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Consider this Amandah’s Freelance Writer’s SEO guide to optimizing your company’s blog/website. Take the struggle out of optimizing your blog/website with these ridiculously easy SEO habits.

SEO doesn’t have to keep your management team up at night. Although there’s a science behind SEO, it doesn’t have to be tricky or complicated. Basically, you use keywords/phrases and tags within web content to drive traffic to your website. The caveat is to have well-written content and not a bunch of copy stuffed with keywords and phrases. Google’s not fond of that.

Ridiculously Easy SEO Habits to Start

1. Review the company’s current keyword/phrase and tags. Perhaps, it’s time to analyze the effectiveness of your current keyword/phrase and tags. If your company’s website isn’t receiving the web traffic you thought it would, it could be your keywords/phrases and tags.

2. Review web content. How well are the keywords/phrases and tags incorporated into blog posts, articles, and pages? Your optimization is too low. Or, the content may not be that compelling. Don’t forget about writing SEO headlines. It’s important to put the keyword in the beginning of the headline. If you’re using a secondary keyword, place it in the middle or end. It’s not a good idea to have the primary and secondary keywords next to each other.

3. Check out the competition. What’s your competition up to? How’s their content? Read their web content and compare it to yours. If their web content is better, it may be time to hire a freelance writer to revise your company’s.

4. Review the number of internal and external links. Perhaps, your company’s link building isn’t what it can be. If you don’t link to high-quality pages within your company’s website, you’re missing out on the opportunity to optimize the website. Also, it’s important to provide customers with helpful, high-quality external links that complement your company. 

5. Look for ‘stop words‘ within permalinks. Search engines disregard common words as the ones listed below. It makes no sense to have them in your permalinks. 

Sample List of Stop words

about
above
after
again
all
and
for
get
to

6. The company’s website doesn’t have a search engine friendly design. It’s important that your company’s website is clean and easy to use. More importantly, it needs to be search engine friendly. If images are used it’s imperative to utilize the ‘alt text’ feature that’s available in blogging platforms such as WordPress and Blogger. This provides a text description of images.

7. Your company doesn’t provide transcripts of audio and video. Let’s face it; some visitors may prefer reading a transcript of an audio recording or video. More importantly, developing these SEO habit will help your company help search engine index these materials. This can lead to more web traffic which can increase customer conversion rates.

8. Your company doesn’t take advantage of SEO services. If your company doesn’t have an RSS feed (Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication), they’re missing out on web traffic. These are easy to maintain and code. They’ll update when new content is added to the website.

9. Your company doesn’t take advantage of SEO tools. Most companies use Google Analytics to analyze their website’s traffic. It’s easy to set up and use. You receive information on keywords and searches. It’s a great way to set up an ‘A/B’ test to see which keywords/phrases work for your company.

10. Pay attention to Google Panda. This is a job for your web master. Rather than having as many URLs indexed as possible, your company should have its best, highest quality URLs indexed. Have your web master remove all unnecessary, extraneous, low ranking, and duplicate URLs from the index. As mentioned in Point #4, link to high-quality external links. Google Panda is pushing everyone to put their best foot forward and publish high quality content. 

11. Stay up-to-date with SEO trends. Technology trends come and go. It’s important to keep up-to-date with the ever changing world of SEO. I myself am self-taught when it comes to SEO. However, I’ve been looking into SEO certification courses and programs. I just began my search.  

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Question: Is article marketing dead?

Answer: According to Jeff Herring, “No, it’s not.” However, the way you approach article marketing needs to shift if you want to attract the ‘right’ people to your website. These people will purchase your products and services.

Article marketing includes the following:

• Content creation includes audio, text and video. Content is king; however, building trustworthy relationships trumps content.

• Online visibility means people need to be able to find you online. It doesn’t matter how good your web design or layout is. If people can’t find you, no one will purchase your products and or services.

FYI: Write compelling articles and you’ll have something of value to add to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, Digg, your Blog, etc.

• Traffic generation matters. Even if you’re receiving 1 million hits per day, don’t stop utilizing article marketing because you want to continue to earn an income.

