Expert insights. Personalized for you.
As the new year begins, you likely have plans for a long list of content marketing projects. Or maybe you're not sure about the best types and formats for content that will best fit your marketing challenges, budgets, and needs. MORE
Whether they like it or not, whether they feel capable or not, many technical subject matter experts (SMEs) are expected to be a white paper writer, a web content writer, and a blog post writer. However, in most cases, these writing assignments aren't getting done--which is frustrating to both the SMEs and the content marketing managers who oversee the projects. The question becomes: Should SMEs write technical sales materials? MORE
A note from Janice: Professional services for activities such as infrastructure assessments, deployment planning, and outsourced IT operations are a significant revenue stream for many technology companies. However, these services aren''t often the focus of guidance for effective marketing. MORE
When you ask questions during a case study interview, do you talk too much? If you're getting answers that are lackluster, confusing, or less complete or enthusiastic than you expect, the problem may be how you asked the questions. Common symptoms: Using more than two sentences for a question. Asking for too much information in a single question. Feeling the temptation to explain a topic or share a story of your experience after you state the question, but before you allow the customer to answer. MORE
There are times when you have what seems to be an ideal case study: a happy, willing, and talkative customer; a prestigious company name; a story for an application or industry that you want to target. MORE
The quiet that comes when work slows for the the holidays is a good time to catch up on the best marketing resources of the past year. Here are three that I recommend: 101 Examples of Effective Calls to Action from Hubspot. MORE
You''ve searched on LinkedIn and Google. You''ve called every trade magazine reporter you''ve ever met to see if they accept freelance gigs. You''ve asked every colleague, ad agency person, friend, relative, neighbor, and dog you know. MORE
Whether they like it or not, whether they feel capable or not, many technical subject matter experts (SMEs) are expected to be a white paper writer, a web content writer, and a blog post writer. However, in most cases, these writing assignments aren't getting done--which is frustrating to both the SMEs and the content marketing managers who oversee these projects. The question becomes: Should SMEs write technical sales materials? MORE
Good content is a shame to waste. Especially when it''s right in front of you, ready to be adapted for a document, video, or presentation. So often when I''m working on a content marketing project, I see good stories and information go by the wayside simply because they don''t fit the immediate need. MORE
Do you have the interviewing skills that can help you get a great case study.and strengthen your relationship with the customer at the same time? Or, do you just "wing it," relying on the right information to magically emerge during the interview call, as long as you can keep the customer talking? MORE
Perhaps the most exasperating feedback you can get from a subject expert who reviews the draft of a technical marketing document? "It It has problems, let’s talk.". Your stomach sinks as you imagine having to listen to a complete destruction of text into which you (or your technology writer) put so much time, effort, and creative thought. But knowing several strategies for handling feedback can make this situation both positive and constructive for moving the project forward. Strategy #1. MORE
I once participated in a focus group to evaluate the effectiveness of sales materials produced by an insurance company. The group included people of diverse professions, ages, and life experience. Yet it was interesting to see how quickly they reached consensus on which document had the most appeal, especially for motivating a purchase decision. The group's choice? MORE
Good content is a shame to waste. Especially when it's right in front of you, ready to be adapted for a document, video, or presentation. So often when I'm working on a content marketing project, I see good stories and information go by the wayside simply because they don't fit the immediate need. For example, when interviewing customers for their perspectives on a white paper topic, I often gather a substantial amount of information that would be useful for a case study. MORE
Although April Fool''s Day was last week, its mischievous spirit is active year-round in technology marketing projects. And this mischief often reflects the proverbial Murphy''s Law, that "whatever can go wrong, will.". MORE
This month's list focuses on my best posts and recommended resources for content marketing as it applies to technology products, services, and companies. MORE
Go to the website of many technology companies and find the link for case studies. The page that appears is likely a long, undifferentiated list of all the case studies the company has ever produced. What a lost promotional opportunity! MORE
Your marketing department may produce dozens of new white papers each year, but how often do you refresh an existing one? For many technology marketers, once a white paper is written and posted it''s instantly forgotten. MORE
At the beginning of the year, your content marketing plans are likely focused on new, new, new: New white papers, sales brochures, Web articles, and customer case studies. MORE
Good content is a shame to waste. Especially when it's right in front of you, ready to be adapted for a document, video, or presentation. So often when I'm working on a content marketing project, I see good stories and information go by the wayside simply because they don't fit the immediate need. For example, when interviewing customers for their perspectives on a white paper topic, I often gather a substantial amount of information that would be useful for a case study. MORE
