How do companies create, deliver and capture values? What is the nature and function of effective customer relationship management? What are the critical phases of the value chain? What are some of the political implications of the Du Pont model in formulating effective pricing strategies? These policy questions relate to the optimal value chain model of a commercial enterprise – the right combination of profitability and productivity that maximizes return on investment and shareholder wealth while minimizing the cost of operations: creation and value capture, simultaneously.

Clearly, effective value creation, value delivery, and value capture is critical to a sound business strategy designed to maximize the wealth-producing capacity of the business. In this series on effective value creation and value capture, we will focus on the relevant strategic margin and volume questions and provide some operational guidance. The primary purpose of this review is to highlight some basic pricing theory, strategic margin relationships, and industry best practices in effective value creation, value delivery, and value capture. For specific financial management strategies, consult a competent professional.

A preliminary analysis of the relevant academic literature suggests that the optimal value chain process and appropriate value creation, value delivery, and value capture for each company differ markedly based on the overall dynamics of the industry, the market structure, degree of competition, height of entry / exit barriers. , competition in the market, stage of the life cycle of the industry and its competitive position in the market. In fact, as with most market performance indicators, the company’s specific value chain strategic posture is revealing only in reference to the industry expected value (average) and benchmarks and top performers. generally accepted industry practices.

In practice, companies capture value through competition and persuasion. At least two strategic value propositions and pricing options based on the Du Pont ROI model are available to most companies: Premium pricing (focused on profitability) that seeks to maximize the profit margin of each sale; and High turnover rate (focused on productivity) that seeks to maximize the number of sales and the effective use of available assets instead of the profit margin. There is significant empirical evidence to suggest that when marginal revenue is negative, the firm cannot maximize profits. This is because the income loss due to the price effect tends to exceed the income gain due to the production effect. Furthermore, there is growing empirical evidence to suggest that companies that opt ​​for scale and volume tend to outperform those that opt ​​for segment and premium, ceteris paribus.

When designing effective pricing strategies, at least two critical variables must be considered: price targets and price elasticity of demand. These important variables converge to inform the optimal price of a specific product and the value propositions, in general. Customer relationship management (CRM) consists of customer data analysis, practices, strategies, and technologies that companies use to analyze and manage customer data and interactions throughout the customer lifecycle, with the goal of improving business relationships with customers, assisting in customer retention and driving sales. efficient and effective growth.

In addition, companies must create and maintain effective relationships with customers. The effective relationship with the client is a function of at least three critical variables: Empathy, trust and commitment. When designing an effective value capture strategy, companies must maintain an effective relationship with customers. Careful management of such a relationship prevents or mediates the loss of the sales assistant due to price increases by companies with limited market power. There is growing empirical evidence to suggest that explaining price increases to customers before implementing them tends to reduce the adverse impact on sales and the loss of derived revenue.

According to the relevant academic literature, companies create value through the value chain process – a set of activities that are performed to design, produce, market, deliver, and support the company’s products. At least two critical activities are required: primary activities consisting of inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service in the core value chain creating value directly; and support activities consisting of acquisitions, technology development, human resource management, company infrastructure that supports value creation in the core value chain. Therefore, based on this formulation and concept, a Value Chain disaggregates a company into its strategically relevant activities to understand general cost patterns, specific cost behavior, existing and potential sources of differentiation.

Based on current industry best practices, there are at least three critical phases of the value chain: product design, research and development; Phase two: production; and phase three: marketing, sales and service. The Value Chain is the process by which companies add economic value to the product concept. As the product idea is conceptualized and progressed through the value chain process, value is created for customers. However, the product concept can fail and value creation and capture can end at any stage of the process. Optimal value is efficiently captured for the end user through careful execution of effective service strategies and programs.

Some operational guidance:

In summary, effective value creation and value capture depend on several factors, such as the value proposition, price targets, price elasticity of demand, a company’s competitive position in the global market, and the stage of development. Product life cycle. Some key pricing strategies may include penetration, parity, and premium.

