Make Them See What You Mean – Put the Right Pictures With the Right Words

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(Guest co-author: David Kale with imagery from Kale Design, Inc.)

David’s passion for creating fine art is grounded in his belief that every single mark on the canvas matters. Abstract or realistic, for a piece of artwork to communicate successfully, it must embody three key principles:

  1. Graphic impact:  (focusing attention and hitting the viewer “between the eyes”)
  2. Design sensibility: (making sure the design utilizes all the medium has to offer)
  3. Totality: (delivering the message  so that it holds together in and of itself, as well as with the other assets)

When artwork (photos, graphics, and illustrations) is used in advertising and marketing communications, these parameters become even more critical, since today’s viewers are bombarded with so many different stimuli.

While the content we create for our Say It For You clients is presented in the form of words, we know that the more closely the images accompanying  the text combine to affect the audience’s hearts and minds, the better chance our clients will have of making their enterprise stand out relative to its competitors.

Kale elaborates on this effect: “When the intended message of an image harmonizes with the keywords in the headline and text of a a blog/article, website, video, advertisement, brochure, postcard, video, or trade show display), there is a better chance of engaging the audience’s attention not merely for moments, but of connecting with them on a much deeper level.”

Just as is true for artwork, to communicate successfully, content must aim to embody those same key principles:

IMPACT

 

 

At Say It For You, we prefer “I-you” (first person to second person  pronouns) writing because of its power to create impact, revealing the personality  of the “I’ behind the posts, ready to serve “you” (the reader).

SENSIBILITY

 

 

 

At its best, a blog post will   demonstrate a uniquely  sensitive approach to  the needs and  concerns of searchers, showing that those very needs and concerns are what has motivated  the owner or practitioners to make their product or service more user-friendly..

TOTALITY

 

 

 

When it comes to blogging, we at Say It For You firmly believe in “the Power of One”, with one core message delivered in each post. The content must be focused on one audience, with one desired (and well-defined) outcome.

At Say It For You, we agree with David Kale’s maxim:  Great words and wonderful pictures love to “dance together” — from conception to completion!

 

 

David Kale, founder and owner of Kale Design, Inc. helps businesses and entrepreneurs with creative thinking for their branding marketing, advertising, website graphic, printing, and trade show design.

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Allow Me to Introduce New Terminology

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Before browsing through a magazine handout at the grocery store called alive.com, I’d never heard the term “immunity debt”, and curiosity led me through an entire article by Dr. Gillian Flower. The thesis – our immune systems need exposure to viruses to protect us from infection, and lower exposure to others through the pandemic may have decreased our resistance, creating an “immunity debt”.

Apparently, not everyone agrees. “Immunity debt is a misguided and dangerous concept,” Anjana Ahuja writes in Financial Times. “There is no evidence that an individual is worse off for having avoided earlier infection.”

While I am certainly not qualified to weigh in on this medical discussion, as a content writer I was impressed by the fact that by simply introducing me to a new term, the author had the power to engage my curiosity about the subject.

In blog marketing, once you’ve established common ground, reinforcing to readers that they’ve come to the right place, it’s important to add lesser-known bits of information on your subject, which might take the form of arming readers with new terminology, serving several purposes:

  • positioning the business owner or professional practitioner as an expert in the field
  • adding value to the “visit” for the reader
  • increasing readers’ sense of being part of an “in-the-know” group

As content writers, part of our challenge is to educate both prospects and clients on the issues relating to their decisions to choose between one business’ products and services and those of its competitors.  Introducing a curiosity-stimulating new term is one possible way to do just that. At Say it For You, we believe in empowering readers by teaching them the correct use of the terms that apply in the blog sponsor’s field of interest and expertise. Any hint of controversy only adds to the mystique of the terminology.

Most important, buyers feel empowered to make a decision when they feel “in on” the “lingo”.

