Saturday, August 24, 2019
Put On Your School Shoes, because Summer is Almost in the Rearview Mirror
Okay, summer really is almost in the rearview mirror. Trees are about to burst forth with color and leaves fly in the wind.Once the nerdy bunch began to crave plaid along with the aroma of new school supplies as well as sitting in uncomfortable seating while getting to know new people and learn something from a knowledgeable individual. So we thought we'd give you some interesting choices for rocking back into your "school shoes".
SEPTEMBER
Content Marketing World
September 3-6, 2019
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
For Marketing and PR Professionals
This large 4-day conference is right for a lot of people and will help attendees develop content marketing strategies that can propel their business to the next level.Check it out at www.contentmarketingworld.com.
Inbound
September 3-6, 2019
Boston, MA, USA
For Marketers, Salespeople, and Influencers.
INBOUND is a four-day conference where marketers and other sales influencers can learn, connect, and be inspired. Enjoy a variety of guest speakers, attend educational events, and enjoy a variety of entertainment as you make lifelong professional and personal connections. Visit www.inbound.com.
Type-A Parent Annual Conference
September 26-28, 2019
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
For Parent bloggers
This conference is full of motivational speaking, workshops, panel discussions, brand contacts and new technology solutions for building your professional brand in the digital media space. Find details at typeaparent.com.
Find this and more dotbiz blog posts on my website andersonandcompany.com.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Interested In Starting A Blog? Here are Ten Types Of Popular Blogs To Think About
Okay, the First Quarter of 2019 is over and your ideas about starting a blog are still on hold. It happens, because there are always dozens of reasons that you don't have time to begin blogging. And then, even if you have worlds of time, there's still writer's block to fall back on. So, once again make a deadline for yourself: In the fist month of the second quarter of 2019 "I will start my blog!"
Where to start? Pick a topic. The ten best types of blogs to start are the following:
1. Finance
2. Health and Fitness
3. Make money online
4. Beauty and fashion
5. Product reviews
6. Food blogs
7. Travel
8. Lifestyle
9. Wedding blogs
10. Digital marketing
So, think for a second and jot down the four topics that have immediate interest for you based on your own readership of blogs or personal interest.
Second, jot down the four topics in which you have some knowledge base. The topics that get jotted twice are a good place to start, because you will have interest in the blog topic and some basis for developing more curiosity around a topic with which you are already familiar.
Next, do some research, i.e. Google and read blogs in the area that you have chosen. Then write some short posts and start blogging right here on blogger. It's fast and easy.
Where to start? Pick a topic. The ten best types of blogs to start are the following:
1. Finance
2. Health and Fitness
3. Make money online
4. Beauty and fashion
5. Product reviews
6. Food blogs
7. Travel
8. Lifestyle
9. Wedding blogs
10. Digital marketing
So, think for a second and jot down the four topics that have immediate interest for you based on your own readership of blogs or personal interest.
Second, jot down the four topics in which you have some knowledge base. The topics that get jotted twice are a good place to start, because you will have interest in the blog topic and some basis for developing more curiosity around a topic with which you are already familiar.
Next, do some research, i.e. Google and read blogs in the area that you have chosen. Then write some short posts and start blogging right here on blogger. It's fast and easy.
Friday, March 22, 2019
More About Branding and How Not to Waste Money Promoting Your Business Product or Service
Let's first start with the knowledge that in today's fast-paced world filled with busy people you have to not only get people's attention but also deliver a message and visual that they can connect to your product or service or that they can hear and connect to your product or service. This is absolutely necessary particularly with a small budget. Small advertisers won't have the budget to bank-roll a full out multi-media campaign and would be wise to stick to either print, TV or radio in addition to social media.
Furthermore, determine who you are trying to reach, i.e. where will you find most of your customers. Are they readers, watchers or listeners? Each of these particular mediums are segmented, some are absolutely splintered with choices, making it more important to select the right one. If prestige is vital to sales of you product or service and you determine that you have readers as a strong market segment, then you will want to determine which print medium reaches your future customers at the lowest cost. Notice, it is not as important how many people you reach as it is how many of your potential customers that you reach. Circulation is a factor, but so is image and repeat readership by a group of people who might be in the market for what you are offering.
In magazines, if you can afford it, a full page 4-color ad placed on a right-hand page either near the front or within or next to an article or regular feature will be the best choice. If you can't budget a full page, choose a 1/2, 1/3 or 1/4 page ad on a right hand facing page. Be sure to use you logo consistently and have a memorable slogan placed beneath it to help the reader remember you company.
Television is still a great medium for those who watch live TV, choosing not to record then play back and fast-forward through commercials. News for instance is more likely to be watched live. Generally, people who have more leisure time at home are more likely to watch live. That's why many companies such as home improvement, insurance,etc. run commercials in their local market morning TV programs. People selling cars, phones, etc. are more likely to connect with morning or evening news viewers, because this group includes a broader slice of their market, both the workplace commuters, the retired, semi-retired or homemaker. For small budget TV advertising it is important to pick a slice of time and stick to it until you see results. That's why you should be sure to ask your customers how they heard about you.
Even national TV advertisers with huge budgets often fail to maximize their product or service within their 30-sec. spot. Just because their brand is well known doesn't mean that they should stop showing the name of their product or service on screen and if they have a mascot, a piece of music or color identified with their brand or logo it reinforces their brand if they continue to use these in their spots. Consider Target. Their logo is red, the dominate color in their commercials is red, and their dog mascot is a visual. How can you watch their commercial and not know you have seen a Target commercial?