What do you do for viewers after they''ve watched your live webinar? What do you do with those who (gasp!) have left the session early, before they see the slide with your call to action and web link for more information? MORE
Your marketing team may produce dozens of new white papers each year, but how often do you refresh an existing one? For many technology marketers, once a white paper is written and posted it's instantly forgotten. Yet many older white papers can deliver renewed value to your promotional efforts with less expense, time, and effort than producing a new one. MORE
Your marketing team may produce dozens of new white papers each year, but how often do you refresh an existing one? For many technology marketers, once a white paper is written and posted it's instantly forgotten. Yet many older white papers can deliver renewed value to your promotional efforts with less expense, time, and effort than producing a new one. MORE
A prime customer has just agreed to participate in a case study for your product--great news! But it can be tempting to turn what should be a focused case study interview call into an extended grilling of the customer for every bit of product feedback you can get. MORE
A typical job ad for a copywriter includes a statement like this: "Must be able to write all types of content, from white papers to webpages to tweets.". Sounds good, right? Indeed, some freelance writers promote themselves as the one person who can take care of all your copywriting needs. MORE
Perhaps the most exasperating feedback you can get from a subject expert who reviews the draft of a technical marketing document? "It It has problems, let’s talk.". Your stomach sinks as you imagine having to listen to a complete destruction of text into which you (or your technology writer) put so much time, effort, and creative thought. But knowing several strategies for handling feedback can make this situation both positive and constructive for moving the project forward. Strategy #1. MORE
Last month I was on the website of a major technology company, looking for basic information about a product. I entered the product name into the search field and the first page of links to come up were all related to developer''s notes. Not exactly what I was looking for. MORE
I once participated in a focus group to evaluate the effectiveness of sales materials produced by an insurance company. The group included people of diverse professions, ages, and life experience. Yet it was interesting to see how quickly they reached consensus on which document had the most appeal, especially for motivating a purchase decision. The group's choice? MORE
A recent series of TechTarget reports offers many helpful insights for content marketing that targets IT buyers. Four insights in particular caught my attention. Serial IT Specialists. MORE
One of your sales reps sends a breathless e-mail: "XYZ company just signed a contract. They'd make a great success story!" Or, you're preparing to launch a new product and you know that a strong customer case study would be very helpful for substantiating your marketing messages. So, you ask the product manager whether any of the customers involved in beta testing or early product release would be good candidates. In both cases, what input do you receive? MORE
One of your sales reps sends a breathless e-mail: "XYZ company just signed a contract. They'd make a great success story!" Or, you're preparing to launch a new product and you know that a strong customer case study would be very helpful for substantiating your marketing messages. So, you ask the product manager whether any of the customers involved in beta testing or early product release would be good candidates. In both cases, what input do you receive? MORE
A note from Janice: Professional services for activities such as infrastructure assessments, deployment planning, and outsourced IT operations are a significant revenue stream for many technology companies. However, these services aren't often the focus of guidance for effective marketing. MORE
WriteSpark
APRIL 18, 2018
I once participated in a focus group to evaluate the effectiveness of sales materials produced by an insurance company. The group included people of diverse professions, ages, and life experience. Yet it was interesting to see how quickly they reached consensus on which document had the most appeal, especially for motivating a purchase decision. The group's choice?
WriteSpark
APRIL 18, 2018
I once participated in a focus group to evaluate the effectiveness of sales materials produced by an insurance company. The group included people of diverse professions, ages, and life experience. Yet it was interesting to see how quickly they reached consensus on which document had the most appeal, especially for motivating a purchase decision. The group's choice?
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WriteSpark
APRIL 11, 2018
Good content is a shame to waste. Especially when it's right in front of you, ready to be adapted for a document, video, or presentation. So often when I'm working on a content marketing project, I see good stories and information go by the wayside simply because they don't fit the immediate need. For example, when interviewing customers for their perspectives on a white paper topic, I often gather a substantial amount of information that would be useful for a case study.
WriteSpark
APRIL 11, 2018
Good content is a shame to waste. Especially when it's right in front of you, ready to be adapted for a document, video, or presentation. So often when I'm working on a content marketing project, I see good stories and information go by the wayside simply because they don't fit the immediate need. For example, when interviewing customers for their perspectives on a white paper topic, I often gather a substantial amount of information that would be useful for a case study.
