Writing On The Web by Patsi Krakoff, The Blog Squad

Content Marketing Strategies for Smart Professionals

What Is Ghostwriting on the Web?

By Patsi Krakoff in Buying Content, E-Books, Ghostwriting, On Writing Better, Writing for Others, Freelancing, Writing for the Web

You may have noticed a change in our title banner… Yes, drum roll, please: Writing on the Web is now Ghostwriting on the Web.

This renaming reflects my career shift from Blog Squad and Content Marketing Specialist to Professional Ghostwriter. As the demand for quality content for professionals has skyrocketed and shows no signs of letting up, so has the demand for professionally trained ghostwriters.

Let’s face it, if you’re any kind of consultant, coach, trainer, author, or speaker, you probably tell yourself all the time how much you need more online content. Here’s what else you feel pressured about: Read More→

Tags : ghostwriting on the web, writing on the web

Compelling Newsletter Content:
2 Big Problems

By Patsi Krakoff in Content Marketing, Email Marketing Tips, On Writing Better, Writing Better Ezines

From what I see, many small business professionals struggle with writing compelling newsletter content. It’s not easy. You need to be interesting, personal, AND remind them of your products and services.Try too hard to do both… you end up confusing and losing readers.

The trick to creating compelling newsletter content is simple:

You’ve got to connect with readers in emotional ways and offer solutions to their problems.

When I’m working with my clients on their newsletters, I often find one of two problems (or both): lack of clarity and lack of connection. Read More→

Tags : Content Marketing, e-newsletters, storytelling

Great Newsletters:
5 Must-Haves for Better Design

By Patsi Krakoff in Email Marketing Tips, Ezines We Love, Writing Better Ezines

Have you noticed what great business newsletters have in common? They’re easily scannable; that is to say, you can easily scan the newsletter to determine the topic, the key message and what action the writer wants you to take.

That’s why newsletter design is so important.

I’ve been writing about business newsletters (relevancy and branding), and great newsletters also have a lot of thought put into design and layout.

When readers receive your newsletter the first time, is it easy to understand what it’s about? Is it easy to read? And is it easy to find information they’re looking for? Or, do they get distracted by too many words, images or stuff, so they flee? Read More→

Tags : e-newsletters, newsletters

Business Newsletters:
Is Your Newsletter Still Relevant?

By Patsi Krakoff in Content Marketing, Writing Better Ezines

I am frequently asked if business newsletters are still relevant, or if blogs, social media, and videos have replaced them. My response? When done well, a newsletter is very important for staying in touch with clients and prospects and a great way to build credibility and trust. In spite of all the other social media outlets, e-newsletters and printed newsletters get results.

In fact, when I ask clients if they’re getting results from their e-newsletter — if it’s worth the time, effort and money — professionals say:

“I just met with the COO at a company where I’ve been coaching. He told me that the employees (the ones I coach) forward him my newsletter. He said, ‘They want me to read it because they feel the content is often pertinent to what’s going on at the company.’ There are over 100 employees at this company and I’ll soon be asking if I can send everyone my newsletter.” Read More→

Tags : Attracting Clients, Content Marketing, e-newsletters

Better Business Blogs:
Correct Those Broken Links

By Patsi Krakoff in About Blogs, Content Marketing, Writing for the Web

Are you keeping your business blog fresh? If you’re like me, and you’ve been blogging for a number of years, chances are some of your links may no longer work. This guest post, from Susan Boggs, offers tips for successful bloggers and blogs on how to find and correct broken links.

In a perfect world, we would always know exactly what the Big Search Engines want from us and our business blogs, always and without a doubt. We would engrave them into stone and follow them judiciously. Our blogs would rank high for our keywords, and life would be wonderful.

Ah, yes, nirvana.

Unfortunately, in this world we call the Internet, blogging is not always quite that simple. The good news?

Life is still wonderful. Read More→

Tags : blog content, blog formatting, blog marketing, business blogs, Content Marketing, content marketing with blogs, SEO, Writing for the Web

Starting a New Blog?
6 Things a Business Blog Must Have

By Patsi Krakoff in About Blogs, How to...Tips

Are you starting a new blog? What should you include in your blog if you want to use it to attract clients?

I’ve been talking about how to start a blog in my recent series of posts. Your next step is to look at your design – content is king, but if your design stinks, visitors won’t get past the banner. They won’t stay, they won’t get to know you and they won’t subscribe to your blog. Read More→

Tags : Attracting Clients, blog design, how to start blogging

How Do You Choose a Blog Platform?

By Patsi Krakoff in About Blogs, How to...Tips

How do you choose a blog platform?

In my last post, How to Start a Blog: 7 Steps BEFORE You Blog, I shared important information you want to consider before your first post, including signing up for a trial blog.

With so many great blog platforms available, including WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, Ghost, Squarespace, Wix, Typepad, Weebly, etc., how do you know which is best for you? This guest post, by Suzanne Bird-Harris, takes a look at the differences between two of the most popular blogging platforms to help you identify what factors to consider when choosing a platform. Read More→

Tags : blog platforms, business blogs, wordpress