Hi Nigel
Thanks for this and for your wisdom and kindness: it’s so needed. I was thinking recently that there might be a need for a group in MC called ‘spirituality and business’. So much business and social media advice out there is very ‘whizzy’. It’s like saying you can and must plant your potatoes (goods) at any time and if you get it right…[Read more]

Hi Margi, What an interesting idea. Would you like me to set this group up for you? Kind regards, Nigel PS Thank you for your kind words.

I admire your virtue: I’m afraid that I am more mercurial. When the wind blows in the right direction I race, when it is flat I chill. This way I only spend a small amount of my time being the victim of my own expectations. Don’t worry if your light does not shine everyday, introspection and feeding off the energy of others is good for the soul.

Interesting. There are lots of things I could/should do better, admin wise. but my passion for my work is always paramount. On Saturday, I had finally been sent the logo for a show, from the graphic designer who designed the poster, I was working on in a layered form, so that I could do some simple animation and tricks. I doodled on the laptop on…[Read more]

I have noticed that the amount of interest shown in my business by prospective customers is proportional to the amount of “stuff” I output. I mean blog posts, LinkedIn updates, new web pages, email updates etc,
However, it is definitely harder to find the physical and mental energy to do the basics when you’re feeling lower than a rattlesnake’s…[Read more]

Thank you Nigel, it’s not always easy to focus on what perhaps needs to be done, especially with so many distractions competing for attention. Having the mental strength and belief in what you are doing undoubtedly helps. I agree, physical fitness certainly contributes towards mental capacity. A book I read recently, helped me change my…[Read more]

Yes, bearing in mind that the strict GDPR legislation comes into force next May (big fines!)

Just to add that the conundrum is: “How to get contacts to opt in?” If MailChimp (or other similar providers) question an account holder, they will look to see whether subscribers have been imported / manually added or whether they have opted in via a contact form on your website.
It is a good idea to offer new subscribers a bonus for opting in…[Read more]

I have added in names to a Mail Chimp list before but I have done it progressively using new lists of 50 and only adding the positives to the main list. Given what you have said, although Mail Chimp seem to tolerate this, I am inclined to use the bcc approach in small numbers with a gift to opt inners.

Yes, that sounds sensible. By the way, it is best to have one list within MailChimp.

We often discuss this feature during my monthly MailChimp training workshop in central London. The consensus is that it is worth giving this a go. You are quite right, the open rate for the campaign in question will go up (by as much as 50%). On the other hand, you will get some unsubscribes during the second bite of the cherry. However, these…[Read more]

The copy describes what you do but not what you deliver. I suggest that you include at least one benefit statement within each description. (Think benefits with regards to nav bar wording, page headlines and body copy).

Morning Nigel

Thank you for your prompt feedback:
– I have added a ‘benefit’ to each product.
– I thought I had given each of my ‘products’ a brand by naming the product. Have I missed your point about this?!
– I have turned the ‘click here’ link into an anchor text phrase to click. I googled anchor text – thanks!

See below for revised wording.…[Read more]

Here is some feedback for you (in upper case but I am not shouting):
– I thought I had given each of my ‘products’ a brand by naming the product. Have I missed your point about this?!
I HAVE A HALF DAY MARKETING CONSULTANCY PRODUCT THAT I CALL THE “MARKETING TURBOCHARGE”; QUITE A FEW PEOPLE HAVE REMARKED ON THIS NAME AND IT HAS A DIFFERENT FEELI…[Read more]

Great Nigel – this feedback is REALLY helpful! How do i find “Navigator News” please?
Thanks. David

Sorry, David – I was referring to The Marketing Compass email newsletter. I have just checked within MailChimp and you are on the list and are a four start subscriber. 🙂 PS Within your email system you could search for: Navigator News From The Marketing Compass

Yes, productising services is a good idea and I have been using this approach for many years. I recommend that you create brand names for each product. Within the product URLs ensure that you cross link using anchor text links (Google friendly!) I like the idea of the checklist page. Within Navigator News I described a way of building explainer…[Read more]

Thanks Nigel – I have replied via your other reply to me. 🙂

Hi David, Here is a slightly edited version. Kind regards, Nigel
PS I have delivered several presentations for banks in the past; in my experience, they don’t offer fees to presenters. The principle is sound, i.e. using Alliance Marketing Partners and connecting with their customers and contacts. I suggest that you find a reason to collect…[Read more]

Thank you Nigel – I have used your revision – much appreciated. David