The first half of 2014 is done! For some (especially academic institutions) this is the start of a new fiscal year, which presents a great opportunity for new business. For others, the start of the third quarter means making sure that you are on track to achieve your goals for the year. What worked and what didn’t so far in 2014? What will you keep and what will you change for the second half of the year? Let's make the second half of 2014 better!
I am in the middle of planning a new online project (hint: it has to do with webinars and blogging). Details to come soon. I am also looking to schedule my next in-person blog training workshop and I need your help. Could you tell me whether you’d be more likely to attend a workshop in mid-August or mid-September? Please email me your response.
As we head into the long July 4th weekend here in the U.S., you may be looking for something to read. For "beach" reading that has a blogging angle, I suggest Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This is an absorbing book where blogger Ifemulu achieves notoriety while discussing race, cultural differences between the US and Nigeria, and other weighty subjects. And there's also a love story or two.
If you are looking for some business reading, you will find links below to some informative articles about blogging and newsletters that I have been collecting in the past few months. And, do you happen to know the bounce rate on your website? Look at my communications tip below to learn more.
Happy Independence Day!
Warmly,
Deborah
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Round-up: articles about blogging and newsletters
Below are links to several useful, interesting articles and blog posts that deal with newsletters, blogging, content marketing, writing and word usage. I hope you find them helpful. Happy reading!
I am available for customized on-site and one-on-one specialized training on blog writing. Please contact me if you are interested in obtaining details.
The next How to Write Your Blog workshop is not yet scheduled.
Communications tip: Lower your bounce rate
Are you aware of how your website visitors are acting? If not, start tracking your numbers using programs like Google Analytics. One important number is your bounce rate—that is the percentage of visitors that do not stay on your website but leave immediately. The higher the bounce rate, the fewer people are actually using your website. There are many ways that websites can turn off visitors, on my blog I have provided 5 guaranteed ways to increase your website’s bounce rate. Another way is to have annoying pop-ups and forced sign-ups. If I have to close two or three pop-ups or worse, sign up before I even get to read your content, then I am simply going elsewhere.
Deborah Brody Marketing Communications Services
▪ Writing and editing of marketing materials ▪ Communications and social media consulting ▪ Communications and social media audits ▪ Customized blog training and workshops
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