Happy Happy, Joy, Joy
Whether cartoons or ads, magical things are created when geniuses are given complete creative freedom.
When Good Advertising Advice Conflicts — And How to Reconcile It
Buyers want to hear what's in it for them. They also need to know “why can I trust you?”
The Wooing of Lifelong Customers
Jail time or love? It all depends on if you skip these steps.
Make the Invisible Visible — What Van Halen Can Teach About Branding
Apple earphones are white. Christian Louboutin features red soles. Is your brand that visible?
The Science Behind Successful Advertising
Many are seeking a perpetual motion machine for generating leads. But that violates Newton’s first law of thermodynamics.
Supercharging Your Sales Persuasion With Universal Appeals
First agitate. Then when you present the solution, offer it up as an ideal solution for special people, just like your prospect.
Farming Versus Fishing
It's attractive to fish for customers, reeling in a huge catch with flashy sales. But only farmers can create a bumper crop of future revenue.
How to Write Your Business Narrative
Use AI if you want your message to sound exactly like everything else published on the internet last week.
Feeling Spring Sluggish? Tap Into The “Vacation Effect” For Your Business
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. Or right now. The same applies to crafting your branding & strategy.
Are You The SAFE Choice? Or, How One Weird Trick Boosted Sales by 30%!
The safe, easy choice wins out over the potentially better choice that carries more risk.
Repurpose The Proven
The proven "Mother's Day macaroni" ads were sappy and flowery, but man, did they work. Right up until they didn't.
How To Build a Multi $100 Million HVAC and Plumbing Company
80% of executives believe they deliver a “superior experience”. But only 8% of customers agree. How can that be?
People Don’t Care About You, They Care About Them — Unless…
As a social species, we’re hardwired to care about each other — so long as you (or your brand) are part of their tribe.
Time Is The Great Validator
A “measure everything!” mentality eventually means nothing matters beyond making the cash register ring within 30 seconds of transmission.
Journalism and Great Ads
Never write ads like a journalist, write like a poet. The best ads build curiosity and engagement while leaving some things unanswered.