Have you ever noticed that when you open your email inbox, some emails catch your attention instantly, while others go relatively unnoticed?  Email marketing messages must contend with so many other competing messages in the inbox.  Creating split-second interest with a compelling subject line is the key to attracting readers to click and read more. How To Write Subject Lines that Jump off the Page The fact is, most people spend an average of about two seconds reading an email's subject line.  During those two seconds, reading the first two or three words will allow the reader to choose between the options ...

 We have fallen on hard times. This thought has been made by the heads of many prominent businesses. The economy is merciless, and businesses are struggling to stay afloat in midst of the aggressive storm. Marketing strategies have either been stripped down to its bare minimum or heavily equipped as soldiers ready for battle. At the very least, where does your web site stand? Is it enough that your website is up and running? What elements are attracting your potential visitors, and bringing them back for more? The Attract and Retain Approach for website design is extremely important to the success ...

During a recession, the business owners that survive - and even thrive - are those who take advantage of the unique opportunities of the times.  In a business climate in which many marketers are cutting expenses by slashing marketing budgets, some are using the latest advances in variable data and digital printing to make the most of every marketing dollar spent. In the past, the owner of a brand new neighborhood restaurant may attract customers and increase awareness in the community with a generic direct mail marketing campaign. The business owner might design an attractive and informative postcard inviting customers. He ...

Everyone loves to hear praiseworthy comments about their company, services, and products. It makes business owners and entrepreneurs feel like they've done things right. Well, unless your business has the Midas touch, there are definitely areas you can still improve on. Many companies have now migrated to conduct at least some part of their business online. Even so, one thing that hasn't changed about business is that people talk. Only these days, people don't just talk over lunch, on the phone, or by e-mail, they also talk online. With this being the case, there is a very good chance that the ...

On the front lines of brand management, marketing professionals interact regularly with potential customers who are seeking solutions to their problems in valuable and dependable products and services.  How we engage prospects in sales conversations is a powerful indicator of how our products will be received.  These three value-driven marketing techniques will help your prospective clients to see the value in your products and services instead of focusing on the price tag.  1.  Forget about selling and start with listening. Too many marketers dominate the beginning of a sales conversation by leading with a strong sales pitch, enumerating the many wonderful qualities ...

During an economic slowdown, business owners face distinct challenges in pricing their products and services.  Today's marketers strive to extend affordable prices to consumers who are making purchases with more apprehension and consideration, but lowering prices to attract careful customers also lowers the profit margin.  Large corporations can afford to slash prices to move higher quantities, but this technique is less effective for small to mid-size businesses. How can small business owners maximize their profits without reducing their prices?  The answer lies in a "teamwork" model of pricing strategy designed to move high priced merchandise. The primary objective for small business owners ...

 Marketing Tips for Economic Downtime In today's unpredictable marketing climate, many business owners are riding the waves of our recent economic tides by focusing their attention on the customer. Thoughtful customer feedback is one of the most valuable sources of information to consider for informed marketing decisions.  However, eliciting informative customer feedback is sometimes easier said than done.  After customers purchase and use your product, few will be bothered to fill out a survey or comment card and return it to you via mail.  Many dislike the interruption and inconvenience of telephone solicitations.  Today's marketing professionals are challenged to search ...