Are you one that loves gadgets and always needs to be connected? Or would you prefer to go back in time to the simpler days? Technology can be both a blessing and a curse. Read my latest (top-rated) article, “The Pros and Cons of Advancing Technology.”
If you need articles or blogs to educate and entertain your customers- consider Fletcher Freelance. I offer a No-Typo Guarantee and an On-Time Guarantee. Call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
What to do in Shawano, Wisconsin?
“There’s nothing to do in Shawano.” Have you ever said that? Well, here's an idea.
Recently I had the privilege of working with Shawano Sports Park to update their website. In the process I got to know Mark Klister, co-owner of the park. The Klister family has gone to great lengths to ensure that your visit to Shawano Sports Park finds you in a safe, clean, family-oriented environment.
Shawano Sports Park has batting cages, adventure mini golf, and a go kart track. It is a great place to go with your family and friends. They have something for everyone and if you don’t have fun there, it’s your own fault. The 2010 season is off to a great start and with their generous summer hours, everyone should have plenty of opportunities to visit the park.
If your website could use fresh content that is search engine optimized call or email Fletcher Freelance today at (715) 584-6773 or terra@fletcherfreelance.com.
Recently I had the privilege of working with Shawano Sports Park to update their website. In the process I got to know Mark Klister, co-owner of the park. The Klister family has gone to great lengths to ensure that your visit to Shawano Sports Park finds you in a safe, clean, family-oriented environment.
Shawano Sports Park has batting cages, adventure mini golf, and a go kart track. It is a great place to go with your family and friends. They have something for everyone and if you don’t have fun there, it’s your own fault. The 2010 season is off to a great start and with their generous summer hours, everyone should have plenty of opportunities to visit the park.
If your website could use fresh content that is search engine optimized call or email Fletcher Freelance today at (715) 584-6773 or terra@fletcherfreelance.com.
Monday, April 26, 2010
How to Sell to Tourists
The small city of Shawano is largely a tourist community, especially in the summer months. Shawano Lake draws crowds that love to boat, fish, or play on the beach. Having lived in Shawano most of my life, I still love going to the beach! I’ve had the privilege of working for/with resorts, entertainment centers, bars, and restaurants. Many of the local business owners that I’ve met understand the importance of becoming a destination business and marketing to tourists.
Vacationers may spend four to ten times what local shoppers spend! For “Tourism Marketing 101” read my latest article, Basics of Tourism Marketing - How to Sell to Tourists. Look for future articles/blogs on why tourists spend more and the impact of cultural/heritage tourism.
For specific recommendations on how your business can market to travelers call Terra for a strategic marketing consultation. Initial consultations are always FREE! Call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today.
Vacationers may spend four to ten times what local shoppers spend! For “Tourism Marketing 101” read my latest article, Basics of Tourism Marketing - How to Sell to Tourists. Look for future articles/blogs on why tourists spend more and the impact of cultural/heritage tourism.
For specific recommendations on how your business can market to travelers call Terra for a strategic marketing consultation. Initial consultations are always FREE! Call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
How to Write Meaningful Testimonials
Anyone can say that they are great. But, wouldn’t you rather hear it from someone else, someone with a little less bias? If you had a great experience and want to share it with the world, what is the best way to write a testimonial?
A testimonial should be a verbal or written before-and-after picture. What problem did you have and how did this business resolve it (or what need did they fill)? What did they do that their competition doesn’t?
Keep your testimonial short and to the point. Focus on facts; be specific about what makes this company special and different. Use numbers whenever possible and close with how happy you are.
Why should you write a testimonial for someone you’ve done business with?
• The more feedback you give a company, the better they can tailor their services for you.
• When you provide a testimonial, that business will strive to keep you as a happy customer.
o Some companies give gifts or discounts to clients that refer friends or colleagues.
• If you have a business and your testimonial is used, it gets your name out there!
o Online testimonials can even link directly to your website!