• List building: Who do you want on your list? It’s important to connect with the right clients and customers. Stop wasting time marketing to those who won’t purchase your products/services or can’t afford it right now.

Tip: Review the traffic rankings on Alexa. For example, Google is #1, Facebook is #2, Twitter is #9 and LinkedIn is #13. Post your articles to these websites or give a synopsis of your articles.

• Product creation:  What problems are you solving? You could solve your clients and customers problems by offering them a book, eBook, online or home study course, teleseminars and webinars, etc.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that article marketing is dead. What has changed is how articles are written. They have more of a ‘sales’ undertone to them without selling to your target market. Remember, most people are tired of being sold to. They want to know, “What’s in it for me? What problem are you solving for me? How does this benefit me? Why should I care?” Pay attention to the above criteria and you’ll be successful with article marketing.

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Are your email marketing campaigns opened all or most of the time? If you’re experiencing lackluster results, follow the guidelines below to increase the number of times your campaigns are opened. Remember to avoid SPAM words such as Free and Urgent. Proofread emails carefully — you never know who’s reading them!

How to Create Marketing Emails That Get Opened

1. Create an identifiable look and feel of email campaigns.

2. Use consistent a color pattern.

3. Use a short and simple subject line. Remember, mobile devices don’t read that many characters. Incorporate a specific benefit for readers. Why should they care? Why should they open your emails? What’s in it for them? Also, don’t forget to include your brand in your email campaign. Capitalize and punctuate carefully.

Layout of Email Marketing

Business to Consumer

1. Use a newsletter layout.

Incorporate equal images to text, i.e., lifestyle shots, product shots, etc. Remember, 60% of email readers view with images ON.

Business to Business

1. Use a card layout with ALL or mostly text.

2. Give facts about the product/service.

3. Have a clear call to action.

Note: Most business to business email readers view emails with images OFF. If images are off, type out your business name. Make sure your brand is present by including a description for an image; make it a clickable link. Also, add to Safe Sender List.

FYI: The text version is viewed by 15% of your list.

4. Place important links at the top. Include an engaging message before the links. Shorten the link it it’s too long.

FYI: Smartphones now show HTML emails.

LESS IS MORE! 15-20 SECONDS IS SPENT ON A CLICKED MESSAGE

LIMIT YOUR NEWSLETTER OR CARD 3 TO 5 TOPICS

5. Use power words such as New, Introducing, Save, Discover, Results, Top-Notch, etc.

6. Avoid weak words such as Maybe, Hope, Try, Wish, Perhaps, etc.

FYI: Assist email readers with scanning your emails. Be mindful of bullet points, whitespace, bold headlines, keywords and columns.

Calls of Actions … What’s the Objective?

• What’s the next step?
• What’s in it for them?
• What do you want the reader to do?

BE DIRECT AND SPECIFIC BY USING WORDS SUCH AS:

BUY NOW … LOYAL CUSTOMERS … LEARN MORE (Include multiple links for newer relationships)

Effective Calls of Actions

• Direct readers to the correct landing page by including the proper link.
• Typically, the home page isn’t appropriate.
• Use Readable URLs … must be a legitimate URL.

Insert a video in your Email because this increases click through rate by 300%.

Note: The video doesn’t have to be yours. It could be a video that compliments your business/industry.

Other

1. Include share buttons such as social media, forward to friends, etc.

2. Include a JOIN MY MAILING LIST button which makes it easier for people to join your list.

3. Preview emails BEFORE you send them out.

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I recently signed up for a newsletter and downloaded the ‘free’ eBook that was promised to me. I started reading and proofreading the eBook (habit) and found a couple of errors within it.  Mistakes happen from time-to-time; however, if they happen more than once, it may be time to pay closer attention to who’s proofreading your newsletters, brochures, web content, policies and procedures manuals, blog posts, articles and eBooks. Content matters — but error-free content matters more.

Five Surface Errors that Make You Look Unprofessional

1. Misspelled words. Let’s face it; spell check doesn’t catch all errors. Remember, some words sound the same (homonyms) but aren’t spelled the same. Examples are: there, their and they’re; pair and pear; know and no; its and it’s; you’re and your; hear and here; to, too and two; and many others. Proofreading your eBook or newsletter is the best way to catch errors. Spell check can only do so much.