The penetration pricing strategy is most effective when demand is elastic and involves charging below competitors’ prices to create economies of scale as a key method of building a mass market or to deter potential market entry due to low price. and to the profit margin. The parity price strategy is most effective when the demand is unitary and the product is a commodity; and it involves charging prices identical to those of the competition. The premium pricing strategy is most effective when demand is inelastic and involves charging above competitive prices to quickly recoup R&D costs or position the product as superior in the minds of customers.

The effective value proposition stems from promising customers (standard or expected value) what a business can deliver and delivering more than the business promised (premium or higher value). As I have already explained, most companies have at their disposal two strategic value propositions and pricing options based on the Du Pont ROI model: Premium pricing (emphasizing high profit margins, high profit margins and profitability); and High turnover rate (emphasizing high productivity and effective use of available assets). There is significant empirical evidence to suggest that companies that opt ​​for scale and volume tend to outperform those that opt ​​for segment and premium, ceteris paribus.

Ultimately, knowledge is a strategic weapon and a source of effective value creation, value delivery, and value capture. When companies apply knowledge to tasks they already know how to do, they call it productivity. When they apply knowledge to new and different tasks, they call it innovation. Only knowledge allows companies to achieve these two strategic objectives.

Every October, right after Intuit releases new versions of QuickBooks, we get questions from users about whether QuickBooks QuickBooks Pro or QuickBooks Premier is the best option. Our first question is always which edition of Premier you are considering. We asked because some of the additional features are specific to certain editions. For example, the Contractors edition has improved change orders and tracking of subcontractor insurance expiration dates. Due to the difference between the versions, we generally recommend that our customers purchase the Accountants edition, which allows you to toggle between all the editions.

We work with many clients who cost labor (contractors, builders, architects, engineers, nonprofits that have grants, etc.) and while they love the additional reports that come with the Contractors, Professional Services, and Nonprofits editions profit, it’s the little things that make them change.

The most important and surprising reason: you can convert estimates and sales orders into purchase orders with the click of a button. It’s hidden under the Create Invoice button, but once they figure it out, they’re in heaven. No more double entries, no more data entry errors. Speaking of sales orders, that’s another reason they change – you don’t get them in Pro (note: you can also convert estimates to sales orders). They also really like the Invoice function for time and expenses. Yes, you can do the same on individual invoices by clicking Add Time / Costs, but they often forget to check all tabs and if you are using job costing correctly, there are likely billable expenses under the Items tab. .

You can also assign price levels per item to customize prices for different groups of customers or jobs. If you have inventory, you can create inventory sets, bills of materials, and units of measure. For this reason, all businesses that have everything but the most basic inventory should use QuickBooks Premier or Enterprise. If you work with an accountant, and you should, you will love adjustment journal entries and reverse entries. Premier also keeps a record of all their previous bank reconciliations, helping them find discrepancies. Premier also has business planning and forecasting tools, including 5-year financial projections and what-if analysis. It also comes with 1 year of remote access instead of 6 months for Pro.

Best of all, the price difference on Amazon isn’t that dramatic. Pro is generally set at around $ 100 and Premier at $ 200. It’s a bit higher now because 2010 was just released, but prices should stabilize soon.

As someone who has been a licensed real estate salesperson in New York State for over a decade, as well as having a considerable degree of financial advisory and sales experience, as a Financial Planner, and Registered Representative , supervisor, manager and executive, I have often been asked when / if there is a perfect time to buy. Whether this is related to buying stocks, bonds, or other investments, or buying a home, the market-time attempt has rarely worked consistently. While a disciplined approach works best with other investments, in most cases when buying a home, the best approach is probably to proceed in a well-considered, introspective, and objective manner, and to honestly know and understand your needs. personal. , goals, priorities, comfort zone and personal finances. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly review, consider, and discuss how, while there is no perfect time, it is wise to consider when is best for you.