• Your mother would be proud to hear you say something nice.
Have any businesses gone out of their way to serve you lately? Please leave a comment.
A testimonial should be a verbal or written before-and-after picture. What problem did you have and how did this business resolve it (or what need did they fill)? What did they do that their competition doesn’t?
Keep your testimonial short and to the point. Focus on facts; be specific about what makes this company special and different. Use numbers whenever possible and close with how happy you are.
Why should you write a testimonial for someone you’ve done business with?
• The more feedback you give a company, the better they can tailor their services for you.
• When you provide a testimonial, that business will strive to keep you as a happy customer.
o Some companies give gifts or discounts to clients that refer friends or colleagues.
• If you have a business and your testimonial is used, it gets your name out there!
o Online testimonials can even link directly to your website!
• Your mother would be proud to hear you say something nice.
Have any businesses gone out of their way to serve you lately? Please leave a comment.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Entrepreneurial Extra
If you haven’t received “Entrepreneurial Extra,” the newsletter from Fletcher Freelance, please let me know. This monthly newsletter is designed to help business owners and professionals with their own writing and marketing. The highlight for April is a short article “Eight Inexpensive Marketing Ideas.” View the issue here.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Business Differentiation Strategy - Your Competitive Advantage
Are you saying the same thing as everyone else?
In this hyper-competitive global market a strong business differentiation strategy can give your business a competitive advantage. Read my latest article to learn the basics of differentiation.
In this hyper-competitive global market a strong business differentiation strategy can give your business a competitive advantage. Read my latest article to learn the basics of differentiation.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
My New Look
Please forgive the self-portrait. I didn't want to wait any longer before I posted a picture of my new 'do. My hair was about 28" long before I had it cut Saturday.Does your business need a new look? Enter the Fletcher Freelance Marketing Material Makeover Contest today!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Stock Tip: SELL! SELL! SELL!
Tomorrow is the big day! Sell your stock in conditioner; I’m cutting my hair.
I hope my makeover inspires you. Enter Fletcher Freelance’s Marketing Material Makeover Contest today.
I hope my makeover inspires you. Enter Fletcher Freelance’s Marketing Material Makeover Contest today.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Key(s) to a Successful Business
The three keys to a successful business are: location, location, location. Or are they?
If you want to make your business more profitable, easier to market, and attract more customers- you need to differentiate from your competition.
The average American is subjected to as many as 5,000 commercial impressions each day. According to the Media Inter Center, 245 of those impressions are ads. Television accounts for 108 ads, 34 we hear on the radio, and 112 we see in print.
Take a look at your current business/marketing strategy. If you’re doing and saying the same thing as everyone else, how are your potential customers going to remember you and go to you for products/services?
Every business owner I’ve met with wants to improve their bottom line. What many of them don’t realize is the potential to draw customers from many miles outside of their immediate physical location. In fact it is easier to become a “destination” in the minds of consumers from distant locales than it is to hold that same place in the minds of your neighbors. Why is that?
How many of the “tourist traps” in your town do you visit? When something is ever-available and ever-present it is easily taken for granted. (It can’t be that great; it’s in Shawano.)
When on vacation have you gone to see some of the unique attractions that I have? How about the World Famous Mustard Museum in Mt. Horeb, The Southernmost Point in Key West, or the Fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas? Have you visited the closer to home destination business, Doc’s Harley Davidson? (Check out the exotic animals and the antique car/bike museum; it is well worth the trip. Hopefully it inspires you, too.)
These locations are not easy to forget because they are unique. When your company has a memorable association it’s talked about, it’s sought out and it is successful. What is your signature? Is your brand vision compelling? What makes you so special?
If you want to compete on price, stop reading. There will always be someone that can do/sell what you do for less. If you don’t think you can carry the inventory or offer the vast selection of services that the national chains do, you’re probably right. But if your customers want what everyone else has, let them go to the big-box stores or franchises.