2. Improper use of quotation marks. A period and or comma belong inside not outside of quotation marks. A semicolon does not.

3. Off-the-wall paragraph spacing. It’s important to have enough white space but too many spaces between paragraphs makes an eBook or other written material out-of-balance.

4. Too many spaces after a period. Most people were taught to use two spaces after a period; however, it’s best to use one space. You may be shocked to learn that some elementary and high school students across the U.S. are still being taught to use two spaces after a period. Only one space is needed.

5. Too many em dashes and exclamation points. Use em dashes and exclamation points sparingly; I even have to remind myself of this one. Too many exclamation points can be seen as obnoxious. Too many em dashes can overwhelm readers.

Surface errors happen; even Number One Best-Selling Authors aren’t immune to the occasional misspelled word. However, it’s important to present a polished end product. If your newsletter is filled with errors, your clients and customers may email you about it. Whether or not you pay attention to their complaints is up to you. Surface errors could deter clients/customers from utilizing your services or purchasing your products. Like it or not, presentation matters. Present a clean, error-free eBook, brochure, newsletter, direct mail card, white paper, etc. and you’ll make a good lasting impression.

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How can your administrative or personal assistant cost you money? By writing and sending poorly written emails to existing and potential new clients. If you don’t review emails, you won’t know if your assistant is properly conveying the tone, voice and style you want. Like it or not, your administrative or personal assistant is a reflection of you. Let me give you an example. I emailed someone, who’s in the public eye (radio, TV appearances, etc.), about the use of their services. However, I didn’t receive a ‘fuzzy feeling’ when I read the email from their personal assistant. Here’s a ‘paraphrase of the email: “So and So can assist you. It’s $X.XX dollar amount via email and $X.XX dollar amount via phone. So and So has This and That Book. If you want to figure this out on your own, I suggest you purchase the books to learn all about it. If you want to make an appointment, please respond to this email.” I declined the services and found someone else. The personal assistant cost her boss a sale, future sales and revenue from me. I also opted out of the monthly newsletter.

Here’s how I would have responded:

Thank you for contacting So and So who’ll be happy to assist you. Services cost $X.XX to $X.XX for (fill in the blank). Please note: So and So wrote This and That Book which can also be used to assist you with your inquiry. Please visit www.BuyTheBooks.com to learn more and purchase the books. To schedule an appointment with So and So, please respond to this email with your contact information and best times to contact you; we’ll schedule your appointment straightaway. Again, thank you for contacting So and So and inquiring about her services. We look forward to working with you. Have a great day!

Which sounds better? “I suggest you …. or Please note: So and So wrote This and That Book which can also be used to assist you with your inquiry. Please visit www.BuyTheBooks.com to learn more and purchase the books. Furthermore, I contacted this person so they could assist me and figure it out for me. Why would I pay their fee if I can figure it out for myself? Translation … I’ll solve my own problem! I don’t need their services.

Let’s face it; people buy on emotion. I’m not saying this is right or wrong, but nine times out of 10, clients and customers buy with their ‘feelings’ versus their ‘brain.’ If your administrative or personal assistant answers emails for you, make sure they know how to professionally write them. Better, yet hire me, and I’ll write them for you!

As a writer, I’m fully aware of tone, voice and style. Sometimes, administrative and personal assistants don’t understand how tone, voice and style can and will affect a sale. They don’t put themselves into the shoes of the recipients and think, “How will clients/customers react to this? How professional does this sound? What’s the tone and voice of the email saying? How will this email close the sale?” Quite frankly, some do not possess business acumen. While your administrative/personal assistant can’t be responsible how clients and or potential clients will react to their words, it’s better to err on the side of caution and read and re-read emails before they’re sent out.

If you’ve noticed a drop in sales or complaints from existing and new clients, read the emails sent by your administrative or personal assistant. If you want to grow your business, consider reevaluating your administrative/personal assistant’s business and soft skills (communication). This may be difficult if they’ve been with you for a long time. However, if you want to increase sales and revenue, it must be done. I couldn’t imagine Donald Trump keeping someone around just because they’re a nice guy or gal. He’d probably try to find them another position within the company; however, he wouldn’t allow an employee to cost him money. It’s something to think about.

