Pinterest Marketing: Still a Possibility?

Posted on July 24, 2012 by admin

Pinterest:  Popular, pleasing, powerful. Try saying that five times fast, and add this to it: Pinterest is set to push aside some other platforms as a crowd-favorite.

It’s Facebook in the lead, then Twitter, but Pinterest is quickly coming up alongside and may be set to pass up some of the premier social media outlets in terms of popularity. It’s called addictive by users, and allows a new visual voice to everything from product ideas, customer thank-yous, staff bios and blogs.

Here’s another reason why Pinterest marketing may be more than a possibility for your organization, from a recent post:  The audience is nearly 70 percent female, and almost one-third of users have yearly incomes exceeding $100,000. Note:  Women definitely use Pinterest, but men are also creeping up in audience and usage, which makes sense when considering that men are more often visual learners.

You can add Pinterest to your content marketing strategy in several creative ways:

1) Give all your blogs a photo. Put your blogs on a Pinboard for users to collect and enjoy.
2) Create a customer thank-you board, and include testimonials and real-life, practical ways people are enjoying your product or service.
3) Think of the ways your service or product adds value to daily living. If you’re in a financial company, for example, use Pinterest to show baby boomers living it up in retirement. (You get the picture).
4) Show your company’s history or staff testimonials. Let people in on where you came from and where you’re headed through Pinboards.
5) Add your enewsletters to Pinterest by doing a screen shot. This means your cover photo and text needs to be grabbing, but that’s part of your overall content marketing strategy anyway.
6) Add whitepapers to Pinboards.

Certainly Pinterest is a real possibility for gaining leads, new followers to your blogs and other social media, and gaining traction as a market leader in your industry. But Pinterest, like all other newer tools, should be grounded in information and visuals that gives value to your audience, every time.

Pinterest should accept your overall content marketing strategy that is built on consistency, keywords, creativity and great writing. Now that’s a practically perfect plan.

Are you ready to add Pinterest to your  marketing strategy? Contact Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions and we can help you integrate this creative and effective social media tool into your plan of action.

Posted in Blog Writing, Consistent Customer Communications, Content Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Newsletter Marketing, Pinterest Content Marketing, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, White Paper Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Monday Morning Coffee – Just Before Lunch

Posted on July 23, 2012 by admin

In an effort to identify the best company to feature in our Monday Morning Coffee series, I got a little sidetracked waiting on information from the company of choice – so they will take the spotlight next week. I won’t yet reveal the name; we’ll let it be a surprise, but one I know you’ll find interesting.

In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to recap a few things the Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions team has been up to this summer. If you missed it, we were named the Women of Excellence Employer of the Year by the YWCA at their annual Women of Excellence fundraiser. The next week, we served a meal for the kids at Royal Family Kids’ Camp, a week-long adventure for children who have been neglected or abused. 

We’ve also covered for each other to allow for family vacations, moved into an office downtown (and then moved into an even bigger office the next month), sponsored the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in a Bowl-for-Kids event, trained for a new client project and focused on doing great work for a growing client base. It really only covers the minimum of activity we’ve had going on, but you get the idea that we have been a little busy. The fun thing about it is you never hear a team member complain. Instead, they are excited about the new opportunities we have going on and the role they get to play in the company.

As the summer is winding its way down and we all have kids getting ready to go back to school, we’re on track to continue our focus on strong growth. We are excited about the activity taking place in our local community, as well as the opportunities with many of our clients throughout the world.

We want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you, while we still get to try and balance the other things in life we hold so dear. If you’re interested in hearing more of the Susan J. Campbell Solutions story or what we can do to help your business grow, contact us anytime for more information.

Posted in Monday Morning Coffee | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blending Print and Online Marketing Power

Posted on July 20, 2012 by admin

You’re a small business looking to generate a larger customer base, so do you take an ad out in a newspaper or trade magazine, send a press release to a targeted audience or create a Facebook page and Twitter account to connect with your current and future customers? If you answered yes to all of them, that would be correct. Blending print and online marketing is your best chance of getting noticed by all audiences with whom you would like to connect.

Recent studies suggest that businesses still rely on traditional marketing to be successful, that’s according to an article on social media and marketing. You won’t see the growth that is possible with just one avenue of marketing. The online presence, as well as the other mediums work together. Think of it this way, you need to appeal to the senses. Your message needs to be heard, seen and able to be touched.

