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
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
"How long have you been freelancing?" is a question I rarely hear when I am discussing my copywriting services with a potential client. But it's a question you will want to ask any freelance copywriter you hire. The reason? A writer who is experienced in running a business and managing projects as a freelancer can save you time, money, and headaches through more effective project activity and relationships. 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
The Public Relations Society of America sent this special offer for the PRSA Technology Section’s upcoming annual T3PR Technology Section conference, which will be held in New York on September 16. . Attendees can use the registration code TECHSEPT11 to get a discounted member rate. MORE
You know you've got a good product, one that is much better than the offerings of your competitors. You know that your company has hired very skilled and knowledgeable employees who will do their best to support your customers and make your product fulfill their needs. MORE
Because white papers have such high levels of proven marketing value, it's tempting to consider every potential topic about a product to be worthy of a white paper. But of course, not every topic is suitable.or even best presented in a white paper format. MORE
One of your company's sales reps e-mails you in breathless excitement: "We just signed a contract with XYZ company and they are willing to say great things about us. Can we get the writer to do a case study?". MORE
You may be perfectly happy with your current in-house and freelance resources for writing. If so, great! But not all writers can write everything well, in spite of their optimistic willingness to try. MORE
"Whew, I'm glad that content project is finally done!". Now, how do you get the most value from all the time, money, and effort you've invested in it? MORE
As a marketing communications manager, you probably spend much of your workday trying to resolve common issues that arise in your projects such as: Endless debates over the project plan or document outline. Project delays or dissatisfaction with the drafts that have been developed so far. MORE
A new year typically means a long list of new marketing communications and public relations projects. You know you'll need the services of a professional copywriter for some of these projects, yet how can you justify the expense? 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
Connect the Docs is a terrific blog on content marketing, with a special focus on effective strategies and techniques for white papers. MORE
A study conducted by the Content Marketing Institute about content marketing efforts in the computing and software industry presents interesting data on how technology marketers use different promotional techniques and their perceptions of the effectiveness for each. 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
Whether they like it or not, whether they feel capable or not, many technical subject matter experts (SMEs) are now expected to be a white paper writer, a web content writer, and a blog post writer. 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
This month's list focuses on my best posts and recommended resources for white papers. If you are a white paper writer or you manage white paper writing projects, you'll want to read these posts: Is your topic worthy of a white paper? Guidance for choosing which topics are really worth the expense and effort of a white paper. Top 10 ways to be a good SME. Tips to pass along to your engineers and product managers for providing helpful input for a white paper project. 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
A note from Janice: I know that not every technology company has the budget to hire a freelance technical copywriter with my depth of subject knowledge, writing skill, and marketing savvy. For these companies, the freelance marketplace sites can be a good way to find writers for less-demanding content projects. But using these sites can be overwhelming and nonproductive if not approached carefully. MORE
In an ideal world, you would use a professional writer for every marketing or public relations document produced by your company. But limited budgets likely mean you can assign only the most high-value projects to a freelance copywriter. 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
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
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
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 thing that makes me the most proud about my business as a freelance technology writer is the long-term relationships or LTRs I have developed with many clients. Month after month, year after year, they come back to me with new assignments. 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
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
FEBRUARY 12, 2013
A note from Janice: I know that not every technology company has the budget to hire a freelance technical copywriter with my depth of subject knowledge, writing skill, and marketing savvy. For these companies, the freelance marketplace sites can be a good way to find writers for less-demanding content projects. But using these sites can be overwhelming and nonproductive if not approached carefully.
WriteSpark
AUGUST 14, 2012
"How long have you been freelancing?" is a question I rarely hear when I am discussing my copywriting services with a potential client. But it's a question you will want to ask any freelance copywriter you hire. The reason? A writer who is experienced in running a business and managing projects as a freelancer can save you time, money, and headaches through more effective project activity and relationships.
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.
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The Ultimate Framework To Develop & Execute Your Content Marketing Strategy
WriteSpark
MARCH 2, 2011
Whether they like it or not, whether they feel capable or not, many technical subject matter experts (SMEs) are now expected to be a white paper writer, a web content writer, and a blog post writer.
WriteSpark
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
A study conducted by the Content Marketing Institute about content marketing efforts in the computing and software industry presents interesting data on how technology marketers use different promotional techniques and their perceptions of the effectiveness for each.
WriteSpark
NOVEMBER 14, 2012
This month's list focuses on my best posts and recommended resources for white papers. If you are a white paper writer or you manage white paper writing projects, you'll want to read these posts: Is your topic worthy of a white paper? Guidance for choosing which topics are really worth the expense and effort of a white paper. Top 10 ways to be a good SME. Tips to pass along to your engineers and product managers for providing helpful input for a white paper project.
WriteSpark
MARCH 16, 2010
In an ideal world, you would use a professional writer for every marketing or public relations document produced by your company. But limited budgets likely mean you can assign only the most high-value projects to a freelance copywriter.
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A framework comprising of best practices to consider and red flags to avoid.
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
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?
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
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
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
Personalize your marketing to convert your highest-value accounts.
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
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
APRIL 6, 2011
One of your company's sales reps e-mails you in breathless excitement: "We just signed a contract with XYZ company and they are willing to say great things about us. Can we get the writer to do a case study?".
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.
Advertisement
Effective marketing content leads to increased sales productivity, more revenue, greater marketing effectiveness and stronger alignment between marketing and sales.
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
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
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.
Advertisement
Each year B2B organizations spend more than $5.2 billion on content creation.
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
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.
WriteSpark
OCTOBER 5, 2011
Because white papers have such high levels of proven marketing value, it's tempting to consider every potential topic about a product to be worthy of a white paper. But of course, not every topic is suitable.or even best presented in a white paper format.
WriteSpark
SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
You know you've got a good product, one that is much better than the offerings of your competitors. You know that your company has hired very skilled and knowledgeable employees who will do their best to support your customers and make your product fulfill their needs.
Advertisement
Most B2B companies say the customer experience is a priority, but their teams are not prepared or coordinated enough to make this a reality.
WriteSpark
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
The Public Relations Society of America sent this special offer for the PRSA Technology Section’s upcoming annual T3PR Technology Section conference, which will be held in New York on September 16. . Attendees can use the registration code TECHSEPT11 to get a discounted member rate.
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
JULY 6, 2011
As a marketing communications manager, you probably spend much of your workday trying to resolve common issues that arise in your projects such as: Endless debates over the project plan or document outline. Project delays or dissatisfaction with the drafts that have been developed so far.
WriteSpark
JUNE 1, 2011
"Whew, I'm glad that content project is finally done!". Now, how do you get the most value from all the time, money, and effort you've invested in it?
Advertisement
Ensure Your B2B Marketing Clients Get the Best Results
WriteSpark
MAY 4, 2011
You may be perfectly happy with your current in-house and freelance resources for writing. If so, great! But not all writers can write everything well, in spite of their optimistic willingness to try.
WriteSpark
JANUARY 18, 2011
Connect the Docs is a terrific blog on content marketing, with a special focus on effective strategies and techniques for white papers.
WriteSpark
JANUARY 4, 2011
A new year typically means a long list of new marketing communications and public relations projects. You know you'll need the services of a professional copywriter for some of these projects, yet how can you justify the expense?
WriteSpark
DECEMBER 7, 2010
One thing that makes me the most proud about my business as a freelance technology writer is the long-term relationships or LTRs I have developed with many clients. Month after month, year after year, they come back to me with new assignments.
Advertisement
As modern B2B marketers, we have been lucky enough to witness some of the most dramatic shifts in marketing strategies and technologies.
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