Boost Awareness in 5 Minutes!

September 30, 2008

Do you have five minutes?

 

If you have five minutes, you can help boost awareness for your business online!

 

Here are three quick things you can do in about five minutes. Pick your favorite:

 

1. Enter information on a forum or blog.

Visit an online forum or blog where your target market hangs out. Then, enter your quick comments about the current subject being discussed.

 

Provide a valuable statement without pitching your business. Just make sure your name and business name appear in your signature online (also include your website address if appropriate).

 

2. Change your home page.

 

Look at the home page of your website and make a change. Add a valuable statement, a link to a good article, a blog entry, etc.

 

You can even add some keywords to improve search engine optimization. After all, when was the last time you updated your site?

 

You need to appear “home” so make a quick change now. And when you have more time, go back later and add new updates.

 

3. Share a blog entry.

 

Visit a blog carnival like http://blogcarnival.com/bc/. Then, review the different carnivals and add your favorite blog entry to the appropriate group.

 

If you don’t have time for this, send the link to your entry (or a good article) to a new customer, partner or other person as a reminder or networking tool. It only takes a minute to convey a good message.

 

It Only Takes a Few Minutes

Now, these activities only take me a few minutes to complete, and they may take you a bit longer. But when you feel like you are short on time, and you really need to accomplish something, try to do one small thing.

 

Think of things that you can do quickly that will make a difference. Then, take a moment to take action.

 

Not only will you get a small break from whatever you are working on, but you’ll feel more positive. And you’ll be able to return to your other, long-term activities with a better attitude and a new sense of accomplishment!

 

For additional help with your online copywriting and PR needs, feel free to contact me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. Thanks!

3 Comments | Copywriting, Marketing, PR, Reaching Goals, Small Business PR | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
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Are you a lazy entrepreneur?

September 25, 2008

It’s Thursday morning, and I’m responding to an e-mail from a new entrepreneur who wants to know how much I charge to send out a press release.

 

Now, I respond to many of these messages and don’t mind helping out new entrepreneurs. But it always makes me wonder. How much research have these people done prior to contacting me?

 

After all, I post information about all of my services, samples, articles, etc. on my website. I write three different blogs about online copywriting and small business public relations. Plus, I provide current information in numerous articles and newsletter entries.

 

But many of these new entrepreneurs want me to explain the entire publicity process to them. They tell me all about their great products and how they are ready to send out a press release. Then they want me to tell them exactly what they need to do to get more customers – for free!

 

Well, I don’t mind helping out and answering questions whenever I can. But come on. If you are starting a new business, it’s important to have your plan in place and know what you are doing. Even if you are clueless and have zero budget, there are many resources available to help you such as:

 

 

StartupNation, www.startupnation.com

Entrepreneur, www.entrepreneur.com

Inc., www.inc.com

Fortune Small Business, www.fsb.com

Pink Magazine, www.pinkmagazine.com

AWAI, www.awaionline.com

 

The point is that as a small business owner, you need to prepare yourself and do some work. Of course others can do it for you, but that’s a good way to lose money…and control of your business.

 

It’s like buying a car. If you do your research and know how much a car is worth, you can work with the salesperson and get a good deal. But if you go in “with blinders on,” you may make a purchase you’ll be sorry about later.

 

Now, there are many businesses out there that will be more than happy to take your money and promise big results.  Unfortunately, I’ve had to rescue many entrepreneurs after they dealt with bad publicists and agencies in the past.

 

And I don’t want this to happen to you.

 

Please take a little time to plan ahead and conduct the appropriate research before hiring any kind of service or buying a product to “do the work for you.”

 

I really don’t want you to get a “lemon.” Do you?

 

 

For additional help and information about small business public relations and online copywriting to help boost sales, awareness and credibility, please feel free to comment below or send me a note a www.rembrandtwrites.com. Thanks!

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Are You Running Out of Time?

September 23, 2008

 

It’s early in the morning and I just returned from a trip to Detroit. My aunt died suddenly, and I wanted to pay my respects. She was a wonderful person who lit up every room she entered.

 

This is a sad event, but it also got me thinking. You never know when things are going to happen.

 

With this in mind, what are you doing to accomplish your goals now? How do you want people to remember you?

 

If you are procrastinating or just “going with the flow,” you may run out of time before you know it.

 

To help you get moving and really live your dreams, check out the advice on these sites:

 

StartupNation, www.startupnation.com

American Writers & Artists, Inc., www.awaionline.com

Pink Magazine, www.pinkmagazine.com

Inc. Magazine, www.inc.com

Fortune Small Business, www.fsb.com

Entrepreneur Magazine, www.entrepreneur.com

 

Sometimes, we take things for granted – our family members, friends, jobs, homes, health, etc. It’s always a good idea to take a moment each day and think about all of the things you are thankful for.

 

In addition, it’s smart to work towards your overall goals every day. Who knows? Anything can happen. You may run out of time.

 

Now, I don’t mean to sound pessimistic. I just want to give you a little life reminder that may jolt you into action. After all, I don’t want to have any regrets. How about you?

 

If you need help moving forward with your PR and copywriting efforts, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks!