For radio advertising the same principle of choosing a slice of time when your potential customers are likely to be listening is key. To make the right buy you can't simply choose a radio format that you like, you'll need some research from all of your potential stations.They will have a breakdown by age, male or female [those are still the largest categories] by time slot, etc. Drive time is likely where you will have the ears of more people, but you also have to consider morning, noon or afternoon, i.e. school car-pool time or commute from work to home time. You have to consider what you will say that distinguishes you from your main competitors. To do this you have to know what your competitors are saying and how they are saying it.
For instance, are their commercials too crammed with words to even understand? Are they easy for listeners to "tune out" because they don't know what they're saying anyway. Or, do your competitors that run really boring commercials that are almost generic and like every other company in their same business sector? If so, you have a real advantage to be the new business that knows their market, speaks to their market in an interesting manner, and tells listeners some real benefits about their product or service. If you can afford a few seconds of original music and have a catchy slogan, even better. Marketers are rediscovering that a "jingle" is really memorable decade after decade.
{I blogged earlier about companies such as Nationwide Insurance which in a crowded advertising market was not using their very memorable jingle. Now, they are using it and driving it home in a new way with a star quarterback and a country music star. Good for them! Not only will they reconnect with people who heard that jingle years ago, but they will reach new customers.}
Also, realize that if your customer is likely to be listening to their own play list, fast-forward through recorded TV and not a big reader of mags or newspapers, you will have to rely on product/service brochures, online advertising, blogs, point of sale displays,vehicle wraps, event sponsorships, etc. It will be even more important that your messaging and packaging be distinctive and appealing to your particular market.
Interested in finding out more? Visit Anderson and Company.
Furthermore, determine who you are trying to reach, i.e. where will you find most of your customers. Are they readers, watchers or listeners? Each of these particular mediums are segmented, some are absolutely splintered with choices, making it more important to select the right one. If prestige is vital to sales of you product or service and you determine that you have readers as a strong market segment, then you will want to determine which print medium reaches your future customers at the lowest cost. Notice, it is not as important how many people you reach as it is how many of your potential customers that you reach. Circulation is a factor, but so is image and repeat readership by a group of people who might be in the market for what you are offering.
In magazines, if you can afford it, a full page 4-color ad placed on a right-hand page either near the front or within or next to an article or regular feature will be the best choice. If you can't budget a full page, choose a 1/2, 1/3 or 1/4 page ad on a right hand facing page. Be sure to use you logo consistently and have a memorable slogan placed beneath it to help the reader remember you company.
Television is still a great medium for those who watch live TV, choosing not to record then play back and fast-forward through commercials. News for instance is more likely to be watched live. Generally, people who have more leisure time at home are more likely to watch live. That's why many companies such as home improvement, insurance,etc. run commercials in their local market morning TV programs. People selling cars, phones, etc. are more likely to connect with morning or evening news viewers, because this group includes a broader slice of their market, both the workplace commuters, the retired, semi-retired or homemaker. For small budget TV advertising it is important to pick a slice of time and stick to it until you see results. That's why you should be sure to ask your customers how they heard about you.
Even national TV advertisers with huge budgets often fail to maximize their product or service within their 30-sec. spot. Just because their brand is well known doesn't mean that they should stop showing the name of their product or service on screen and if they have a mascot, a piece of music or color identified with their brand or logo it reinforces their brand if they continue to use these in their spots. Consider Target. Their logo is red, the dominate color in their commercials is red, and their dog mascot is a visual. How can you watch their commercial and not know you have seen a Target commercial?
For radio advertising the same principle of choosing a slice of time when your potential customers are likely to be listening is key. To make the right buy you can't simply choose a radio format that you like, you'll need some research from all of your potential stations.They will have a breakdown by age, male or female [those are still the largest categories] by time slot, etc. Drive time is likely where you will have the ears of more people, but you also have to consider morning, noon or afternoon, i.e. school car-pool time or commute from work to home time. You have to consider what you will say that distinguishes you from your main competitors. To do this you have to know what your competitors are saying and how they are saying it.
For instance, are their commercials too crammed with words to even understand? Are they easy for listeners to "tune out" because they don't know what they're saying anyway. Or, do your competitors that run really boring commercials that are almost generic and like every other company in their same business sector? If so, you have a real advantage to be the new business that knows their market, speaks to their market in an interesting manner, and tells listeners some real benefits about their product or service. If you can afford a few seconds of original music and have a catchy slogan, even better. Marketers are rediscovering that a "jingle" is really memorable decade after decade.
{I blogged earlier about companies such as Nationwide Insurance which in a crowded advertising market was not using their very memorable jingle. Now, they are using it and driving it home in a new way with a star quarterback and a country music star. Good for them! Not only will they reconnect with people who heard that jingle years ago, but they will reach new customers.}
Also, realize that if your customer is likely to be listening to their own play list, fast-forward through recorded TV and not a big reader of mags or newspapers, you will have to rely on product/service brochures, online advertising, blogs, point of sale displays,vehicle wraps, event sponsorships, etc. It will be even more important that your messaging and packaging be distinctive and appealing to your particular market.