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How organized is your office or home office? What about your files? What about your computer files? I love organization! Clutter does not work for me — it never has. My home office must be neat, clean and tidy. I can get overwhelmed by too much office furniture, books and other reference materials, papers and other office items. Organization is thy name; communications is my game!

Becoming an organized business owner will set you free. You won’t stress out when clients call because you can’t find their files. I know what you’re thinking, “Organization isn’t for me. I can find everything I need; I have a system.” However, your clients may not appreciate being kept on hold while you dig through mountains of files and papers. Give organization a chance — it could work for you.

How to Become an Organized Business Owner

Make the decision to become an organized business owner. If you’re sick and tired of having to look for pen and paper, the phone, files or anything else, it’s time to embrace organization. You can buy office organizers from any local retailer or office supplies store. In fact, you may want to purchase brand new office supplies to mark your first step into the world of organization.

Take it one file at a time. If your office or home office is covered with files, purchase file cabinets and organize your files. Go through each file, scan documents and create file folders on your computer (if you haven’t done this already). Shred papers you don’t need or save them to your computer.

Purchase organizers. You can buy office and or home organizers from local retailers. They don’t cost much and are easy to install. If you’re not handy, hire someone to install the cabinets and shelving. Once you’ve organized your office and or home office, you’ll feel better.

Hire an organizational consultant. Believe it or not, you can hire a professional organizer. They’ll help you organize your office and or home office. Some are skilled in the art of ‘Feng Shui‘ which means they’ll create the perfect ‘chi’ for you and your office. You should notice a difference in the flow of energy; business could increase.

Some experts believe they can tell how ‘functional’ you are by the way your office or home office is organized. For example, if your office looks as if a cyclone went through it, most experts would probably say your business, finances, relationships and other areas of your life are disorganized. Sometimes this is true, but not always. Test this theory by looking at your life. How is your financial situation? How is your business? Is it thriving or dying? How strong are your relationships? Do you have close connections with business associates, clients, co-workers, family, friends and others? If you’re out of balance in any of these and other areas of your life (especially your professional life), chances are you’re disorganized. Get to the ‘root’ cause of your disorganization in order to become the organized business person you can be.

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Many small business owners and solo professionals are D.I.Y enthusiasts or do it themselves because they haven’t found a business with the products and services (customer) they’re looking for or expect. I tend to fall into the latter. When it comes to web design, I cringe and run screaming from the room when I view web designs. I have no idea what web designers are thinking. I often wonder, “Where did you learn web design? Was graphic design a part of the program? What makes you think the layout looks good? How does a huge photo at the top of a website look good? Do you understand the meaning of white-space?” Finding a clean, chic, elegant, optimized and streamlined website is like finding a needle in a haystack; at least it is for me. That is, until, I discovered the ‘Foundation’ web design. It was neat clean lines and looked very professional and seemed easy to customize. Little did I know the web designer used an outdated timthumb.php file (had no idea what this was) that could potentially open up my website to uninvited guests known as hackers. I was flabbergasted. Luckily, Blue Host (hosting company) is vigilant. They noticed the ‘outdated’ timthumb.php file and patched it. I decided to delete the WP theme and use my former theme. I’m determined more than ever to learn web design.

Here’s the email I received from Blue Host regarding timthumb.php:

Dear customer,

This is a courtesy notice that we have found and corrected exploitable timthumb.php file(s) on your account. While we have corrected these files, we do recommend you ensure all potential exploits are corrected on your account. This is best done by updating all scripts, plugins, modules and themes on your account to the latest version.

As the owner of the account, you are responsible for keeping your hosted content free of malicious software. For technical assistance, you can also reach our chat team from Bluehost.com or by going directly to http://www.bluehost.com/chat.

The timthumb.php file is a script commonly used in WordPress’s (and other software’s) themes and plugins to resize images. The exploit allows an attacker to arbitrarily upload and create files and/or folders on your account, which can then be used for a number of malicious tasks, including but not limited to defacement, browser high-jacking and infection, data harvesting and more. After a site has been exploited, it may lead to becoming labeled a “Malicious Website” by Google or other security authorities.

