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Six Social Media Marketing “Musts” (or you’re destined to bust)

September 1, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (4)

Some companies see Social Media marketing the way Paris Hilton sees “bling.” A bright, shiny, sparkly new distraction that has people fixated on something they just HAVE to have. But why? Because Social Media and viral marketing are buzz words being thrown around throughout the media with the promise of “FREE” marketing.

Here’s where many businesses fall short. Simply having a presence on Social Media won’t ensure your business will thrive. In fact, if your business or product sucks, or if you treat your clients or employees badly, Social Media will be your worst enemy.

Save yourself and your business. Follow these six “MUSTS” or you’re destined to bust.

1. You MUST begin with a strategy.
Set out benchmarks on what you want to achieve before you begin. As the Cheshire Cat remarked to Alice In Wonderland,  “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there”.

2. You MUST integrate your Social Media marketing plan across all departments.
From sales to operations, from the Chief Cook to the Bottle Washer, every person who works for your company is a representative of your brand. Make sure that all departments are aligned and educated with your Social Media policy so messaging is consistent and customer service is paramount.

3. You MUST listen first.
Are people talking about your business/industry? What are they saying? Where are they spending their time online? You can’t solve your clients’ problems if you don’t know where they are and what they want.

4. You MUST reply when it’s appropriate.
The primary strength of Social Media is the engagement factor. Gone are the days when you would send one message to many people. You are now empowered with having a dialogue with your customers and acknowledging that they are important to you.

When people provide you with feedback (good or bad), THANK them. Negative feedback can be tough to take, but there may be an opportunity to learn from what they are sharing. Travelocity has thousands of reviews; both good and bad. People will ultimately decide for themselves, but how you handle the negative responses will speak volumes.

5. You MUST give more than you receive.
You want to be considered the expert in your industry so you have to start by providing insider tips, tricks and information. On Twitter, the rule of thumb is 70/20/10 = 70% sharing relevant information, 20% sharing someone else’s information (i.e. re-tweet) and 10% should be self-promotion. Be sure to post regularly and authentically to build trust.

6. You MUST build relationships built on quality, not quantity.
This is one of the biggest areas for “shiny object syndrome”. Having thousands of followers or fans doesn’t amount to anything if they don’t convert into sales. Ten loyal high paying customers are better than a thousand followers who don’t buy a thing.

Social Media marketing is really quite simple. Behave online the way you would in person. Introduce yourself, listen to the needs of your client, provide value, build trust and provide excellent customer service.

And stay away from bright, shiny objects. Especially if you can’t tell a diamond from a Cubic Zirconia.

__________

*This post was written for the CRAVE company by Leslie Hughes, the principal of an Ontario-based PR and Social Media Marketing firm called PUNCH!media.

Visit her website here: http://www.punchmedia.ca

Interview with the Fabulous Allison Maslan!

August 17, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (3)

CRAVE ladies, meet Allison Maslan. She is the CEO of Allison Maslan International and President of Blast Off! Life and Business Coaching. She is a highly acclaimed author and an international motivational speaker. Allison has a vibrant array of successful businesses to her credit and has assisted thousands of her clients in attaining a new level in their lives by helping them identify and reach their personal and professional goals. We caught up with this busy and successful woman to ask her a few questions we were just CRAVEing to know!

What would you say is the best advice for readers in your new book, Blast Off! The Surefire Plan to Launch your Dreams Into Reality?
I give so much life and business advice in Blast Off! However, I feel the most important advice is to act now on your dreams and goals. Otherwise you will be having the same conversation with yourself in six months or even six years. You see, our dreams are mere fantasy until we put them into action. So point your head toward your Big Picture Visions and take small steps toward them every single day. Do not listen to anyone that tells you it cannot be done. Before you know it, your dream will be glowing in the palm of your hands.

