Fight for readability with five easy fixes
The easier we make it to read our newsletters and other material, the more people will read, understand and retain. Sometimes copy reviewers – engineers and lawyers spring to mind – will challenge you. They’ll try to turn simple words into stilted, formal...
Seven pet peeves about Twitter use
I’m not the first to post about Twitter pet peeves, and I won’t be the last. But given that Twitter launched in 2006, it’s about time to get rid of some bad habits. Beyond the basic offenses like having an egg for a profile photo, no bio to speak of...
Panelists agree: Social media changes everything
People have a compelling need to share our information with each other, and we’re finding it easier than ever with social media. That means huge change for business. At a session sponsored by IABC/Golden Horseshoe and IABC/Toronto Westend on April 11, a trio of...
Boring topic? 3 secrets to spin that ‘straw’ into gold
Some days I look at the topic a client has asked me to write about and think, “How on earth am I going to make this interesting?” You know the topics. They’re necessary, but they aren’t the sexiest. Safety reminders, maybe, or a potentially dry...
Make your media pitch relevant
Working with the media has changed since the days of PR people sending pitches by fax. Yet what hasn’t changed is the key to getting media coverage – which is likewise key to newsletter effectiveness: relevance to the audience. I don’t have media relations...
Make your endorsements meaningful
Writing speeches is a skill I do not possess. In no universe do I claim such expertise. In fact, my expertise is knowing to call on an expert. My LinkedIn profile suggests that if you need someone to work on newsletters, I’m your gal. Speeches? I know some...
Help your website seal the deal
Consumers don’t have time, and that makes it vitally important for your business to be clear about why they should buy from you. That was one clear message delivered by speaker Marie Wiese of Marketing CoPilot at a meeting of the IABC Professional Independent...
Ease up on the exclamations for better effect
The mail this week included a short printed newsletter from a local real estate agent. She always includes a chatty page about family and seasonal activities. It is all very heart-warming and she’s a lovely woman. But! One! short! page! Had 16 exclamation marks!...