Interested in finding out more? Visit Anderson and Company.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Brands Sure Can Waste Some Money on Super Bowl Commercials
Okay, I want to weigh in on the Super Bowl commercials and I always like to give a bit of time to reflect. My main take away this year was the dominance of beer commercials and not what I would have expected. These were the "greening" of the genre with brands touting their natural and organic qualities.
Bud placed a major communication on their lack of corn syrup in their Lite Beer, which was a well placed slap at their lite beer competitors. The famous Budweiser Clydesdale's even galloped into the wind against a backdrop of wind turbines. Again, Bud sent out a timely message to a growing market of eco-conscious and health-conscious consumers.
KIA? "What was KIA thinking" when they filmed their new large 8-passenger Telluride slogging through muddy water. Why not have shown it off in high end advantage against the ski slopes of Telluride for a little extra name impression.
Pepsi's "Just Okay" commercial certainly wasted big dollars selling the lack luster "We're okay" message. What smart company spends millions to do that? The same company that spent a million or so to tweak its classic logo into a "smile". Just saying, isn't there something about the product that is better than just okay? If not why not co-brand it with something else like your KFC or Taco Bell brands. Or, you could have jumped on the Super Bowl's health train and touted your Quaker Oat brand.
Olay's "Killer Skin" was another "why did they do that moment? Who wants to buy a product that gives them dead skin. I mean vampires are dead and that was their pay off visual. A shame that a well respected product line aimed at an older women had to fast forward to death.
Really, Hyundai spent how much for their Super Bowl viewing audience watch an elevator go up and down. Some advertising has complete lost track for trying to promote their product as part of their brand. Should I just ride an elevator and call Uber or Lyft? Why buy a Hyundai?
Bon & Viv's Spiked Seltzer was a complete waste. For what to me was a new product, I learned nothing. Why the under water tank setting? Why not some more emphasis on what they heck it is and what I should look for in a store.
The game was more riveting than the commercials.
Bud placed a major communication on their lack of corn syrup in their Lite Beer, which was a well placed slap at their lite beer competitors. The famous Budweiser Clydesdale's even galloped into the wind against a backdrop of wind turbines. Again, Bud sent out a timely message to a growing market of eco-conscious and health-conscious consumers.
KIA? "What was KIA thinking" when they filmed their new large 8-passenger Telluride slogging through muddy water. Why not have shown it off in high end advantage against the ski slopes of Telluride for a little extra name impression.
Pepsi's "Just Okay" commercial certainly wasted big dollars selling the lack luster "We're okay" message. What smart company spends millions to do that? The same company that spent a million or so to tweak its classic logo into a "smile". Just saying, isn't there something about the product that is better than just okay? If not why not co-brand it with something else like your KFC or Taco Bell brands. Or, you could have jumped on the Super Bowl's health train and touted your Quaker Oat brand.
Olay's "Killer Skin" was another "why did they do that moment? Who wants to buy a product that gives them dead skin. I mean vampires are dead and that was their pay off visual. A shame that a well respected product line aimed at an older women had to fast forward to death.
Really, Hyundai spent how much for their Super Bowl viewing audience watch an elevator go up and down. Some advertising has complete lost track for trying to promote their product as part of their brand. Should I just ride an elevator and call Uber or Lyft? Why buy a Hyundai?
Bon & Viv's Spiked Seltzer was a complete waste. For what to me was a new product, I learned nothing. Why the under water tank setting? Why not some more emphasis on what they heck it is and what I should look for in a store.
The game was more riveting than the commercials.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Have Wellness On Your Mind? Why Not Begin Sharing Your Knowledge, Insights and Inspirations With Others?
If you want to start your own blog, but keep thinking that there are already too many blogs on the topic. Think, again! Wellness is a great general topic to begin thinking about if you have a personal interest in health. Decide what particular group of readers that you would relate to best. Narrow it further by deciding if if you want to reach men, women or both. Do you have a knack for talking with teens, young moms, retirees?
From nutrition and fitness to spiritual and mental health, the range of topics in the wellness genre is broad. So, ask yourself, "Do I prefer to write about healthy recipes, organic foods, exercise, diets, safety, etc? After you've decided what aspect of the topic most interests you, then do some more research.
Google those various segments of your interest and see what comes up. For instance, search organic food blogs and get an idea for the number of bloggers engaged in this topic. Review how they have sliced and diced the topic: what are their writing styles, do they follow their topic farm to table, do they include recipes, shopping tips, etc. Then google another wellness topic, etc.
Start your own wellness blog by deciding what you want to say. How might that be similar to or very different from the blogs already online. With a clear vision of what to say, it's time to pick a domain name. Remember you can attract readers by including a term that they might be searching if they are interested in your topic. Next, choose where your blog will be hosted. Sites such as Blogger are free.
If you choose a wellness blog, congratulations because your own blog will help you stay informed and be inspired to continue maintainong a healthy lifestyle. these websites are full of useful resources to help boost your well being.
This is Go Red Day so show your support for the American Heart Association!
From nutrition and fitness to spiritual and mental health, the range of topics in the wellness genre is broad. So, ask yourself, "Do I prefer to write about healthy recipes, organic foods, exercise, diets, safety, etc? After you've decided what aspect of the topic most interests you, then do some more research.
