Gimme Gimme Gimme Good Writing

by Martha on September 7, 2010

When you have an online biz, good writing is essential.

The written word propels your business forward.  Whether it’s on your blog, in articles, or on sales pages, the writing is what brings people back.  Again and again.

Good writing, that is.

We’ve all been to the beautifully laid-out website, with catchy colors and eye-appealing graphics only to begin reading and find it either rambles endlessly, has jumbled-up thoughts, is boring as heck, or worse, doesn’t even make sense!

Learning how to write is like anything else. Practice makes perfect!

Here are a few of my favorite tips that will make your writing sing:

  • Be concise. Don’t use a million flowery words when a few will do.  Get to the point and do it quickly!
  • Keep it simple.  Newspapers write on a 5th grade level.  There’s a reason.  We all know you’re smart, but leave the four-syllable words at home!
  • Forget your English teachers.  I don’t mean throw out everything you learned totally, but communicating through online writing is not the same as writing a term paper.
  • Be conversational. Just be yourself. Some people find it easier to connect with their audience by picturing one person and having a conversation with them.  It works for many.  Try it!
  • Remember your audience. They have schedules too.  Rambling is no good for either of you.
  • Show some passion. This is your territory, on your turf.  You fully enjoy the subject matter.  This is the time to let your passion shine!
  • Proof read.  This is a no-brainer.  Grammatical and spelling errors ruin your credibility.
  • Show it to others. If you think you need help, let another pair of eyes critique it.  Ask for honest feedback and be willing to make changes where needed.

When it’s all said and done, there are three words that will help you:

Just Do It!

Learning to write takes time, but you won’t get better at it if you don’t continue to do it.  Write daily.  Whatever comes to mind.  You can edit and re-write later.

Take it from me.  My writing is still evolving.

You can do this!

Peace,

-Martha

p.s.  If you are really struggling, send me an e-mail (marthagiffen@gmail.com) and we’ll talk :)


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Social Media May Not Be What You Think

by Martha on September 3, 2010

Think social media is just the big three?  Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn?

Think again.

These are networking outlets, yes.  but the total sum of your social media strategy?  No way!

It’s all about relationships.

Building them, that is.  And it happens all around the web.  Not just on the big three.

From your e-mail marketing, to niche forums, to responding to comments on your blog, your social media network is everywhere you are communicating.

Best part of social media?

It’s instantaneous!  There’s no more waiting for snail mail, phone calls, print media.  You have the capability to interact with your network swiftly and easily with the stroke of a key.

Don’t be intimidated.

We are all alike.  People are social and most will speak when spoken to.  Begin the conversations.

Think of it this way. . . .

Social media is like bumping into your customers all over town!  In the offline world, you would see them at the grocery, the theater, the ballpark.  You might have a little chat, then off to resume your day. If your customer continues to run into you, guess what?  You become familiar and friendly and they remember you!

Nothing new here.

It has been said that you need to “touch” your prospects at least seven times before they remember you. That was much harder before your prospects were on the web.  Now, you can reach out and bump into people in various places, quickly and easily and (here’s my favorite) it doesn’t matter if you’re having a bad hair day!

Now, go out there and be social!

Peace,

Martha


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The Unstuck Business

September 1, 2010

Are you stuck?  It happens to the best of us!  It’s time to learn how to get in the “unstuck” business!
The scenario usually goes something like this:  You make a decision (or don’t make a needed one) and it turns out to be a costly mistake for your biz.  At this point, you have two [...]

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The Newest Twitter Gig

August 25, 2010

I just heard.  There’s the DJ, the VJ, and now the T (as in Twitter) J.
It came from MTV but it’s not new.  It’s not quite original either.  But calling it a TJ (twitter jockey) is pretty clever!
It all has to do with the Twitter stream and who can grab hold of an audience.  Engage [...]

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The Art of Up-Selling

August 24, 2010

We’ve all experienced the up-sell.  I would go as far as to say we experience it at least once daily!
An up-sell is defined as giving your customer a chance to purchase more items or add-ons after the initial sale is made.
Do you want fries with that burger?
OK, now you know what I’m talking about.  That [...]

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The Kardashians, Twitter, and Your Business

August 22, 2010

If you were wondering what in the world Twitter could ever do for your business, tonight is the night to learn!  The Kardashian sisters (from the reality show) are Twittering live during the season premier of their show.
What does this have to do with your and your biz?
It’s all about promotion!
They are masterfully keeping the [...]

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How To Write An Authentic Blog Post

August 21, 2010

Who else wants to know how to write an authentic blog post?   Authenticity?  It’s one of the current buzz words on the net.  Everyone screaming that they want authenticity on our blogs, in our business, in our lives!
Want authenticity?
Ok, this is as authentic as I’ve ever been.  Remember, I’m writing this blog post for you!
Authenticity [...]

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Ideas Are A Dime A Dozen

August 20, 2010

Anybody else have a folder full of great ideas?  Maybe not in the physical, like mine, but stored in your brain?  You know, those wonderful thoughts that begin with the words “what if?”
One of my favorite places to let ideas take root is in phone conversations with other entrepreneurs.  We usually begin by talking about [...]

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Keep Talking for Profits

August 19, 2010

Talking for profits?  Many do it by being speakers or presenters.  For the online entrepreneur, it means keeping the conversation going with your prospects and customers.
Daily.
Are you talking to your customers?
In order to keep your products in front of the public, you have to keep up an ongoing conversation.  I know.  It may seem like [...]

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How To Increase Your List And Help A Child

August 18, 2010

There are list building events, and then there are list building events that save children’s lives!
Who doesn’t want to grow their list?  Our list of customers and potential customers is the lifeline of our online businesses.
If you are an online marketer and are looking for a great way to increase your list, I’ve got the [...]

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