Fast Marketing Minute

Are there secrets to content promotion? The word secret seems so hush hush, but what if I could tell you some easy ways to promote your content.

Let’s look at 5 Content Promotion Tactics that Work 

* Don’t skimp on writing high quality content. There are no shortcuts -- I wish there were. If you want to interest and engage your followers, you have to write about topics they care about. What are they interested in. Write for your audience. Add value to their lives. Trigger emotions. And don’t forget to come up with a catchy headline.

* Make it easy to hit the “share” button. Sharing ultimately helps your promotion efforts. Add icons with ShareThis and links to your content. This will allow you to expand your reach to attract a new audience.

* Collaborate with brand influencers. Customers trust recommendations from real people way more than advertisements from brands. For an extra bump and to gain even more expert authority, collaborate with an influencer who believes in the same values as your brand.

* Promote your content on multiple channels. Distribute content on email, social networking platforms, Facebook groups, Google My Business, as LinkedIn articles, and to associations that you belong to and support. They’re all opportunities to attract and engage an audience around your common interests.

* Optimize your content with keywords. Create high-quality information that’s tailor-made for your target market. Also tweak new and existing content to better perform on search engines so it will be the best answer for customers the moment they need what you offer.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Want to know more about content marketing? Check out my blog post, How to Quickly Find Any Blogger’s Information. Use it to write and distribute your own content. Have a question? Email me at [email protected]. Talk tomorrow!

Don’t have a ton of time to catch up on all the digital marketing sites? I’m with you. But want a handful of reliable resources? Check these out.

There are hundreds of digital marketing sites out there and if you have time, you can choose your favorites. Jeff Bullas made a comprehensive short list. Let’s look at each site one by one.

5 Best Online Digital Marketing Sites

If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and best insights into digital marketing, take a look at the Stacked Marketer newsletter. It’s a 5-minute daily read jam-packed with the latest news, trends, and actionable advice, written by marketers for marketers.

Another valuable source of digital marketing news to add to your feed is Marketing Land. Marketing Land covers all aspects of the digital marketing industry and features breaking news, industry trends and product changes.

If you want a bird’s eye view of what people are talking about in the marketing world, check out Alltop eCommerce and Alltop SEO. Both sites collect the latest stories and posts from vetted sources. You’ll recognize some big names here. I’m not going to tell you what they are. Click on the links if you read this.

How about this one? Affposts Newspaper is similar to Alltop, but it also aggregates the latest posts and stories from online newspapers, blogs and podcasts. Sign up and you’ll receive a free digest filled with tips, tricks and training from industry experts.

And lastly, if you’re interested in search marketing, take a look at the blog, Distilled. One of its unique features is a comprehensive checklist for an SEO audit, which allows you to find areas you might have overlooked or have never considered in the first place.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Got another minute? Take a look at my marketing blog. It’s called Robin’s Rainmakers and it’s packed with marketing tips, tools and tactics you can use to grow your business. Check it out at  RobinSamora.com/blog. Talk tomorrow!

Is contribution marketing part of your marketing plan?

Contribution marketing is where you contribute to the greater good and offer a product or service that fills an immediate need. If you’re not using that marketing strategy right now, consider it. Jumping on that brand wagon can help position your brand as relevant, caring, and socially conscious. What marketer doesn’t want that?

3 Ways Contribution Marketing Works

* Send out good karma. Do you own a yoga studio? Offer free classes online. Have a clothing store? Offer free shipping and returns. By contributing to the common good, you’ll be building good karma which always translates into building brand equity and good will.

* Don’t respond from a place of fear. Offering deep discounts isn’t the answer. Right now where we are in the world, it’s not about capitalizing on the words “COVID-19” or “coronavirus” when they have nothing to do with your marketing campaign. People see through this as insensitive and it could actually damage your brand. Think about the people you serve and what you can honestly offer your community without breaking the bank.

* Freeze your marketing if necessary. Contribution marketing isn’t right for everyone. If you can’t offer something that allows you to contribute your time and money in a constructive way, then take a break. Take care of your business from the inside. And gear up for your next launch.

With contribution marketing, it’s not about your ROI and making money.  It’s about helping people in a very real, tangible way. By providing a service that the world needs, you’re also gaining brand awareness and positioning yourself and others, for a better tomorrow.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. I honestly believe that contribution marketing should be part of every business’ marketing strategy. If you’d like me to review a press release that you’re putting out there to help the world, send me a note and I’ll review it, no-charge. I’m at [email protected]. Talk tomorrow!

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, right? How is that going to help you as a leader?

In the marketing world and in all industries. It’s a fact.  Women think differently than men, and we can both learn from each other. But what leadership lessons can men learn from women?