What is the best piece of advice you could give about running a business?
Best entrepreneurial advice: Never take no for an answer. When you hit a wall, get resourceful and find another pathway. Make a right or left turn, build a bridge, whatever you need to do to make it work… but never, ever accept that there is no option. The more creative are, the more secret doorways you will find.

What inspired you to write your book?
I am an entrepreneur and lover of business. I am woman, mother and lover of life. Over the past several years I built nine of my own companies, and as a strategic coach and a homeopathic physician, I have helped thousands launch a life and business experience they can feel passionate about. I feel now that its time to share my success system with as many people as possible. Every time I hear from a reader telling me that Blast Off! has changed their lives, my whole being smiles. That is what it is all about.

You are currently touring the country to promote your book, which cities can we expect you to be going?
So far I have been to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Dallas and San Francisco. Next, I will be in Chicago Aug. 25-28. I am doing a book signing at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at The Book Cellar, located at 4736-38 North Lincoln Ave. I am also presenting a High-Octane Mastermind Gathering at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at The Motel Bar in Chicago. This year I will also be heading to Salt Lake, Vegas, Portland, and New York. All if this information is on my Rocket Tour page on my website.

Branding Basics for Small Business New Book By Maria Ross

June 7, 2010 by Jessica C. | Comments (0)


Maria Ross, the brains behind marketing and branding firm, Red Slice, has just wrapped up yet another project. This time in the form of a comprehensive guide to effectively branding your business – any small business, on any budget. Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget will walk you step-by-step through solidifying your core promise, personality and reason for being. We caught up with Maria and asked her a little bit about what inspires her at work and in life! And before we forget, to purchase your copy of Branding Basics go to red-slice.com/branding-basics-book!

When and how did you discover your talent for and love of marketing and strategizing?
I majored in marketing in college, as I’d always had a love for advertising and using communication to evoke emotion. Marketing can be used for so much good in the world: encouraging people to donate time or money, showcasing a worthy cause, inspiring people to be the best they can be. I have always been impressed with a well-turned tagline or a delightful campaign that gives me goosebumps. In the book, I talk about the effect that Nike had on me in the mid-90’s when they launched the “If you let me play” campaign aimed at empowering young girls through athletics. I gained experience across all aspects of marketing over my career and really like the brainstorming and strategy phase the best.

What compelled you to write Branding Basics For Small Business?
I got sick and tired of people undervaluing what a brand could do for them, or thinking that it is just their logo. Brand is so much more than that and when small businesses understand what brand really means – that it is the core promise and value they deliver to customers – they can better connect with customers and drive sales. Brand is expressed not just visually through your logo or colors, but verbally through the messages you use and experientially in how customers (and employees) are treated. I also wrote it because putting together your brand strategy is not rocket science: it just requires answering some key questions and really putting intentional thought into how you present yourself to customers. So I wanted to spread the “brand gospel” to small businesses – many of whom have the nimbleness and passion to create a powerful brand connection with their customers because they are so close to them.

Without giving too much away (we all need to read the book!!), what is the most important step in creating a strong brand strategy?
I would say two of the biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to brand strategy are not identifying their target audience in crisp detail, and not telling customers what they want to hear. For target audiences, business owners try to go too broad and end up appealing to no one because their message is so bland and generic. But your brand needs to be relevant in order to meaningfully connect. Secondly, many small businesses talk about themselves by saying “This is what we do” versus taking the customer point of view and saying, “Here’s what you get.” Many small businesses don’t see that they are talking about benefits from their own perspective, not the customer’s.


Your book discusses “how to create an irresistible brand on any budget”…will this really work on ANY budget? What is one important step in reaching out to potential clients/customers on a shoe string budget?
An effective brand is not measured by how much money you have to spend. Every company out there wishes they had more money! I’ve executed against brand strategies with $1000 and $12,000,000. The point is that, by using the process in the book, you can create a strong brand strategy that you then can execute efficiently with whatever budget you have. When you have less budget, it’s even more important to go after the right things or be more creative and a brand strategy helps you do that. Your activities align towards one clear target. Many businesses end up wasting money because they perform “random acts of marketing” that don’t get them anywhere. With a clear brand strategy, you actually save time, money and headache on only investing in the right things that get you ahead.