1. Personal needs, goals, priorities: Why do you want to buy a house? What about a particular house that attracts you? How many bedrooms do you need, how many would you prefer, and why? What about the bathrooms? What are you looking for in your kitchen and why, and what do you really need? Are you able to look beyond the staging, etc., to determine the difference between quality and perceptions?

two. Comfort zone: Sit back and observe, objectively and introspectively, so you know why you want a home, what you can afford, and what monthly payment amount might fit into your personal comfort zone. You don’t want to end up rich at home and unable to get on with less stress, etc.! A smart home buyer finds a home that exceeds their needs, fulfills some of their wishes / dreams, and gets it done, without excess stress, tension, and / or hassles!

3. Personal finance: Do you know what you can afford? Many factors need to be considered, including down payment, reserve for items like contingencies, repairs, renovations, utilities, etc. Just because you have a down payment and qualify for a mortgage does not necessarily mean that you will be well served by the financial needs of homeownership. Know yourself!

Four. When it matters !: Certain factors are extremely important. What are the current mortgage interest rates and how big will the mortgage be needed? Please understand that small changes to these fees are important. What about supply and demand? Do not buy something that you are not satisfied with, not for Keep up with the joneses, or to take advantage of the current market, because if you do, you could be disappointed in the long run!

Be a smart home buyer. It’s not about trying to buy at the perfect time, but about finding what you need, not overpaying – about paying, discovering something you’re happy with, and being able to afford it!

4 questions to ask when branding your small business

Whether it’s a large corporation or a small business, branding is one of the most important aspects of marketing.

Your brand sets you apart from your competitors and tells your customers what they can expect from you.

According to a Nielson survey, 59% of consumers prefer to buy new products from familiar brands. Corporate branding is one of the best ways to build and maintain the trust of your customers.

Not only that, but a proper trademark can also lead to increased sales, word of mouth referrals, and promotion of what you are selling.

Here are 4 questions to ask and answer while building a brand:

1. Who you are?

You can’t be everything to everyone. As you grow your corporate brand, you need to gradually narrow down who your target customers are.

If your customers know you for your low-cost products, your brand message and branding strategy will reflect that. If your customers perceive your company as innovative and cutting edge, do it for them.

Let’s use an example. A relationship therapist offering marriage counseling will focus on branding strategies to attract a target audience of married couples, not troubled teens or heartbroken pet owners.

2. What is your mission statement?

One of the first elements of creating a brand is defining your mission statement. Your mission statement is related to what your company is most passionate about.

Some of the questions you can ask in this business branding exercise include:

• Why are you in business?

• What do you want for your customers?

• How is it different from your competitors?

• Where do you think your company is heading in the future?

• What underlying philosophies or values ​​do you have around your business?

Take a look at Nike’s mission statement. While you may be more familiar with their motto “Just do it,” here is your mission statement. “It brings innovation and inspiration to all athletes in the world.”

Your mission statement will influence everything from your tagline and logo to your tone of voice.

3. What is your brand message?

When creating a brand, it is important to start with your brand message. Your brand message can be boiled down to your value proposition and the tone of your content.

The brand message is what inspires and persuades buyers to buy your product or service.

MailChimp has a simple three-word branding message – send better emails. It’s straightforward and tells you exactly what to expect if they use your service.

Let’s use the relationship therapist again as an example. He or she could create a brand message that is bold and direct: save your marriage. Or you could focus on compassion and listening, and create a brand message around that: I’m here for both of you.

4. What is your brand strategy?

Your brand strategy is about how, what, where, when, and to whom you deliver your brand messages.

First, you need to determine your overall goals when it comes to your corporate branding. Are you trying to reach a new audience or steal market share from a competitor?

Included in your long-term branding strategy can be:

• What it communicates, such as your logo, slogan and language on the website copy

• Where you advertise. Do you use Google AdWords, social media marketing, brochures, bus stop ads …

• How you will reach customers, whether it’s through weekly emails announcing sales or seasonal contests to keep them engaged with your brand.

Corporate branding is a process.

