Case study: Don’t write "how-to" articles that aren't helpful

There are probably hundreds of millions of marketing-related articles out on the internet. A big portion of those articles are "how-to" guides for various activities us marketing types like to encourage business owners like you to implement.

The problem is that way too many of these articles have little to no real value in them.

Let's break down the points of one of these articles and instead review what real value looks like.

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Authentic inclusion and activism aren’t tied to a calendar

One of my favourite things about raising a “Gen Z” kid is how outspoken he is about marketing nonsense. Leading up to Pride Month, he mentioned the inevitable rainbow washing that was coming several times. While he may only be 14, he already knows when he sees something disingenuous.

And this applies to far more than our 2SLGBTQIA+ friends. It stands equally for BIPOC, disabled folks and every other historically marginalized group. Inclusion and activism aren’t marketing strategies. You either do it for real from the core of your business, and your business values, or you're not being authentic.

Here are some brands that get it.

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The DOs and DON'Ts of automation

While you’re likely always going to have to do some things you don’t love in your business, if you’re spending all of your limited resources on tasks that are draining your energy, your motivation to work on your business is going to wane quickly.

Automation can support you in saving your time and energy, easily generating data, and improving customer or user experience. However, automation is also one of those things that can be a curse when done poorly.

Here are a few differentiating factors to help you determine what to automate, and what’s best left done manually.

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Your marketing isn't annoying to your people

One of the more common issues clients raise about creating and sharing content (especially repurposing content or repeating ideas) is the fear that their audience will be annoyed.

Let me put your fears to rest: if people in your audience are annoyed, they aren't your people.

If anyone shares that they are unhappy or annoyed with your content, they aren't the right fit for you!

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How long should your blog posts be?

If you've ever wondered whether there's an ideal length for a blog post, this is for you. You can read a hundred different answers and none of them will give you a definitive answer that works for you because they aren't you!

For the most part, there's no need to get caught up in these kinds of questions. What's more important is to confirm that you're helping your audience with an actual problem, or giving them a perspective with information that's useful.

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