What is your favorite part about what you do? What keeps you going and gets your juices flowing at work?
I love when I work with a client and see the light go on in their eyes, when they “get” what brand really means and how to apply it. They seem more confident, they are able to clearly cite their elevator pitch. They say things like, “That’s exactly what I want my company to represent! It’s perfect!” Being able to help people deconstruct their brand story and then show them a perfect way to visually or verbally represent it is just amazing.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are NOT working?
 I love to write: I write wine and food articles for some online publications. I also love to eat great food with friends, drink wine, hike, read, act in community theatre, watch indie films (I’ve been to Sundance about 5 years in a row!) and go for walks with my husband and our awesome Black Lab mix, Eddie, who we adopted two years ago.

Branding Basics Book Now Available! June 2010 from Maria Ross

Go on Girl, Light Your Fire: The Fire Starter Sessions

April 23, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

Danielle LaPorte is all about keepin’ it real. She believes in telling it like it is, and is an avid believer in feminine power. Her latest project,  ”The Fire Starter Sessions” is an e-book for entreprenesses that comes with video and worksheets to help you get the most out of each sizzling session. The root of Danielle’s theory- which every woman can appreciate– is that our actions are driven by desired feelings. What other remarkable wisdom does she have to offer? We asked her a few questions to gain some insight on what really drives her and why her new book is so rockin’. 

 Once you let Danielle get you jazzed about your own inspiration, you lucky CRAVE  ladies can pre-order a copy of the “Fire Starter Sessions” right now! Just click here.

You give people inspiring advice about following their passions in life, what sparked your own “ah-ha” moment?

It was more of a series of soul-sucking moments and gigs than an “a-ha” moment. But it all added up to creative sovereignty. My voice, my time, my way of being of service.

What makes the “Fire Starter Sessions” distinct from other programs for entrepreneurs?

It’s about rocking your revenue streams and doing meaningful things in the world. It’s as much about self-realization as it is about hard core strategy.
Each chapter is it’s own “Fire Starter Session” that includes: e-book components, video inspiration or interviews, and worksheets. Some of the sessions are: True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease; Branding: Clarifying the Diamond of You; Products & Services: Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make; Money: More is More, Enough is Plenty; Web Design & SEO: Your Virtual Real-Estate…Whether you’re in the early idea phase or a rut, it’s about lighting a fire under your…aspirations.

Summarize your teachings into a motto for how you/to live your life.

 Your truth is worth it.

Would you give the same advice to a female business owner as you would give to a male?

Yes. But a woman is more likely to take it.

 How would you describe your number one strength?

Deep listening. I also build a mean campfire and write bad poetry – which I consider an endearing strength.

Why do you believe it is that so many people do not choose their career path based on their true passions?

Profoundly wanting to belong. That will never change. On top of that deep driving psychology, we pile on social “norms” like dress codes and executive titles, salary structures, everything the goddamn Jonses are doing, and the popularity contest that is social media itself, and well, it’s the makings of an identity crisis.
If can you tune out the noise of “how-to” and “10 steps” and “proven tactics” you will be able to hear your own spidey senses: genuine, sincere, with great reflexes, and it will tell you that you are the expert on you — and you know what lights your fire.

What has been your most rewarding experience with a client?

One of my favorite results of working with any client is helping them decide what they’re going to STOP doing. It makes me giddy. It often goes like this: I’m going to STOP…being the administrator. Worrying so much. Under-selling myself. Checking Twitter obsessively. Feeling the pressure to be so successful. I’m going to stop using my cousin as my web-designer.

 It’s freeing for everyone. And freedom is the best part of being an entrepreneur.