Any timthumb.php file below version 1.35, but above version 1.09 is considered vulnerable, unless patched. To prevent being compromised, we advise you update all instances of timthumb.php to version 2.0, or patch the existing vulnerable files. Note that patching the files requires more in-depth knowledge of the PHP scripting language.

Additional information regarding the compromise can be found at the following two websites, as well as others; note that all external websites in this email are not affiliated with Bluehost.com in any capacity, and are for your reference only.

http://markmaunder.com/2011/08/01/zero-day-vulnerability-in-many-wordpress-themes/

http://redleg-redleg.blogspot.com/2011/08/malware-hosted-newportalsecom.html

How to protect your website from hackers

1. Use WordPress themes and templates from reputable companies. If you download ‘free’ themes make sure there is no timthumb.php or the file is up-to-date.

2. If you hire a web designer ask questions such as, “What is timthumb.php and do I need it? What is the security level of the web coding?” and other questions.

3. Learn about web coding.

4. Use a reputable hosting company such as Blue Host, HostGator, etc. to ensure your website is secure.

5. Always check your website. Test out links. Review your pages and make sure everything looks alright. Update plugins or limit the amount you use. FYI: You could always install the WordPress Firewall 2 plugin which “monitors web requests to identify and stop the most obvious attacks.”

Rebecca

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Every writer begins a book or eBook differently. Sometimes, I start at the beginning or end and then write the middle. If you want an eBook, it’s best to begin at the end. Why? This is a good way to figure out the goal of your eBook is. When you know what he end will be, the beginning and middle can be written.

Answer the following questions:

• What do I hope to accomplish by having an eBook?
• Who is the target audience?
• What problem(s) need solving?
• What will readers get from reading the eBook?
• Why should readers give their name, email addresses and other pertinent information in order to receive the eBook?
• How does my eBook differ from the countless ones already available online?
• What is the log-line (two to three sentences) for the eBook? This clearly defines what it is.
• What kind of staying power will my eBook have?

Most eBooks are 5,000 words or less. Writing a lengthy eBook could work against you because your target audience may not have the time to read it. Most people want to get in and get out because they lead busy lives. Also, make sure you avoid long sentences and jargon because your eBook could get lost in translation. Include graphs, charts and other media if it will enhance your eBook.

Tip #1: Mind your words. In other words, “Say what you want to say and say it.” Avoid using fifty-cent and dollar words because simpler terms work best; unless, of course, you’re writing an eBook for linguists.

Tip #2: Hiring a freelance or ghostwriter is how you’ll avoid writer’s block. You get to sit back and relax while the writer writes her little heart out.♥

Another important aspect of creating an eBook is the design and layout. Please use a fresh, clean design and layout. Your target audience may not appreciate a ‘lime green’ theme with bursts of florescent blues and yellows. Choose a tasteful design with a splash of color but not too much that it will scare your audience. You don’t want them using their sunglasses in order to read your eBook.

Tip #3: An eBook could be created in Word, Power Point, Adobe InDesign or some other multi-media program.

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to incorporate hyperlinks and call-to-actions within your eBook. Don’t overwhelm your audience with these — use them sporadically.

Tip #5: Use a creative, eye-catching title for your eBook. You can always use the same old, same old titles such as “How To and Tips and Tricks” or try something new and exciting that will stop readers in their tracks. Creating at least 10 different titles is a great way to find the right title for your eBook.

Editing and proofreading your eBook is a must. Not only can a freelance/ghost writer write your eBook, they can edit and proofread it. You’d be amazed by the amount of errors that appear in fiction, non-fiction and eBooks. Mistakes happen from time-to-time, but it’s best to present an error-free eBook.

Tip #6: Stay objective by hiring a freelance/ghost writer. The writer won’t have an emotional vested interest in your eBook like you would. You may be too close to your eBook’s subject to write it.

