Research reports are a popular content marketing tactic as readers crave tangible stats. While they are useful, they can take a lot of time to execute well. After working on a few research reports, there are a few things I’ve learned that I’m applying to my next project. Start with the end in mind. Be very clear with what story you want to communicate to your audience with the research data. This way, you can ask the right questions – and avoid asking questions that are unnecessary (saving the respondents time and lessening possible frustration). Consider the design. MORE >>

Oftentimes, when your content doesn't perform well, it's not because it isn't useful, but it's because you aren't marketing the piece well. To help, here are 12 ideas on how you can promote your white paper and eBook (I refer to eBooks below, but these ideas apply to white papers as well). For nine more ideas , check out one of Jamie's first posts on Savvy B2B! Company website Consider all of the places on your website where it could make sense to include a link to your eBook, such as: Putting an icon or banner on the home page referencing the white paper. Including as a related resource. MORE >>

Does your marketing copy grip your readers, drawing them in and pulling them along; or does it send them into a semi-catatonic state more conducive to REM sleep than taking action on your offer? As a writer who makes her living as a content marketer (website copy, e-books, blogs, etc), but aspires to be the next J.K. Rowling, I’ve found that many of my fiction writing skills can be put to good use in the marcom world. Good business writing does not have to be staid and boring. When you are writing copy, ask yourself who the protagonist (hero) of your story is. highly recommend his work. MORE >>

Things are changing as quickly in the publishing world as they are at your local phone store. The old model of an author writing a book and then handing it over to an agent and then publisher to do all the marketing are long gone. Unless you are a big-name seller guaranteed to bring in the bucks (even though your writing may not be the greatest) you’ll get a marketing budget. If you are a first time author, or someone who is not internationally known, well then baby, you’re essentially on your own. You’ll need to have a solid platform. And you need to be Social Media savvy. MORE >>

At Savvy B2B Marketing, we thrive on different perspectives and new ideas, which is why we are thrilled to welcome today's guest blogger, Ardath Albee. We enjoy Ardath's blog, Marketing Interactions , for its keen insights into B2B marketing (and so do many others - check out all her top blog awards!) More fantastic guests are planned for the weeks ahead, so stay tuned. Word choice is one of the most important facets of B2B website content. To have impact, the words need to actually mean something to the people you’re addressing. Am I interested enough to make the effort to learn more? MORE >>