Still want more? Order your very own copy of the complete “Fire Starter Sessions” by clicking here.  You can also learn more about all of Danielle’s endeavors on her website, whitehottruth.com.

Interview with Social Media Guru Viveka von Rosen

January 21, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (1)

These days we are all trying to navigate the quickly evolving world of social media. Whether you use it in your personal life or for business, it is a constant battle to stay on top of the game. Thankfully, there are experts we can turn to, such as Viveka von Rosen. Viveka is a Certified LinkedIn expert & trainer and social media speaker. She is a dynamic woman who uses her knowledge to coach her clients on using social media marketing to propel their business. Read our interview with Viveka to learn a few expert tips and get a peak into what her business entails.

What do you say to clients who are intimidated by taking theirbusiness online?
First of all, even though social media looks like it’s “online” there is a bit of a different dynamic. It’s important to remember that Social Media is about communication – there are no special codes or tricks you need to know – there is no specific sales analytic to worry about. Use social media to communicate what you know with your “tribe” of friends and connections. Let your personality and knowledge shine through – that’s the only “trick” to social media. Most women are good communicators, so social media is a natural outlet for us. Don’t let the “online” nature intimidate you – that’s only the channel. You are the content!

Is social media marketing something business owners should be trained to do, or should they hire someone to a new position?
You can certainly hire someone to do your campaign – but they must understand that social media is about communication. In this case, about communicating for your business. So whoever you have must be enthusiastic about your business, product or service. Social media is about attraction or inbound marketing – you have to attract your client by being interesting and useful. Pushing a sales message on social media NEVER works.

What are some ways to avoid blending your personal and business profiles?
I’m not sure you DON’T want to blend them – you want your personality to shine through. Having said that – Facebook – being the most social of the mediums, might blend a little too much. I.E. – you might have your friends saying something you don’t want your clients to know. In that case, make sure you have a fan PAGE that you direct your clients too – not your personal profile.

When did you become active in the social media world, and how did you become an expert?
I’ve been involved for about 5 years now – I became an expert by getting the name first. Honestly though, I am such a social media enthusiast that I probably spend way too much time on it. Not only using the tools, but learning about them. I have a very helpful fan base that shares useful info with me as well. I am not the end all and be all of social media, but I try to know as much, and use as much of it as possible. I suppose that’s what makes me one of the experts.

Your upcoming book looks at how social media becomes a tool of empowerment for women- can you give us a sneak peak?
I have training as a life and business coach, and early on I realized social media gives women a voice, gives them freedom, gives them flexibility. My book speaks to how social media empowers women – as a tool they can use. I have some amazing guest authors contributing as well. Some of the top women in their fields who have experienced great success through social media in their own careers. We are all going to share secrets!

What are some common misperceptions about Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook? How can each be used to promote a business?
I think the biggest mis-interpretation is that you have to be on it all the time. Which would be impossible. Like any tool, you need to know how to use it strategically and successfully for the best results. There is strong ROI – but you have to be very clear on your business, your message and your strategy to receive it!

What is the most common consulting question you receive?
How much time is this going to take?

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I thought I was more clever than some of the social mediums and didn’t follow their EUA (End User Agreement). That mistake has cost me dearly. But now none of my clients have to experience it! A common mistake other people make: treating social media like normal media and trying to push their sales message. Just like a commercial – people will turn you off if you do that.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have a lot – Mari Smith, Tim Sanders, Al Lautenslager, Miles Austin, Dr. Joan King, Ava Diamond, Laurie Macomber, Pete Cashmore, Colin lewis, Zig Ziglar, I could go on and on.

People may be surprised to know…
I actually look like my picture

@linkedinexpert & Facebook

Tips From CRAVE Chat – Business Strategy for 2010

December 10, 2009 by Lilla | Comments (0)

In case you missed the fantastic tips given at November’s CRAVE Chat on perfecting your business strategy for 2010, check out the top ten takeaway points.