Google those various segments of your interest and see what comes up. For instance, search organic food blogs and get an idea for the number of bloggers engaged in this topic. Review how they have sliced and diced the topic: what are their writing styles, do they follow their topic farm to table, do they include recipes, shopping tips, etc. Then google another wellness topic, etc.
Start your own wellness blog by deciding what you want to say. How might that be similar to or very different from the blogs already online. With a clear vision of what to say, it's time to pick a domain name. Remember you can attract readers by including a term that they might be searching if they are interested in your topic. Next, choose where your blog will be hosted. Sites such as Blogger are free.
If you choose a wellness blog, congratulations because your own blog will help you stay informed and be inspired to continue maintainong a healthy lifestyle. these websites are full of useful resources to help boost your well being.
This is Go Red Day so show your support for the American Heart Association!
Sunday, January 27, 2019
March 2019 Conferences That Can Benefit Any Blogger No Matter What Your Area of Blogging Expertise
Okay, in Feburary you may be chilling on a cruise or partying down at Mardi Gras, but in March you may need a reason to get out. For bloggers, a blog conference is that reason. They feature leaders in the field which allows you to network and exchange ideas with fellow bloggers and learn from those who have already succeeded.
Not only will you have exposure to a wealth of content and marketing ideas, but you may also have the opportunity to come face to face with sponsors who will find value in affiliating with your blog. You may also meet other bloggers with whom you can network to exchange guest posts to grow your traffic.
SXSW - Texas, March 8-17,2019
Unless you are a music or tech blogger, you may not have SXSW on your radar, but consider the benefits of networking at the SXSW Trade Show which is the epicenter of business at SXSW. In no other place at SXSW will you find this many creative businesses and organizations together. Last year it brought together more than 250 exhibitors from 27 countries with an incredibly diverse range of businesses from all industries and sectors, including health and medtech, marketing, music and film equipment, robotics, aerospace, mobile apps, 3D printing, and more.
If you run a fledgling business looking to showcase your innovations or possibly acquire seed funding from new investors? SXSW Startup Village and Startup Spotlight are great platforms to launch a new product and promote your startup.
Social Media Marketing World - California, March 20-22, 2019
Join 3,000 fellow marketers at a mega-conference designed to inspire and empower you with social media marketing ideas brought to you by Social Media Examiner. Gain actionable tips from more than 100 of the world’s top pros who specialize in marketing with Facebook, Instagram, Messenger bots, live video, social strategy, content marketing, analytics, video creation, YouTube for business, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, and more.
This conference exists to give marketers like you the ability to get all the information you need in one place, personally connect with the top experts in the world, form lifetime relationships that’ll help you year-round, and gain the confidence you need to succeed in your job.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
New Year, New Opportunity for Bloggers, Knowledge Geeks and Others Who Can Write
Hey, the Biofortified Blog is seeking articles written by scientists, doctors, farmers, chefs, and anyone who eats food. This opportunity is open to anyone, no matter your views. The public needs people with first-hand knowledge and this gives people the opportunity to write about what they know, engage in a moderated discussion, and be part of a community of writers and readers that want to give these topics the attention they deserve.
We have a wide reach, with a network of scientists, science enthusiasts, and more who seek out our content. We will post and promote your work on social media and can help you build your personal brand as a writer while you write with us. Some of our writers have gone on to start their own successful projects and organizations.
Here are some of the topics that the Biofortified Blog is seeking:
*Plants, genetics, biotechnology. If you are a plant scientist, geneticist, breeder, or other scientist with expertise in this area, you could talk about the science, or one of the many issues that intersect the science.
*Agriculture. Cover crops, fertilizers, pesticides, organic, environmental impact, climate change, land use, farmer’s markets, and more! We want to hear diverse voices and first person accounts.
*Food. Who doesn’t love talking about food? Nutrition, culture and traditions, modernization, world hunger, food distribution, even recipes are welcome!
*Ethics. What are the ethical implications of new innovations in crops, food, or production practices? Help our readers consider important issues in bioethics.
*Education and science communication. Are students learning enough about where their food comes from? What are innovative ways to reach more people?
Law and regulations. Are you a lawyer, policy geek, or someone who thinks about the consequences of current or future policies and laws? Is there a better way to regulate new technologies?
*News and media. How is the media covering science, ag, and food? You could write a short summary of some interesting news, or comment on the media’s coverage of important issues.
*Interviews. Interviews with scientists and others are a great way to contribute. We can help put together questions, and so can our readers. If you have an idea about someone to interview, check with us first. We can also contact your interviewee for you, which might make it more likely that you will get the interview.
*Art, music, video. We invite all types of communication methods. Feel like videotaping yourself with your plants and telling us something cool about them? We can feature it on the blog, and upload it to our YouTube channel.
If there is something you want to contribute to the blog, please ask the Biofortified Blog before you put a lot of work into it. We can provide advice and make sure that your work is a great success! Find full contact information on biofortified.org
We have a wide reach, with a network of scientists, science enthusiasts, and more who seek out our content. We will post and promote your work on social media and can help you build your personal brand as a writer while you write with us. Some of our writers have gone on to start their own successful projects and organizations.
Here are some of the topics that the Biofortified Blog is seeking:
*Plants, genetics, biotechnology. If you are a plant scientist, geneticist, breeder, or other scientist with expertise in this area, you could talk about the science, or one of the many issues that intersect the science.
