Tag: copy
Strategic Communications 101
September 8, 2015
With the back-to-school season underway, let’s review how to achieve your business goals by applying reading, writing and ‘rithmatic to develop a strategic communications plan. An effective communications plan acts as your company’s results-oriented roadmap, helping you get where you want to go — using minimal time, money and effort. Use the following steps to […]
Plan Your Content, Crush Your Competitors
August 11, 2015
The Internet is clogged with content. How will you make yours stand out among your rivals? Take a tip from top-performing companies: Be proactive and consistent (rather than reactive and random) with your external communications. To stay on track, manage your workflow and create impactful copy, develop an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar helps you […]
31 Simple Secrets of Shareable Content
June 17, 2015
Your brilliant ideas only matter if they reach the right audience. That’s why successful companies embrace social media to tell their brand story – and inspire their audience to share it with others. You don’t have to be a Kardashian or Jenner for your content to go viral. You, too, can expand your brand reach, […]
Measure Your Marketing Muscle
December 2, 2014
Measuring your marketing efforts can make the difference between whether you’re Mr. Universe or Mr. Puny-verse. That’s because producing strong marketing campaigns is one thing and making sure they move your business forward is another. For lasting success, measure your content marketing efforts and link them to your desired business results. Look beyond vanity metrics, […]
Create a Competitive Content Strategy
September 30, 2014
In today’s crowded marketplace it’s hard to stand out, especially if your company lacks a massive marketing budget. Luckily the Internet helps “level the playing field” for companies of all sizes to turn themselves into giants by telling their story — all for minimal cost. Here are five ways your company can gain a competitive […]
Social Media Selling: A to Z
September 22, 2014
How social is your business? Over 46% of businesses say social media drives sales, according to recent research. In honour of Social Media Week (Sept. 22-26, 2014), let’s examine how social media can build your business – from A to Z. Audience: No matter who your business targets, your customers likely use social media. Social […]
Web Writing S.O.S.
February 18, 2014
In today’s sink-or-swim world of business, your company needs to be online – and use website copy that advances its strategy. Use these 25 web writing tips as a lifesaver to make your company’s digital content stand out: Writing basics Write clear, simple content. Plain language is easiest to read. Cover only one topic per […]
Case Study: Measuring Marketing Success
January 28, 2014
Situation One of my clients serving pharmaceutical companies relies on email campaigns to communicate with clients. However, the company did not measure the performance of three potentially lucrative email campaigns. Approach To understand the client’s process, I analyzed the three campaigns and considered: Who received each email? What is the call to action? Did the […]
Attract Attention: Timeless Tips
December 17, 2013
While 67 years have passed since George Orwell established his famous Writing Rules, his advice remains as relevant as ever in today’s age of relentless communication. Orwell’s rules can help brands engage customers and employees through clear, compelling content. To help your business stand out, apply Orwell’s timeless wisdom: Avoid clichés Use short words Cut […]
Spooky Fact: Bad Writing Kills Profit
October 29, 2013
Forget zombies and ghosts. What’s really scary is how poor business writing – on websites, press releases and brochures – costs companies credibility and profit. Despite the business benefits of clarity, poor copy remains pervasive. The Business Case for Clear Communication Since readers are busy, they will tune out vague, verbose or jargon-filled messages, leading […]
Write Like a Strategist
September 17, 2013
To accomplish your business goals, you need written copy that prompts your audiences to think and act differently. Use these writing best practices to keep your audience interested and engaged: Challenge yourself to think of your audience’s point of view Use an outline that is clear, focused and logical Get straight to the point; start […]
7 Tips for Strategic Copy
September 3, 2013
To create copy that gets results, use these tips: Focus on your audience: what do they want? Make your point up-front Keep your objective or call to action clear Emphasize your benefits Answer the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, why) … and how Use simple keywords and short, clear sentences Limit the number of […]
Case Study: Strategic Language
August 29, 2013
Communication Challenge: A brilliant client of mine held itself back by using academic and technical language on its website. The copy was more suitable for post-graduate English or IT professors than its true audience. In fact, a readability test tool suggested readers would need 17 years of formal education to comprehend the copy! Strategic Solutions: […]