Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com 

Just One Article Can Make a Difference (but don’t stop there…)

Article Marketing is here to stay. In fact, it’s one of the quickest ways to gain notoriety on the web, get picked up in various publications, increase ezine (electronic newsletter) subscriptions and boost the “I’ve heard about you somewhere” factor.

If you are not currently including article marketing in your plan, here are some quick tips and techniques to get you started.

1. EVERYONE is an expert at something. What knowledge can you leverage to help others and increase interest in your products or services?
2. Creating articles is a cost effective way to market your business. Think about it, you can re-purpose the content (for example: I first publish articles in my ezine and then post them on my blog and article marketing sites once my ezine subscribers have the privilege of reading them first).
3. Each article includes a signature block. This is where you tout your expertise and include a link to drive traffic to your website or email address.
4. Invest in an editor or proofreader before you submit your articles.
5. Hire a virtual assistant to submit your articles to various article marketing directories (my favorite is ezinearticles.com).

Once you’ve written, proofed and submitted your articles, the web begins working for you. You can access article statistics on ezinearticles.com and see how many people are accessing your valuable information. Believe it or not, even the presence of one article in the world of online article marketing can help make you a difference. Of course, the more articles you submit, the more web traffic and exposure you’ll receive.

If you’re curious about how article marketing can help you but don’t have time to investigate the platform let alone write the article, consider investing in a ghostwriter to do it for you. Just make sure the writer can capture your voice and represent your business in support of your brand.

More and more busy entrepreneurs and business owners are investing in copywriters to boost their business. For many, it just makes good business sense. After all, we should all focus on what we do best and outsource the rest!

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By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

Using Your Marketing Real Estate Wisely.

Small spaces can pack a real punch. One of the smallest areas you have to work with is your business card.

So, let’s take a look at how to make the most of this little chunk of your marketing real estate.

Wise use of both sides of the business card makes sense. Many people are still stuck in the standard, one side of the card method. This works if you only want to provide your contact information or you don’t have anything else to offer your prospects. It’s the bare bones approach.

However, using the real estate on both sides of your card to pique curiosity and invoke action is important. It’s especially important if you are an internet marketer.

It’s one thing to include your website address and it’s an entirely different (and more effective) technique to invite visitors to your site and offer them something in return (think free reports and bonuses).

It’s also important to include contact information. All of your contact information. This includes your business mailing address (even if you are an internet marketer and do the majority of your transactions online).

Here’s why: People may actually have the occasion to send you valuable information, thank you cards and even gifts.

Personally, I’m a firm believer in good old fashioned thank you cards. It’s common courtesy to send them and since it’s become the exception rather than the rule, it’s even more important to me. In fact, Peter Bowerman has gone so far as calling me the “Thank You Card Queen.” I’ll take it, thank you. Perhaps that warrants another card?

Some business owners may not find this important. Maybe they aren’t interested in receiving a ton of junk mail. Who knows? What I do know is not being able to contact people by various means of communication can actually turn potential customers and business colleagues off. At the same time, using your calling card or business card to your fullest advantage is just smart business.

Here’s a quick checklist of questions to make the most of your cards.

Follow these simple guidelines and your business card will really begin to work for you.

• Is your contact information including snail mail address, website, telephone number and email included?
• Have you included an offer with a call to action?
• Are you using both sides of your card?
• Does your business card support your professional brand? (logo, colors & overall message)
• Is the design unique and memorable?
• Have you professionally printed your card on nice card stock? (no perforated edges, please).

With these simple guidelines, your card will really start working for you.

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By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

The Copywriting Process Unveiled~

Once the importance of copy is understood, the search for a proficient copywriter begins. Savvy business owners check with friends, family, colleagues and start surfing websites to find the perfect wordsmith.

Often, those who have not worked with copywriters don’t understand the process of copywriting.

Some even expect that the copywriter will automatically know what you need. Others hope copywriters will magically turn out a proof perfect piece with the very first draft. Copywriters can (and good one’s will) make suggestions on marketing direction and provide valuable input based on experience. This direction comes once you have provided the basic project information needed to proceed.

The expectations vary but the reality remains the same.

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Increase Your Search Engine Rankings Organically ~

By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

The landscape of internet marketing is changing. It takes more than a brochure website (a site that merely tells what you do) to capture new customers.

People expect more and they deserve more.

It’s up to you to clearly educate potential customers and hand them the “what’s in it for me?” in a well packaged website with compelling copy.

The fact still remains that utilizing the internet to your advantage can increase your profits.

That’s why it’s important to clearly define the purpose of your website and familiarize yourself with the different web marketing techniques available.

Here are 7 ways you can make your website more profitable.