It is not easy and it does not happen overnight, not even in a few months. However, continued effort can result in better relationships with your customers, more leads and sales, and more confidence in your product or service.

It can be challenging to focus on branding strategies on your own, and the risk of not doing it right can be devastating to your business.

While searching for insurance quotes and insurance companies, here are some basic factors to consider before making a decision.

1. HOW MUCH LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE DO YOU NEED?

Here’s a quick guide if you’re not already doing it with a financial planning professional. For ease of calculation and explanation, we are not taking into account the time value of money and inflation.

Financial obligations

Please be aware of any financial obligations that must be paid in the event of an untimely death or unfortunate event, such as permanent and total disability or critical illness. Examples could be business or personal loans or debt payable or mortgage loan repayments.

Financial support

Is there someone who depends on you for financial support? Perhaps elderly parents, spouse, or children? If there is, you may want to plan for continued financial support in the event of some unfortunate event. For example, you may be planning to support your elderly parents or a young child for the next 20 years with an annual sum of $ 20,000. You would need an insured sum of $ 400,000 if that sum of money was needed at this time.

Financial gift

Is there a lump sum of money that you would like to provide if an unfortunate event occurs? Is there someone who would like to leave a financial gift for when you are no longer around? Or maybe a charity you would like to contribute to? If there is, be sure to take this into account when calculating the amount of insurance coverage to purchase.

Income replacement

This is the complicated one where you will read many different opinions. The reason this question is not so easy to answer is that it is guesswork about your income growth rate.

However, there are (very general) rules of thumb for this.

You need to know how many years you would like your income to be replaced. For example, if you want your income replacement to be for 10 years. You will need a sum of $ 500,000 insured if you currently earn $ 50,000. That will allow you to withdraw $ 50,000 per year for 10 years.

Alternatively, some may suggest that you have insurance coverage of 20 times your annual income. If you have coverage of 20 times your annual income, a return on investment of 5% of your insurance income can replace your current income in perpetuity.

2. HOW LONG DO YOU NEED INSURANCE COVERAGE?

Knowing how long you need insurance protection for will influence what types of life insurance products may be suitable. Do you need insurance coverage only for a specific number of years, for example, for a specific loan repayment period, or do you prefer insurance protection for your entire life?

3. WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET FOR INSURANCE PREMIUMS?

Knowing how much sum insured and how long you need coverage is one thing, but your ability to pay insurance premiums should also be considered. For example, if you need a specific sum insured but your budget is limited, you may need to purchase a term life insurance policy to obtain the required insurance coverage, even if you prefer an insurance policy that can accumulate cash values.

4. WHAT TYPES OF INSURANCE POLICIES SHOULD YOU BUY?

There are different life insurance products to suit different financial needs and wants. Find one that is suitable for yours. There are mainly four types of life insurance products.

Term insurance

For protection needs without accumulation of cash value

Whole life insurance

Primarily for protection needs with accumulation of cash value

Capital insurance

Primarily for savings needs with accumulation of cash value

Investment linked insurance

Accumulation of cash value through investments. Whether it is for protection or investment needs depends on the specific policy.

The indicators listed above are intended for the Singapore market. They are intended for general information and discussion. It is not intended to provide any financial or insurance advice and you should always seek the advice of a qualified advisor when in doubt.

Benjamin Ang holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and holds the Associate Financial Consultant (AFC) and Associate Estate Planning Practitioner (AEPP) designation. He writes about wealth matters to share financial insights with the public, and he also writes regularly about how to live and experience all the wonderful things life has to offer.

Find out more about him at http://www.benjamin-ang.com/

If you are thinking of applying for a new credit card, you must carefully access the card to be applied for. Each card has a different purpose. Travel cards, rewards cards, business cards, balance transfer cards, subprime credit cards, etc. are some of the ones you can choose from. The bank or company that issues the card reviews your creditworthiness before issuing one. In short, your score drives approval or disapproval of the card you have applied for. This score gives them an idea of ​​whether or not you will be able to pay your bills on time. Currently, the application approval rate is 39.1 percent.