Through blending print and online marketing, you will be able to put your message on items that can be handed out, such as pens or mugs as well as creation of a print advertisement in more traditional media, and of course with the draw to social media and the web, that cannot be forgotten. Use each opportunity to drive your clients to the next piece of information that can be shared wherever it may be.

You can utilize one medium to drive traffic to the other. For instance, some of your potential customers may not go to the web immediately to find what businesses are available to serve the needs they are looking for. If they see an advertisement in a magazine or newspaper that includes your website, they may then decide to go online to find more information, thus leading them to your Facebook page, etc. Sources say traditional media helps you build trust with your clients and is a great way to open the door to blending print and online marketing.

Remember just because it’s an old method doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, it has stood the test of time for a reason. Traditional marketing is not dead. It just depends on how you use it.

If you’re ready to take a leap with a new approach to blending print and online marketing, it’s time to contact Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions. We know how to listen to your needs, understand your story and create a strategy that works for your business. To learn more – contact us today.

Posted in Marketing Strategy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Webinar Benefits – Do They Apply?

Posted on July 19, 2012 by admin

Webinars, an online means of receiving training and other important information, are gaining popularity amongst today’s busy professionals. The trend toward mobility is fueling webinar momentum as information can be communicated over various channels such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, eliminating the need for employees to show up in person to reap the benefits.

Research supports the use of webinar, too. Better lead generation and more effective content marketing are proven webinar benefits. In fact, webinars result in lower lead costs because they can reach thousands of people at once, and studies show that webinars are the second most important means of achieving a successful content marketing strategy.

There are a host of  webinar benefits that make them attractive for businesses, with advantages ranging from cost, convenience, and efficient use of resources – just to name a few.

Low Cost without Sacrificing Quality. Some companies pay thousands of dollars for their employees to attend training seminars across the country. The elimination of hotel costs, mileage fees, and per diem meal expenses are all important webinar benefits.

Webinar content can include any of the hot topics covered at fancy, out-of-state conferences without the high cost. Many online seminars also enlist the expertise of world-renowned speakers, and the platform is highly engaging because it can include the use of various media such as videos, slides, handouts, and interactive Q & A.

Convenience. Another webinar benefit is that it is super convenient. It can be accessed at home, in the office, or on the road – whenever your employees can fit it into their schedules. And, seminars can be broadcast live or viewed on-demand.

Efficient Use of Resources. With a webinar, employees don’t have to take time off work to go out of town for training. It’s also a greener option because as travel time and the need for accommodation is reduced, so is the use of natural resources.

Webinar benefits can be documented through research – the more webinar is used, the higher the success level experienced.

Are you ready to explore webinar benefits in a whole new approach to marketing your business? Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions can help. To learn how to get started, give us a call today.

Posted in Content Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

You Need a Press Release – Got News?

Posted on July 18, 2012 by admin

The press release – a time-honored tool to try and drum up some coverage for your organization via traditional media channels. In the days before online magazines, social media and blogs, it was the only way to try and capture the attention of the editors managing those coveted pages. Now, the rules of such coverage have changed. Do you still need a press release?

Regardless of your size or industry, your business can benefit from a well-written press release and its subsequent distribution. Let’s take a look at a few of the clear benefits to writing and distributing a press release.

The Story – not everything taking place in your organization has to be an “Oprah moment” to be newsworthy. Whether you released a new product, celebrated a revenue increase, helped out with a local charity or encountered a raccoon in the IT room, even the smallest story is newsworthy. You can use this story as an opportunity to capture more coverage, write an entertaining piece for your website or simply post for additional Web traffic.

Visibility – it’s easy to assume that operating on a daily basis and putting up a website will get you noticed. If you’re trying to reach clients outside of your geographic location, the Web is the way to do it and the press release is a great opportunity to spread the word. When you use a distribution service, your news gets posted on a number of different aggregate sites, backlinking to your site. This improves your search engine ranking and your authority on the Web, helping to establish you as an industry expert.

Coverage Spread – also known as the viral effect, when one reporter picks up your story, it’s more likely to get covered again and again on multiple publications. It may require that you reach out to specific editors to get their attention, but the result can be powerful. And, keep in mind that most major news outlets get their stories from smaller local media channels – so use what you have and what you know to reach the larger audience.

One of the most important things to keep in mind with the press release is to continue the process. Don’t just stop with one and expect great things for months or years to come. You need to produce a press release on a regular basis, pushing for the coverage you want and demonstrating that you are a consistent participant in the industry. It will pay off in the end.