1. Know the purpose of your website and understand the importance of your copy. Your website should be all about your customers and what you offer them. Of course, you will share your expertise, products and services too. At the same time the main message needs to be customer centered. It’s also important to have a separate marketing plan for your web presence.

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By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

Do you utilize direct mail techniques to increase business or are you still stuck in the ad agency train of thought that says direct response mail doesn’t work?

Dollar for dollar direct mail outperforms and out delivers many traditional media outlets. However, there is a method to the madness and reasons why some DR techniques fail.

Recently a direct mail piece was sent to my list and I’ve received fantastic feedback. I know there are some people shaking their heads and wondering why I would invest in direct mail with typical response rates of 1 to 2%. Let me explain.

Direct mail when implemented properly does produce results. There was certainly a time, back in the day when I worked for ad agencies, that I questioned direct mail too. I trusted the statistics and previous mentors who had experienced direct mail results that were less than favorable. Then I started studying the masters of direct response copy and mail. My tune has changed and I am sure a lot of that has to do with exposure to Dan Kennedy and Glazer Kennedy Inner Circle (among others).

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By: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

It’s no secret that generating publicity via online news release sites is good for business.

Continually educating the public and media about what’s happening with your businesses is, well, just good business.

My challenge to clients I work with is to not only submit news or press releases to both paid and free online sites, but to also follow up with any businesses or people who are also involved in your release.

Let me explain. When you craft an effective news release, it’s important to include relevant and timely topics about your business that tie in with other news. This means incorporating relevant information about businesses and organizations that are already well known or newsworthy.

Here is a very specific example. In November of 2006 I invested in a new program via Glazer – Kennedy Inner Circle. Bill Glazer created a certification program for copywriters called Creating Copy that Sells. (more…)

By: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

Underestimating the importance of image is a common marketing mistake. When we talk about image in business, it encompasses a broad spectrum. We’re talking about overall image of storefront; interior design, marketing materials, website and even your people, (staff members). All of these elements determine how your business is perceived. They also tie in with your overall brand and help people decide if they will do business with you, or not.

The heart of your business identity is your logo. It represents who you are and what you do. The image of your business is the foundation of your marketing and advertising efforts. If your logo and identity package is weak, your advertising and marketing efforts will not be as successful as they could be. If you aren’t familiar with the term “identity package,” it refers to your business cards, letterhead and envelopes.

Underestimating the importance of investing in your image is a common mistake of many start-up businesses. Some new business owners mistakenly believe that advertising, marketing, identity packages and promotional materials are expenses rather than investments. This can ultimately damage business success because first impressions do count and first impressions are most often impacted by image and customer service.

Do not take shortcuts with this important image building tool. Remember, advertising and marketing are an INVESTMENT in your business, not an expense.

Sheila’s Story ~ An illustration of the importance of image: (more…)

By: Lisa Manyon www.writeoncreative.com

Techniques to Help you Plan

Throughout my career in the marketing, advertising, customer service and social service arenas, one thing sticks out foremost in my mind: the lack of advertising and marketing planning for businesses and non- profits alike.

I cannot count the times that I have seen intelligent and passionate people start a business or get behind a cause with the misconception that “if I build it, they will come.” People tend to be so enthusiastic about a product or service, they put a business plan in place without developing the strategic marketing and advertising component.

They are convinced that their product or service is so great that everyone will automatically want or need it. This very well may be true, but consumers need to know that a product or service is available in order to purchase it.

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By: Lisa Manyon www.writeoncreative.com

For many, email correspondence has improved business efficiency on many levels. Sending an email can save time and money as well as provide a virtual “paper trail” of information sent and received.

While the internet and email can provide quick and easy access to information and interactions, there are some issues of etiquette to consider. First, not all computer users view email the same way. Some people use email for business purposes only, others for a social outlet and sometimes a balance between the two. It’s important to know what people on your email contact list want to receive and what they don’t.

Many businesses have strict electronic communication policies that prohibit inappropriate content and clearly state that information created and distributed from workplace computers is the property of the company. While common, this can cause some issues. What some deem inappropriate, others do not and determining appropriate content can become a grey area. Oftentimes, when an email is sent from work the employee doesn’t think of the “big picture” ramifications.

Here’s an example. (more…)

By: Lisa Manyon www.writeoncreative.com

Published February 24th Lewiston Tribune ~Celebrate the Family

The loss of loved ones is not a topic many people like to discuss. In general, society is uncomfortable with this loss. However, death has a very real impact on those who knew and loved the departed.

Death impacts us all in specific and unique ways and each person deals with loss individually. There is no right or wrong way to grieve but having support of friends, family and trained professionals can help move us through grief.

Losing loved ones is particularly impactful to children and often their grief is forgotten or overlooked in the process. With so much going on and family members feeling their own grief, children may not receive the support they need.

That’s where Willow Center for Grieving Children steps in. (more…)