Category: Uncategorized

Swipe. Swipe. Swipe.

Left or right.

If you’re a child of the 21st-century, and you don’t know what I’m referring to, you’re a f*cking liar.

Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, PlentyOfFish, Coffee Meets Bagel, Her, Grindr.

We’ve all been on one of these websites. If you haven’t and you’re looking for a meaningful connection, you won’t find it there.

Unless you’re the “exception” to the rule.

via giphy

But, more likely than not, “He’s Just Not That Into You.”

The real question is…

How do you decide whether or not to swipe right?

[clickToTweet tweet=”People pass judgment based on photos and the short sentences it takes to sum up your life. #SorryNotSorry – @thekacc” quote=”Well, people make judgment calls based on your photos and the two or three sentences it takes to sum up who you are as a person. #SorryNotSorry – @thekacc” theme=”style1″]

Makes sense, right? Abso-f*cking-lutely not. But, it’s the way of our #millennial culture, filled with vanity-driven, selfie-addicted hoes.

Okay, I guess that’s enough hating on my people.

Get your head in the same mindset when starting an e-commerce business.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Set your #ecommerce store apart from the rest. Use killer photos and even better product descriptions. – @thekacc” quote=”Use killer photos and even better product descriptions to set your e-commerce store apart from the sea of copycats flooding the interwebs.” theme=”style1″]

via giphy

[clickToTweet tweet=”Product descriptions are the final piece of the conversion funnel. Make it count. – @thekacc” quote=”Product descriptions are the final piece of the conversion funnel. Make it count. – @thekacc” theme=”style1″]

Here are 6 need-to-know tips for writing effective product description copy:

• Start with high-resolution images.
  You know the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover?” It’s an idiom people want to live by but never do. Humans are judgmental by nature, especially the gems we’re birthing into society today. But, don’t forget; while pretty pictures attract customers, the copy is what bags the sale.
• Explain the benefits of the product in a clear and clever way.
  Get creative. It’s always a pleasant surprise when you read a product description that makes you chuckle. And, your “almost-customers” will reward you for it.
• Tell them why they not only want your product but NEED it to solve their specific problem(s).
  If you can zero in on a specific problem, the reader will feel like you understand their needs, and be more willing to find out more. If you do it right, they’ll hit that magic button, “BUY NOW.”
• Speak directly to your target audience and answer every possible question they may have.
  Try to get into your almost-customers’ headspace. They can’t physically touch your product, so they’ll want to know the material, user instructions, care instructions, look and feel, etc. And, speak their language. Do it in a way that makes them feel understood.
• Reiterate all of the above in bullet point form, too (even if you said it in the description).
  This helps those who are too busy (or just too lazy) to read your whole spiel, providing them with a more easily digestible version of your product description.
• No one can do it better than a professional.
  I know that it’s difficult to spend the money on something you can do yourself (especially when you’re still a small business). But, professionally trained copywriters know how to change minds and bag the sale. And, we do it in an effortlessly artful manner. You gotta spend money to make money. Trust me; it’s worth it.

Pro Tip: DO NOT COPY AND PASTE MANUFACTURER PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS. Search engines like Google and Bing, don’t respond well to duplicate content and will lower your SEO rankings for doing so.

Click the button to start building your e-commerce empire now.

Convert E-Commerce Prospects Into Buyers: The Essential 5-Step Guide to Writing Product Descriptions That Sell.

SEND ME MY EBOOK

Now, you’ve got the secret to creating a swipe-right worthy Tinder profile:

Knock-out selfie pics

via giphy

and a creative yet informative profile description showcasing the benefits of dating you.

via giphy

Before you commit to a serious relationship, you want to know what you’re getting yourself into, first. I mean, that’s why God invented Tinder, right? Just kidding, a bunch of horny college kids did.

But, you get where I’m going with this. It’s the difference between “talking” and calling someone your boyfriend or girlfriend. The point of “talking” is to help you decide if you want to start dating. The point of dating is to figure out if you’re willing to do it exclusively. For me, at least.

