20 Easy Ways to Write Better for Business: Bits of wisdom from a copywriter — now available instantly on Kindle!

Scott’s Blog

Why marketing data and numbers often fail to convince

marketing data and numbers

When it comes to developing marketing and educational messages, many businesspeople and professionals find comfort in numbers. It’s easy to see why, given that numbers are definitive and absolute, without any wiggle room. Sixteen of something is sixteen. $4,863,387.17 is an exact amount of revenue. A specification of 0.0961 inches leaves no room for error. … Read more

How complex supply chains and white papers work together

case studies

Complex supply chains and white papers are a natural combination, because a single white paper can simultaneously share key messages and advantages with several audiences. As an example, let’s say your company makes replacement gaskets for auto and truck engines. Your direct customers are parts distributors who stock products from manufacturers and sell them to … Read more

3 reasons white paper subheads improve readership and navigation

white paper subheads and navigation

White paper subheads offer a powerful way to increase readership of your white papers and build understanding of the subject matter you wish to convey. White paper subheads support navigation One of the realities of today’s information overload is that people don’t want to spend extra time combing through information that isn’t important to them. … Read more

Direct mail in a digital age

direct mail love

If you’re looking for a better way to get the attention of customers and prospects in this technology-saturated environment, it’s worth taking a look at a channel that was developed in the early 20th century. Many of today’s marketers may dismiss direct mail as a quaint relic, but it remains surprisingly powerful even in an … Read more

5 fantastic ways to use white papers and videos together

white papers and videos

White papers and videos are powerful strategic partners, with each offering opportunities for supporting and strengthening the other. The opportunities for using them together are limited only by your imagination, but here are five particularly effective techniques for you to consider. 1. White papers and videos can build website traffic People who read your white … Read more

Use slow times for a marketing makeover

marketing makeover

Looking for a good way to use those inevitable slow times in your business? Consider tidying up your website and other marketing materials, then toss the obsolete trash. Rarely do I find websites that wouldn’t benefit from a bit of housecleaning. Some are the static sites that are just the same as when they were … Read more

Proofreading white papers: 9 practical tips

proofreading white papers

Proofreading white papers doesn’t sound like fun, but it is critically important for companies that use white papers to educate and inform their prospects, customers, or other stakeholders. When errors, typos, and similar problems appear in white papers, they undermine the image of authority and expertise the organization producing the white paper hopes to create. … Read more

Disagreeing with you doesn’t necessarily mean I’m being disagreeable

disagreement

Most people have an inherent distaste for conflict. So somewhere along the way, society concluded that disagreement is an inherently bad thing. Unfortunately, when it comes to business advice and decisions, that can be a deadly conclusion. Despite that aversion, conflict appears to have become the norm these days. I see two factors behind that … Read more