If you’re ready to produce that great press release, Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions can help. We’ve produced thousands of press releases for clients all over the world, helping them to generate the traffic they need to expand their revenue opportunities. To learn how we can help you, contact us today.

Posted in Press Release Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Make People Read Your Blog…And Like It.

Posted on July 17, 2012 by admin

It’s one thing to write great blogs, but you need people to read them.

With a few tactics, you can grow your blog-reading audience. Growing your blog-reading audience means you grow your site traffic. It also means you grow your customer loyalty, trust and recognition as the expert at what you do.

Start with new stuff, as highlighted in a recent article from Marketing Profs. Don’t reblog something that has already been written. New content and well-written content creates the idea that you’re the expert, and you’re someone to trust and do business with.

It’s all connected.  Link up your blog posts with all your social media content. Link up your blog posts with your enewsletters and your video posts. Link up your blogs with your whitepapers. In great content marketing, everything works together toward adding serious value.

Consider new angles, like how-tos, historical snapshots or creative use of lists. Start a blog with an engaging comment from one of your social media posts. Make a quick list of angles and options for blogs to quickly consult if you feel you’re in a bloggers’ block.

Give your blog a photo, and tag the photo. Giving your blog a photo also means you can add it to platforms like Pinterest – further escalating you into blog-reader bliss.

Think of yourself as a content curator. What does a curator at a museum do? They meticulously determine which material or exhibits will best reach their viewers, and when to bring that material in. Do the same for all your content. Being a curator is more satisfying and more fun than just thinking of yourself as a blog posting person. (As a curator, you might even be able to request a creative sabbatical or a second office somewhere exotic. This curator concept can take you far.)

Headlines matter. Make your headline appealing. This shows your audience that you respect their sense of creativity and that you recognize and appreciate when they select your blog to read over others.

In conclusion, blogs work. They drive site traffic. They make you the expert. They build customer loyalty. Blogs give you more mileage for your keywords and higher search rankings, especially when placed within a quality, consistent content creation strategy. Get curating.

At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions it is our goal to provide our clients with quality content for whatever their marketing needs may be.  Contact us to discuss your strategy and let’s get blogging!

Posted in Blog Writing, Consistent Customer Communications, Content Marketing, SEO, Social Media Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Monday Morning Coffee with Van Cleave Construction

Posted on July 16, 2012 by admin

Welcome back to our Monday Morning Coffee spot. Today, we decided to focus on a company making great use of Facebook to promote their business and demonstrate their craftsmanship when it comes to the completed project. In the MCC spotlight today is Van Cleave Construction, so grab your cup of joe and sit back for a few minutes while we take a look at what this company is doing to drive new revenue.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and nothing is more important when designing an update to your kitchen, selecting a new design for your deck or remodeling a bathroom. When looking for the right company to come into your home and create your vision, you want to know the selected provider can deliver on their promises. Van Cleave Construction is trying to accomplish this very task with its Facebook efforts.

On a regular basis, Van Cleave Construction is posting pictures to their Facebook timeline, showing different stages of projects and highlighting their attention to detail. Unlike their static website, Facebook allows for consistent updates and the easy incorporation of photos. Most importantly, they capture the look up close so fans can see the beauty in the design, as well as from a distance for larger scale projects.

“I enjoy being able to update my Facebook with pictures on my mobile from the job site, says Erich Van Cleave, owner and president of Van Cleave Construction. “It is so much easier and in “real-time,” as opposed to updating my website on a constant basis. It has allowed us to reach people on a regular basis without them coming to us, rather us bringing our message to them.”

Van Cleave also pays attention to the value of referrals, understanding the power of a recommendation when the job is well-done and the potential damage when a client is treated poorly. Both situations can easily be shared via Facebook and other social media channels, increasing the viral potential for both the good and bad.

“When you treat a client with professionalism they appreciate it and pass your information along,” says Van Cleave. “When you treat someone well they tell their friends; if you treat them poorly, they tell everyone they meet.”

The construction industry is one heavily reliant on visuals and word-of-mouth. Through the use of Facebook, Van Cleave Construction has been able to not only demonstrate their capability through visual tools, but also to convey the quality and care they apply to all projects. Anything less could quickly make the competition look much more attractive.

Posted in Monday Morning Coffee | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Should You Invite a Guest Blogger?

Posted on July 13, 2012 by admin

A blog can be a very personal thing, even when it serves as a communication tool for your business. You share your personal opinions and insight on the industry – but hopefully you don’t share the latest on your dog’s new tricks unless yours is a pet grooming company.