With every date, the other person is calculating if you hit all the marks on their checklist of acceptable suitors.

Are there any red flags? Will this person get along with my best friend? Am I ready to cut off everyone on my booty call list? I have a wedding coming up; will this last long enough for them to be my date?  

[clickToTweet tweet=”We all have our list of objections to overcome before taking the next step. Focus on eliminating them. -@thekacc” quote=”We all have our list of objections to overcome before taking the next step. Focus on eliminating them. -@thekacc” theme=”style1″]

Keep this in mind when it comes to your business. You’ve got to eliminate those objections to make your “almost-customers” feel safe. Start by flirting with them through social media and advertising. Get them to come over to your website. Tell them all the reasons you can solve their specific problems. Then, make the offer and bag the sale.

But — as with most things — easier said than done.

“Objection handling means responding to the buyer in a way that changes their mind or alleviate their concerns.” – HubSpot

Prospecting for customers is difficult. Don’t be a dingus. Go into it well prepared. Listen to those around you, market trends, and most importantly — your customers. Develop an effective elevator pitch. Read reviews and figure out what people don’t like about your product or service. Make adjustments from there.

[clickToTweet tweet=”People say they’re not interested because they’re busy — a knee-jerk reaction to bad salespeople. – @thekacc” quote=”People say they’re not interested because they’re busy — a knee-jerk reaction to bad salespeople. – @thekacc” theme=”style1″]

So, how do you get past that knee-jerk reaction?

Here’s a list of the five most common sales objections to overcome:

[clickToTweet tweet=”Overcoming objections as soon as possible helps almost-customers become paying customers. – @thekacc” quote=”Overcoming objections as soon as possible helps almost-customers become paying customers. – @thekacc” theme=”style1″]

If you do this effectively, you pass to the next level (the next step of the buying process).

If you fail at overcoming objections, you can say…

to potential customers.

Or, they’ll use you at their convenience and never commit to becoming loyal buyers.

So, if you want to take your relationship to the next level, figure out what doubts the person you’re “talking” to has about making things official. Then, tell them all the reasons they can trust you. But remember; you gotta prove it. Show them you’re more down for the cause than Drake.

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″]

Social media. Blogs. Ebooks. Newsletters. Flyers. Podcasts. Websites. Updating those websites. Over and over again. All great marketing efforts…but does it ever end? How are you — one person — supposed to run a business, AND be expected to pump out a never-ending stream of content?

“But, this is what they told me to do. And, they said this would help grow my business.”

Be honest with yourself. Are you growing your business? Or, just adding to your workload? Well, I’ve got a simple tip you can implement today. Remember the age-old adage: Recycle. Reduce. Reuse? Well, apply this here.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Repurpose the shit out of every piece of content you create. – @thekacc” quote=”Repurpose the shit out of every piece of content you create. – @thekacc” theme=”style1″]

I’m a strong believer in repurposing content in every way possible. Got a killer sentence hidden inside the “about” page of your website? Tweet it. Slap it on a photo. Add it to a flyer. Use it in a brochure. Stretch it as far as you can. Why? Because your repurposed content can…

• reach a new audience
• reinforce your message
• increase visibility

MY FIVE-STEP APPROACH TO LESSENING THE LOAD.

As a copywriter AND business owner, I know firsthand, just how time consuming creating content can be. How do I help lessen the load?

[clickToTweet tweet=”Turn one piece of content into five. – @thekacc” quote=”Turn one piece of content into five. – @thekacc”]

Disclaimer: steps four and five are still under construction.

Step One: Write a blog post.

Step Two: Create a shorter version and use it for my newsletter — with the option to read more — directing traffic back to my blog post.

Step Three: Post [2 or 3] quotes from the blog on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, including a link.

Step Four: Record a podcast episode that sums up the information in the blog post.

Step Five: Direct podcast listeners to the “show notes” (my original blog post). This eliminates ever having to actually write show notes.