 

 

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Staying Afloat – Key Web Changes for Business Resilience

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In the fast-changing world of business, your website could be your secret weapon for survival and prosperity. By focusing on a few critical web-based tweaks, your business can remain agile and robust even when the economic climate gets tough. The key lies in ensuring that your digital face to the world stays both functional and appealing. In this article, we delve into seven essential changes to make on your website that can help your business navigate rough waters.

Ensure Your Site is User-Friendly

Nobody likes a complicated website. Making your website’s menu and categories as clear and straightforward as possible ensures that users can easily find what they’re looking for. It’s equally important to ensure that your website functions well on mobile devices, as a significant amount of traffic comes from smartphones and tablets.

Quicken the Loading Speed

A slow-loading website can be a business killer. To enhance the speed of your site, consider compressing your images and eliminating redundant plugins that slow things down. Investing in a reputable hosting service can also go a long way in reducing downtime and increasing loading speed, which in turn keeps potential customers engaged.

Master the Art of SEO

Improving your website’s SEO is crucial for attracting more visitors. To get started, identify keywords that are pertinent to your business and are often searched for by potential customers. Once you’ve selected your keywords, integrate them seamlessly into your website’s metadata, headers, and throughout the content. This will improve your chances of being visible on search engines, thus drawing more traffic to your site.

Utilize AI and Automation

Automation can be a real lifesaver in hectic times. Consider setting up automated responses for common customer inquiries to lighten your team’s workload. Moreover, generative AI can help create personalized content that captures the user’s interest. AI-driven tools can even assist in auto-generating articles or personalized marketing messages, saving you time and money. Check this out to learn more about AI and automation.

Create Captivating Content

While SEO can draw people to your website, the content keeps them there. Aim for content that is not just engaging but also provides value to the reader. Keep your blog and product listings fresh by updating them regularly. Fresh content not only improves SEO but also establishes your business as a thought leader in your field, encouraging repeat visits and customer loyalty. When you’re ready to take your content marketing to the next level, Say It For You offers top-quality, professional content creation services tailored to your business needs.

Affordably Revamp Your Logo

Marketing doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. Online platforms offer various advertising options that are affordable and effective. If you’re looking for a quick facelift, consider designing a new text logo to stand out. Free templates are available to help you create logos and other branding materials without breaking the bank.

Improve Checkout

If your business sells products, integrating an online store into your website is almost a necessity. However, you must make the shopping experience as effortless as possible. This involves not just an intuitive interface but also a secure and easy-to-use checkout process. Making it convenient for customers to complete their purchases is likely to boost sales and encourage repeat business.

 

Incorporating these seven web enhancements can give your business the flexibility and resilience it needs to succeed in a fluctuating market. A well-tuned website is more than just a virtual storefront; it’s a customer magnet and a stabilizing force for your business. By staying ahead of the curve and continually refining your online strategy by taking steps like introducing automation and AI and revamping your logo, your website will prove to be a priceless asset during hard times.

This guest post  was contributed by Seth Murphy.

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Mastering the Art of Blogging: Pro Tips and Strategies

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Guest post contributed by Arjun Raaj in India

In today’s digital age, blogging has become an essential tool for individuals and businesses alike to connect with a global audience, share valuable insights, and establish authority in various niches. However, with millions of blogs on the internet, standing out and mastering the art of blogging is no easy task.

Why Blogging Matters
Before diving into the tips and strategies, let’s understand why blogging matters. Blogs are versatile platforms that can serve various purposes, including:

  • Building Authority: Consistently publishing high-quality content in your niche helps establish yourself as an expert in your field.
  • Driving Traffic: Blogs can be a significant source of organic traffic to your website, boosting your online presence.
  • Engaging Your Audience: Blogs allow you to engage with your audience, foster relationships, and receive feedback.
  • Monetization: Successful blogs can generate income through various monetization methods, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products or services.

Now, let’s delve into pro tips and strategies for mastering the art of blogging:

1. Define Your Niche and Audience
Successful blogging begins with a clear understanding of your niche and target audience. Your niche should be something you’re passionate about and have expertise in. By defining your niche, you can tailor your content to cater to a specific audience, making it more relevant and valuable.

