Running my own business and being an avid networker, I'm never at a loss for opportunities to introduce myself. And whenever I get a chance to do so, I don't say I'm a marketing strategist. I typically say I'm a marketing consultant or that I'm Melanie the Marketer. Even though strategy comes into play in … Continue reading Why I Strategically Avoid the “Marketing Strategist” Title
Blogging's been around for so long now that it's had enough time to be trendy, go out of style and come back into favor — and repeat that cycle at least once. There was a time when everyone I ran into had a blog. Or wanted to start one. The Blogger platform came on in … Continue reading Blogging Benefits You Can Bank on (Podcast Interview)
I'm a small business owner who, for the most part, works with other small companies. Despite our micro size, we love our tools and technology just like our bigger biz counterparts. But when it comes to a customer relationship management (CRM) system, these tools aren't at the top of our must-have list. When I think … Continue reading Why CRMs Aren’t for My Small Business (Podcast Interview)
I enjoy working with small business owners. They typically need lots of marketing advice and help, and I love filling that gap for them. I also enjoy our talks about what it's like to run a small business. (Talking shop is something I never tire of. Try me.) When I experience a small business that … Continue reading Marketing and Customer Experience Lessons from My Window-Washer
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again. So, if social media isn't working for your business, are you insane to keep at it?Call me crazy (or insanely punny), but you're not deranged if you still spend time on social media marketing — even when it's not making customers break down your door.Hear … Continue reading No Social Media Results? Stay the Course
I’m doing a lot of case study work these days. I’m interviewing my clients — and often talking directy with their clients, too — to craft compelling stories for these businesses to use on their websites, in email marketing, in proposals and elsewhere. My experience writing case studies goes back many years (truth be told, … Continue reading Create Compelling, Creative, Crazy-Good Case Studies
Something’s weighing on my mind. I’m behind on my marketing. I’ve missed more than a few opportunities, including my second email newsletter, a new article for my blog and a direct mail to prospects I’d been planning. My excuse: I’ve been too busy with client work. While this is true (and I’m thankful to have … Continue reading Missed Marketing Opportunities: Get Thee Behind Me
It’s Back to School Season. The Promise of Fall is in the Air (Though Not Here in Arizona). A Fresh Set of No. 2 Pencils. A Package of Index Cards. Hallway Hellos and High Hopes for the New Year. Yes, It’s September. “September is the new January,” said author and happiness expert Gretchen Rubin. “The … Continue reading Back to School and Back to Marketing Your Business
Are you taking advantage of Google My Business for your local, virtual or small business? If you’re not, I’m here to convince you why you should. Because I’m all about GMB these days. It’s free, easy-to-use and helps you manage and optimize your business presence on Google. I’m seeing what it’s doing for my online … Continue reading Google My Business Facts to Amaze, Amuse and Use
Whenever I get a chance to re-purpose my marketing content, I consider that a win-win. I’ve been doing that more these days and Talk About It Here in this blog post about hashtags. to keep the two-for-one momentum going, here’s a collection of marketing Tips and business Advice I shared in a recent newsletter. If … Continue reading Melanie the Marketer’s Marketing + Business Tips (August Edition)