Here are 4 Leadership Lessons Men Can Learn from Women

* Pay attention to the value, not volume. Too often, those talking the loudest are saying the least. Make sure whoever is commanding the room has the talent and skills to back up their self-promotion. Do they have the intelligence, integrity and competence to exceed in a leadership role? Don’t assume that assertiveness and boldness translate into successful leadership.

* Understand the difference between self-belief and self-awareness. While women may appear less over-confident than men, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It allows them to see how people view them and identify where they need to change. People who can self- identify flaws and weaknesses are better able to prepare in a way to increase competence and performance.

* Women establish an emotional connection. They often bring kindness and caring to their leadership. And, they offer validation, appreciation and empathy. Focus on elevating your employees by coaching and mentoring. Unlock their potential. Remember that they’re people, not just machines.

* To be a truly great leader, learn humility. Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them. Take into account other people’s perspectives and be willing to change and do better.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Build leadership authority in person with your teams and also on every social platform where your prospects, clients, colleagues, and other industry experts see you. Want some ideas? Contact me. I’m at RobinRobinSamora.com. Talk tomorrow!

Feel like you’re using the same old same old marketing tactics? 

No matter what your industry, marketing can often feel like an ax swinging over your head. There’s always so much to consider and you don’t want to drop the ball – or the ax. From navigating social media to making sure you get a ROI on your financial investment, sometimes it feels overwhelming.

The bottom line is to get attention, drive traffic to your website, and increase sales. But how do you do that in a way that doesn’t seem like it’s been done a thousand times before?

3 Conventional Marketing Tactics with a Twist of the Unconventional

* Think about something you can give away, that’s pretty cool. Sure, it may sound counterintuitive when you’re trying to make money, but it can work to your advantage, plus position you as an expert. Say you’re a top business consultant. Give away a 60-minute consultation, but not just like any phone consult. Offer a VIP strategy session where your winner gets picked up on YOUR way to the airport, in a limo or town car.  It’s a win-win for both parties.

* Strengthen your personal brand so people will want to learn more about you. This also drives website traffic and likeability. Create links to your website on all of your social media accounts for special VIP access or creative review. When you put yourself out there through blogging, speaking engagements, networking events and conferences, you will get known. Plus, a personal review of your material means a lot.

* Have some fun once in a while, too. Throw an unforgettable event. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, just something unique or fun that gets people talking. It can be something as simple as throwing a Make Lemons into Lemonade party. The key is to make it memorable.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Want more unconventional ideas? Download a copy of 52 Marketing and PR Ideas that Get Attention. It’s at RobinSamora.com/52tips. Talk tomorrow!

Wondering how to create stronger connections with your customers?

They’re videos that help your audience relate to you on an emotional level.  The best videos on social media show that you truly care about your customers, and what they want, need, and can use. They’re about building deep relationships.

Let’s look at the HERO system developed by Matt Johnson, a well-known video marketing expert. HERO is an acronym for hook, empathy, response and over-deliver.

 Use the HERO System to Create Stronger Connections with Social Video

* First hook your audience by causing an emotional reaction in the first few seconds of the video. You want to stop people dead in their tracks before they move on. If you have amazing footage, don’t wait until the end to show it; put it right up front. A headline with great copy can also strike an emotional chord. Test out your headline for Emotional Marketing Value.

* Then evoke empathy. Choose stories that show how you identify with your viewers on an emotional level, then invite them to do the same. People share and engage with content based on how they react emotionally. Here’s where you need to break down your own walls, and be vulnerable and transparent. Being “you” builds trust and believability.

* Response is where the “share” happens. Front-load your video with really eye-catching or emotional footage. If your video connects with your viewers, chances are they’ll hit “share” before they even watch the rest of the video. They’ll come back to finish if they liked it.

* Lastly, over-deliver. Add an extra layer of value, maybe a personal perspective to your content. Exceed their expectations. Show that you care and want to help them. All of this together makes you the HERO.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Plan for success even if you’re stuck at home. Have a question on how to ramp up your business again? Reach out. I’m at [email protected]. Talk tomorrow!

Want to make your webinar stand out? Here’s how to do it. 

Webinars are an effective marketing tactic, now more than ever with everyone working from home. Companies and experts are creating and promoting webinars at record speed, making it harder for people to find yours. The trick is to break through the clutter so your webinar gets noticed.

How do you make your webinar stand out? 

* What’s interesting? Create a topic that attracts your target market. Think about how you can solve a problem, plus meet your goal. You might want to launch a product, get new leads, or educate professionals with CEU programs. They all increase sales.

* Research your target audience. How? Search forums, chat rooms, or Facebook groups that cater to your market. Always invite more people than you need — because typically only 30% attend. To make the numbers a little higher, send email reminders before the presentation. Get permission if you’re going to send text reminders. Ok?

* Start a list of interactive polling questions that help tailor your webinar and possibly future ones (or blogs, or articles, remember you’re always looking for the current need). Ask things like “what’s your biggest challenge today?” Be engaging. Ask and you will receive.