Given that the blog is a representation of your take on the industry and serves to establish you as an authority in this space, should you open the platform to a guess blogger? The answer is a resounding, “Yes”!

Inviting another authority in your industry – or a complementary industry – is a great way to take your message viral. It also adds more credibility to your site. It demonstrates that you care about the input of others and believe they have something to contribute to your platform.

Let’s first look at how inviting a guest helps you to take your message viral. At present, you likely promote your blog through your social media channels. You may also have regular followers that receive your updates on a consistent basis. These are all important channels, but they are limited to the channels you have.

When you invite a guest blogger, he or she will take the post they have written and push it out through their channels as well. This gives you a much wider scope of readership that can open the door to new opportunities and leads. Plus, if the post is especially good, it’s more likely to be shared beyond this layer of influence.

The guest blogger concept also adds credibility to your site as it demonstrates that you actively engage others in your industry. You understand that yours is not a limitless sea of knowledge and the contributions of others can improve what you are doing and lend value to your readers.

With that, I would encourage you to invite guest bloggers to write for your site. You do have control over the topic in many cases and be sure to link back to his or her blog or website when you post. Make sure there are benefits for both of you, and if you are asked to return the favor, be sure to write an awesome piece.

If you’re ready to see where blogs can take your business online, we can help. Writing is one of our specialties and we know how to make sure people find your site and read your updates. To learn more, contact Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions today.

Posted in Blog Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Three Reasons Why Video Testimonials Should be Part of Your Marketing Mix

Posted on July 12, 2012 by admin

Customer testimonials are one of the most powerful forms of advertisement available.  And when testimonials are presented in video format for others to see and hear with their own eyes and ears, they are even more convincing at getting your message across.

There are many reasons why the use of video testimonials makes good business sense. Three of which are presented here:

Personal Touch

Video makes a testimonial come alive, adding credibility and a friendly face to which others can relate. There’s something about seeing material in person versus having it written on paper that commands our attention. While some people won’t take the time to read a letter, they may respond to video footage because it is more engaging. For those who don’t have any knowledge of your company, it’s also a great way to break down barriers and answer any questions they might have.

Quick and Easy
People don’t have time to sift through a mountain of information before finally reaching what it is they’re looking for. Video testimonials provide a super user-friendly way of presenting even the most basic of information such as warranties or return policies in a way that is both interesting and informative.

Increased Visibility
With so many competitors out there vying for your customer’s business, finding a way to stand out is crucial. Having video testimonials can increase your chances of getting noticed because video lends itself well to being shared with friends via social networking sites such as Facebook.

Purposefully linking video testimonials on your webpage to your Twitter, Facebook, or other social networking accounts is another great way to increase visibility. And, increased visibility is important for maximizing SEO efforts. The more frequently your site appears on the search list, the more traffic you’re likely to drive to your webpage.

At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions we know that your marketing strategy options are endless. If you think a video testimonial would benefit your business, contact us and we will help you plan your next move.

Posted in Video Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

To See and Hear

Posted on July 11, 2012 by admin

When you click on a website, if you see a lot of text, what’s your first reaction? It probably isn’t to read all the words on the screen. In fact you may even navigate away from the site because it’s just too word heavy. What if there was a video you could watch? Would you be more likely to stick around?

According to an article on My Video Talk Tool, video could be your next best plan when it comes to marketing. There are a few things that video can do that text alone cannot.

You can establish a heightened sense of credibility in your product or service. If your customers see a consistent message and can identify with the same person through each message since they have actually seen them on screen, there is a greater sense of trust that can be established. They begin to view you as the expert in the business and will do all they can to stay with you.

That kind of loyalty will make customers for life; keeping them coming back to you since you are now the assumed expert. In the case of generating new business, if they see the message you are trying to convey on screen and they identify with you, then you have turned potentials into reality.

The bottom line is that the use of video in marketing has opened doors unlike ever before. You can click on a site, click on a quick video and learn everything you need to know about the product in a matter of minutes.

What a valuable resource to have at your finger tips, literally, to say exactly what you need to say to whom you need to say it. The written word is still a crucial piece of any website, but to be able to utilize technology effectively may be the added sizzle you need.

At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions we can help you add that sizzle to your website.  Contact us if you’d like to give video marketing a try.  We have the tools and the diverse, experienced team to help you achieve your marketing goals.

Posted in Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Video Marketing, Website | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment