When was the last time you searched for something on Google and read (actually read) the first three articles you clicked on?
If you’re anything like me: never.
Asking the right questions can make or break a sale, idea, or even a whole business.
We’re constantly asking questions (sometimes without even actually asking a question) but we rarely plan out what we should be asking.
Have you ever thought about how a coffee machine works?
Have you ever noticed how machine-made coffee is so much better (and consistent) than the instant kind?
I’ve been suffering a Big Bang Theory (Amazon aff) addiction lately. Don’t worry, though.
It turns out that it’s a veritable fountain of knowledge for entrepreneurs and marketers. Not only does the show offer scientific & historical tid-bits that you’ll never use in real life, but there’s some solid business wisdom.
This past weekend, Marvel Studios shattered all box office records with the opening weekend for its Avengers movie.
Yet, I don’t really remember seeing many ads for the movie. In fact, the only Avengers ads I remember were joint promotions from Dr. Pepper and Farmers.
Every time your customer doesn’t buy from you, they’re making a string of choices leading to that decision.
Successful marketers understand what that chain of choices really is, and focus on influencing the chain early on.
So many entrepreneurs make the mistake of thinking they need a fancy logo and kick-ass brand to be successful.
Be different.
Marketers have long known that getting media attention is one of the most effective ways to generate buzz.
But why rely on others for this? With advances in technology, we now have the opportunity to become the media ourselves.
No, I’m not talking about search engine optimization.
I’m talking about a much more important, much more universal SEO.
I love to be sarcastic.
I’ve developed this weird ability to use sarcasm to make people laugh. But how can you be sarcastic on social media (or through the written word in general)? It’s difficult for sure.
You don’t need another guide on how to structure a blog post. There’s plenty of excellent articles about that out on the web.
But as an entrepreneur, it might be difficult for you to find the time to constantly create new content. It doesn’t have to be. If you take the right approach, you can get your writing done in no time.
I don’t mean to pick on you. But I just can’t stand by and watch you make these mistakes in your internet marketing.
I’m sure you understand. You do, after all want to work less and make more money, right?
Humans have been around for tens of thousands of years. Heck we’ve even been advertising for thousands of years. Chances are that someone’s already thought of your “innovative” idea.
Sorry to burst your bubble.
What do the most powerful brands have in common?
They have an army of loyal brand ambassadors willing to spread their message across the world. I read an interesting book a few weeks ago by Mark Hughes (pick up Buzzmarketing from Amazon.com – affiliate link). About half way through, he talks about Britney’s brand.
I meet so many small business owners who have a “brochure” website up and don’t really know why. It’s hard to justify spending anything over a few bucks a months when you don’t understand what the product can do for you.
It’s not their fault though. Services like those I mentioned combined with web designers who charge a few hundred bucks don’t tell the whole story when they sell to a client.