Tip #7: Use a landing page to attract your target audience. Keep it clean and simple — think of your landing page like the front and back of a book cover. The title of your eBook should be clear. Give visitors a ‘snippet’ from your eBook, a first chapter or quote from an expert that was interviewed for the eBook. Incorporate social media icons and a call-to-action form that collects enough data for you to follow-up. Give readers a chance to read your eBook before you begin contacting them. Some readers may not read your eBook the same day they download it.

Tip #8: Market your eBook through social media sites such as Twitter, StumbleUpon, Facebook and others. Use email campaigns and create a ‘special’ newsletter. Also, use a press release. Your freelance writer could write this as well.

Tip #9: Analyze your eBook and ‘tweak’ anything that needs it. Perhaps, the design didn’t win readers over. Maybe, your marketing campaign needs to be revamped. Correct and learn from mistakes and move forward.

Tip #10: Use your eBook wisely. Revise certain chapters and post them as blog posts or articles. Perhaps, you could post some of the material on article marketing sites such as Ezine Articles. Be willing to ‘contribute’ to the work of others by allowing them to incorporate an ‘excerpt’ from your eBook. This is great way to generate ‘publicity’ for you and your eBook.

Once your eBook is complete, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Hire a freelance/ghost writer (for example, me) because communications is their business; writing is their passion. You may as well take advantage of their services so you can concentrate on marketing your eBook. Of course, a freelance writer could help with this too!

♦ Rebecca ♦

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How many subscribers open your email campaigns and newsletters? If your open rate is lackluster, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate your subject lines. Believe it or not, most subscribers take 2-5 seconds to decide if they’ll open your email. Does your subject line make them want to open your email? Why would they care about your email? Why should they open your email? Like it or not, your subject line matters. Avoid the SPAM folder with these tips.

Tip #1: Send yourself a ‘test’ email to make sure your subject line is distinct enough. Make sure you can easily read your email.

Tip #2: Keep subject line to 5 to 8 words. Did you know that subject lines that are 7 words or less (30-40 characters) have a 42% open rate? Keep it short, simple and catchy.

Tip #3: More people are reading emails on mobile device. Did you know that 67% B2b (business-to-business) and 55% B2C (business-to-customer) use mobile devices to read emails? How will your email campaign or newsletter look on mobile device? Remember, mobile devices use 15 characters in the subject line which means you need to convey your message with fewer words.

What’s the purpose of your email?

1. Does it answer why?
2. CAN SPAM Act … Clearly identify the purpose of the email.

Tip #4: Make sure you match the method and tone to your brand. Use language your audience understands. For example, if your target market is 50-70, don’t write a subject line such as “OMG! Get 50% Off + Free Lady Gaga CD With UR Purchase Today.” Your target market may not understand what it is you’re talking about.

Tip #5: Don’t over promise or use an overly clever/deceptive subject line because it could come back to haunt you.

Tip #6: Subject lines that attract attention clearly state an offer or offer free shipping.

Did you know that 48% of emails are opened because of brand recognition (or sender)? Other reasons are readers are curious, an immediate answer is promised (30.3% of emails are opened), short, promised to solve a specific problem, funny or has your brand/name on it.

Tip #7: Avoid ‘spam’ terms such as CAPTIAL LETTERS, Free, $$$$ and excessive punctuation!!!!

Tip #8: Alternatives to the word ‘free’ are Our Treat, On the House, Be Our Guest, Just for You, Giveaway, Zero Cost and Complimentary.

Tip #9: Like it or not, using ‘top’ works. For example, “Top 10 Reasons, Top 5 Priorities, Best 7 Tips and Tricks or Top 7 Need-to-Know Strategies.

Before and After Subject Line Examples

Before : Our Monthly Tax Newsletter
After: 7 End of the Year Tax Tips

Before: Go Green Association Newsletter
After: 10 Easy Tips for Going Green

Before: Fantastic Seventy Percent Reduction
After: Save 70% Off Your Total Furniture Purchase Today

Before: Get a free iPad
After: Receive a Free iPad with a One-Year Subscription

Before: Please take this survey
After: Help Us Improve Our Services

Before: Annual Fundraising Coming Soon
After: LGBT Teens Need Your Help. Attend “Everyone Matters” on September 17 and Make a Difference

Before: Attend Our Upcoming Event
After: Only Four Days Left to Register for Our Social Media Bootcamp 5.0

Tip #10: Create a sense of urgency by using the following alternatives to free:

~ One Day Left to Register for SEO Workshop
~ 7 Hours Left to Sign Up for This Special Offer
~ Register by 7 pm on September 16 to Take Advantage of This Offer

Tip #11: Using the word ‘Exclusive’ in the subject line generates a 24% opening rate on email campaigns.

