Actionable Marketing Guide Newsletter

Published: Mon, 03/07/16

actionable marketing guide

Dear ,

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how to create quality content on a consistent basis.

Maybe it’s a topic you find yourself pondering as you stare at a blinking cursor on a blank screen.

What we often overlook is that there’s inspiration everywhere.

You need to train yourself to see it. It’s the writing equivalent of Dorothy’s ruby red shoes in the Wizard of Oz.
Just as Dorothy didn’t realize she had to click her heels together to get home, you may not recognize the germ of an idea.

Don’t worry you’re not alone. 
It happens to many of us.

I find the easiest way to avoid the blinking cursor is to have an idea or an outline before I sit down to write. This isn’t a newsflash. It’s like many of the productivity tips espoused all over the Internet.
  • Plan the next day before you leave your office.
  • Layout your clothes before you go to sleep.
  • Set up your coffee out the night before.

When it comes to writing, a great way to get inspired is by reading books and articles, listening to podcasts and watching videos and other content.

Why?

You always have to be learning, especially if you’re involved with marketing, social media, content or mobile. Else you’ll fall behind.

If you’re selective in your content consumption habits, you’ll learn and find inspiration at the same time. The more high quality content you take in, the better your work and more fulfilling your life is.

Another way to accomplish this is to get out from behind your computer and engage with other marketers. Social Media Marketing World in San Diego is a great place to learn new social media skills and make real life connections.

Mike Stelzner and Phil Mershon, the brains behind this amazing show, believe in giving people their money’s worth. They have an amazing team to make sure you get the most out of the show. 

Unlike other conferences that charge a premium to see the video of all of the sessions, Social Media Marketing World gives them away to attendees.

If you can’t attend Social Media Marketing World live, you’ve still an opportunity to get the complete video version for 50% off through this Friday, March 11th(BTW, the price will go up on Saturday, so buy it now!!!)

The virtual show is worth every penny since you can go through every presentation. These videos are a crash course in social media. It’s the stuff that no one teaches you in school. It gets you to the top of the class.
​​​Jay Baer joined me to discuss his latest book, Hug Your Haters. I love how Jay is able to examine the marketing process and distill important elements that enable marketers to do a better job.

Even better, he often creates a new word in the process. Download Jay's infographic, The Hatrix, to get an idea of what he's talking about.

One lucky subscriber will be randomly selected to receive a free copy of Hug Your Haters. We'll announce the winner in next week's newsletter. Details can be found on our Book Giveaway page.
Need help understanding the customer journey and marketing personas? Check out IBM's white paper, Customer Journey Maps and Buyer Personas. To improve your results you have to know who your audience is and understand what’s on their minds.

Want a more in-depth view of marketing personas and the customer journey?

Looking for a deep dive into understanding content marketing best practices, check out LinkedIn’s Sophisticated Marketer’s Guide To Content Marketing. Be aware that it’s a long read. I suggest that you download it and take the time to study it.

Please let me know if you’re going to be at Social Media Marketing World. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person. Alternatively, hopefully I’ll see you virtually.
Happy marketing,
Heidi

Heidi Cohen
Actionable Marketing Guide


P.S: If you enjoy reading this email newsletter, perhaps there’s a friend or colleague that you’d like to recommend us to? Please send them this link to our email signup page. http://heidicohen.com/subscribe-to-actionable-marketing-newsletter/
Ruby slippers photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonfeinstein/3866264968/ 
 
2016 CONFERENCES

Social Media Marketing World 2016 PromotionSocial Media Marketing World

Join me at Social Media Marketing World this coming Spring in sunny San Diego, California, where I'll be presenting a session on Blogging.

Conference dates are April 17-19, 2016.

Register Now And Save!


Want to attend Social Media Marketing World but don’t have the budget?

Consider buying a virtual ticket. You’ll get all of the sessions without the transportation or hotel costs.  Even better, you can watch them on your schedule! Prices go up on Friday, so buy your ticket today!

 
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Improve Content Marketing To Make Your Sales Team Happy

B2B customers have changed how they buy causing B2B customer-vendor disconnects that hurt sales and extend the purchase process.

This isn’t a news flash.

Research has shown that B2B clients are 57% or more of the way through the purchase process before they contact vendors.  Continue reading

Hug Your Haters – Book Interview

Posted on March 5, 2016 by Heidi Cohen in CustomerMarketing

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Q: What’s your best piece of advice for readers looking to improve their marketing?

Customer service IS the new marketing. Answer EVERY customer, in EVERY channel, EVERY time. Fully one-third of all customer complaints are never answered – mostly online.

Not answering customer complaints robs you of opportunities to turn that customer around, demonstrate your values to the online audience of onloookers, and use negative feedback as a petri dish for improvement.

Continue reading