you hung your head and sighed a bit, you’re not alone. There are many reasons why intentions to write new content on a regular basis can get sidelined. Writer’s block, procrastination, and other priorities can easily distract from a content marketing plan. An editorial calendar is [...]
One thing I enjoy about blogging is that you’re never done – and there are always ways to improve on what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Busy bloggers sometimes get so caught up in their message that they forget that there is an audience behind that screen. It’s easy to lose focus of [...]
Every now and then I get asked what my favorite WordPress Plugins are. It’s a moving target, but here are some must-have plugins that I recommend: Askimet – a must have to manage spam Google Analyticator – works with google analytics Chartbeat – used with the Chartbeat service that tracks live site traffic (set up [...]
It’s tempting to write about what is on your mind at a given moment. But that’s not a relevant blog, that’s a diary. Re-read the last blog post you wrote. Was it relevant? A relevant blog post contains three key elements: 1) It does something for your reader, such as: Inspire imagination Convey empathy Show [...]
I’m surprised how many blogs I see where the posts are written by “Admin”. I had no idea that was such a popular name! If you’re blogging to gain readers and build relationships, perhaps you should consider using your real name and stop hiding behind this anonymous title. If you use WordPress, it’s simple. Just [...]
There are two types of bloggers…those who write what they want to, and those who write what their target readers want to read. There are two simple but critical lessons in that statement. If you write for everyone, you will reach no one. If your topic doesn’t address your target readers’ specific need, they won’t [...]
When inspiration for a great topic strikes, start writing feverishly. Ramble on as long as you like. But when the time comes to create your blog post, step back and break it into chapters, or mini-topics. A short blog post about a narrow topic fares much better than an epic length fully-inclusive post. Especially if you want [...]
Whether you have an existing business you’d like to promote online, or are starting an online-only venture, it is very easy to get caught up in the minutia of technical tools, “expert” opinions and general online jargon that can pull you away from the simple big picture of online marketing.