* Inspire and motivate your prospects with strong call-to-actions. Make it easy for your viewers to try, buy, or contact you for more information. Also think about adding a limited-time offer to add an extra incentive or sense of urgency if they make it through to the end of the webinar.

As with any presentation in person or online, be friendly and enthusiastic. Put on a smile, even if you have technology snafus, and we all do. Make people feel comfortable enough to ask questions. Most importantly, have fun. Even if you mess up, it’s just a blip in the big picture. Just remember, it’s you they came for – and what you had to say.

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Did you know that I write a top 40 small business marketing blog?  It’s called Robin’s Rainmakers. I’d love for you to check it out. It’s at RobinSamora.com/blog. Talk tomorrow!

Marketing your business is an ever-changing process. That’s because your brand continually changes to meet your customer’s needs. To stay current, you should periodically check in and reevaluate whether your brand accurately reflects where you are in your business now, and where you want to go.

How do you do that? The first step is to conduct a small business brand audit because both you and your brand can change through the years

Here's how to audit your small business brand

* Start by taking a look at your brand name. Does it still represent what you do and want to do? Sometimes, you can start out doing one thing and evolve into something else, as your client base changes, and you do, too.

* Next, look at your logo. Does it help tell your story? Evaluate your colors, the fonts you picked, and any images or graphics that are part of your visual brand. Does it say what your organization is all about?

* Consider the layout of your logo. Just because you’ve chosen certain colors and fonts, doesn’t mean that you’re good to go. You have to tie them all together to truly create brand recognition.

* The last thing is to create a brand style guide that shows how all of the various elements of your brand interact with each other. This guide is extremely valuable as you grow your business and provides you with consistent guidelines for anyone reproducing your brand’s name or images.

I’m Robin Samora with Fast Marketing Minute. Plan for success in everything that you do. And that includes your marketing. Have a question on how to make your marketing plan more effective? Reach out. I’m at [email protected] Talk tomorrow!

Does your mind wander on phone calls, and do you get off track?

Be honest. Would you rather email someone or send a text, instead of picking up the phone? If it’s a friend you’re talking to, it’s easy. You can chit chat away. But for a business call, getting off track can be such a disaster.

So, what’s the solution?  Structuring your calls. It’s a template developed by The Humphrey Group in Toronto, and it makes perfect sense.

Here’s the 4-Part Template to Never Mess Up Your Phone Calls

* Build rapport from the get-go so you can get attention. Start with something personal. If you were reaching out to a videographer you haven’t spoken to in a while you might say. “It’s been such a long time since we spoke, but I wanted to call you because you’re the best in the business.”

* Next is your message, the lead idea. If you write it down, it may be clearer for you. If you waffle about your ‘ask’, you’ll sound like you have no idea why you called.

* Structure is the body of your call. Give one or two reasons for your ask. “I think I’m the perfect candidate for this promotion because of A, B and C.” Or tell them how you’ll do something. “I’d like to be a joint venture partner because we don’t compete, we share a similar audience, and I have 25,000 people on my list. Bingo!

* Your call-to-action should end the call. What are the next steps? What’s going to turn your message into reality. Sure, the other person has to agree, but if you use these steps, why wouldn’t they?

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing. Plan for success in everything that you do. And that includes your marketing. Have a question on how to make your marketing plan more effective? Reach out. I’m at [email protected]  Talk tomorrow!

Have a blog and worried that readership is down? Well before you call it quits, get the facts.

I just read a HubSpot blog with some interesting stats. It showed that 40% of people say they never read blogs, but other sources contradict that saying nearly 80% of readers check out read blogs on a regular basis.  So why have a blog at all?

Blogs are valuable for SEO and stats are revealing. If you have a blog on your website, it can result in a 434% increase in indexed pages and a 97% increase in indexed links. That’s amazing!

But on the other hand, blogging has fallen from the first to third most common marketing content in recent years. So how do you fix that?

Here are 3 tips to increase blog traffic and readers

* Mix it up. Use a mix of video and texts in your posts. Video is the top content marketing strategy, so use it as much as you can. And, it doesn’t have to be all produced at a studio.

* Think about adding original images or infographics to your content. And of course, make sure to use alt-text on all of your graphics and photos. I wrote a blog about alt-text that I’m linking to here.

* Are you writing short blogs? Keep writing. Long content has value for both the search engines and your readers. Stretch your content by adding quotes or publish original data. Content can be repurposed in so many ways and who doesn’t love the back links?

I’m Robin Samora with the Fast Marketing Minute. Did you know that I write a top 40 small business marketing blog?  It’s called Robin’s Rainmakers. I’d love for you to check it out. It’s at RobinSamora.com/blog. Talk tomorrow!