*Agriculture. Cover crops, fertilizers, pesticides, organic, environmental impact, climate change, land use, farmer’s markets, and more! We want to hear diverse voices and first person accounts.
*Food. Who doesn’t love talking about food? Nutrition, culture and traditions, modernization, world hunger, food distribution, even recipes are welcome!
*Ethics. What are the ethical implications of new innovations in crops, food, or production practices? Help our readers consider important issues in bioethics.
*Education and science communication. Are students learning enough about where their food comes from? What are innovative ways to reach more people?
Law and regulations. Are you a lawyer, policy geek, or someone who thinks about the consequences of current or future policies and laws? Is there a better way to regulate new technologies?
*News and media. How is the media covering science, ag, and food? You could write a short summary of some interesting news, or comment on the media’s coverage of important issues.
*Interviews. Interviews with scientists and others are a great way to contribute. We can help put together questions, and so can our readers. If you have an idea about someone to interview, check with us first. We can also contact your interviewee for you, which might make it more likely that you will get the interview.
*Art, music, video. We invite all types of communication methods. Feel like videotaping yourself with your plants and telling us something cool about them? We can feature it on the blog, and upload it to our YouTube channel.
If there is something you want to contribute to the blog, please ask the Biofortified Blog before you put a lot of work into it. We can provide advice and make sure that your work is a great success! Find full contact information on biofortified.org
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Out of blog Ideas? No Prob. Check Out Five of The Top Sites For Blog Content Inspiration
Hey, it happens. The holidays are looming. You have too many things to do. You're tired of thinking. The reasons are many that could find you facing your computer screen pondering what to post. Don't worry it happens. If you're wondering WWSD [What Would Shakespeare Do?] He would probably have taken a walk, dropped into a pub, chatted for a while and returned home ready to dip quill in ink and produce another masterpiece.
But here are a few quick ways to move forward in a contemporary manner. Have a cup of hot chocolate,coffee or tea and find some inspiration on these sites listed below. From short lists to lengthy ones, there's much to pour over to transition your mind from blank to buzzing. Unlike the Bard, you really don't have to get out of your house when you're out of ideas. Blog topics, blog trends,blog content ideas,long copy, short copy, to use blog photos or not, to use blog video or not. The list is lengthy and Mr. Google has you covered.
47 Blog Content Ideas For When You have a Mental Block
103 Blog Post Ideas that your Readers will Love
20 Blog Content ideas Guaranteed to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Site
189 Creative Blog Post Ideas
101+ Sources for Blog Post Ideas
But here are a few quick ways to move forward in a contemporary manner. Have a cup of hot chocolate,coffee or tea and find some inspiration on these sites listed below. From short lists to lengthy ones, there's much to pour over to transition your mind from blank to buzzing. Unlike the Bard, you really don't have to get out of your house when you're out of ideas. Blog topics, blog trends,blog content ideas,long copy, short copy, to use blog photos or not, to use blog video or not. The list is lengthy and Mr. Google has you covered.
47 Blog Content Ideas For When You have a Mental Block
103 Blog Post Ideas that your Readers will Love
20 Blog Content ideas Guaranteed to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Site
189 Creative Blog Post Ideas
101+ Sources for Blog Post Ideas
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Travel Blogger and Travel Writer Conferences For November 2018
Yes, it's hurricane season, but next month there are some great events for travel writers and bloggers. You'll want to grab a like-minded friend and head out to the following conferences:
Travel Classics West 2018
November 29-December 2, 2018
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
For Freelance travel writers who want to connect with editors and the travel magazine market in general.
For more information check out TravelClassics.com
Sanibel Island Writers Conference
Nov 8 - 11, 2018
Sanibel Island, FL
Program Focus: Humor, Journalism, Nature, Screenwriting, Travel, Publishing, Poetry, Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Young Adult, Non-fiction, Children's, Marketing
Sponsor's Facebook Page www.facebook.com/pages/Sanibel-Island-Writers-Conference/114126118654415
Travel Classics West 2018
November 29-December 2, 2018
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
For Freelance travel writers who want to connect with editors and the travel magazine market in general.
For more information check out TravelClassics.com
Sanibel Island Writers Conference
Nov 8 - 11, 2018
Sanibel Island, FL
Program Focus: Humor, Journalism, Nature, Screenwriting, Travel, Publishing, Poetry, Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Young Adult, Non-fiction, Children's, Marketing
Sponsor's Facebook Page www.facebook.com/pages/Sanibel-Island-Writers-Conference/114126118654415
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
What Do The Most Powerful Types of Blog Posts Have In Common?
Anwser: Powerful blog posts attract readers by providing something worth linking to or sharing. That's the magic.
What kinds of post do this best?
1. The Freebie
2. The Overview
3. The message that connects
The Freebie is great for linking, because who doesn't want a free resource booklet with useful information? Who doesn't want a free peice of art from an interesting artist? Who doesn't want a free sample of a product that would be useful to them?
The Overview blog post is time-saving and who doesn't need to save time. It's a busy, crazy world. If you're blogging part-time, time is an even greater pressure point. Therefore, when you're able to read a blog that gives a great summary of a particular topic that you can read quickly and feel more informed, you win and your reader wins.
The message that connects delivers on a heartfelt belief, a direction a way of saying something that resonates with a reader in a way that is meaningful. As a result that reader as friends and associates that they feel will share your message, so they do the logical thing: they share it.
