Issue 1

Hello

Hello, it's Joh here.

Welcome to the first issue of The Marketing Muster, a newsletter for small business marketers.

Why did I start The Marketing Muster?

Well, if you're like me, you probably have a folder filled with hundreds (thousands?!) of articles, social media posts, videos and podcast episodes you've saved to read, watch or listen to when you get the time.

But you NEVER get the time. (And that folder has become too overwhelming to face.)

That's where The Marketing Muster comes in.

When you subscribe, I'll send you a weekly round-up of the best tips, tools and insights to help you with your small business marketing.

(And I'll save every issue in our online archives so you can come back to it whenever you want.)

The Marketing Muster lands in your inbox every Tuesday.

I hope you enjoy this inaugural issue.

Standing Ovation

Founding member wine by Austin's Wine

Every week, The Marketing Muster will give a shout out to an idea, campaign or brand that deserves a massive round of applause.

For our first Standing Ovation, I'm out of our chair and whooping it up for the team at Austin's Wines for their Founding Member campaign.

It's an interesting take on the crowdfunding model and it's bound to win them raving fans (and a new cellar door).

Why I love it:

It's heartfelt and honest
It builds a brand-loving community
It offers exclusivity at a relatively affordable price
It blends beautifully with their family winemaking brand story
It appeals to the heart and soul of their local community and lovers of their products

They've already sold more than 140 of these exclusive founding member wine packs, and I've no doubt this campaign will help Austin's achieve their cellar door dream.

P.S. Austin's get another Standing Ovation for their Rent a Vine campaign. Again, it's about inviting their customers to be part of their brand with an incredible year-long winemaking experience.

Insights

The most valuable tool you have

This post by Michal Eisikowitz is spot on. Customer feedback, whether it's good, bad or anything in between, is THE most valuable data you can collect for your marketing. It's why, when I write website copy, I insist on speaking with my client's customers.

Customer feedback is essential to help you improve your offer and better communicate with your audience.

Customer feedback: 7 ways to collect it

If customer feedback is so important, how do you get it? Read this article by Liz Wellington at Help Scout for 7 effective ways to collect customer feedback.

Website Wisdom

SEO Vs. PPC: which is best for a new website?

Confused about the differences between organic search and paid search? This nifty article by Delphia Debra at NewReputation explains it. Discover the strengths and weaknesses of each and learn which one is best to help you achieve your website marketing goals.

Tools

Plain English dictionary

Sandra Muller, my friend and all-round excellent human, made this plain English dictionary. It's a must-have tool for anyone who writes for their business. Writing in plain English makes your message clear and helps your audience understand what you mean. This dictionary will help you find the best plain English alternatives for your writing.

Podcasts & People

The Recipe for SEO Success podcast

To borrow a turn of phrase from SEO superstar host, Kate Toon, this podcast is the tits! Listen to learn from the Google guru herself as she interviews an excellent mix of guests from global SEO experts to real small business owners and marketers sharing their experiences. There are nuggets of absolute gold in every episode, all served with easy-to-understand explanations and lashings of fun.

Happenings

Have you started your Christmas business planning?

My copywriting buddy, Sarah-Joy Pierce, wrote a post telling a hard, but much-needed truth... Christmas business planning needs to start now! She has some great prompts to help you get things in order for the holiday season. From getting your Christmas promos going (you'd better move fast) to making sure your customers know if you're taking a break.

Mumbrella360: Reconnected | November 17-20, 2020

Australia and New Zealand's biggest media and marketing conference has gone virtual this year. Tickets available now.

My News

A little about me

Thanks for joining me for the first issue of The Marketing Muster. I hope it's an interesting and useful addition to your week.

I'm Joh Kohler, head musterer, website copywriter and mama to 2 crazy bike punks who I love more than my luggage (name that movie).

Glad to see you here.

I'll be back in your inbox next Tuesday.

(If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe.)

P.S. If you have feedback about The Marketing Muster or ideas for the kind of content you'd like me to share in future issues, email me: newsletter@compellingcopy.com.au

Just For Fun

Hello My Baby

This made me smile. I must have watched it at least 10 times. I'm sure I'll watch it at least 10 more. (Sound on 🎵)

See you next week, Musterers.