No matter where you go on the net, you will hear the phrase, “Content is king”. Traffic is important of course, but what is keeping them on your page? What is the reason they come back? It isn’t the pretty graphics and cool little advertisements you have going on. What it all comes down to is the connection they feel with the subject, and the writer that is producing it.
Whether you are a website owner trying to provide higher quality content to your readers, or you are a content producer trying to gain new prospects through better quality, you can gain something from here. Long sentence, I know, but I had to incorporate everyone. Just keep in mind that you are here to learn, and you have to put your own spin on things to really become original. Anyone can copy and rewrite, but creating your own brand and personality is where the readership will follow.
So what’s the hold up? Get to the good stuff.
To start, you have to always keep your audience in mind. You need to engage the reader and make your content different from any other person that writes on the same topic. If the average reader is a certain age group, education level, or has a certain level of experience, make sure to target them in your writing. Also, keep all of your writing consistent. Inconsistency will give your readers the impression that your organization skills are nonexistent and will encourage them to stop reading before the end.
You know who your readers are, so now you have to know what they are doing there. What is the point of your content? Seems like a simple question, but often times writers don’t really think about what their writing will do. Are you here to inform? Maybe you are reviewing and selling a product. Whatever the case may be, get into the readers mind set and give them what they want. If they came to you to find out the best casserole recipe, then by God at the end of it they better know which the best is. Inform when appropriate, sell when necessary, and always entertain. No matter how serious the subject material, make sure the reader feels connected to your views, and enjoyed what you had to say.
Now that you have the right mindset, it is time to get into how to write. Try to use bold words when necessary, italicize to emphasize certain parts, and underline accordingly. These action points can increase readers attention, and create a better flow overall. Don’t overdo it! Like anything in life, a little taste can be good, but too much can really put off the average reader.
It’s time to become a real life person.
Hopefully you have a personality at this point in your life. If not, I can sell you one for $24.99, plus shipping and handling. Too steep a price? Alright, I will let you in on a little taste for free. Giving your writing personality is as easy as adding your two cents where appropriate. You don’t always have to have something witty and humorous to say. Just say something that tells the reader, “OK, this is a real person writing this”.
Let’s say you have to write about an acne product. The target audience is in their late teens, early twenties. Desperate for a solution to their problem, they happen upon your website. They already know what the product is supposed to do, how it does it, and what they can expect from purchasing it. Simply stating those facts will have the reader running for true insight. Here is where you have to add a little personal touch.
If you are trying to keep it as professional as possible, avoid a story and state a simple fact that has improved your life. “Other so called acne solutions have always left skin peeling, red glaring examples of their inability to work on my face. With so and so product, no redness or irritation occurred, and I could vibe out to the latest club banger without fear of being seen“. This will create an instant connection to you and the material.
As long as you are capable of coming across with some kind of personal insight, people will instinctively listen to what you have to say. Add some flare, make a joke, and give some personal enlightenment that you recently achieved. Continue to sharpen your writing skills and you will soon have no problem keeping the audience happy.
Facebook can be fairly easy to use as a tool to increase your brand awareness. Almost anyone can do it but it helps if you have some experience in networking. It may take time for you to see results, but if you are persistent, you can acquire a nice following and you will soon be able to jump start numerous successful groups.
Facebook is very simple and allows you to separate friends by groups. When you start a new group in three clicks you will be able to invite all of those friends most likely to be interested in what your new group is about. Below are seven great tips on how to market your company using a Facebook Group.
1) Increase Your Friends
It’s pretty hard to tell people about your company if you have no one to tell. Add at least 100 people you either know or would like to know. Try and find people that will be interested in the group(s) you may start on Facebook. It’s a waste of time to seek people out that don’t have similar interests. Stay focused on adding friends that will want to interact in conversations that your interested in. For example if you are trying to increase brand awareness for an organic foods company you will probably seek out people with healthy lifestyles and similar interests.
2) Starting a Group
When you start a group the first rule of thumb is the group needs to look full and alive. Upload pictures, videos and start topics and discuss. Get a few of your friends to help add to the discussion and post their own questions and content to keep the group going.
Ask a question here and there in the main body of the group and do not hesitate to link to articles on the bottom. The articles should link to informative websites in the industry or your own. If you manage to write good content on your blog, this is the ideal place to promote new posts.
3) Quality Content
Now that you have a Facebook group started you need to keep quality content and a strong message. People often join groups on Facebook but then rarely go back to interact with the group. They may read what’s going on but the reason why they don’t come back, is the lack of quality content. If you keep the producing quality content, others will see what is going on and this will bring in new members.
4) Moderate Your Group
Do not bombard the members with senseless newsletters or spam. Someone we know sends out a monthly newsletter that is nothing more than a recap of his blog. (lame) Why would I want the information twice? Wait for something newsworthy or create “how to” articles that people will enjoy and get value out of. When you create this quality content you can often slip in some mentions of your brand.