Pro Tip Infographic: 11 Ways to Repurpose Content.

Oh, and feel free to save it, print it, or share it.  

Another way to lessen the load is to hire an experienced copywriter. Quality content is key to every marketing strategy. If you’re ever in the mood to collaborate…

Hit me up: info@kickasscontentcreator.com

Picture a group of girls meeting up on a Friday night for drinks. They only have one intention in mind — to celebrate the fact that the workweek is finally over with their “squad” (trust me, I hate that word as much as you do). They are completely uninterested in your creepy ass trying to sleeze ball your way into getting their numbers. Unless, you can do what only few men have mastered — genuinely listen to their needs and charm their pants off. Oh, and you get bonus points for making them laugh.

That’s the feeling potential customers get when giving away their email addresses. Their guard is up. It’s up to you to break down those walls. When they finally give it up they’re in a more vulnerable state, and more willing to open their wallets.

[clickToTweet tweet=”“Email marketing has the power to turn potential leads into regular customers.” -@thekacc” quote=”“Email marketing has the power to turn potential leads into regular customers.” -@thekacc” theme=”style1″]

Blogs. Ebooks. Lead magnets. Newsletters. Anything social media related. Long nights and a never-ending stream of content. Why the f*ck do we do it to ourselves? To be seen as an expert in your field, get the word out about your business (a.k.a. brand awareness), and of course, to make that mula, baby.

And, as I said earlier…

[clickToTweet tweet=”“Size matters — the bigger your email list, the more money you’ll make.” – @thekacc” quote=”“Size matters — the bigger your email list, the more money you’ll make.” – @thekacc” theme=”style1″]

There are tons of ways to market your business, but none more effective than email marketing. Getting into your customers’ heads starts with getting into their inbox. According to Campaign Monitor, “email marketing continues to be one of the top performing [marketing] tactics.” It’s a powerful tool for selling your products and staying on the tip of your audience’s tongue. Use it to foster a personal, one-on-one relationship.

I’ll leave you with some eye-opening stats:

• There are more than 3.7 billion worldwide email users (half the world’s population)
• Nearly 50 percent of millennials check their email the second they wake up.
• More than 40 percent of Americans check their email from the bathroom.
• Email marketing has a higher conversion rate — 40X higher to be exact — than social media marketing.
• It has an ROI of 4,300 percent (yeah, that number is correct).
• More than 70 percent of millennials prefer to communicate with businesses through email.
• Nearly 70 percent of emails are opened from a mobile device.

Pro tip: Start your newsletter with a story. Then, reveal a tip. And, make your offer. 

Blogging should be the foundation to your content marketing strategy.

It’s a secret weapon far too many people take for granted. And, in the world we live in today, consumers are forced to sift through so much crap to get the information they need most. So, set your business apart from the rest. Provide your audience with information they can actually use. In return, they will reward you by sharing your content and the useful information in it, driving traffic to your site and growing your business (because like you, “I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind” – Snoop Dogg).

Consumers appreciate brands they can trust. Allow your audience the opportunity and they will become long-term subscribers AND customers.

[clickToTweet tweet=”First, build trust with your audience. Then, they’ll become long-term subscribers AND customers #chaching – @thekacc” quote=”Once you build trust with your audience, they become long-term subscribers AND customers #chaching – @thekacc” theme=”style1″]

Don’t believe me? Here are six more reasons your business should start blogging now:

