Domain scammers have upped their game. I encountered a new variant of the Domain Name Expiration Scam recently. Episode 167 is about how to spot this new strategy and what to do if you are targeted.
Rants by Michael Boezi: Marketing Without the Marketing
I hate bad marketing. Sometimes I get worked up about it.
Below is a list of episodes where bad marketing gets the best of me.
#sorrynotsorry
No One Wants to Read an Email Newsletter
Email marketing is one of the most important tools for any small business. Can we come up with something other than “email newsletter” to call it, though?
Ethical Marketing Is Not an Oxymoron
Aggressive marketing tactics might have been effective in the past, but today’s consumers are more savvy. They see right through the lies, deception, and whitewashing. Ethical marketing is the only way to set yourself apart – to treat your customers with respect.
The Internet Is One Big Rickroll Now
The promise of the Internet has been ruined by advertising. There is no article you can read, video you can view, or social feed you can scroll through without being interrupted by some advertiser’s desperate attempt to steal your attention. Every time I experience this, I feel like I’ve been Rickrolled.
The One Word That Diminishes Your Work
People don’t mean to diminish your work, but that’s exactly what they are doing when they use this one insidious little word. It undervalues your expertise and experience by making it sound simple – as a way to sell you on doing something, paying you less than you’re worth, or not paying you at all.
Fixing Facebook: Why the Current Plan Will Fail
Mark Zuckerberg has vowed to fix the ills that have plagued Facebook over the past 18 months. There are 5 reasons why his plan won’t work.
Facebook Is Headed for Trouble: The Coming Storm
As the harsh spotlight illuminates dark posts, Russian ads and who-know-what-else, expect a backlash against Facebook. It may come in the form of regulations or user revolt, but it’s going to change Facebook a lot. It’s not a matter of if, but when. So if you use Facebook to promote your business or connect with customers, what can you do to prepare yourself?
The Customer Is Always Free to Go
You can’t force me to be loyal – that’s something you have to earn. Yet you see companies use a variety of methods to lock us in or make it difficult to leave. These cheap, short-term tactics may guarantee today’s revenue, but they will never add up to tomorrow’s loyalty.
Tweeting Is Believing, Tweeting Out Is Not
Twitter is the best social platform for connecting with people you DON’T know already, making it a critical tool for finding new potential customers. So, why is it still not taken seriously? Episode 106 is about making a shift in mindset so that you can up your game and get more out of Twitter.
You Only Have to Tell Me One Lie
In your marketing, does what you say about yourself match what your customers say about you? If it doesn’t, you may have a trust problem – and you may not get a second chance to repair the damage.
Hope Is Not a Marketing Plan
There are no shortcuts in building a business. That’s why those insidious “instant success” stories are dangerous to real, working businesses. Here is one of those stories – and my reaction to it.
Respect Your Audience
Your audience will come to you. Give them time. When it’s their decision, it will be a stronger bond between brand and consumer. Are you willing to give up some control for a deeper relationship with your customers?