So next time you sit staring at a blank page consider the above suggestions three of the most expedient things you can do to reach out to existing and new readers and grow your blog fans.
What kinds of post do this best?
1. The Freebie
2. The Overview
3. The message that connects
The Freebie is great for linking, because who doesn't want a free resource booklet with useful information? Who doesn't want a free peice of art from an interesting artist? Who doesn't want a free sample of a product that would be useful to them?
The Overview blog post is time-saving and who doesn't need to save time. It's a busy, crazy world. If you're blogging part-time, time is an even greater pressure point. Therefore, when you're able to read a blog that gives a great summary of a particular topic that you can read quickly and feel more informed, you win and your reader wins.
The message that connects delivers on a heartfelt belief, a direction a way of saying something that resonates with a reader in a way that is meaningful. As a result that reader as friends and associates that they feel will share your message, so they do the logical thing: they share it.
So next time you sit staring at a blank page consider the above suggestions three of the most expedient things you can do to reach out to existing and new readers and grow your blog fans.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Five Interesting Statistics About Blogging For Bloggers to Consider
Want some interesting stats about blogging? Here are a few top ones to consider.
* Websites with a blog have tend to have 434% more indexed pages.
* Companies who blog receive 97% more links to their website.
* 70-80% of users ignore paid ads and only focus on organic results.
* B2B marketers that use blogs get 67% more leads than those that do not.
* 36% of people prefer list-based headlines
* Websites with a blog have tend to have 434% more indexed pages.
* Companies who blog receive 97% more links to their website.
* 70-80% of users ignore paid ads and only focus on organic results.
* B2B marketers that use blogs get 67% more leads than those that do not.
* 36% of people prefer list-based headlines
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
The True Sign of Intelligence is not Knowledge but Imagination
I've never blogged about my hobbies. So you may think, how is that relevant to a business blog? Here's why. One of my hobbies is reading about Physics. It was my science elective in high school, which just goes to show the impact of those electives.
My hobby has brought me into the minds of many great thinkers who were and are good at both the big picture and the small picture. One that has stood the test of time is, of course, Einstein.
Although I've read the book "The Other Einstein" in which his first wife is given credit for some of his ideas, you have to admire a man with a boring patent office job who continued to spend his spare time figuring out how the universe works. Furthermore, his theories have stood the test of time. Like myself, Einstein was no mathematical genius, which reassuringly didn't hinder his thought processes. In fact, he is the source for some of my favorite inspirational quotes.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."
"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school."
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."
The take away here is the fact that much of business is challenging and a bit boring. Getting too entrenched in your everyday thoughts can carve a rut sometimes one that feels as deep as the Mariana Trench, which is considered to be the deepest part of the Earth's surface.
Devote more time to free and imaginative thought. It can go a long way toward finding small problem solutions that contribute to your own enterprise's big picture. Or take a wider and wider look at the scope of your entire business field and find creative ways to improve what you offer.
My hobby has brought me into the minds of many great thinkers who were and are good at both the big picture and the small picture. One that has stood the test of time is, of course, Einstein.
Although I've read the book "The Other Einstein" in which his first wife is given credit for some of his ideas, you have to admire a man with a boring patent office job who continued to spend his spare time figuring out how the universe works. Furthermore, his theories have stood the test of time. Like myself, Einstein was no mathematical genius, which reassuringly didn't hinder his thought processes. In fact, he is the source for some of my favorite inspirational quotes.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."
"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school."
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."
The take away here is the fact that much of business is challenging and a bit boring. Getting too entrenched in your everyday thoughts can carve a rut sometimes one that feels as deep as the Mariana Trench, which is considered to be the deepest part of the Earth's surface.
Devote more time to free and imaginative thought. It can go a long way toward finding small problem solutions that contribute to your own enterprise's big picture. Or take a wider and wider look at the scope of your entire business field and find creative ways to improve what you offer.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Where to Go When You Run Out of Blog Topic Ideas: Hubspot Blog Ideas Generator
Running low on ideas for your blog? Just starting your blog and need ideas? In either situation, check out Hubspot and try the Blog Ideas Generator. Simply fill in the fields with terms that you’d like to write about and you'll be given a week’s worth of blog post titles. That's right. Type in three nouns and you'll be fired up to blog.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
August 9-12, 2018
Corte Madera, CA (Just north of San Francisco)
The Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference is well known among publishers, editors, and writers. Alumni have published books, articles, and photos. Many of these have been credited as the direct result of lessons learned and contacts made at the conference.
The Conference offers an array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There are many hours of informal interaction between faculty and students during lunch and in discussions that often last late into the evening. This year's faculty consists of more than two dozen professionals including the following:
Pauline Frommer - Co-President of Frommer Media
Sara Button - editorial assistant at AFAR Magazine
Tim Cahill - author of many travel books
Robert Holmes - 4x Winner of the Society of American Travel Writers Travel Photographer of the Year Award
Andrew McCarthy - director and award-winning travel writer
Pre-conferences on writing, photography and sketching will be held on August 8, 2018.
For details visit bookpassage.com
August 9-12, 2018
Corte Madera, CA (Just north of San Francisco)
The Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference is well known among publishers, editors, and writers. Alumni have published books, articles, and photos. Many of these have been credited as the direct result of lessons learned and contacts made at the conference.
