Tag: marketing
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 […]
Strategic Thinking: A Competitive Advantage
September 12, 2013
Before I write anything, I make sure I understand my clients’ business objectives. This practice helps me align my writing with solutions to the problems that keep CEOs awake at night. It’s worth the effort to consistently consider the big picture before you communicate. Strategy matters to your competitiveness because it helps you: Sort through […]
Communication Vehicles Checklist
September 10, 2013
Is your communications plan effectively reaching your audience? Use this checklist to identify other communication vehicles that will maximize your marketing impact. Advertising Annual reports Banner ads Blogs Brochures Business cards Business proposals Business case studies Case studies Collateral Company profiles Contests Corporate booth (for trade shows) Coupons Direct mail Editorial calendar eBooks Elevator speech […]
Objective Clarifier Tool
September 5, 2013
Aligning your communications with your corporate strategy makes the best business sense. To make sure your communications are effective, you need clear objectives. Use these questions to create results-oriented communications: Briefly describe the business challenge/opportunity What does success look like? List your corporate objectives (e.g. vision, strategic objectives) List your communication objectives (ensure they are […]
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: […]