Thanks to our great speakers: Angelika Coghlan of Catwalk Consulting, Elizabeth ‘Lulu’ Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionals, Linda McCabe of Optimal Level and Gail Zelitzky of Silver-Robins Consulting LLC

1. Don’t have your fingers in too many pies! We can’t be everything to everybody and we can’t do everything at once. We all try to be Wonder Woman, and that just leaves us over-worked, sleep-deprived and exhausted. Instead of spreading yourself so thin, put all your energy in a few specific things.

2. Your life needs to be planned! Know where your time is best spent, and adjust your schedule accordingly. Everything you do should have a reason behind it. Whether you need to attend monthly networking events to build connections or find time for yoga, make sure to pencil everything in your schedule. Including “unschedule” tasks like laundry, sleeping and eating is crucial. When you know exactly how much time you have each day, its easy to see where there are holes and it will help you manage your time more effectively.

3. Organization does matter! Most people weren’t born with the organization skills of Martha Stewart. Being organized seems like a daunting, time consuming task, but in the long-run it will save you time, money and energy. Make sure to keep a calender, keep your workspace and living space tidy. Being organized alleviates stress, and helps keep your personal/professional life on track.

4. Networking: It’s not quantity, its the quality! Networking is one of the easiest ways to help yourself and your business get to where you want to go. When you meet people it’s not having a one minute conversation with 100 people that will get you the farthest. Cultivating a few strategic relationships will be more beneficial. After you make a connection with someone, be sure to follow-up within 24 hours, so they don’t forget who you are and vice versa.

5. Ask for the business! One of the hardest parts of selling is the close. If you don’t ask for the business directly, you’ve just canceled out the other 90% of the pitch. You know your product/service is great, so make sure your pitch is tight and your close is even tighter.

6. Appreciation wins over self promotion every single time! Building long-term relationships with clients and customers will keep them coming back for more. Make sure your customer service is outstanding. People will be loyal to you, especially if they like you and how you make them feel. So instead of self-promoting, try putting the focus on them and try to meet their individual needs.

7. Competition is all around! Competing against similar local businesses is tough, but there are several ways to stand out in the crowd. Understand the value of your business. What makes you different? How is your customer service, and how could you take it to the next level? Are you marketing to everyone when you should be marketing to a smaller, specific group? Pinpointing what makes your business unique and flaunting it will make competition disappear.

8. Use cross-promotion! Have a high-end hair salon? Why not do a promotion with a high-end fitness center? Partnerships can be a fantastic free way to bring more business in the door. Be sure to be strategic and find a partner that you trust and that compliments your business.

9. Don’t forget to pick-up the phone! In a world where basically everything is done online, it’s easy to forget that people are people, not email addresses. If possible, try calling or meeting in person. Obviously, that’s not always possible, but at least try to make some of your emails have personality. People are more likely to respond well if you treat them like a individual, not one of many clients/customers.

10. Get Help! Never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Places like the Womens’ Business Development Center offer free classes and groups like SCORE and NABO will help you get moving in the right direction.

Author Credit- Lindsey

Ignite Your Sales – Tips and Tricks from Fiona Walsh

November 15, 2009 by Inna | Comments (0)

fionachat

At Seattle’s  latest  CRAVE chat event we learned what it takes to be a top notch sales person. Fiona Walsh revealed tips on how to prospect, qualify, and close deals resulting in more time, money and energy to focus on other areas of business. Fiona (@fionawalsh) is founder of FM Walsh and Associates Inc, and one of North Americas leading speakers on women in business. Her straight forward approach helped us find opportunity and confidence while facing this tough economy.

Although all of us don’t enjoy the sales accept of business, we all know it is a crucial to success. By avoiding some critical mistakes, taking initiative, and tapping into our natural tendencies as women we can limit the time and stress of the sales process while increasing our revenue.