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Focus to Succeed

September 18, 2008

If you are a busy entrepreneur, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with answering e-mails, accounting work, and other simple tasks. But if you are not careful, this “busy work” can cause profits to decline and physical illness.

To stay on top of things, try to remind yourself about the things that are truly important to your overall business success.

Before you start the day’s work, ask yourself these three questions:

1. What do I need to finish today?

2. What am I working on today that will help me reach my future goals?

3. How am I going to avoid distractions today and work smart?

Just by reminding yourself that you have specific goals to accomplish and setting priorities each morning, you will get more done.

Plus, you’ll avoid spending too much time on simple tasks and move towards your overall goals faster.

These simple questions help me, and I hope they help you.

And feel free to send me your comments, questions and suggestions below or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. Stay tuned for more online copywriting and PR tips….Thanks!

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Is It Really Amazing?

September 16, 2008

I don’t know about you, but I really think the word “amazing” has lost its power and true meaning. You hear it all the time now:

“Bob’s garage repair service saved me $500.00 over the competition. That’s amazing.”

“Billy ate his cereal all by himself this morning. That’s amazing.”

“I just ate an entire large pizza by myself. That’s amazing.”

Is it really?

Please. We once used the word to describe something really incredible… 

If a man fighting cancer wins an Olympic gold medal, that’s amazing.

Or how about a local hero who throws herself in front of a bus to save a child? That’s amazing.

How often do you use it in a sentence or as a common response in conversation?

You get where I’m going here. So with this in mind, please refrain from using the word in your copywriting.

Try to use active verbs and adjectives that “pop” and focus on the benefits you have to offer.  This way, you’ll stand out and get people to take notice of your message.

And if sales spike in just a few days from changing a few words, that will truly be amazing!

What words are you sick of hearing? Please feel free to share your thoughts below or send me a note via www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you!

2 Comments | Copywriting, Marketing, Writing Tips | Tagged: , , | Permalink
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On Your Mark, Get Set…

September 11, 2008

Did you know that it’s prime publicity season? Not only will media members be talking about the political campaigns and the economy, but holiday stories will start appearing soon too.

If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to prepare and take full advantage of all the publicity opportunities available. To start, you can:

Figure Out Your Pitches
Take a look at current news stories (and future events and holidays) and try to think of ways your products and services fit into these types of news stories.

Then, create unique story pitches pertinent to targeted media members who cover these particular beats.

Remember, many reporters and producers plan stories in advance so you want to pitch to the right people at the right time to beat deadlines…and the competition.

Prepare a Holiday Package
Is there some way you can create a unique gift package to sell during the holidays?

Think of ways to offer gift certificates, discounts or time-limited offers specifically for the holidays. This way, you’ll have time to prepare your marketing materials, update your website with the appropriate sales landing pages and prepare your publicity efforts around your new, holiday packages. 

Review Your Site
When was the last time you updated your website?

If you are not making changes to reflect the current benefits of your products and services on a regular basis, your site needs to be a priority.

Update your newsroom with all of your current stories, product benefits, testimonials, photos, events, etc.

Also, look for ways you can talk to your customers via blogs, newsletters, surveys, online forums, and more. Find out what they want. Then, make it as easy as possible for them to find what they need on your site and make a purchase.

You will probably be surprised at how just a few changes can make a big difference in sales!

It’s Time
Now that summer is coming to a close, it’s time to get back into full work mode and provide your best efforts.

After all, times are tough. And if you don’t prepare and pursue all of the promotional opportunities available, you can bet someone else will.

Thanks for reading, and if there is any way I can help you optimize your website for sales and boost your publicity activities, please write to me below or visit www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you!

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Swimming with Sharks

September 9, 2008
It pays to take risks!

It pays to take risks!

It’s 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, and I’m exhausted. I just got back from a much-needed vacation, but the jet lag is killing me.

I’m one of those people who like to be really active during my time off. And this trip was no exception.

I was lucky enough to take a powered hang-gliding lesson and zip-line over some pretty deep ravines.

But the most exciting activity was scuba diving with sharks for the first time.

I was swimming through a small cave, and there were three, five-foot white-tipped reef sharks making their rounds. Now, they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them. But just seeing their large bodies and staring eyes just a few feet away was thrilling!

In fact, all of these “risk-taking” activities turned out to be exhilarating. After the first few minutes, I wasn’t fearful at all and truly enjoyed the experience.

It made me feel stronger and more confident. Plus, it was interesting to move past my fears and have some very unique experiences.

It just goes to show you that you can’t improve and learn new things if you are afraid to take risks. Now, I’m not suggesting that you dive with sharks or fly thousands of feet above the ground.

I just think it’s a good idea to step beyond your fear boundaries once in awhile. 

Maybe you want to start a new career or hobby? Perhaps you want to leave an abusive relationship? 

By doing the appropriate research and getting the information you need prior to trying something new or making a change, the ”risk factor” goes way down. You’ll feel more confident. And you’ll be more likely to succeed and learn more about yourself in the process.  

Well, I’m going to get back to work and then go to bed early tonight! If you have comments or need help with your PR and online copywriting, feel free to write to me below or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you!

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