Tag: target
2020 Retail Rumble
May 26, 2020
Forget crowdless UFC matches – 2020’s biggest rumble is taking place between retail giants Amazon and Walmart. Their arena is today’s unrelenting market complexity, including economic and technological upheaval amid the coronavirus crisis. In this third and final piece in a series, we compare Walmart and Amazon’s enduring and pandemic-specific strategies to spot market opportunities […]
Is Walmart winning?
May 19, 2020
2020 SWOT analysis: Is Walmart winning? The world’s biggest retailer has shown surprising agility to serve consumers during the coronavirus crisis. The retailer boasts thousands of stores, robust e-grocery and enticing everyday low prices. Also, it’s not humanly possible to leave a Walmart store without spending at least $100. Is that enough to win in […]
Trump’s Winning Marketing Strategy: Rage Against the Machine
November 9, 2016
The world awoke to a whole new reality show. As astounded Americans try to make sense of last night’s election results (and feverishly apply for a Canadian passport), let’s examine how President-elect Trump’s marketing strategy contributed to his stunning triumph. Donald Trump’s political campaign nailed several basic marketing principles, which elevated his brand from brash […]
7 Ways to Block Your Rivals’ Shots
October 14, 2014
True story: A U.S. corporation apologized for its marketing copy on public affairs after it omitted the L from ‘public.’ Embarrassing errors and omissions happen. When they do, your competitors may act like goons and attack your brand. To defend your company, you need strategic communications practices. It’s like having a superstar goalie on your […]
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 […]
Case Study: Break Through the Clutter
September 16, 2014
Situation: Two of my clients couldn’t have been more different: an IT service provider for institutional investors and an author of a book for young women. However, they both wanted to stand out and generate excitement among their target markets. Approach: I collaborated with each client and partners to develop compelling marketing campaigns. For the […]
Social Media for a Media-Shy Company
June 17, 2014
Situation: A risk averse client in business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce wanted to attract new customers, strengthen loyalty and establish itself as a trusted brand. However, senior executives feared the company’s lack of control over the tone of traditional media coverage, so they also felt reluctant to use social media. Approach: I worked with a partner to […]
Bulletproof Your Communications Strategy
April 8, 2014
In a flat economy, businesses face increasing pressure to stretch every marketing dollar further while achieving results. Do you know which areas of your communications require greater strength, clarity or efficiency? Use the following questions to assess how well your communications strategy functions under pressure: Target: Who is your primary customer? Priorities: How do your […]
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 […]
PR in 2013: A Musical Tribute
December 17, 2013
As the year winds down, let’s take a musical journey as we reminisce about PR campaigns that stood out in 2013. Baby Got Back: After customers complained that lululemon yoga pants were “pilling” between the thighs and the seams were tearing, company founder and chairman Chip Wilson created more negative headlines. He claimed, “some women’s […]
Case Study: Extreme Email Makeover
November 5, 2013
Situation: One of my clients communicates using more than 30 email campaigns per month. However, the email response rates had been dismal for years. Approach: To understand the client’s strategy, I analyzed 20 sample emails and considered: If I received this email, would I even open it? Is it clear? Do I understand why I […]
Stand Out: Strategic Publicity Practices
October 15, 2013
Want to break through the clutter? Use these media relations tips to help your business stand out and gain a competitive advantage. Know your audience: Your target always impacts your strategy. For instance, do they use social media? Read blogs? Prefer traditional media? Drill down further: Which specific print, broadcast and online properties attract your […]
Pinpoint Your Target Audience
October 8, 2013
Tired of playing hide and seek with your target market? To identify a suitable target, successful entrepreneurs recommend these tips: 1. Pick an audience you can relate to. Choose and audience you understand and admire — then tailor your product to their pain points. 2. Consider long-term potential. Among customers that will adopt early, which […]