2. Create High-Quality Content
Content is king in the blogging world. Focus on creating informative, engaging, and well-researched content that adds value to your readers. Use a mix of text, images, and multimedia elements to make your posts visually appealing and easy to digest.

3. Consistency Is Key
Consistency is crucial in blogging. Develop a posting schedule that you can realistically adhere to. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, consistency helps build trust with your audience and improves your blog’s search engine ranking.

4. Optimize for SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is vital for increasing your blog’s visibility. Research keywords relevant to your niche and incorporate them naturally into your content. Use meta descriptions, alt tags for images, and optimize your blog’s structure for SEO.

5. Engage with Your Audience
Engaging with your readers fosters a sense of community and encourages them to return. Respond to comments, answer questions, and seek feedback. Consider creating a mailing list to stay in touch with your audience through newsletters.

6. Network and Collaborate
Building relationships with other bloggers in your niche can be mutually beneficial. Networking can lead to guest post opportunities, backlinks, and a broader reach. Collaboration with influencers or complementary businesses can also expand your audience.

7. Promote Your Content
Creating great content is only half the battle; promoting it is the other half. Share your blog posts on social media, use email marketing, and consider paid advertising to reach a wider audience.

8. Monitor Analytics
Use tools like Google Analytics to track your blog’s performance. Analyze metrics such as traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rates to gain insights into what’s working and what needs improvement.

9. Stay Updated
Blogging is an ever-evolving field. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and changes in search engine algorithms. Adapt your strategies accordingly to remain competitive.

10. Be Patient and Persistent
Blogging success takes time. Don’t be discouraged by slow growth initially. Stay persistent, learn from your mistakes, and keep refining your approach.

Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of blogging requires dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for creating valuable content. By defining your niche, consistently producing high-quality content, and engaging with your audience and you can increase organic traffic, you can also build a successful blog that stands the test of time.

Remember, blogging is not just about the destination; it’s also about the journey of self-expression, learning, and growth. Happy blogging!

 

 

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Why a This When You Can Have a That?

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“Just as you need to understand customers’ needs, values and wants, you also need to have pride in your business and the quality of your products or services,” Richard Forest writes in a LinkedIn post. “When a customer agrees to a sales conversation with you, they’re probably seeking advice, and it’s your responsibility to provide this advice, based on your specialist knowledge.” Skilled sales people, Forest posits, begin by concentrating on a vision of what the customer ultimately wants as an ideal outcome.

But, what if the best means of achieving that outcome is one the customer isn’t aware exists as an alternative? As a content writer, I was taken by an ad in the AARP Magazine, titled “Why have a stairlift when you can have a Homelift?” The article* begins by summarizing the limitations of a stairlift (it won’t carry a walker or wheelchair; it’s slow; it can fit in only one spot in your home, has noisy vacuum system, requires a machine room), going on to suggest an alternative solution the buyer probably hadn’t considered – an elevator.
*There are a number of vendors of home elevator vendors – I’m merely using this particular ad to make a point about marketing techniques.

“Now, more than ever, clients are looking for firms with a distinct and differentiated point of view (POV) on how to solve the pressing business problems they face,” rattleback.com explains. “Buyers don’t want to waste time on solutions that aren’t a good fit,” forcemanagement.com points out.  When a product or service is new to the marketplace, simple claims are typically accepted by buyers, marketing maven Eugene Schwartz posits.  “As the market matures, and the same promise is made over and over by different providers, the market progresses to a new level of sophistication. Marketers need to enlarge their claims. As the market reaches a third, even more advanced, level of sophistication, it becomes necessary to market through unique value propositions.”

Blogging has “come into its own” as an important marketing tactic precisely because it is so prospect-centered, we realize at Say It For You .Through pull marketing, blogs connect those in need of solutions with precisely those who can provide those solutions. But with so many alternative solutions available, the key to content marketing success may lie in posing the question: “Why buy a this when you can have a that?”

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