Distillations

I’m a writer. Not a web content writer or web copywriter, but a writer, mind you. That sentence, however, tells an incomplete story. The work I do goes well beyond writing to include strategy (content and brand), business coaching, business advisor and speaker. So, you...
Customer experience is the lifeblood of any service- or product-related business. It accounts for the many and varied interactions a prospect or customer has with your brand, before, during and after they do business with you. If the experience is positive, you can earn a...
If you’re trying to build a corporate blog, don’t simply focus on the content you create and share. Focus, too, on having subject matter experts help you create accurate, high-quality content, and you’ll be ahead of the competition and further ensure your web copy gets...
The beginner’s guide to public speaking will help anyone become a better speaker and presenter quickly. The ability to effectively and succinctly communicate an idea is a moat for any marketer or small business owner. What’s more, becoming an effective public speaker enhances the profile...
Create shorter content. That’s the frequent answer I give to brands looking to grow their reach via content marketing. Typically, a look of shock washes across their faces as they envision the SEO value lost from not being able to stuff myriad keywords in the...
Brands as publishers? Rubbish! Your brand doesn’t need to be a publisher to be successful at content marketing. In fact, publishing your own content could actually be a detriment to your business. I attacked the logic of brands as publishers before, making the point that...
Content strategy is about far more than strategy. We tend to get caught up in deliverables: Content audits, competitive analyses, tone of voice guidelines, workflows, great website content…the list goes on and on. At their best, these deliverables work together as part of a cohesive...
How important is social media for small business owners? In a word, imperative.  The platforms are too important for hearing from, learning about and getting to know your audience and would-be audience. What’s more, businesses not using social media are putting themselves at a distinct...
There is no magical time of day for your brand to use Twitter for brand authority and reach, according to research by Stone Temple Consulting. The Boston company’s  Twitter study is tantamount to a myth-busting experiment that should make it easier for businesses and individuals...
If you desire the be the best web strategist or foremost content expert, reading must be part of your personal content marketing plan. Being an avid reader came naturally to me, for my parents insisted that we always have a book in our hands, whether...