You should study your profile in detail before you plan to apply for the card of your choice. Some of the tips to consider when applying for a credit card are:

Study credit history:

Your credit profile has information related to your finances, such as credit card debt, bank accounts, late payments, card use, home mortgages, etc. This information can easily be obtained from credit reporting agencies. Review your credit profile in detail before applying. All these data are used by banks or lenders to judge your creditworthiness. This score is generally between 300 and 850. A higher score is considered good and increases your chances of a credit card application being approved. If you find false information on your credit report, be sure to file a dispute and correct it, as it can negatively affect your credit score.

Income requirement:

If your annual income is in a higher range or you have more assets, then you are more likely to get a card. This is due to the fact that you are capable enough to repay the credits without defaulting on them. Your annual income, financial commitments, assets, etc. are reviewed to access your ability to pay a credit card. Therefore, choose a card with a limit amount that you can easily pay off in case of unwanted situations. Until and unless you are financially prepared for such a responsibility, do not apply for one.

Card choice:

If you choose a card that matches your credit profile and financial bandwidth, then there is a better chance that you will get one approved. Therefore, it is very important to research the different types of credit cards and understand their limits and benefits. For example, students can go for student credit cards as they would have a low credit score, companies can go for business cards, etc. In short, choose the card that suits your credit profile. If you make the right decision, you will get a credit card faster.

Credit building:

If you think your score is too low for you to approve, you can start a credit building program. Lenders and banks offer these programs so you can improve your credit score. With the help of this program, you can work to make up for your delinquency, improve your credit history, and increase your chances of obtaining a new line of credit. You will also learn about healthy credit scoring habits, such as paying more than the minimum card bill, becoming an authorized user, etc. Not only will this improve your credit profile, it will also make you aware of your deficits while managing your finances.

Reduce your debt:

A debt in collection is not doing you any good. To improve your chances of getting a card, there shouldn’t be high debt on your credit profile. If you are contacted by a company like Cedars Business Services, you must first pay off those debts. These companies are here to help you and ignoring them will not benefit them. Any short-term debt can be easily closed by paying the balance instantly. If there is any long-term debt on your credit profile, there should be no default on the loan amount. Have a charge for debt collection, late payments, defaults, etc. it will lower your credit score and therefore no bank or lender will issue you a credit card.

Building a credit profile takes time, so don’t worry if you can’t apply for a credit card yet. Understand your current financial position, work on it, and you’ll have a card in your hand in no time.

When it comes to domain registration, there are a few questions to ask to ensure a successful registration. Here are some basics to guide you through your business domain name purchase.

What is a domain name?

Some people are still confused with the difference between URLs and domain names. Domains allow business owners to go online with a unique name. URLs, on the other hand, are the addresses that are given to a browser.

A domain name contains a top-level domain, or TLD, found at the end, such as.com, .net, and.org. There are a wide variety of TLDs available in addition to these, including country-specific names, and more new domains are being introduced all the time. Some examples include .asia, .design, .info, and more.

What is the cost of registration?

Domain prices differ between registrars, with special offers and different packages you can choose from that affect your price. Be sure to find the best service for your needs. Compare prices and check what you get with each purchase to ensure you get the best value from your transactions.

Where do I buy a domain name?

Basically all registrars have the same access to the domains you need, but service and benefits are some of the things you need to take a closer look at.

Should I go for the cheapest price?

Although low prices are very attractive, they are not necessarily the only thing you should consider when registering your domain. Be aware that although many providers offer very affordable prices for a one-year registration, there can sometimes be hidden fees. Also, prices will increase with add-ons and after the first year.

Is domain privacy necessary?

Domain registration requires a Whois.com listing, a rule established by ICANN (the organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of Internet namespaces). There, your contact details are visible to the public. Many spammers use such directories to compile lists of people to target with offers and scams, leaving you vulnerable to spam emails and phone calls.

Many domain providers offer privacy features, where instead of your contact information, a proxy is included to prevent spam. We recommend that you use this service to ensure that your private information is not easily found online.

