Marketing
How To Write Effective Emails That Get People To Take Action
There’s a lotta talk about copy being the “be all end all” to behavior change. And while it matters, it’s not actually the thing that moves the needle. Exhibit A. This email from a property manager to her residents. Technically, this emails follows all the copy rules. Language is clear, not clever Doesn’t break the left margin (…)
SEO Is Simpler Than You Think. 5 Things Every Beginner Needs to Know to Get It Right
This post was originally published on Inc.com. As a non-tech founder, I understand the resistance that comes with doing anything that makes you feel stupid. For me, that includes web design, HTML, and search engine optimization (SEO). This was particularly embarrassing since SEO is one of the most foundational digital marketing tools in the toolbox and I was (…)
When People Who Aren’t Your Target Market Read Your Work
It was midday when I saw it. His name came through and I thought, “Whoa. I am a big deal now.” Like an idiot, I was still getting every email subscription notification sent to me personally and was watching them come in like a teenager waiting for her crush to call. I barely had 200 (…)
The 5 Best Marketing Blogs That Will Make You A Better Marketer
When it comes to marketing, there is a lot of content out there. But there aren’t many platforms that consistently provide high-quality content year after year. As someone who’s spent the better part of the last decade reading marketing blogs, I’ve grown accustomed to seeing an enticing headline that immediately lets you down once you get to the content. (…)
The Dangerous Problem of Lazy Content
There’s a scene in the new Ghostbuster’s movie where Abby points to the reality TV show “Ghost Hunters” and goes, “See! This is why people don’t take us seriously!” That’s how I feel every time I open my browser and see headlines like “3 Ways To Make More Money By the Holidays.” It’s not a bad headline. On the contrary, (…)
Kevin Smith’s Advice On Content Contradicts Everything You’ve Ever Read
Usually, when you have a celebrity at a niche conference it’s the event organizer’s way of apologizing for the lack of good content. “Don’t come for the marketing stuff, come see Mandy Moore!” #facepalm That’s how I felt about Kevin Smith, who was the keynote at Converted this week. Turns out, I was wrong. At 4:45 PM, (…)
Why You Shouldn’t Have a Marketing Department (Have This Instead)
You know how you aggressively brush your teeth the night before a dentist appointment? Like, if you just brush REALLY hard, your dentist won’t notice that you haven’t been flossing those back teeth for months. It never works. Your dentist always notices because she’s a dentist. It’s her job to know you’ve been half-assing your (…)
Why It’s Not Enough To Follow Your Bliss
Been hearing a lot of “Do what you love and the money will come” bromides lately. Build the audience first, worry about sales later Love your customers, don’t focus on metrics Follow your passion and the money will find you No. No no no nonononononononoooooooooooo Money doesn’t “come.” It doesn’t find you. It doesn’t fall (…)