Tip #12: Be personal, and you’ll make a make a warmer impression. For example, use “you, yours, we and us” in your email campaign or newsletter.

Tip #13: Ask a question. For example, “How would you like to grow your Facebook fan page by 50%?” Tailor your question for each email list.

Tip #14: State the benefits such as tips, tricks, how-to and secrets.

Tip #15: Read and reread your subject line before sending an email.

Tip #16: Know your email campaign open rate for your industry. Industries such as marketing and PR have a 13.5% open rate, medical services have 16.7% and so forth. *Varies from industry-to-industry.

Tip #17: Test subject lines to improve your open rate. Use the A/B Testing in which you split your email list in half (make an exact copy of the email). One half receives an email with one subject line, the other half receives the same email but with a different subject line. Analyze and compare the results. Note: you could send targeted emails to specific email lists.

Did you know that 69% of people click on ‘spam’ based on the subject line alone? This means subscribers are opting out of your emails. It could possibly hurt your reputation. If subscribers don’t recognize you or your brand, they’re less likely to open your emails. You can avoid this by ensuring your subject line is well written; includes your name, acronym for your business or the name of your newsletter. Recognition is vital to getting your emails opened.

Rebecca

Related articles

• Six Ways to Write an Effective Email Subject Line (stayonsearch.com)
• 5 lessons from a typical subject line test (email-marketing-reports.com)
• Email Newsletters: Best Practices for Small Businesses (mashable.com)

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As a writer, I pay attention to what people write and say. I do my best to be an astute listener and reader. Communications is my business. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my previous work experience and the communications I’ve had with people over the years. I think about the emails I wrote and received over the years and want to cringe. I often think, “Did I write or say that? Did that person write that? What were they thinking?” You really don’t realize the impact of your words; unless, you take a step back and think about it from a reader’s perspective. You can’t control how someone will react; however, you could read and re-read your correspondence and think about how it may be received. How you speak and what you write does matter.

How to communicate with external and internal customers

1. Listen to people. Don’t interrupt people when they speak. Hold space for them where they feel ‘safe’ to openly speak their mind. Try your best not to ‘judge’ them or their words, thoughts. This can be easier said than done. Do your best to really listen to people, it will make a difference in your business and life.

2. Read and reread emails. It’s too bad I didn’t keep the emails I wrote and received. Oh well! I could always ‘recreate’ them, not. Before you send an email, it would behoove you to read and read it. What is the tone? How will it be received by the recipient(s)? Keep in mind, you can’t control how people react; however, you could take a step back and review what your words. Are they encouraging? Are they hostile? How do your words motivate people? Will they want to work with or for you? Ask these and other questions before you send an email.

3. Understand your target audience. Your audience may not understand the ‘lingo or jargon’ used within your business. Always be aware of your audience. You don’t want them to say, “What the heck is he/she speaking about?” If you’re target understands the industry lingo then by all means speak their language.

4. You need people. Let’s face it; you won’t be in business long if your customers and employees leave. A few months ago, Piers Morgan interviewed Donnie and Marie Osmond; they were big (still going strong) in the 1970s. Donnie said, “I’m an entertainer. It’s my job to entertain people.” He’s right. If people don’t purchase tickets to see Donnie and Marie’s show in Vegas, Donnie and Marie will be sent packing. Unless, of course; their families buy ALL of the tickets and sell out the show every night. I don’t think that will happen.

5. Say “Thank You” once in a while. It won’t kill you to say “Thank You” for working for me or purchasing my products and services. Let people know they matter to you. Remember, you won’t get far without the help from others. It’s something to think about.

Rebecca

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