These stores operate under the principle of creating multiple, identical units. Wherever you go, you’ll find the same thing in the same stores. (Incidentally, I hope you don’t go to Wal-Mart or McDonald’s on vacation.)
If your customer can get it anywhere, why get it now and why get it from you? Consumers seek out specialized, exclusive, and hard-to-find items from people that know their stuff. Consumers will travel fifty, seventy-five, even hundreds of miles to find what they think they cannot find anywhere else.
Craft your unique selling proposition, cut out all clichés, be memorable, and not afraid to take a risk. With ease of travel and the Internet, location isn’t what it used to be. The real key to a successful business is becoming a destination in the mind of your customers.
For more information on becoming a destination business you can sign up for Jon Shallert’s Destination Boot Camp (for a hefty price, plus travel). If you want tips to improve your marketing strategy from a local professional (sometimes local is good) call 715-584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com. Your first consultation is always free.
Watch for future blogs on Destination Business Tips, Business Differentiation Strategies, and How to Market to Tourists.
Don’t forget to enter Fletcher Freelance’s Marketing Material Makeover contest.
If you want to make your business more profitable, easier to market, and attract more customers- you need to differentiate from your competition.
The average American is subjected to as many as 5,000 commercial impressions each day. According to the Media Inter Center, 245 of those impressions are ads. Television accounts for 108 ads, 34 we hear on the radio, and 112 we see in print.
Take a look at your current business/marketing strategy. If you’re doing and saying the same thing as everyone else, how are your potential customers going to remember you and go to you for products/services?
Every business owner I’ve met with wants to improve their bottom line. What many of them don’t realize is the potential to draw customers from many miles outside of their immediate physical location. In fact it is easier to become a “destination” in the minds of consumers from distant locales than it is to hold that same place in the minds of your neighbors. Why is that?
How many of the “tourist traps” in your town do you visit? When something is ever-available and ever-present it is easily taken for granted. (It can’t be that great; it’s in Shawano.)
When on vacation have you gone to see some of the unique attractions that I have? How about the World Famous Mustard Museum in Mt. Horeb, The Southernmost Point in Key West, or the Fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas? Have you visited the closer to home destination business, Doc’s Harley Davidson? (Check out the exotic animals and the antique car/bike museum; it is well worth the trip. Hopefully it inspires you, too.)
These locations are not easy to forget because they are unique. When your company has a memorable association it’s talked about, it’s sought out and it is successful. What is your signature? Is your brand vision compelling? What makes you so special?
If you want to compete on price, stop reading. There will always be someone that can do/sell what you do for less. If you don’t think you can carry the inventory or offer the vast selection of services that the national chains do, you’re probably right. But if your customers want what everyone else has, let them go to the big-box stores or franchises.
These stores operate under the principle of creating multiple, identical units. Wherever you go, you’ll find the same thing in the same stores. (Incidentally, I hope you don’t go to Wal-Mart or McDonald’s on vacation.)
If your customer can get it anywhere, why get it now and why get it from you? Consumers seek out specialized, exclusive, and hard-to-find items from people that know their stuff. Consumers will travel fifty, seventy-five, even hundreds of miles to find what they think they cannot find anywhere else.
Craft your unique selling proposition, cut out all clichés, be memorable, and not afraid to take a risk. With ease of travel and the Internet, location isn’t what it used to be. The real key to a successful business is becoming a destination in the mind of your customers.
For more information on becoming a destination business you can sign up for Jon Shallert’s Destination Boot Camp (for a hefty price, plus travel). If you want tips to improve your marketing strategy from a local professional (sometimes local is good) call 715-584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com. Your first consultation is always free.
Watch for future blogs on Destination Business Tips, Business Differentiation Strategies, and How to Market to Tourists.
Don’t forget to enter Fletcher Freelance’s Marketing Material Makeover contest.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Elevation Web - website content
I worked with Elevation to rewrite much of their website content. I'm so pleased with the results.