The Conference offers an array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There are many hours of informal interaction between faculty and students during lunch and in discussions that often last late into the evening. This year's faculty consists of more than two dozen professionals including the following:
Pauline Frommer - Co-President of Frommer Media
Sara Button - editorial assistant at AFAR Magazine
Tim Cahill - author of many travel books
Robert Holmes - 4x Winner of the Society of American Travel Writers Travel Photographer of the Year Award
Andrew McCarthy - director and award-winning travel writer
Pre-conferences on writing, photography and sketching will be held on August 8, 2018.
For details visit bookpassage.com
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Catch a July Fourth Parade and Watch Fireworks! Happy July 4th Weekend!
Take time this July Fourth Weekend to remember how great it is to be free! Stand up for freedom, for safety and the rights that we enjoy as Americans. Remember, we are the people!
Preamble to the United States Constitution
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves
and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Preamble to the United States Constitution
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves
and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
What Are the Top B2C Content Marketing Trends for 2018
According to 2018 B2C Content Marketing Research conducted by Content Marketing Institute and Marketing Profs the following are some overall trends that you can consider when creating and distributing your content. These are relevant whether you blog for yourself or create content for someone else's business to consumer (B2C) enterprise. They are of particular interest if your time constraints or your budget rule out doing everything
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends:
◾89% of B2C content marketers use social media.
◾86% of B2C content marketers use email (newsletters and welcome emails).
◾70% of B2C content marketers use blogs.
◾42% of B2C content marketers use in-person events. Use local or retail presence to get prospects to participate
in related activities. Also support community activities that help your prospects and customers.
◾34% of B2C content marketers use print (non-magazines). Other print options include newspapers and catalogs.
◾27% of B2C content marketers use content hubs (such as micro-sites and resource centers).
◾19% of B2C content marketers use webinars and virtual events.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use print magazines. Magazines allow marketers to reach an unplugged audience.
For example, Kraft extended their content offering into print.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use online presentations.
◾12% of B2C content marketers use digital magazines.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends: Social Media Use
◾97% of B2C content marketers use Facebook.
◾84% of B2C content marketers use Twitter.
◾69% of B2C content marketers use LinkedIn.
◾66% of B2C content marketers use YouTube.
◾63% of B2C content marketers use Instagram.
◾43% of B2C content marketers use Pinterest.
◾37% of B2C content marketers use Google+.
◾11% of B2C content marketers use SnapChat.
◾8% of B2C content marketers use Slideshare.
◾5% of B2C content marketers use Medium.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends: Content Formats
◾96% of B2C content marketers use non-video social media.
◾76% of B2C content marketers use video.
◾67% of B2C content marketers use illustrations and photos.
◾59% of B2C content marketers use infographics.
◾37% of B2C content marketers use interactive content.
◾35% of B2C content marketers use ebooks.
◾30% of B2C content marketers use case studies.
◾22% of B2C content marketers use live-streaming.
◾20% of B2C content marketers use research.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use mobile apps.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends:
◾89% of B2C content marketers use social media.
◾86% of B2C content marketers use email (newsletters and welcome emails).
◾70% of B2C content marketers use blogs.
◾42% of B2C content marketers use in-person events. Use local or retail presence to get prospects to participate
in related activities. Also support community activities that help your prospects and customers.
◾34% of B2C content marketers use print (non-magazines). Other print options include newspapers and catalogs.
◾27% of B2C content marketers use content hubs (such as micro-sites and resource centers).
◾19% of B2C content marketers use webinars and virtual events.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use print magazines. Magazines allow marketers to reach an unplugged audience.
For example, Kraft extended their content offering into print.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use online presentations.
◾12% of B2C content marketers use digital magazines.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends: Social Media Use
◾97% of B2C content marketers use Facebook.
◾84% of B2C content marketers use Twitter.
◾69% of B2C content marketers use LinkedIn.
◾66% of B2C content marketers use YouTube.
◾63% of B2C content marketers use Instagram.
◾43% of B2C content marketers use Pinterest.
◾37% of B2C content marketers use Google+.
◾11% of B2C content marketers use SnapChat.
◾8% of B2C content marketers use Slideshare.
◾5% of B2C content marketers use Medium.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends: Content Formats
◾96% of B2C content marketers use non-video social media.
◾76% of B2C content marketers use video.
◾67% of B2C content marketers use illustrations and photos.
◾59% of B2C content marketers use infographics.
◾37% of B2C content marketers use interactive content.
◾35% of B2C content marketers use ebooks.
◾30% of B2C content marketers use case studies.
◾22% of B2C content marketers use live-streaming.
◾20% of B2C content marketers use research.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use mobile apps.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Happy Memorial Day 2018 To The Blogging and Vlogging Communities!
Hope that you are taking time to honor our veterans and enjoy some of the many patriotic activities taking place today! If you're still planning your summer travel consider this upcoming blog conference in California..
June 20-23 - Anaheim, CA - VidCon
This conference welcomes everyone but is of special interest to those who pursue video blogging or vlogging! The event is built around three tracks:
The Community Track is for fans who want to come to VidCon and have an amazing time. Everything in the Community Track is about having fun, making friends, and being entertained by the best online video personalities in the world.
