Rembrandt’s Blog

Have you ever had a disagreement with a boss, client or co-worker over the use of certain words in a PPC campaign, SEO press release, e-mail, newsletter, Web site page, or other, marketing piece?

If you are trying to get the most out of your marketing, SEO and PR campaigns, you’ve probably run into this problem more than once. Well, I have good news for you!

There are two, simple ways to resolve this issues and boost sales at the same time:

1. Use AP Style.

The Associated Press issues an updated book every year called the “AP Stylebook.”” It’s available at http://www.apstylebook.com/. Basically, it provides a dictionary-like guide to correct spelling and grammar that is used by most media venues in the U.S.

And since most press releases need to follow this style anyway, why not use it to settle word disagreements?

If your clients insist on using a certain word or style, point to the entry in the book, and show the correct usage. You have set guidelines for everyone to follow, and the disagreements end.

2. Test.

Another way to end disagreements about word usage is to test variations. Simply write your Web site page, newsletter, e-mail, PPC ad, or other copy, and post two different versions.

Monitor the results with a tool like Google Analytics, http://www.google.com/analytics/, AWeber, www.aweber.com, Webtrends, www.webtrends.com, or another, online program. Then, see which version received the most attention, and you have a winner!

End the Argument and Get Back to Results!

Why spend time on dumb arguments over word-usage, grammar and style? Instead, use one of these solutions to enhance overall results and focus on more important, core business activities.

Do you need help organizing all of your SEO copywriting, social media, PR, and marketing efforts to get the best fast? Please let me know here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’m here to help!

If you are in the process of writing a press release, here are a few quick things to keep in mind when writing your  quotes:

• Provide value.

How many times do you see a press release where the CEO is “thrilled” or “excited” about the news item? Of course he or she is! Otherwise, the company wouldn’t send out the news in the first place!

With this in mind, please remember to provide valuable information in a quote. Have your CEO or spokesperson provide new data or a personal opinion about the news that media members and perspective customers will want to hear.

• Add SEO keywords.

Quotes are often pulled-out of press releases and inserted into various media venues “as is” so why not make the most of them?

Include search engine optimization (SEO) keywords in your quotes for extra publicity. Who knows? A potential customer may be looking for certain keywords online, find your press release and make a purchase!

• Keep it short.

When inserting a quote into your release, try to keep it short and sweet. Get your message across as succinctly as possible. This will help make your press release more reader-friendly and help build more buzz.

• Who are you quoting?

When writing a press release, try to have a business executive give the quote. People want to hear from the leaders of an organization or business, not the communications person. You’ll add more credibility to your release and possibly get more interviews.

These are just quick tips to remember when writing your press releases. Since you’re spending the time and effort to distribute the news, why not get the most out of it as possible?

Need more help with your press releases, SEO copywriting and PR activities? Just let me know here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. Thanks!

An article in BtoB Online at http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100331/FREE/100339984, stresses the fact that traditional public relations activities are an important part of marketing and sales.

Why?

During tough economic times, it’s important to keep marketing messages in front of target audiences. If you don’t, your competition will.

And this can be tough if you are working with a tight budget. But by using SEO keywords, you can stick to your budget while boosting sales.

Optimize your press release with SEO keywords.

Now, this may seem foreign to many of you. But if you have a little extra time, you can get a lot more out of your press releases in just a few simple steps:

1. Use a free keyword tool like www.wordtracker.com or http://www.keyworddiscovery.com/search.html to find the most popular keywords for your industry and target market.

2. Place the keywords into your press releases a few times.

3. Use a free tool like the one at http://www.icrossing.com/tools/calculator.htm to check your keyword count.

4. Post your release on free sites and through a press release service like www.prweb.com. And see the results!

Be taking a few minutes to optimize your release with SEO keywords, you can save money while attracting more people to your site. It’s definitely worth the effort!

Do you need help with your SEO optimization and online copywriting? Please let me know here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to help you increase sales!