1. Builds brand awareness
   Brand awareness gives your company instant recognition. Have you ever purchased a product after watching a Buzzfeed or ViralThread video? I know I have (guilty pleasure online purchases I’ve made: Tile, TubShroom, Genius Pipe). Also, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth referrals.
2. Gives your business a voice
   Humans want to connect with other humans — not companies. A blog can help establish your brand voice and provide a direct connection with your consumer in a way that no other tool can. Need help developing a strong brand voice? Easy. I wrote a blog about it → Understanding Brand Voice. See what I did there?
3. Builds authority in your field
   If you want to be taken seriously, you need to present yourself as an expert in the field. Blogs are the perfect opportunity to show off your sick skills (in a humble and genuine way, of course — no one likes a self-righteous tool).
4. Drives traffic to your website
   I’ve spent countless dollars promoting my clients’ (and my own) products and services on social media. The posts that get the most engagement, by far, are blogs. Why? Because people want and appreciate useful content. So, give the people what they want. Make your content so intriguing the reader clicks your logo to learn more about what you have to offer.
5. Improves SEO rankings
   Now more than ever, websites are considered lead-generating machines that work hand-in-hand with search engines. Your website content should be regularly refreshed with relevant information in order for the robots that live inside the interwebs to keep your site in high rankings. In other words, if you want your website to top a Google search, you have to create a constant stream of compelling content. And, the easiest way to do that is through a blog.
6. Encourages thoughtful feedback on your product or service
   Blogs can give you insight to things your consumers would otherwise never share — it gets a conversation started. Some of the comments made can even inspire ways to improve your product or service. Or, can fuel ideas for your next big project. Pro tip: Use your blog as a funnel to guide your consumers to make a purchase.

With every blog you create, you should also include a free resource. Don’t expect anyone to open their wallets unless they feel they’re getting something of value in return. The same idea applies to email addresses, the most powerful marketing tool today. Once you get your consumers to trust you enough to get in their inbox, you’re golden. Email marketing is the number one way big brands like Nike and Southwest Airlines get repeat business.

Struggling to find the time?

I know first-hand how time consuming running your own business is. The sleepless nights. The long hours. The sacrifices. Even thinking about having to regularly write a 250- to 500-word blog (on top of everything else) can push you over the edge.

Let me help relieve some of that stress and take one less thing off of your to-do list, by creating a blog that gets your audience excited about everything your business has to offer.

Hit me up: info@kickasscontentcreator.com

When it comes to your website copy, I know how hard it can be to let someone else take a crack at it. It’s your business. Your baby. Your pride and joy. The dream you turned into a reality. I mean, who knows your business better than you? No one. I understand and know where you’re coming from. But, the fact of the matter is, a copywriter can take your product or service and blossom it into a flourishing business. And, a highly skilled copywriter can mimic your words and make it sound as if you wrote it yourself…but better.

So, why not take your website copy to the next level?

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again (over and over if I have to) – a killer design is key to making a good first impression, but copy retains your audience and guides them to make the purchase.

[clickToTweet tweet=”“Customers will reward you for giving them something they actually enjoy reading.” – @thekacc” quote=”“Customers will reward you for giving them something they actually enjoy reading.” – KICK-ASS CONTENT CREATOR”” theme=”style1″]

Yes, everyone has the skill to write. But copywriters have the skill of crafting copy that is both persuasive AND compelling.

Now more than ever, websites are considered lead-generating machines and work hand-in-hand with search engines. Your website content should be regularly refreshed with relevant information in order for the robots that live inside the interwebs to consider your site good enough to keep in high rankings. Yes, even if you already have kick-ass copy, the robots will think the information is no longer relevant if it’s the same copy from five years ago. (You’d think these “robots” would be smarter. I guess we’re not there….yet.)

The most common mistake business owners make with their website copy.

More often than not, I’ve come across business owners who love their product or service soo much they just can’t shut up about it. And in all the time they spend going on and on about their business, they repeat themselves over and over again.

I hate to break it to you, but it’s likely no one cares about what you’re offering as much as you. In the ever-changing, instant gratification world we live in today, people want to get in and get out. They want the bite-sized version of whatever it is you’re trying to say. Remember, you only have 2-4 seconds to engage new visitors. So in the words of the English rock group, The Kinks, “Give the people what they want.”

[clickToTweet tweet=”“Keep your copy short, sweet, and easy to read.” – @thekacc ” quote=”“Keep your copy short, sweet, and easy to read.” – KICK-ASS CONTENT CREATOR” theme=”style1″]

So, what parts of your website copy should you refresh? Easy.