Be prepared:

Keep in mind the three things you need to build successful business:

VISIBILITY, CREDIBILITY, PROFITABILITY

As women we have a natural advantage when it comes to doing sales. According to Harvard Business Review the number one trait that drives successful people is not passion, knowledge of product, or persistence, it’s EMPATHY. When you are focused on identifying the needs of a client and providing a solution, instead of just a product, people will trust you and give you their business.

You must be very clear about what you’re selling before you prospect. You must be able to answer the following questions very specifically:

1.What do you do? (Not just your job description)
2.Why does it matter?
3.Who cares? (Who’s your niche market/ customer profile) – to save more time it’s good to let your network know this information so they can pre-qualify references for you

You meet someone that seems interested in your product, you exchange cards, you get excited an extra bounce in your step, and then you wait and wait and wait. The most important skill besides closing is QUALIFYING. It is crucial that we do this because otherwise we waste our time and energy on people that might not even fit our target market. Qualify people from the get go with these three simple questions:

1.Do they have a budget?

  • You should never just give stuff away unless there’s a strategic benefit in it for you.
  • Exp: “how much have are you budgeting for health/fitness on a monthly basis?”

2. Do they have a reasonable timeline? This allows you to prioritize.
3. Do they have the ability to make the decision to buy?

  • Exp: ask “are you able to make the purchase decision or is there someone else I should speak with?”
  • If presenting to couples, make sure they are both there!

Making the call:

  • If making a sales call scares you, get over it! Remember that you are gutsy, smart, and passionate and that you have a natural tendency to be a great sales person simply because you care.
  • Everything in sales is scripted! Sit down script out everything if you have to, memorize it and then say if with confidence!
  • Confidence is SEXY!
  • Remember that making one or two calls is NOT ENOUGH! Expect that you need to be making 7-8 touches minimum, around 12 at the CEO level. This does not mean calling everyday to ask for the sale, find ways to “romance” your prospect. Email them an article that you think they’d find interesting, or a pr opportunity they could take advantage of. Make them aware of what you do.
  • When you get their answering machine make it memorable by always adding value! It needs to be results driven, personalized, compelling, and include a call to action. Tip: script out a message before you make the call just in case.
  • One of the biggest mistakes people make in sales is highlighting just the features or attributes of a product/service, and not the benefits. People ask themselves one question when they’re making a purchase decision “what’s in it for me?” You must paint a picture of what your product/service will do for them, how it will make them feel. BENEFITS are what sell.

Dealing with objection:

  • Don’t be afraid of objection it means they’re interested and just need more information.
  • Script out answers to potential objections, and then document them if they worked well. This can be used as a great training tool later on!
  • Price is really not the objection 80% of the time. You might have to dig deeper to find out what they are really concerned about so don’t start slashing your prices right off the bat.
  • Exp: “If we take price off the table are you happy with the product we have for you?”
  • Remember, unless you’re a non-profit don’t just give stuff away, if you must negotiate price down take some stuff off the table.

Closing:

  • You do a great job prospecting, qualifying, finding out their needs, providing solutions, and painting a picture in their minds that Picasso would be proud of, but you’re still not getting the sale what the heck?!
  • Don’t assume people will stand up after your presentation and hand you a check. You have to ASK for their business.
  • Come up with some catchphrases and see what works best.
  • Exp: “When do you want to get started?”
  • “When would you like this to be shipped to your house?”
  • “When would you like your first session?”
  • These days people expect to pay for products and service so don’t sell yourself short by being shy. PEOPLE EXPECT TO BE CLOSED. The worst they can say is no, but thankfully your sales funnel is running in full force so you can just move on to the next prospect.

You now have the necessary tools and knowledge to go out there and close the deal. Remember that you are gutsy, caring, and smart GOOD LUCK!

Girl on Top – Book Tour Hits Your Area!