The Creator Track is for aspirational video makers who want to learn how to create higher quality content and find a bigger audience. It includes workshops, Q&As, mentorship sessions, and other activities that give content creators the opportunity to tap into the skills of the most successful professionals in the industry.
The Industry Track is tailored to corporations, brands, and technology companies building businesses in the online video space. It features keynotes, fireside chats, seminars, case studies, and product demonstrations focused on practical hands-on advice for today and tomorrow coupled with strategic insight into the future of online video and the media business overall.
For more info visit vidcon.com.
June 20-23 - Anaheim, CA - VidCon
This conference welcomes everyone but is of special interest to those who pursue video blogging or vlogging! The event is built around three tracks:
The Community Track is for fans who want to come to VidCon and have an amazing time. Everything in the Community Track is about having fun, making friends, and being entertained by the best online video personalities in the world.
The Creator Track is for aspirational video makers who want to learn how to create higher quality content and find a bigger audience. It includes workshops, Q&As, mentorship sessions, and other activities that give content creators the opportunity to tap into the skills of the most successful professionals in the industry.
The Industry Track is tailored to corporations, brands, and technology companies building businesses in the online video space. It features keynotes, fireside chats, seminars, case studies, and product demonstrations focused on practical hands-on advice for today and tomorrow coupled with strategic insight into the future of online video and the media business overall.
For more info visit vidcon.com.
Friday, May 18, 2018
BookExpo: THE Summer Event for Authors and Writing Bloggers, May 30-June 1, 2018 in NYC
What better way to save a little money than to combine your Vacay with your Blogging interests? BookExpo in NYC May 30-June 1, 2018 will be the first end-to-end business solution for the global publishing industry. Whether you are a writer interested in acquiring more knowledge for your own blog or perhaps someone interested in books who wants to start a book blog, this is the venue to "get schooled". Find out how content creation, rights trading, retail strategy and consumer behavior can increase your profits in today’s changing marketplace. BookExpo is where authors, booksellers, distributors, librarians, literary agents, and publishers can mingle and learn from each other.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
What Are The Best Times To Publish New Blog Posts?
Timing is not an aspect of a blog that everyone considers. I've never focused on blog timing, but some research reveals that not only the time of day, but the day of the week that you post can have an effect on readership. If you blog only once or twice a week some suggest Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Whether you post on those days or choose to be an every day poster, it seems as though early morning is the best time for increased readership and posting to social media.
This timing advice is not fail safe, particularly if you've already surveyed or researched your target readers and found out they follow a different time trend. However,if you haven't, you're probably like a lot of other bloggers, who just blog when they can, especially if they're just getting started. However, most blogs allow you to write in advance and schedule a post date and time.
Using Google Analytics to track your traffic, it's easy to get started. Once you've signed up [it's free]record the published time of each post. Using this data you can sort your visitors by the hour to see which days and hours rate the highest.
Make it a point to find out what your readers want more of and when they prefer to read online, you'll be better prepared to make your blogging successful.
This timing advice is not fail safe, particularly if you've already surveyed or researched your target readers and found out they follow a different time trend. However,if you haven't, you're probably like a lot of other bloggers, who just blog when they can, especially if they're just getting started. However, most blogs allow you to write in advance and schedule a post date and time.
Using Google Analytics to track your traffic, it's easy to get started. Once you've signed up [it's free]record the published time of each post. Using this data you can sort your visitors by the hour to see which days and hours rate the highest.
Make it a point to find out what your readers want more of and when they prefer to read online, you'll be better prepared to make your blogging successful.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Five Ideas To Help Create More Content for Your Blog
Everyone who blogs hits the wall every once in a while. With that said, now how can you bounce back with a renewed energy for posting?
First: Review every topic and subtopic that you've covered in the last three months. If you blog every day perhaps a month's review will be sufficient.
Second: Make a list of gaps that you find. For instance, have you just barely touched on a topic that deserves more coverage?
Third: Remember to talk to others about things in your field that really interest them. You may be surprised that something you take for granted is something that they would like to know more about.
Fourth: Expand your reading to related fields and what they are covering. This practiced regularly will broaden your knowledge base and bring new subjects to your attention.
Fifth: If you are a long copy blogger, think about writing occasional short posts. If you normally blog with short posts, consider sprinkling in a few longer ones. The variety may make your posts easier to produce and of more interest to your readers. Why? Not everyone is looking for in-depth on everything and those who are might grasp something new if you take the time to go long.
What you've just read is referred to in the industry as a listicle, which is just what you'd think. It's a summary of things that could each deserve their own article.
First: Review every topic and subtopic that you've covered in the last three months. If you blog every day perhaps a month's review will be sufficient.
Second: Make a list of gaps that you find. For instance, have you just barely touched on a topic that deserves more coverage?
Third: Remember to talk to others about things in your field that really interest them. You may be surprised that something you take for granted is something that they would like to know more about.
Fourth: Expand your reading to related fields and what they are covering. This practiced regularly will broaden your knowledge base and bring new subjects to your attention.
Fifth: If you are a long copy blogger, think about writing occasional short posts. If you normally blog with short posts, consider sprinkling in a few longer ones. The variety may make your posts easier to produce and of more interest to your readers. Why? Not everyone is looking for in-depth on everything and those who are might grasp something new if you take the time to go long.
What you've just read is referred to in the industry as a listicle, which is just what you'd think. It's a summary of things that could each deserve their own article.
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