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.
10 Magical Words of the Direct Mail Kingdom
Despite the relatively high direct mail cost, the pay-off can be tremendous, and the benefits unrivaled.
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.
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.
Pro Tip: Talk to Your Customers Like Friends
Most owners get this wrong in their preoccupation with delivering factual information. But buying decisions are almost never rational.
Beefsteak and T-Bone
Brands can manufacture a nickname or shorthand that sticks through smart placement. But don't approach it like George Costanza.
The Two Universal Appeals — Understanding the “Cult” of Cult Branding
1. You are special. 2. It’s not your fault. What is your advertising doing to communicate those appeals to your prospects?
Calamine Lotion or a Chainsaw?
Silly sales jargon and industry-speak are the sand traps of marketing. Avoid them in your ads if you want to break par.
Ad Relevance: The Secret To an Effectively Working Ad
Relevant ads answer the implicit and often unspoken questions that customers have when seeing your ads.
Show, Don’t Tell
At best, hard data gets used to justify an action that is taken because of emotional instincts. First you need storytelling and bonding.
Say It The “Non-Traditional” Way
Advertisers are so focused on where the ads will be seen, and who will see them, that they forget what matters most.
The Right SEQUENCE for Brand Building Success
What Aristotle and lawyers both know about persuasive sequencing that you don’t.
Sales Today or Salience Tomorrow? Yes.
Let's resolve the tug-of-war between the zealots of “WE MUST SELL STUFF NOW” and the stoics who say “we must brand for tomorrow”.
How to Sequence Your Branding Campaign Part 1
The right recipe comes down to three ingredients: bonding, differentiation, and distinctiveness.
From Cristiano Ronaldo To the Other Kind Of Advertising
Entrepreneurs live in the grand illusion of advertising. Let's break down 12 aspects so you know what works and why.