What I’m listening to: Every Part of Me by Steve Earle
Home — I’m beginning to forget what it looks like. I’ve been at my parents’ house since Deceber 23rd. My dad’s illness has progressed dramatically, and I won’t leave now. I hear I have a Christmas tree still up. Decorations await, too. As do the unopened (and probably unwrapped) presents. Life as I knew it was put on pause. This year, for me, starts with uncertainty in my family life, but my work life is rolling ahead as planned.
How about yours?
Let me guess — you went ahead and made that resolution, didn’t you? You resolved that you were improving your business this year, and you mean it. Did you make it a goal or merely a resolution?
Hmm. Thought so.
Resolutions, in my opinion, are no more than promises we make to ourselves that result in our own self-defeat. Why? Because resolutions are just words. Anyone can say “I’m going to lose 20 pounds this year!” You believe it as you’re saying it. Hell, you may even be convinced you’ll do it.
But you’ve forgotten one thing: a plan.
Not losing a thing if nothing changes in your diet or exercise routine, are you?
So in the spirit of helping you, freelance writer, make that resolution actionable, I’m devoting every Monday this year (well, every one I’m around to blog for) to bringing you marketing strategies that you can incorporate into your plan to improve your freelance writing career. It’s up to you to decide if it fits with your style, but with about 50 Mondays to choose from, there’s probably at least one strategy that will fit.
Today’s Marketing Move:
Introduce one more communication piece/method.
How long was it before you muted the TV when that one commercial — you know, that one that wears a groove in your brain — comes on? Ever receive the same sale ad time and time and time again? Tired of the same store ad that has exactly the same things on sale every week? Where’s the urgency in that?
That’s how potential clients react when you send that letter of introduction or use that same tweet you’ve used 23 times.
They’re bored with it, and with you. Mix it up, like this:
- If you send emails, try snail mail.
- If you use only Twitter, try LinkedIn forums.
- If you send your brochures, try sending an offer along with it.
- If you have communicated only in email, pick up the phone.
- A good benchmark is to have at least three different ways in which you reach out to clients and prospects.
What are your three ways?
What marketing medium can you add to your communications?
Which ones aren’t working for you?
6 responses to “Monday Marketing Move: One More Time”
Mix it up indeed. One of my favorite that I don’t do enough is to pick up the phone and call them. Amazing how even leaving a voice mail often gets response. Sure, often it’s not now, but they remember me so when they do have a need. Phone calls every now and again help them keep me in mind.
My best to your family in such a difficult time. I’m thankful you’re able to be there for as long as you need.
Now, back to marketing. Anne beat me to the punch. I seldom use the phone. Somehow it feels more intrusive. I still use snail mail from time to time. Maybe this is the year I’ll have some promotional pens, pencils or something made so I can send a bit of “lumpy mail.” Just a glance at a pen holder on my desk reveals roughly 10 branded writing instruments—not counting another dozen or so pens featuring my brother’s former employer’s logo.
Yeah, I’m doing pens for several sites. We all need pens! My brochure gets response most of the time (70%), so I need to do more direct mail.
Snail mail, email, Twitter– work for me.
Phone does not. I’m doing a web host move that also entails new looks/ logos for most of the sites. I’m expanding to more in-depth person events off Cape.
Thinking of you & your family. Sending love.
I hate auto correct. Not in- depth. In person. Ugh.
((large squishing hugs))
So very sorry to hear you and your family are going through this.