INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
E-books have become a popular form of collateral for technology marketing because they can present complex, dry technical topics in an appealing format. If you haven't considered adding e-books to your sales materials, then learn more about e-book advantages and drawbacks. MORE
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
In this blog, I frequently write about case studies, white papers, and content marketing for technical products and technology companies. Over the next few months, I'll list what I consider to be my very best posts on these topics, along with a few "must have" books and other resources to further your knowledge. If you are involved in writing or managing customer case studies for high-tech marketing, you'll find useful ideas in these posts: Does your team know what makes a good case study? 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
What''s wrong with this statement? 30% of users who rely mostly on voice calls + 40% of users who rely mostly on texting = 70% of users are ready to adopt video calls. It seems pretty simple: The numbers 30+40 add up to 70, so the statement must be correct, right? Well, maybe. 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?
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.
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Have you ever had a bad experience using a lead generation company? If the answer is yes, you are certainly not alone; fortunately, MarketJoy has put together 4 simple questions that you can use to judge your next potential lead gen partner.
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?
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Cold calling isn‘t dead; neither is it on its deathbed. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to increase sales and drive revenue. Learn 7 preperation strategies to lessen your stress, and to become a better closer!
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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?
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Gain exclusive insights on priorities, tactics, and challenges from SMB Marketing Leaders.
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
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?
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.
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The US government spends over $235 billion on goods and services each year. Because of this, selling your product or service to a government agency can be a great way to increase profits. A government buyer also offers consistency, at least for the duration of your contract. However, there are key differences between selling to a customer or business and selling to the government. MarketJoy VP of Customer Success, Curtis Bendt, has used his vast experience in sales industry to craft a list of best practices for selling to government agencies to give you a more specific idea of what the process involves. MarketJoy also provides you with several tips on how to increase your chances of success.
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
SEPTEMBER 10, 2013
What''s wrong with this statement? 30% of users who rely mostly on voice calls + 40% of users who rely mostly on texting = 70% of users are ready to adopt video calls. It seems pretty simple: The numbers 30+40 add up to 70, so the statement must be correct, right? Well, maybe.
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.
Advertisement
Competition has increased to new levels of intensity and organizations have begun to look for new ways to acquire customers. Discounted pricing is a strategic tool, which when used correctly can drive a variety of business goals, from marketing through to sales strategy
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.
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.".
Advertisement
Account-Based Marketing is a strategy, not a solution.
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.
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.
Advertisement
In the sphere of sales, it helps to get your definitions down. You might have thought sales operations and sales enablement are the same thing - but there are important differences. Both have the objective of improving sales performance, and although there is some overlap, they do this in different ways.
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.
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.
WriteSpark
OCTOBER 23, 2012
In this blog, I frequently write about case studies, white papers, and content marketing for technical products and technology companies. Over the next few months, I'll list what I consider to be my very best posts on these topics, along with a few "must have" books and other resources to further your knowledge. If you are involved in writing or managing customer case studies for high-tech marketing, you'll find useful ideas in these posts: Does your team know what makes a good case study?
WriteSpark
NOVEMBER 2, 2011
E-books have become a popular form of collateral for technology marketing because they can present complex, dry technical topics in an appealing format. If you haven't considered adding e-books to your sales materials, then learn more about e-book advantages and drawbacks.
Speaker: Dawn Colossi, CMO, FocusVision
A shift is occurring for B2B Marketers. We were measured by the number of leads we generate. So, we put gates up on our website, we stand in trade show booths and collect business cards, and run webinars or smaller events where we get people to sign up. Over time, we’ve become much better at measuring conversion rates and lead quality. Now that recent studies have shown that 49% of companies achieve a higher ROI by focusing on engagement over acquisition, there’s a shift from lead counts, lead quality to engagement. But as a B2B Marketer, what does engagement mean? How can you get there? How do you measure it? How do you show value to the business? Where does lead gen and lead quality fit in? Dawn Colossi, CMO of FocusVision and a recognized leader in data-driven marketing strategy, has answers based on hard won experience.
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