freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927 
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Post by freebird on Jul 2, 2014 20:40:59 GMT
20 years ago I was working on a book. "100 ways to advertise for free or almost free". Marketing and sales my favorite part of both businesses. I put it on the back burner because I didn't feel like I had the expertise to have it published. I didn't have much confidence in myself back then. I've been helping a friend who's having a hard go at her first business and it inspired me to write the book again. I've been taking notes and I'm up to over 100 ways to advertise. My question is though, do you think the "100 ways" is more catchy? Or I'm toying with the idea of making it a 1 year type program. "52 weeks of free advertising" (something like that). Which would catch your attention more? I ask now because I need that sorted before I write. FYI: Yes I know my grammar sucks. I have an editor so step up off of me  |
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Deleted
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Jul 4, 2024 6:15:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 20:50:40 GMT
100 ways gives a lot of options but maybe option overload comes into play. Putting one idea a week into action gives you a place to start and a deadline to get it done before being ready for another idea.
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Post by kelly316 on Jul 2, 2014 20:53:35 GMT
I like the 100 ways idea, but I LOVE the 52 weeks idea. I would likely read 100 ways and forget most of them. However, if I read one a week and implemented them over time, that would seem more feasible. Good luck!
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,219
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Post by lindas on Jul 2, 2014 20:54:02 GMT
I like the '52 weeks' idea better then 100 ways. I could see me doing 1 idea a week, 100 ways old have me scratching my head trying to decide which one to start with.
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Post by 3SugarBugs on Jul 2, 2014 21:07:16 GMT
I'm also in the 52 week camp, seems more "actionable".
As an aside - good for you for going back to it! Hope it's a huge success!
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Post by Anna*Banana on Jul 2, 2014 21:09:00 GMT
I like the 52 weeks better too. And I'd love to buy a copy when you've got it done!
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Deleted
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Jul 4, 2024 6:15:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 21:11:37 GMT
52 weeks for sure. It's something I feel like I could really accomplish, yk?
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Post by amandad74 on Jul 2, 2014 21:12:20 GMT
I like the 52 week better. Good luck!
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,783
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Post by gottapeanow on Jul 2, 2014 21:14:17 GMT
ITA, 52 weeks is better. It gives people a time frame to implement their actions. A much-needed book! I also want to offer my services as an editor or proofreader just in case you need one. I certainly do not want to step on the toes of your current editor but I did want to let you know I am available.  Lisa |
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Deleted
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Jul 4, 2024 6:15:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 21:14:28 GMT
I'd do the 52 weeks but give each week 2 ways. That way you are giving 100+ tips but it seems to be in more manageable amounts.
100 tips can be overwhelming. But 2 this week is easy.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Jul 2, 2014 21:21:26 GMT
Gottapea, I'll keep that in mind. If you could pm me your information I'd appreciate that. My husband is working on his 4th book and he really needs a good editor! (all fiction).
Volt, that's what I was thinking too, 2 a week, pick one or both each week.
Thanks everyone, That's what I was thinking too. One week doesn't feel overwhelming and I can do that, 100 items seemed "scary".
I'll let you guys know when it's done!
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 2, 2014 21:58:50 GMT
Love the 52 weeks idea. It makes it very manageable. And when your book is published, I want to buy a signed copy.  |
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Post by kristi on Jul 2, 2014 22:14:59 GMT
I would be more likely to get the 52 week version.
If you do it weekly, it makes it sound do able...like baby steps vs the overwhelming here is 100.
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Scrappin_Mommy
Junior Member
*** Under the baby blue sky, near the beautiful Rocky Mountains! ***
Posts: 63
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Post by Scrappin_Mommy on Jul 2, 2014 22:21:02 GMT
I'd do the 52 weeks but give each week 2 ways. That way you are giving 100+ tips but it seems to be in more manageable amounts. 100 tips can be overwhelming. But 2 this week is easy. ^^^ I totally agree! Best of luck as you write, and let us know when you've finished your book.  ~Ronda |
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Post by traceys on Jul 2, 2014 22:45:12 GMT
I agree with the 52 week push, but I wouldn't make that the title. I would try to think of something catchy for a "headline" so to speak, and then reference that as a sub-head. Something along the lines of "Getting Out There: A 52-Week Action Plan to Marketing Your Business For Free".... but less lame than that. LOL! That sort of thing would attract my attention, and If I were looking to market myself I would really like a plan I could either tweak or just follow.
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Post by junebugz on Jul 2, 2014 22:47:35 GMT
Another vote for 52 weeks!
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IAmUnoriginal
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 25, 2014 23:27:45 GMT
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Post by IAmUnoriginal on Jul 2, 2014 23:22:38 GMT
I do the marketing for the insurance reps I work for. I would love the 52 Weeks approach. We are always looking for cost effective ways to market beyond what is offered to us through our corporate system,
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AmyS
Full Member
Enrich your life through crochet. (tm)
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Jun 26, 2014 3:16:46 GMT
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Post by AmyS on Jul 2, 2014 23:37:47 GMT
For each of the 100 or so ways you give, do you plan on providing case study examples/testimonials on the level of success achieved by someone who actually followed that recommendation? Or will you share the success you've had from following that particular tip?
There are other books and websites that offer free marketing ideas, but much of what I've seen out there are recommendations that really aren't effective or that are really bad business moves.
My pet peeve is when an "expert" recommends that people post links to their business site and tag their Facebook page in posts on as many Facebook groups and pages as they possibly can. The expert doesn't alert their reader that Facebook considers unsolicited commercial posts to be spam and that such posts can result in your page being deactivated. The expert doesn't advise the reader to check the rules/policies of the group or page before posting or suggest to contact the admin of the group/page before posting if you can't find any clearly outlined policies.