What else should I take note of?

It is very important that you renew your domain to prevent someone else from taking it from you. Many people forget to renew their domains and lose them to others who may refuse to sell or ask for much higher prices. This results in loss of business and customer contact.

Once the expiration date approaches, you will be notified, so be sure to renew your domain on time. Different registrars have policies on grace periods and fees, so be sure to review that as well.

I have registered my domain, what’s next?

The company you signed up for may offer web hosting services, so you should do your research to make sure you have what you need for your website.

If your domain provider doesn’t offer web hosting, you can take advantage of it elsewhere.

The same advice applies to the website builder, through which you can create your website.

These top questions about registering domain names and their answers will help you in your own registration process. Remember that the most important thing is to find a logger that fits what you are looking for and that’s it.

Operating interest is defined as an agreement between the property owner and the operator to share the cost of oil production. This happens when the owner of the interest insists on participating in oil and gas drilling in contrast to the royalty interest, for example, which occurs when the buyer bears all production costs and charges while handing over to the owner his part at a fixed price. finished.

The property owner can negotiate what kind of active participation by requesting the operator to present him with a joint operation contract that lists his authority and limitations on production. The second is to create a corporation that can lease the property before signing an “assignment agreement” with the operator.

The second option allows the trader some margin to recoup his investment before his labor interest is paid. If the owner is new to oil and gas production, it is a bad idea to insist on an operating interest rather than a royalty interest. However, if you insist on doing so, it is important to have a good attorney or accountant throughout the negotiation process.

Calculating the amount is very complicated. In simple terms, your percentage share in the cost of production is much higher than the percentage share in royalties. Your final income may or may not be higher depending on your land area and your contribution in the apportionment unit, which is basically the size of the property that you can touch according to the government. You have to request it with the Railroad Commission.

Now, don’t go around calculating your job interest share amount, and don’t just take the operator’s word for how much. This is one area where you need the recommendation of your attorney or accountant.

If you really have no money, you can still make money from your oil and gas property by negotiating royalty interest. That way, the operator or buyer can drill and construct wells immediately and without delay. Regardless, this is the least complicated way to make money from your property.

As you know, these things are not free. Depending on the county where your property is located, the government can squeeze it in terms of legal costs and taxes. Why not pass that nasty bit to the operator and let the tax collector take care of it? Remember, when you have no prior professional swimming experience, do not go into water that is too deep for your own good.

Doctors have the daunting task of not only being exemplary in their field, but also running a business at the same time. One of the worst things they have to face is having to let someone on their staff go. Sometimes they endure year after year and other times it is because the doctor has not been able to summon the courage to let them go. But there are four reasons why they should.

1. Patients deserve better

2. Co-workers deserve better.

3. Practice deserves better

4. YOU deserve better

An office with a bad apple is not good for other staff. It creates low productivity in the office, problems within the office and problems between the office staff and causes the work environment to suffer. It is interesting when that person is on vacation or has reported for illness, the office seems to be at peace and works better. You don’t want to lose your best employees to a bad one. That is a sign that this person must go.

If employees are caught in serious violation of policy or have endangered a patient or co-worker, the best time to fire them is when all the facts have been accumulated and verified. It should not last for weeks or even days. It is better to handle the situation as soon as possible. When someone has been fired, they must leave immediately. You never want to fire someone and then tell them that we would like you to finish the week. That could cause another set of problems. What do they have to lose at that moment? It is not known what they might do to retaliate.

Another suggestion is to fire the person during the week and not on a Friday because you will have the weekend to think about their condition. By doing it during the week, this gives the person an immediate incentive to look for another position.

Termination must be done in private and with another staff member present. This is very important, especially if the doctor and the staff member are of the opposite sex. The process should be short and direct. Make it clear that you have made up your mind and that there is no room for negotiations. You don’t need to mention everything the person has done or not done because you don’t want to get into an argument.

