Hello
Hello, it's Joh here.
I've got some interesting links, insights and year-end reports for you in this last issue of The Marketing Muster for 2020.
I'll be back with the next issue on Tuesday 12 January 2021 (make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it).
In the meantime, I hope you have a fabulous Christmas break and look forward to sending you more small business marketing news in 2021.
P.S. If you're new to The Marketing Muster, you can read all my previous issues in the archives. (A little light holiday reading for you.)
Standing Ovation
A standing ovation for you
I've decided to dedicate the final standing ovation of the year to YOU.
Because you made it.
At the (almost) end of this... year, you're still here. And (I hope) your business is still here. And you're ready to keep on going in 2021... whatever it brings.
It's certainly been a year to remember (or maybe one we'd prefer to forget). I know I've achieved some of the things I set out to... but not all. And that's ok.
Looking through these images from The Time's A year like no other: 2020 in pictures made me realise no matter what we did (or didn't) achieve in 2020, the fact that we survived it is pretty incredible and something to be thankful for and proud of.
For me, one of the best things I did this year was to launch this newsletter. And I hope to continue it into 2021 and beyond as a useful resource for small business marketers.
What was the best thing you did this year?
Or the hardest?
Or the most unexpected?
But for now, let me rise up from my seat and whoop it up with a hearty round of applause for YOU. 👏👏👏
See ya later, 2020. 👋
Bring on 2021! 🎉
If you know a business, brand or campaign you think deserves a standing ovation, tell me more.
Breaking News
The Unspoken Customer 2020 Australian Customer Values Analysis by Customology
Customology is a customer lifecycle management agency working with some of Australia's leading brands. Their team of data scientists, data engineers, developers and marketing strategists work with brands to keep their customers coming back.
The Unspoken Customer 2020 Australian Customer Values Analysis provides fascinating insights into how customers feel about the way brands communicate with them. You'll have to sign up to get the report, but it's well worth it to see how customers feel, what irritates them, and how we can use that information to become smarter marketers.
The 2020 Most Contagious Report by Contagious
Contagious is a global creative and strategic intelligence service that helps brands deliver more creative, innovative and effective marketing. Their 2020 Most Contagious Report outlines the best campaigns of the year and trends for 2021.
You'll have to sign up to get the report, but I think it's well worth it for an interesting read that digs into great campaign strategies, including how one brand's purpose beyond profit saw them named the Contagious Brand of the Year. (And yes, the team at Contagious know this is an interesting year to have a company called 'Contagious' 😉)
Insights
Facebook video ads: the guide marketers are looking for
Confused about how to make the most out of Facebook video ads? This guide from AdEspresso by Hootsuite will show you the basics of Facebook video ads, tips to create the best ads possible and examples from companies making the most out of video.
Website Wisdom
How to do keyword research for SEO (beginner's guide)
Keywords alone won't win the search battle, but they are the foundation of a good SEO strategy. If you're not sure how to do keyword research that works, check out this beginner's guide by Tim Soulo from Ahrefs. It's jargon-free and breaks down the keyword research process in an easy-to-understand way.
Tools
WordHippo, how I love thee
Stephen King once said, 'Any word you have to hunt for in a thesaurus is the wrong word. There are no exceptions to this rule.' As much as I love the man, I beg to differ. I get stuck for words all.the.time. And when I do, WordHippo is my saviour. It helps me find the right words for my copy and I use it almost daily. If you get stuck for words, add WordHippo to your favourite tools today.
Podcasts & People
How to create your brand with content | John Espirian
John Espirian touts himself as a relentlessly helpful technical copywriter and not a douche canoe, and you know what, he's right! I've been following John on Twitter for a while, and more recently on LinkedIn, and I really enjoyed this conversion with him on the Insight Out podcast.
If you want super helpful LinkedIn tips from a guy who is genuinely nice and helpful, make sure you follow John.
And check out more episodes of the Insight Out podcast by Billy Samoa Saleebey.
My News
I am this close to wrapping up for the summer break.
This year, I'm taking most of the school holidays off to:
- Play with my kids
- Swim in the ocean
- Rest and refresh my brain
- Finish all the books I started reading this year
- Clean my house (oh, man does it need a proper clean)
- Work on business processes in readiness for a successful 2021
How about you? What are your plans for the holiday break?
Whatever you're doing, I hope it's in a peaceful place with people you love. 💖
Compelling Copy will be closed from Thursday 17 December 2020 until Wednesday 27 January 2021.
If you need website copywriting or help with your brand voice and customer messaging, send me an online project enquiry now to get on my schedule for February and March 2021.