November 3, 2009 by Lilla | Comments (0)

girlontop

In Girl on Top, career expert Nicole Williams takes 20 tried-and-true dating rules every CRAVE girl knows (and have probably used) such as “Play Hard to Get” and “Don’t Give Away the Milk for Free”—and shows you how to put them to use when the object of your affection is your job. With her ingenious approach—taking the tactics used to land a man and applying them to your career—you’ll be able to handle any work situation and come out on top. Finally, the advice no one else has been willing to tell you, right at your fingertips!

About the Author:
Nicole Williams, the original Girl on Top, is your tell it-like-it-is big sister who happens to be an expert in all things career. As a best selling author and founder of WORKS by Nicole Williams, she has re-defined the world of work—making it glamorous, relevant, and get this—fun!—to modern women who refuse to settle for a less-than-thrilling career. Get more of her advice at nicolewilliams.com.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

11/04 Santa Clara – 2855 Steven’s Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara
11/06 Seattle – 315 S. Center, Seattle
11/09 Vancouver – 788 Robson St., Vancouver
11/11 Minneapolis – 60 West Broadway, Bloomington
11/13 Chicago – 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
11/17 Boston – 1245 Worcester Road, Natick
11/18 Boston – 250 Granite St., Braintree
11/20 Cherry Hill – 502 Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
11/23 Washington DC – 1100 South Hayes St., Arlington
11/25 Toronto

SHINE – introduces you to the people at the heart of the American Dream

October 29, 2009 by Lilla | Comments (0)

It’s no secret that CRAVE loves biznik. One of their coolest projects is Shine a collaborative film project featuring entrepreneurs and their stories.

Check out this great trailer:

to learn more and join biznik click here.

Tips and Tricks – Flirting With Words

October 22, 2009 by Inna | Comments (2)

coffeechat

140 characters, 1.5 seconds, and thousands of competitors. That’s what you have to work with when trying to capture the attention of your target market. Although this may be overwhelming, you have one tool to fall back on that has worked for centuries, flirting!

In our latest Coffee Chat we learned how to use this common form of social interaction to break through the social media clutter by writing captivating copy, enticing updates, and headlines that call for attention. With 23 years of flirtatious marketing expertise, Lynn Baldwin-Rhoades, owner of Marketing Shebang and leader of Power Chics, gave us the keys to success.

Keys to Writing Tantalizing Copy:

  • Keep it simple: Since people don’t have much time they tend to scan and only read approximately 1 out of 5 words, try to keep your writing at a 5th grade level.
  • Check out your competition so you can position yourself differently.
  • Create a “swipe” file with examples from other bloggers and sites that you can use for inspiration later
  • Know your target market!!
  • What is your target market’s emotional needs or triggers?
  • Focus your target market’s needs, they want to know what they’re getting.
  • Speak in a personal way: Don’t just write to a general audience, picture one specific person.

Get Attention – Headlines That Work!

  • Use the magic number; “3 STEPS TO GORGEOUS”
  • Imply that they’re messing up; “Beauty Flubs Fixed?”
  • Make them curious; “Eat This, Balance Your Hormones”
  • Address their insecurities; “Bye-Bye Belly Bulge!”
  • Remember that we all buy emotion!

Organize and Conquer – Time Management Tricks

  • Tweetdeck.com: Way to customize and consolidate multiple social networking accounts.
  • HootSuite.com: Allows you to schedule tweets, customize, and organize multiple accounts
  • Google Reader: consolidates your favorite websites and blogs and constantly checks them new content.
  • Google Alerts: Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic.
  • Google Analytics: Free tool that gives you rich insights into your website traffic and marketing effectiveness. With Google Alerts you’re more prepared to write better-targeted ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives and create higher converting websites.

Other Recommended Sites:

In summary, being flirtatious with your words will make you stand out. Know your audience and focus on their specific needs, try to add value every time, and finally be consistent and keep it simple!

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