Document the meeting and keep it on file with the employees. It is always good to keep good records from the beginning of a person’s employment and it is also good to have a performance review from time to time that can also be documented and put in the employee file.

1. You give up too soon

Content marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a long game.

You can’t post 3 articles on your blog and then complain that no one is reading your stuff … or commenting or sharing.

The most successful content marketers have done this for years, publishing high-quality content that is relevant and valuable to a target audience frequently and consistently for several years, before becoming that “overnight hit.” morning”.

Once your momentum picks up, so will your ROI (return on investment).

Winning strategy:

Concentrate.

Invest time and energy to produce quality content that is valuable and relevant to a specific audience; Introduce yourself frequently and consistently.

If you don’t introduce yourself to your peeps, how can you expect them to introduce yourself for you?

Identify one or two formats and channels that suit your ideal audience, highlight your strengths, and work well for your subject of specialization … then get really good at it.

Don’t overextend yourself trying to do everything just because everyone else is doing it.

So be relentless – make it a non-negotiable part of your marketing plan to produce and promote your content.

2. If you build it, they won’t come

Having a website with a blog doesn’t mean that your ideal audience knows about it.

2.7 million blog posts are published every day. Every minute 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube. You get the idea.

The most successful content marketers spend 20% of their time producing content and 80% promoting content.

If you don’t make a consistent effort to show your content to the right people, it won’t do you any good.

None of us have the right to a hearing. Work to earn their trust and respect.

Winning strategy:

You probably don’t have a lot of time to spend promoting your content everywhere … nor do you have a team dedicated to that effort.

That’s why it’s critical that you not only know where your audience is, but that you can write headlines and descriptions that speak to them and make them want to read / hear / see your stuff (i.e. click).

Identify a few places you can focus your promotional efforts and resources, then test and track your results so you can make adjustments to your tactics.

3. You are trapped in your bubble

Blogging and trying to attract people can be an uphill battle, especially if you’re working to get traffic, don’t have a huge list, or the SEO juice of an established site.

Remember, if no one is consuming your content, your content is doing nothing for you.

Venture into the big world … publish your content in places where your ideal audience already goes.

Winning strategy:

Guest posting is a great way to get in front of a new audience. Make sure to identify blogs that share a similar audience, so that when you link back to your site or promote your main magnet, you are creating a high-quality audience in the process.

You may need to start small and work your way up to larger sites. Go, start somewhere. Don’t doubt yourself, but don’t take “yes” for granted.

Appropriating or republishing your content on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn Pulse is another great way to take your content further.

There are a few nuances to making sure that content on these platforms doesn’t cannibalize the SEO juice of the original content on your website, for example applying a canonical tag, using the “import” feature on Medium, changing the title, and writing a different intro. . etc.

There are some tradeoffs and you need to assess where you are with your content marketing and what you want it to do for your business. For example, if you want to get as many eyes as possible on your content, it may be worth reposting the content on popular platforms, even if those posts rank higher than the original post on your own site.

4. You serve a wall of text

… and make another user experience or navel observation mistakes.

The goal of content marketing is to get people to consume your content so that you can achieve the goals or next steps that you want readers to take.

If you post a wall of text riddled with jargon or running sentences and zero regard for readability, you’re losing your readers in the salute.

Winning strategy:

While your content should express who you are: your values, convictions, points of view and experience, etc. – must take into account the user experience.

Formatting your content correctly will encourage readers to stay on the page while writing in short sentences, and avoiding long paragraphs can increase readability and the likelihood that your content will be consumed.

While I am strongly against “lists” that have no depth, it does not mean that you cannot use numbering to help give clarity and hierarchy to your content.

Dividing your article into sections and delimiting them with subheadings can greatly improve readability while also helping you clarify your own thoughts in the process.

Better communication makes you more compelling. It’s a muscle that you can train … and it gets easier.

Poor organization and grammatical or spelling errors are distractions. No matter how good your thoughts are, if they are not communicated carefully, they will undermine your authority and credibility, doing more harm than good.