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
64% of successful data-driven marketers say improving data quality is the most challenging obstacle to achieving success. Given data’s direct impact on marketing campaigns, reporting, and sales follow up, maintaining an accurate and consistent database is a top priority for B2B organizations. This latest eBook aims to help marketing leaders understand the impact of data management on their company’s ROI.
WriteSpark
APRIL 4, 2018
Your marketing team may produce dozens of new white papers each year, but how often do you refresh an existing one? For many technology marketers, once a white paper is written and posted it's instantly forgotten. Yet many older white papers can deliver renewed value to your promotional efforts with less expense, time, and effort than producing a new one.
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WriteSpark
MARCH 28, 2018
One of your sales reps sends a breathless e-mail: "XYZ company just signed a contract. They'd make a great success story!" Or, you're preparing to launch a new product and you know that a strong customer case study would be very helpful for substantiating your marketing messages. So, you ask the product manager whether any of the customers involved in beta testing or early product release would be good candidates. In both cases, what input do you receive?
WriteSpark
MARCH 28, 2018
One of your sales reps sends a breathless e-mail: "XYZ company just signed a contract. They'd make a great success story!" Or, you're preparing to launch a new product and you know that a strong customer case study would be very helpful for substantiating your marketing messages. So, you ask the product manager whether any of the customers involved in beta testing or early product release would be good candidates. In both cases, what input do you receive?
WriteSpark
MARCH 21, 2018
Whether they like it or not, whether they feel capable or not, many technical subject matter experts (SMEs) are expected to be a white paper writer, a web content writer, and a blog post writer. However, in most cases, these writing assignments aren't getting done--which is frustrating to both the SMEs and the content marketing managers who oversee the projects. The question becomes: Should SMEs write technical sales materials?
WriteSpark
MARCH 21, 2018
Whether they like it or not, whether they feel capable or not, many technical subject matter experts (SMEs) are expected to be a white paper writer, a web content writer, and a blog post writer. However, in most cases, these writing assignments aren't getting done--which is frustrating to both the SMEs and the content marketing managers who oversee these projects. The question becomes: Should SMEs write technical sales materials?
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
As buyer expectations continue to heighten, marketing and sales teams are feeling pressured to deliver authentic messaging to buyers at every point of their customer journey. This report aims to highlight the current state of B2B database and contact acquisition strategies, and organizations’ goals to leverage data to fuel their go-to-market strategies in 2020 and beyond.
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WriteSpark
MARCH 14, 2018
Perhaps the most exasperating feedback you can get from a subject expert who reviews the draft of a technical marketing document? "It It has problems, let’s talk.". Your stomach sinks as you imagine having to listen to a complete destruction of text into which you (or your technology writer) put so much time, effort, and creative thought. But knowing several strategies for handling feedback can make this situation both positive and constructive for moving the project forward. Strategy #1.
WriteSpark
MARCH 14, 2018
Perhaps the most exasperating feedback you can get from a subject expert who reviews the draft of a technical marketing document? "It It has problems, let’s talk.". Your stomach sinks as you imagine having to listen to a complete destruction of text into which you (or your technology writer) put so much time, effort, and creative thought. But knowing several strategies for handling feedback can make this situation both positive and constructive for moving the project forward. Strategy #1.
WriteSpark
MAY 14, 2013
A note from Janice: Professional services for activities such as infrastructure assessments, deployment planning, and outsourced IT operations are a significant revenue stream for many technology companies. However, these services aren''t often the focus of guidance for effective marketing.
WriteSpark
MARCH 11, 2014
What do you do for viewers after they''ve watched your live webinar? What do you do with those who (gasp!) have left the session early, before they see the slide with your call to action and web link for more information?
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
As frustrating as contact and account data management can be, this is still your database – a massive asset to your organization, even if it is rife with holes and inaccurate information. Entrusting a vendor to help maintain its accuracy and completeness is no ordinary engagement. Download ZoomInfo’s latest data-driven eBook aimed to help marketing leaders understand the best practices around choosing a B2B contact data provider.
WriteSpark
JULY 9, 2013
A recent series of TechTarget reports offers many helpful insights for content marketing that targets IT buyers. Four insights in particular caught my attention. Serial IT Specialists.
WriteSpark
APRIL 8, 2014
Your marketing department may produce dozens of new white papers each year, but how often do you refresh an existing one? For many technology marketers, once a white paper is written and posted it''s instantly forgotten.
