-
What Knitting Has Taught Me About Business and Marketing
I’ve been knitting for many years. It started all the way back before my daughter was born, when I was determined to make her a blanket before she arrived. That was also probably my first lesson in good intentions not always leading to results (or maybe in biting off more than you can chew!). Despite buying all the supplies, picking out the perfect pattern, and envisioning how beautiful the finished product would be, I never actually made that blanket. But I did learn something: starting is easy, but following through is the real challenge. Almost two decades and hundreds of successful knitting projects later, I’ve found my place in the…
-
Duo’s “Death” + Gamification + Storytelling = Marketing Genius
By now, you’ve probably heard the heart-wrenching story of the “death” of Duolingo’s owl, Duo. And I’m putting “death” in quotes because, let’s be real… did he really die? Will he be revived? Probably. But that’s beside the point. If you need a recap, check out this article. What’s (slightly) more interesting than the fate of our adorable language coach is the marketing genius behind this moment. Let’s dive into what Duo has to do with marketing, gamification, and storytelling. How Gamification Made Duo’s “Death” So Effective Duolingo didn’t just build an app; it built an experience. And at the heart of that experience is gamification, the use of game-like…
-
11 Common Small Business Marketing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Running a small business is no small feat, and with limited resources, marketing can often feel like a daunting task. While many small business owners are eager to take control of their marketing efforts, it’s important to recognize the potential pitfalls along the way. Avoiding these common small business marketing mistakes can help business owners save time, money, and, most importantly, set themselves up for sustainable growth. Here are some of the most frequent marketing missteps I’ve seen in my years of working with small businesses—and how you can avoid falling into the same traps. 1. Lack of a Clear Marketing Strategy One of the biggest small business marketing mistakes…
-
Harnessing Data-Driven Marketing for Strategic Campaign Success
In today’s marketing world, if you’re not using data to guide your decisions, you’re already falling behind your competition. Gone are the days of launching campaigns and hoping for the best. Now, data-driven marketing is the secret sauce that takes your strategies from “fingers crossed” to fully optimized. But here’s the thing — it’s not just about having data; it’s about knowing how to use it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by endless metrics and numbers, so today, we’re going to dive into how to master data-driven marketing without losing your mind. What Does “Data-Driven” Really Mean? When we talk about data-driven marketing, it’s essentially making smarter, informed decisions based…
-
5 SEO Strategies for Improving Search Rankings That Work for Every Small Business
There’s no denying it: search engine optimization (SEO) remains one of the most critical elements in building a strong digital presence. Whether you’re a small business trying to establish yourself or a more mature company looking to grow, if your website isn’t optimized for search, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to reach new customers. But SEO is often misunderstood. It’s not about stuffing keywords into your content or trying to outsmart algorithms. SEO is about creating a seamless and valuable experience for your audience while making sure search engines can easily understand and rank your website. Let’s dive into some SEO strategies for improving search rankings that can…
-
7 Content Marketing Trends to Watch in 2024 and Beyond
Well, we’ve made it past the mid-point of 2024, and it’s time to take a look at a few content marketing trends that are making a huge impact this year. Some have been around for a while, others are new, and all are shaping the future of marketing. 1. AI and Automation: Enhancing, Not Replacing, Creativity AI is no longer the future; it’s the present. In 2024, AI and automation tools have become integral to our content creation processes. These tools assist with everything from content ideation and keyword research to drafting and personalizing content. However, the human touch remains irreplaceable. This post on using generative AI in marketing shares…
-
A Comprehensive Guide to Using Generative AI in Marketing
One of the most exciting advancements in technology over the past few years is the rise of generative AI. This technology, capable of creating content, designing visuals, and even predicting trends, offers a wealth of opportunities for marketers. Let’s explore how you can harness the power of generative AI to elevate your marketing strategies. Here’s a peek at what’s included in this post: The Benefits of Generative AI in Marketing Let’s start by talking about how generative AI can benefit marketers. Integrating generative AI into your marketing strategy offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance your efforts and drive better results. From automating tasks to providing deep insights,…