Elevation is a web and media solution firm that provides services for non-profit organizations. Check out their new site here.
Websites can yield maximum return on your advertising investment if they are search engine optimized, user-friendly, and high quality. If you'd like a comprehensive website review or a rewrite of your current content please call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today.
Elevation is a web and media solution firm that provides services for non-profit organizations. Check out their new site here.
Websites can yield maximum return on your advertising investment if they are search engine optimized, user-friendly, and high quality. If you'd like a comprehensive website review or a rewrite of your current content please call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today.
Marketing to Kids
For practical tips on how to appeal to kids, read my latest marketing article here.
If you're interested in hiring a guest blogger or would like a strategic marketing consultation for your business call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today.
If you're interested in hiring a guest blogger or would like a strategic marketing consultation for your business call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today.
Marketing Material Makeover Contest
Time for a NEW Look?
The warm weather. The sunshine. Spring is the perfect time to bring something fresh to the table, to get people to see you in a whole new way.
Fletcher Freelance owner, Terra L. Fletcher, is ready for a change. Four years ago she donated eighteen inches of her hair. Fletcher says, “After four years of letting it grow, it’s time for a whole new look.” Fletcher will be cutting her long locks on April 10, 2010.
In honor of this makeover, Fletcher wants to revamp your image. Has it been four years (or longer) since you’ve updated?
Enter Fletcher Freelance’s Marketing Material Makeover Contest today!
Mail or email your out-of-date, ugly, error-filled, ineffective, or boring marketing materials to Fletcher Freelance. The worst of the worst will receive a complete Marketing Material Makeover. Send in your brochure, business card, direct mail piece, or letterhead.
One winner will be chosen to receive:
• strategic marketing consultation
• comprehensive website review
• makeover of one current brochure, business card, direct mail piece, or letterhead (makeover includes content and graphics)
• 250 printed copies of your new marketing piece
• mention on the Fletcher Freelance website and blog
• one hour of graphic design, compliments Dynamic Designs
Dynamic Designs Unlimited in Pulaski is throwing in one hour of graphic design to jump start your company’s new look! Dynamic Designs just celebrated their 15th anniversary and they were recently awarded the Small Retail Business of the Year Award.
Submit your entry by April 26, 2010 to:
Terra L. Fletcher
Fletcher Freelance
518 South Union Street
Shawano, WI 54166
Or
contest@fletcherfreelance.com
*see website for complete rules
The warm weather. The sunshine. Spring is the perfect time to bring something fresh to the table, to get people to see you in a whole new way.
Fletcher Freelance owner, Terra L. Fletcher, is ready for a change. Four years ago she donated eighteen inches of her hair. Fletcher says, “After four years of letting it grow, it’s time for a whole new look.” Fletcher will be cutting her long locks on April 10, 2010.
In honor of this makeover, Fletcher wants to revamp your image. Has it been four years (or longer) since you’ve updated?
Enter Fletcher Freelance’s Marketing Material Makeover Contest today!
Mail or email your out-of-date, ugly, error-filled, ineffective, or boring marketing materials to Fletcher Freelance. The worst of the worst will receive a complete Marketing Material Makeover. Send in your brochure, business card, direct mail piece, or letterhead.
One winner will be chosen to receive:
• strategic marketing consultation
• comprehensive website review
• makeover of one current brochure, business card, direct mail piece, or letterhead (makeover includes content and graphics)
• 250 printed copies of your new marketing piece
• mention on the Fletcher Freelance website and blog
• one hour of graphic design, compliments Dynamic Designs
Dynamic Designs Unlimited in Pulaski is throwing in one hour of graphic design to jump start your company’s new look! Dynamic Designs just celebrated their 15th anniversary and they were recently awarded the Small Retail Business of the Year Award.
Submit your entry by April 26, 2010 to:
Terra L. Fletcher
Fletcher Freelance
518 South Union Street
Shawano, WI 54166
Or
contest@fletcherfreelance.com
*see website for complete rules
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