Is your copy helping or hurting your website? Not sure? Contact me for a website consultation: info@kickasscontentcreator.com.

Let’s up your website copy game, together.

It’s easy to think marketing your business on social media will be as easy as managing your personal profiles. Well, think again. One of the most frustrating things I’ve encountered with marketing my business is that I spend the majority of my free time on social media. Even worse, it’s far more work than one would ever anticipate. There are so many factors and science behind what works and what doesn’t. Trust me, I’ve read every article out there from “The best time to post,” to “This year’s optimal social media sizes.” It’s pretty tough to stay up-to-date and if you don’t figure out how to utilize it correctly, early on in the game, you’ll likely drown.

So, what’s the first thing you need to do? Get organized. And, knowing what tools to use is key to productivity and effectiveness. That’s why I curated a list of all of my favorite social media essentials.

[clickToTweet tweet=”“Cut through the clutter. Don’t add to the millions of shitty posts we see daily. ” – @thekacc” quote=”“The worst thing you can do is add to the millions of shitty posts we see daily. Cut through the clutter. Don’t add to it.”” theme=”style1″]

And if you’re one of those people who are still skeptical of social media (even though it’s the 21^st-century), here are the top reasons you MUST get your shit together and get social.

• BUILD BRAND AWARENESS.
  Social media is a quick and easy way for customers to get an understanding of your brand and what you represent. Use it to your advantage. Any opportunity to increase visibility of your brand is valuable.
• PERSONAL CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR CONSUMERS.
  Use your brand voice to directly reach your audience on a personal level. This makes your business more easily accessible to your consumer. And, it builds a strong following and loyalty for your brand.
• BETTER CHANCES OF CONVERSION.
  The relationships built through social media have been proven to boost conversion rates and drastically grow sales. Reward your subscribers by providing them with valuable knowledge like upcoming sales or free classes. You can even give them e-books like the one I gave you above.

• DIRECT TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE AND SERVICES.
  List your website on all of your social media channels. Put some money behind a few posts promoting it as well. You’d be surprised at how far $1 a day for seven days on Instagram can get you. This will also improve your website’s search rankings and SEO.
• REFINED CUSTOMER INSIGHTS.
  Social media allows you to get real-time customer insights. You can use the data you learn about your consumers to make smarter business decisions.

What social media tools do you use?

An essential step several business owners miss when starting their business is establishing a brand voice. Most business owners don’t see the importance of developing one. I’m here to tell you they’ve been highly misinformed.

Let’s start by explaining what exactly this “brand voice” thing is.

Well, it’s your brand’s personality and the tone you use to identify with your target market. It’s kind of like your own personal portal that connects you with your consumers. It also has the power to set you apart from the competition.

The reality is that people don’t give a shit about your business. The only way to get them to care about your business is by touching them on a personal level — and no, not in a dirty way — with a solid brand voice.

[clickToTweet tweet=”“Humans want to connect with other humans — not companies.” – @thekacc ” quote=”“Humans want to connect with other humans — not companies.” – KICK-ASS CONTENT CREATOR ” theme=”style1″]

And, just like humans have morals and values, so should your brand. That’s how you create a loyal and trusting following and in turn, gain long-term subscribers.

It’s vital to define your brand voice because it dictates the direction of every piece of marketing collateral you create — from your first Instagram post to anything you publish on your website.

Think of it like dating. It allows your audience to get to know you on a deeper level, before taking the plunge and making the purchase. Do you want them to swipe left? Or right? Your brand voice will help them make that decision and help you score 😉

Oh, and remember to keep it consistent and genuine.

[clickToTweet tweet=”“If your brand voice isn’t consistent, don’t expect your consumers to trust you.” – @thekacc ” quote=”“If you can’t keep your brand voice consistent, don’t expect your consumers to trust you.” – KICK-ASS CONTENT CREATOR” theme=”style1″]

Nobody likes a liar who can’t keep their story straight.

Need help developing your brand voice?