I'd be very interested in reviewing a copy of your book once you publish it.
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Post by megop on Jul 3, 2014 0:16:15 GMT
My pet peeve is when an "expert" recommends that people post links to their business site and tag their Facebook page in posts on as many Facebook groups and pages as they possibly can. The expert doesn't alert their reader that Facebook considers unsolicited commercial posts to be spam and that such posts can result in your page being deactivated. The expert doesn't advise the reader to check the rules/policies of the group or page before posting or suggest to contact the admin of the group/page before posting if you can't find any clearly outlined policies.
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Agreed. I like the 52 weeks to actually build a marketing plan with the freebies. What can be supported and then maximized for a small or upstart business. It has to be sustainable, and in this age of digital media, responsive and content driven to have any sort of meaningful conversion rate to return or consumer acquisition.
Just throwing advertising spaghetti at the wall, won't achieve results, and wastes effort/time of people who are already working their butt off for little to no conversion rate to perhaps do nothing more than raise awareness, but not transition into paying customers.
I'm happy to do lunch sometime if you want to chat. I have droves of data.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Jul 3, 2014 2:21:18 GMT
My pet peeve is when an "expert" recommends that people post links to their business site and tag their Facebook page in posts on as many Facebook groups and pages as they possibly can. The expert doesn't alert their reader that Facebook considers unsolicited commercial posts to be spam and that such posts can result in your page being deactivated. The expert doesn't advise the reader to check the rules/policies of the group or page before posting or suggest to contact the admin of the group/page before posting if you can't find any clearly outlined policies. ----------- Agreed. I like the 52 weeks to actually build a marketing plan with the freebies. What can be supported and then maximized for a small or upstart business. It has to be sustainable, and in this age of digital media, responsive and content driven to have any sort of meaningful conversion rate to return or consumer acquisition. Just throwing advertising spaghetti at the wall, won't achieve results, and wastes effort/time of people who are already working their butt off for little to no conversion rate to perhaps do nothing more than raise awareness, but not transition into paying customers. I'm happy to do lunch sometime if you want to chat. I have droves of data. Tracey I love you, you're a good egg. I'll have lunch with you sometime for sure!
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Jul 3, 2014 2:24:01 GMT
For each of the 100 or so ways you give, do you plan on providing case study examples/testimonials on the level of success achieved by someone who actually followed that recommendation? Or will you share the success you've had from following that particular tip? There are other books and websites that offer free marketing ideas, but much of what I've seen out there are recommendations that really aren't effective or that are really bad business moves. My pet peeve is when an "expert" recommends that people post links to their business site and tag their Facebook page in posts on as many Facebook groups and pages as they possibly can. The expert doesn't alert their reader that Facebook considers unsolicited commercial posts to be spam and that such posts can result in your page being deactivated. The expert doesn't advise the reader to check the rules/policies of the group or page before posting or suggest to contact the admin of the group/page before posting if you can't find any clearly outlined policies. I'd be very interested in reviewing a copy of your book once you publish it.
I plan on sharing stories of how these have worked for myself, my husband, friends businesses, etc. I probably will need to seek out some businesses to share their experience (which will be one of my forms of advertising: networking).
There will be a section on social media, who can ignore that? I won't be going the route of giving specific recommendations like you shared because facebook's rules seem to change on a daily basis. I'm thinking social media is going to be one of the more difficult chapters.
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Post by megop on Jul 3, 2014 2:30:06 GMT
Social media isn't hard, but needs to understood and in our area, totally key to build conversion. But you are also correct in our area, networking is key. Check out Seth Godin and a book called "Tribes." He totally nails it in my mind for both large and small enterprises.
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Jul 3, 2014 2:30:27 GMT
Good luck with your book.
I just wanted to say that it would be neat to have a data keeping section for each week so that readers can track the success of each idea they implement.
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Post by BeckyTech on Jul 4, 2014 20:18:02 GMT
I'm going to disagree with just about everyone. I like 100 ways better. Why? A couple of reasons:
1. I know that only about half of them (if I'm lucky) will apply to my business;
2. If you are starting a small side business, 52 weeks is a year, that's a long time to wait for results. Realistic, maybe, but not necessarily something people are going to want to wait patiently for.
While I would agree that you include advice not to try to implement several things at once, I think "100 ways" is definitely catchier.
If you read marketing articles, most of the ones I read suggest that you name your Internet marketing articles (or books) "10 ways to do this" or "8 ideas for that." Almost universally.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
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Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Jul 4, 2014 23:20:47 GMT
I like the 100 ways better. I agree with BeckyTech. Good luck. Looking forward to hearing more.
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Post by anonrefugee on Jul 5, 2014 0:35:12 GMT
Assuming you want to appeal to both start-ups and existing companies, you need to have the big idea and the catchy "quantity" title. As Becky said not all of the tips will apply to a specific business type, and if it's a company already rolling they'll be ready to enhance current efforts. If I saw "100 ideas" I wouldn't take it seriously- I can list 100 ideas myself and that doesn't mean they're good If title implied a larger plan, like "12 months of Marketing- 52 weeks of Action" I might bite. |
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Post by tuva42 on Jul 5, 2014 0:54:02 GMT
Are these ideas for marketing or advertising?
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Post by cropduster on Jul 5, 2014 1:11:02 GMT
I like the 52 weeks better too. And I'd love to buy a copy when you've got it done! Me too! |
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Post by cyndijane on Jul 5, 2014 2:10:02 GMT
Another who agrees with the 52-week breakdown. Are you thinking of having it printed, or e-book format only?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Post by ScrappyLin on Jul 6, 2014 13:07:33 GMT
I agree with others on the 52 week concept being more manageable for people. Best of luck on this endeavor.
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