Archives for September 2011

Looking Ahead – Marketing Calendar October 2011

October is approaching…

…and probably the stand-out event from a marketing perspective is (frighteningly) Halloween!

Skimming through some (very old) back issues of the Dan Kennedy newsletter, came across these pieces of copy that are applicable to a wide range of businesses and marketing situations…

“It’s Scary What You Are Missing!”

“Now a spooktacular, very limited time, opportunity”

“Terrifyingly scary profits coming your way…”

…and so on.

With lines like this, Halloween gives you the opportunity to riff on the “Fear of loss” theme in your copy and ads…

…along with having a lit bit of fun and standing out from the crowd.

Halloween falls on October 31, of course.

Other events in Australia…

Oct 1 – AFL Grand Final Day!

Oct 3 – Labour Day (ACT, NSW, SA)

Oct 24 – United Nations Day

Oct 28 – Queens Birthday (WA)

In Sydney, the Crave International Food Festival runs for the whole month of October (yum!).

Elsewhere around the world…

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Memo To The Twinings Marketing Department…

…”Thank You” for the gift…

…BUT go and read Chapter 13 of “Scientific Advertising” IMMEDIATELY!

End of memo.

This was prompted by the receipt in my mail box today of a very nice-looking small package from the tea company Twinings (of London).

Now I certainly noticed the slightly bulky package amongst the mail…

…a reminder of the effectiveness of “lumpy mail” in getting attention.

And as a tea drinker, I appreciate the gift of 8 tea bags…

…2 each of 4 of the Twinings blends…

…and I’m enjoying a cup of “Chai” as I write this.

BUT…

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Still Got Those “Someone Else Made All The Money” Marketing Blues

This caught my eye today…

“Last of the legendary Delta bluesmen”

…noting the passing on to the great gig in the sky of bluesman David “Honeyboy” Edwards.

I confess I had never heard of Mr Edwards until today…

…but like many rock fans have acquired an interest in the blues over the years.

The mystique of the Delta bluesmen continues to exert a fascination.

One of the greatest was the truly legendary Robert Johnson…

…and part of “Honeyboy” Edwards’ claim to fame is that not only did he play with Johnson…

…but was there the night the “King of the Delta Blues Singers” was poisoned in a Mississippi juke joint in 1938.

Great article that includes a timeless marketing lesson…

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Better Website Conversion Tips – Part 11

Better Conversion Tip #11 – Test Different Testimonials

If you can swing it, adding a celebrity endorsement will always help to establish credibility. And the celebrity doesn’t have to be Tom Cruise or Madonna. In fact, the best “celebrities” are those who your target market knows within the subject of your niche. Selling a guide to home repairs? Then you’d want a “Bob Villa” or similar type. Selling a magician-themed product? Then having David Blaine endorse your product is a good idea.

(More about that topic in a previous post “Celebrities And Direct Marketing”.

And even if you can’t get Mr. Blaine to give you feedback, you can always use a 3^rd party testimonial (just check on the legality of copying a quote in the manner you’re using it).

What are 3rd party testimonials?

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