Site Archives Marketing

Are You Making Sales Presentations in Your Underwear?


Since I’ve been working with my husband’s web development company for the past two years, I’ve met with many clients as they develop marketing plans and consider website improvements. Interestingly enough, it seems that many companies have it backwards… they put more emphasis on the tangible print or sales presentations and less emphasis on their [...]

Donald Trump Invited Me?


We got a special invitation from Donald Trump the other day. It had gold ink, and it looks pretty fancy on the outside.
On the inside, however, it was just like every other direct mail seminar pitch, except of course it included two free tickets to admit us to this special event.
My husband and I both [...]

What Does the World Think of Your Company?


I do a lot of freelance magazine writing; while wearing my journalist’s hat, the first place I go to do research on a company is their website. Surprisingly, it often appears that the website is the last place where most companies invest their time.
How do I know?
On company websites of all sizes, I find typos, [...]

Too Busy to Market Your Company?


For years, I’ve been offering advice to my husband that he should market his graphic design and web development business more.
He always looked at me and said something like: “It’s on the list.” I usually then shook my head and thought that he needed better planning skills.
This was before I left my 9-to-5 job as [...]

Promote Your Event with No Marketing Budget


I recently read an article in the ASAE Communications Section Newsletter about an association offering a new conference… one hitch: they had no marketing budget.
What did they do?
According to Jason Della Rocca, executive director of the International Game Developers Association, his association used new media to inexpensively and effectively promote their conference.
Della Rocca’s conference marketing [...]

Write to Wow Readers: A Checklist for Great Writing (Part 2)


I had so much to say on the topic of great writing, that I had to break it into multiple posts!
Here’s a few more tips to follow to improve your writing process:

Read out loud. After writing, speak what you write. This unveils awkward phrasing, gaps in the structure, and areas that need revision.
Strengthen verbs. Replace [...]

Write to Wow Readers: A Checklist for Great Writing (Part 1)


Want to look smart? Learn how to write clearly and concisely!
Writing has never been more important as we all spend hours every week writing emails. Although this list applies to nearly all business and promotional writing, I wouldn’t suggest applying it to essays and creative writing.
This is, however, a great checklist the next time you [...]

Creating a Video: 11 Tips to Receive Rave Reviews


In my previous two jobs, I have produced over 60 promotional videos, so I have a few tips to offer on how to create a great video.
I’ve done it on the cheap and with a big budget. And, since I only had one video class in college, I learned from experience…and from my incredibly talented [...]

6 Ways to Create a Press Release that the Media (and Your Customers) Will Love


I love press releases. They are one of the most clear, concise and non-manipulative ways to communicate important information. And, if written correctly, news releases offer facts and invite participation in a tantalizing way that makes everyone want to read them. I’ve found they are welcome addition to any direct marketing program; why save the [...]