5) Networking with Moderators of Larger Groups
Networking with the owners of the biggest groups in your niche or a similar niche can really add value. If you can do anything of cross promotional together it can help both groups grow, especially the smaller group. Doing so often can take time to establish a quality relationship with such moderators but you will often get out what you put in.
6) Quality Conversations
Have quality conversations. When a friend has some post you can get in on, then do not hesitate to shine with knowledge, input, and opinion or a questions. You cannot be shy. You need to let them realize that you are a qualified and knowledgeable person and people will be interested in joining your groups and checking out your site.
7) Be Social & Tell Everyone About Your Group(s)
Tell friends about your group, in fact tell anyone who might be interested. Some of the best ways are to invite people via Facebook and use Twitter to tell others about your group. A group will really grow when friends from all angles meet. I always say, once those you know are connecting there and start bringing in fresh blood, your group or community is going to be on autopilot and you will not be needed unless you decide to come in and add something that you believe is going to shine the limelight on your network.
1) BackType
2) Minggl
3) Flock
4) Social Mention
URL: http://www.socialmention.com/
5) Social Media for Firefox
URL: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/7888
6) TwitterFox
URL: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5081
7) PostRank
Many local business merchants want to know what they can do to help promote their business online. Today we are going to discuss marketing for Twitter. Some are caught up in the notion that Social Media Marketing only works if your a big company with national or global clients. This could not be further from the truth and we are going to provide you with 7 examples of how local merchants are promoting themselves online via Social Media Marketing.
1) The Hotel
Hotel Max (Seattle, WA) is the former Vance Hotel which combines art and luxury. The hotel showcases 39 local Seattle artists and photographers, along with nationally known artists.
@hotel_max utilizes their Twitter profile to mention local events, provide discounts, answer questions and has contest giveaways. At least a few times per week they seem to be having “giveaways” where followers can win some prizes like Art Galleries, Max bag and Art Books.
2) The Book Store
Book People (Austin, TX)
Book People is the largest independent bookstore in Texas. They are located in Austin and use Twitter (@BookPeople) to spread the word about new books, pre-orders and book signings.
3) The Coffee Shop
Pumphreys Coffee Roasters (Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK)
Pumphrey’s Coffee is based at Bridge Street in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. Along with coffee tips and lots of great informational tweets via @PumphreysCoffee about coffee and tea. This is how they connect with customers letting them know about the Coffee of the Day and their promotional items.
4) The Salon
Emerson Salon (Seattle, WA)
Emerson Salon is located in the Capitol Hill Seattle area. @emersonsalon tweets connect with their followers and provide information about new stylists and hair tips.
5) The Clothing Store
Banana Republic (Fashion Square Scottsdale, AZ)
Banana Republic is a large company but at least in one of their stores someone (@BRFashionSquare) has focused on Twitter Marketing. This is actually very rare for a large company with multiple locations but others should take note. This is a great way for their customers to keep in touch and find out about new arrivals and promotions.
6) The Wedding Planner
Bridal Bar (Los Angeles & San Diego, CA)
Bridal Bar is a high-end complimentary planning experience where brides and their families can educate themselves with the assistance of knowledgeable wedding professionals. Harmony, the Founder of Bridal Bar, tweets from @bridalbar about special events to stay connected to her Twitter followers.
7) The Band
RevelationSeven (St. Louis, MO)
RevelationSeven is a band based out of the St. Louis area. They use Twitter (@revelationseven) to stay connected to their fans and provide information about upcoming events.
Today is one of those days when Google likes to change their logo. The often change their logo for commemorating holidays and events and today they have decided to add a special logo in honor of Samuel F. B. Morse. Morse is know for being the creator of a single wire telegraph system and Morse code. We thought this would be a great time to put together a list of the top 12 Google Logos of all time. (In Our Opinion)
12) Birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) March 2, 2009
11) World Water Day – March 22, 2005
10) World Cup – May 31, 2002
9) Valentine’s Day – February 14, 2009
8) Louis Braille’s Birthday – January 4, 2006
7) Earth Day – April 22, 2007
6) Leonardo da Vinci’s Birthday – April 15, 2005
5) Independence Day, July 4, 2005
4) Thanksgiving – November 24, 2005
3) Google’s 5th birthday – September 2003
2) Father’s Day – June 15, 2003
1) Birthday of Samuel F. B. Morse – April 27, 2009
After using Twitter (follow us) for a few months, we have now created a wish list of the things we want to see from Twitter. This in no way means that we do not like Twitter, actually we find it to be an excellent vehicle for communication. These are only our top nine and we would like to hear what you guys think or if you have any suggestions of what you would like to see from Twitter.
1) Twitter Dating
2) Groups or Tagging
In the modern digital age there is no more valuable method of self-expression than the Blog. The Internet has become the source of informational revolution, a place where ideas and dreams collide, forming a unique opportunity to expose the truth of who we as humans are to each other. A completely new and unique idea, The Kizzog, introduces children to this powerful medium. The Kizzog offers the opportunity to communicate and interact in the digital age of now and beyond. Below are 50 reasons YOUR child should have, and will benefit from a Kizzog Kids Blog. read more»
