Month: September 2017

Okay. So, you met this amazing person and you’re going on your first official date together. You don’t really know each other, but you’ve been watching them in a semi-stalker way for months (it’s the 21st-century, we all do it).

You get to the restaurant, sit down, and awkwardly stare at each other. Just as you’re about to open your mouth to say something, your date cuts you off. At first, it’s cute. But then…it never stops.

You finally get a word in, and somehow the other person circles the conversation to be about them…again. Suddenly, the date you’ve been dreaming about becomes a never-ending nightmare.

And, all you can think is — please, STFU.

[clickToTweet tweet=”No one likes a self-centered, chatty Cathy. -@thekacc” quote=”No one likes a self-centered, chatty Cathy. -@thekacc” theme=”style1″]

The same rule applies to your business.

The only content marketing strategy that works is one focused on how your business benefits the consumer.

via Washington Post interview

While the heart-felt story about how your business came to be is awesome, and all the prestigious awards you’ve won are impressive — it’s all irrelevant to the consumer.

[clickToTweet tweet=”The only thing your almost-customers care about is — WII-FM. What’s in it for me? -@thekacc” quote=”The only thing your almost-customers care about is — WII-FM. What’s in it for me? -@thekacc” theme=”style1″]

Back when Todd Lebo was MarketingSherpa’s Director of Marketing & Business Development, he said, “The key to content marketing is customer logic, not company logic.”

You gotta figure out what’s important to them, not you.

Blow their minds by telling them how you will make their lives easier. And, show them how you’re the only person who can solve their problems.

Here are some customer-focused marketing tips to remember:

• Learn everything you can about your customers’ behaviors, needs, and pain points. Research reviews and ask for feedback. Use what you learn to refine your products and services.
• How does your product or service benefit the consumer? What sets your business apart from the competition?
• Figure out all the reasons an almost-customer wouldn’t purchase. Then, invalidate them. This is where you can really benefit from customer testimonials or success stories.

Oh, and always recycle and repurpose your content.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Work smarter, not harder. -@thekacc” quote=”Work smarter, not harder. -@thekacc” theme=”style1″]

So, the next time you’re on a date, avoid being a chatty Cathy. Listen to what your date has to say. State the benefits of dating you. And, give them no reason to object to a second date.

Racking up the nerve to talk to someone you’re attracted to is tough. There are so many thoughts that run through your mind.

What will I say? What should I do with my hands? I’m suddenly so aware of my hands. What do I do with my hands in normal situations?! I can’t do this. No, today is the day!

Finally, you walk up to that person you’ve admired for so long and…nada. Nothing comes out of your mouth. You’re awkwardly standing there. Palms are sweaty. There’s a moment of silence. Worse. This perfect person (in your mind) is standing there confused. They don’t know what to do, or to say.

Well, you know what could have saved this tragic scenario?

A solid call-to-action.

call-to-action: or CTA, is a piece of content intended to induce a viewer, reader, or listener to perform a particular act, typically taking the form of instruction or directive (e.g., buy now or click here)

CTAs help guide the reader on the path you want them to take.

[clickToTweet tweet=”It is vital to include solid CTAs on all your marketing collateral. -@thekacc” quote=”It is vital to include solid CTAs on all your marketing collateral. -@thekacc” theme=”style1″]

That’s right. You need one on your brochure, flyers, banner ads, and every page of your website. How else will the consumer know what to do after coming across one of those items?

Here’s a potential path you could guide an almost customer through.

Let’s say you own an e-commerce store selling fashionable necklaces. You purchase a few banner ads targeting women between the ages of 25 and 35. Michelle is 27 and sees your ad. She clicks the button that reads, “SHOP COLLECTION” and is directed to your website.

What do you want her to do when she gets there?

You could ask her to browse through your “must-wear” pieces? Or, ask her if she wants to learn more about your company. Whatever you decide; make sure there’s sound reasoning behind every action you’re hoping to provoke. And, in the process, casually mention a few reasons why she absolutely cannot leave your site without adding a statement necklace to her jewelry collection.

Get your almost-customers to take action with compelling CTAs. Download this FREE EBOOK and stop missing out on sales.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Next time, you’ll know to give that special someone you’ve had your eye on a call-to-action like…

What’s your phone number?

Or…

Would you like to go out sometime?

[clickToTweet tweet=”Mastering calls-to-action can make you more money (and hopefully, help you bag a date). -@thekacc” quote=”Mastering calls-to-action can make you more money (and hopefully, help you bag a date). -@thekacc” theme=”style1″]