HeatherStone commented on the following stories on BizSugar
9 Advanced -- and Ethical -- Techniques for Spying on Your Competitors Online
"Hi Cate, This isn't so much spying as just paying simple attention. It's also a good reminder for you that your competition may be doing the same. So continuing to do the same thing over time may bring diminishing returns. As your competitors figure out what you're up to, you'll need to make constant tweaks in your strategy to keep you ahead. "Marketing is Now Online First
"Hi Jon-Mikel, This is so true for B2B buyers in particular. I've seen some numbers, believe it or not, that consumers can still rely on word of mouth and even traditional media for things like brand recognition, even if they do take to the Web to research a product or service further. But it's an important thing to remember, especially if you're selling primarily to other businesses."10 simple strategies copywriters use to find a sizzling-hot USP
"Hi Kevin, Coming from a small business perspective, a unique selling proposition seems like something that should be built into your product or service from the beginning (like Seth Godin's Purple Cow.) I realize this isn't always a possibility for marketers and copywriters who must sometimes find such an angle after the fact. But for the entrepreneur starting a business, try thinking about this first. The distinction can be very, very simple -- like being the only restaurant in town to serve an all-vegan menu -- but it should be there. From this distinction so much of your marketing can spring. But often just coming up with this one unique difference is the key."10 Blog Commenting Strategies To Increase Website Traffic
"Hi Mainak, Here at BizSugar, we certainly know that nothing is more certain to kill a sense of online community than commenting that fails to engage -- except perhaps no commenting at all! I'm wondering if you have a favorite technique here that you find works most effectively...or if it depends upon the situation and upon where you are leaving the comment. I find the argumentative approach -- disagreeing with someone simply to get a reaction -- a bit overused. Your thoughts? "4 tips to deal with bad reviews
"Hi Cendrine, I love Bill Gates' quote here. Entrepreneurs seriously need to start heeding it. We've listened to user feedback regularly to make BizSugar a better community. We'd be lost without it. It's great to hear nice things about what you do. But it doesn't do much to point you in the direction of self-improvement. I'm wondering if you have any other personal anecdotes to share, criticism that helped you tremendously to improve what your were doing."7 Experts Reveal Their Secrets: How to Use Visual Content to Attract More Readers (Part II)
"Hi Adam, I'm often mystified that people do not use video content more often online. (It's something we very much encourage here in the BizSugar community, having recently introduced some features that improve the way video can be viewed here on the site.) Stats about growing video preferences with online audiences and search engines are everywhere. Why don't more people get it? Your take? "13 Tips for Improving Your PR Pitch to Editors and Journalists
"Hi tuckerleroy, When you start out in your business, of course, you are often the only PR person your company has -- because, of course, you're wearing all the hats. But I think this can be good because, in the beginning, who really understands your business and its story better than you do? Passion will take you a long way in this department, I believe. But these tips are a help. Do you have a personal favorite? "Cutting the Crap: Real Advice for Creating Epic Content
"Hi Shannon, This is great but...when you challenge popular perceptions you'd really better follow through! I think we've all had the experience of reading that post with the outrageous title -- 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need Social Media for Your Business, 10 Reasons Internet Marketing is Overrated etc. -- only to find in a few short lines this was only a trick the copywriter used to draw us in. Because the reasons are things like: you don't want any new business, you don't want to grow your brand, you don't want any traffic on your website -- please! Challenging popular conceptions are fine...so long as you're honestly planning to challenge them. Otherwise you'll find your reader won't remain with you for long and all your efforts to create epic content will have been in vain. "Subscribe
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Martin...”
“Thank you, Martin. That's a fantastic motto... and I couldn't agree more!...”
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“For sure, I know I did years ago when I was working for others....”
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SEO Is Organic Part 2 – Link Building
"Tom, As small business owners, many of whom probably maintain a Web presence, I'm sure community members out there are probably saying to themselves, if SEO is so complex, how can I ever hope to make an impact? Your response?"