In these days of email, social media and texting, we probably communicate more in writing than we did a few decades ago when we had to actually speak with each other because there was no immediate alternative. At the same time, our spelling and grammar skills seem to be on the decline. Whether it’s a [...]
If you have a contact form on your website, will you get the messages people submit through it? Recently I received an email from an online marketing expert sharing the story of how his contact form failed and he didn’t realize it for about six months. It’s likely that he missed messages from prospective customers [...]
Your customer mailing list is one of your most valuable assets. It’s the foundation of your ability to communicate with the people you’ve identified as customers or potential customers. Whether you market by email, direct (snail) mail or a combination, think about this: What would it mean to your marketing plan specifically and your company [...]
If you can send an email, you can easily learn how to set up a blog. Of course, if you have a web developer or designer who can do it for you, you’ll save a lot of time and may end up with a more attractive site. But either way, choose a platform that you understand and [...]
Headline: Beach wristbands help keep track of children If I was planning to take kids to the beach this summer and I saw that headline, I'd read the accompanying Associated Press article that has been published in a number of local newspapers. Here's the first paragraph: Officials in Daytona Beach will pass out yellow, waterproof [...]
There’s a lot of discussion about politically correct language these days. How about dropping “politically” and just using correct language? Something that’s been bugging me in particular of late is that reporters and commentators need to learn the difference between a protest and a demonstration when they are covering large groups of people who gather [...]
Do the people who are on your email list really want to be there? Recently I was invited to a home sales party by a friend. She provided the company’s representative with email addresses for her guest list. The salesperson sent out invitations and reminders for the party on behalf of my friend. Because I [...]
Proofreading often proves difficult. Why? Because for the most part, when attempting to proofread your own writing, you read what you thought you wrote. And even after letting your work “cool off,” it’s difficult to catch every error in a single reading. Unless you’re a juggler accustomed to having six or eight items in the [...]
Email marketing can be powerful -- but only if your readers know how to whitelist your email address so they receive your messages. In my blog "Do You Check Your Spam Folder?", I suggested that it's a good idea to periodically take a look at what your email system is reading as junk to be sure [...]
When you make an offer either online or through an email campaign, is what you wrote clear enough for your readers to understand? Full disclaimer: I’m a huge fan of Total Wine & More. I like browsing through the store, finding interesting wines and related gadgets, talking to the staff and getting their recommendations. Though [...]
