The interaction between you and your customer is unique to your business. But the “customer journey” has some common waypoints as we go from attracting that initial set of customers to developing a stable of loyal advocates.
The New Marketing and Sales
Ethical marketing is not an oxymoron. Respectful, soft-touch marketing not only feels better, but in light of today’s consumer behavior, it’s also more effective too. But it requires a mindset shift, and that we unlearn some of the “conventional wisdom” about marketing.
How to Create a Marketing Quiz for Lead Generation
People like to find out about themselves. A quiz can be a fun and useful way to introduce people to your product or service, in a much more indirect way. It’s your opportunity to show that you understand their needs, and to start building enough trust to earn a transaction. Let’s go over the principles of designing the perfect marketing quiz.
Most Downloaded Episodes of 2017: Marketing Without the Marketing
Marketing Without the Marketing is a podcast about using content strategy to build an audience. Here’s a list of the episodes that listeners downloaded the most in 2017. If you’re new to the podcast, this is a great place to start!
Build Your Content Strategy with These Four Essential Platforms
Do you really need to blog for business? Or be on social media? While every business is different, there are four essential elements in building your online presence. Here’s a simple, integrated action plan for the “Four Pillars” of any good content strategy.
Taking a Stand Against Deceptive Marketing Tactics
Ad-driven media is still the dominant paradigm, undermining the Web’s promise and potential. When you incentivize clicks as the only metric that matters, what do you expect? Cheap tactics for cheap clicks. Ev Williams, founder of Twitter, is taking a stand. Can he “save the Web,” or is it too late?
Starbucks Rewards: An Evolution in Data-Driven Marketing
The more you know your customer, the better. That can be in face-to-face interactions, or as Starbucks is showing, through individualized data. Here’s a look at the innovations of the new Starbucks Star Rewards Program – and how you can apply the lessons to your own business.
Content Strategy in the Modern Media Landscape
In the new media ecosystem, my belief is that the best stuff rises to the top. Why? Because what people value, people share. And it’s the only way that small players can see their message travel. Is your content strategy optimized for the Modern Media Landscape?
Using Social Media for Business: Strategies for Long-Term Success
How would you rate your use of social media for business? Has it been successful, or a waste of time? Whether you are just getting started with social media – or you’re in need of a reboot – here’s a collection of resources to help you focus your strategy and make better connections with your customers and prospects.
Phase 2 of the Resistance to Social Media
Are you going through the motions when it comes to social media? How do you expect to get good results without a genuine, concerted effort? This is what I call Phase 2 of the Resistance to Social Media, and here’s what you can do to move past it.
Phase 1 of the Resistance to Social Media
Could your business be getting more out of social media? What’s holding you back? In my view, there are two phases of resistance to social media in particular, and content marketing in general. Let’s look at Phase 1, and what you can do to overcome it.
Content Marketing vs. Content Strategy
Content marketing is only one facet of a complete content strategy. To get the most out of your efforts, you need to have a clearly definable and measurable set of goals. Like anything in business, the planning process is an important component of your success.