WriteSpark
DECEMBER 12, 2012
This month's list focuses on my best posts and recommended resources for content marketing as it applies to technology products, services, and companies.
WriteSpark
FEBRUARY 11, 2014
Do you have the interviewing skills that can help you get a great case study.and strengthen your relationship with the customer at the same time? Or, do you just "wing it," relying on the right information to magically emerge during the interview call, as long as you can keep the customer talking?
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
In recent years, cold calling has become synonymous with rejection and failure. But the numbers aren't that clear; while less than 2% of today’s cold calls actually result in meetings, 78% of decision-makers have taken an appointment or attended an event as a result of a cold call. What’s the verdict?
WriteSpark
JUNE 11, 2013
Go to the website of many technology companies and find the link for case studies. The page that appears is likely a long, undifferentiated list of all the case studies the company has ever produced. What a lost promotional opportunity!
WriteSpark
OCTOBER 8, 2013
Good content is a shame to waste. Especially when it''s right in front of you, ready to be adapted for a document, video, or presentation. So often when I''m working on a content marketing project, I see good stories and information go by the wayside simply because they don''t fit the immediate need.
WriteSpark
MARCH 12, 2013
A prime customer has just agreed to participate in a case study for your product--great news! But it can be tempting to turn what should be a focused case study interview call into an extended grilling of the customer for every bit of product feedback you can get.
WriteSpark
AUGUST 13, 2013
A typical job ad for a copywriter includes a statement like this: "Must be able to write all types of content, from white papers to webpages to tweets.". Sounds good, right? Indeed, some freelance writers promote themselves as the one person who can take care of all your copywriting needs.
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
When used effectively, a CRM can be the life blood of your sales team – keeping everyone organized, efficient, and at peak productivity. However, as a company, sales stack, and database grow, it becomes difficult to uphold structure and governance to keep a CRM up-to-date. The result? Less organization, more confusion, and fewer deals closed. Leveraging leading industry research from industry analysts, this eBook explores how your sales team can gain back valuable time.
WriteSpark
JANUARY 9, 2013
At the beginning of the year, your content marketing plans are likely focused on new, new, new: New white papers, sales brochures, Web articles, and customer case studies.
WriteSpark
JANUARY 14, 2014
Last month I was on the website of a major technology company, looking for basic information about a product. I entered the product name into the search field and the first page of links to come up were all related to developer''s notes. Not exactly what I was looking for.
WriteSpark
APRIL 9, 2013
Although April Fool''s Day was last week, its mischievous spirit is active year-round in technology marketing projects. And this mischief often reflects the proverbial Murphy''s Law, that "whatever can go wrong, will.".
WriteSpark
DECEMBER 10, 2013
The quiet that comes when work slows for the the holidays is a good time to catch up on the best marketing resources of the past year. Here are three that I recommend: 101 Examples of Effective Calls to Action from Hubspot.
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Account-Based Marketing is a strategy, not a solution.
WriteSpark
NOVEMBER 6, 2013
You''ve searched on LinkedIn and Google. You''ve called every trade magazine reporter you''ve ever met to see if they accept freelance gigs. You''ve asked every colleague, ad agency person, friend, relative, neighbor, and dog you know.
WriteSpark
MAY 14, 2013
A note from Janice: Professional services for activities such as infrastructure assessments, deployment planning, and outsourced IT operations are a significant revenue stream for many technology companies. However, these services aren't often the focus of guidance for effective marketing.
WriteSpark
JANUARY 10, 2012
As the new year begins, you likely have plans for a long list of content marketing projects. Or maybe you're not sure about the best types and formats for content that will best fit your marketing challenges, budgets, and needs.
WriteSpark
FEBRUARY 14, 2012
When you ask questions during a case study interview, do you talk too much? If you're getting answers that are lackluster, confusing, or less complete or enthusiastic than you expect, the problem may be how you asked the questions. Common symptoms: Using more than two sentences for a question. Asking for too much information in a single question. Feeling the temptation to explain a topic or share a story of your experience after you state the question, but before you allow the customer to answer.
Advertiser: ZoomInfo
While B2B research suggests organizations are thriving through successful ABM programs, getting just one campaign off the ground is more difficult than it seems. From building an account universe to understanding to orchestrating sales and marketing alignment around touchpoint and messaging, there are a number of variables to consider before launching a program.
WriteSpark
AUGUST 3, 2011
There are times when you have what seems to be an ideal case study: a happy, willing, and talkative customer; a prestigious company name; a story for an application or industry that you want to target.
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