Tag Archives: ittybiz

MARKETING SCHOOL REVIEW

Many of the questions you all submitted to me for marketing week here on the Brand Camp blog are answered in Naomi Dunford’s Marketing School, so I’ve moved this review up in the week’s schedule.  Reading Marketing School (a PDF, weighing in at 82 pages) rocked my (Ittybiz) world.  It made me make a plan.  It made me reassess my marketing efforts, particularly my business copy and the way I present myself to potential clients.

Why buy Marketing School?

  • You already know the goodness that is Naomi Dunford, who brought us SEO School. If you enjoy this blog and are down with the combination of funny + learning, you will enjoy reading Marketing School.  (Can’t tell you how many business books I don’t read because I’m bored out of my mind in the first few chapters.)
  • You will understand basic marketing concepts once and for all. Like features and benefits.  Unique selling propositions.  Sales cycles. SWOT analysis guidelines.  In fact, when making my latest promotion, Pets for Haiti, I actually made a list of features and benefits, then whittled them down to what’s easiest to understand for the most people.  That’s a pretty powerful change in behavior as a result of reading this book.
  • You will be able to put good marketing practices into effect for your business. By knowing exactly who you’re aiming to hit with your marketing materials and web copy, you’ll find a remarkable boost in the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.  More effective marketing = less time spent marketing.
  • You will be forced to take a good look at your business and to assess what’s working and what isn’t. January is pretty much the ideal month for analysis, planning, and growth.  This book fits right in.
  • It’s only $49. Which is way cheaper than that marketing workshop, DVD, or seminar you’ve had your eye on.

Go forth.

Buy Marketing School.

And tune in tomorrow for my secrets to marketing locally.

SHOW COMMENTS HIDE COMMENTS 5 comments

Michelle Tippmann - February 2, 2010 - 9:42 pm

Thank you! I am only through the first few chapters, but so far I have gained a lot from the book!

Michelle Moore - January 28, 2010 - 1:21 pm

Thank you for sharing! I just purchased the SEO Ninja PDF and am thoroughly enjoying it & learning! When I’m finished I’m going to pick this up next!

Becky - January 27, 2010 - 7:25 pm

I’ve owned this for a couple months and have yet to complete it. ::hangs head in shame:: Thanks for reminding me it should be at the TOP of my to do list rather than [lost somewhere] in the middle.

Izehi - January 27, 2010 - 6:47 pm

As a newbie, I much appreciate all the helpful tips you post. This week of marketing especially is muy beneficial as I begin the planning process!

karen gunton - January 27, 2010 - 6:42 pm

i agree. this is a must read. do what she says!

marketing school and the whole ittybiz blog for that matter changed my little business life! thanks so much kristen for sending me over there =)

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION FOR PEOPLE. NOT ROBOTS.

seo-ninja-cheap
The problem with Search Engine Optimization is…it’s search engine optimization.  It is technical.  It is boring.  It is distinctly factual.  You’re on the front page of Google search engine results or you’re not.  Your page rank is 9 or it’s not.  You appear to those looking for your business or you don’t.  ::yawns::

After deciding to learn more about this decidedly left-brained activity, I picked up a copy of Search Engine Optimization for Dummies.  Because, well…I’m not a dummy, but it seemed like the simplest choice.  I read three whole chapters before falling asleep on the couch.  (If you’re looking for a sleep aid, I recommend it!)

I tried downloading free guides for photographers from various sources, but they taught me how to do basic things like create a Google Analytics account. And then how to access the reports.  (Click the ‘view reports’ button, in case you were wondering.)

Grumpy, frustrated, and having wasted dollars, I heard of an effective SEO workshop to attend.  Holy coconut milk, Batman!

And then I heard the pricetag.  Way, waaaaaaay less than great.

Finally…finally, finally, finally!!!  I found SEO School.  If you made me write a book about SEO, it would be like this. I would encourage you to read the book pants-less because hey, why be your own boss if you have to wear pants like a corporate cog?  I’d make time for you to grab a gin and tonic because hey, this is pretty boring stuff.  I would unleash just enough wordplay and creative cursing to trick you into reading an ENTIRE book about SEO.  Best of all, I WOULD MAKE SEO MAKE SENSE.  Naomi Dunford, master of the home business, already wrote the book I would have written if I knew anything about SEO.  Just buy hers.

Seriously.  Buy SEO School.

You will get SEO.  You will have a list of tasks to complete on the route to getting your website seen by all the right bots and trolls and Google monkeys.  You may even have dreams about search engine optimization, at which point I recommend taking a little break from all that Googling you’ve been doing. (Not that such a thing happened to me.  ::ahem::)

SHOW COMMENTS HIDE COMMENTS 7 comments

VanessaM - November 9, 2009 - 4:43 am

Hello – I'm really excited about this ebook, but also wondering if you've read the Photographer's SEO Book. Curious how they compare and which is a better fit if only 1 is in the budget. Thanks for any 411!

BrandCampBlog - November 6, 2009 - 8:57 pm

No problem, lovely — happy to help!

BrandCampBlog - November 6, 2009 - 8:57 pm

Aw, shucks. Happy to spread the good word and keep $ in your pocket!

Kyle Shultz - November 6, 2009 - 8:22 pm

Kristen, you're seriously a God-send. I'm one of those people who got all jacked up about the SEO workshop, followed by cursing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Amy T Schubert - November 6, 2009 - 7:58 pm

I really learned a lot from the SEO An Hour a Day book too …

Christi Traster - November 6, 2009 - 7:17 pm

I also got super stoked about THE SEO workshop – then said WTH?!?! when I saw the price tag. Ummm no thank you. Thanks for suggesting this rockin' book – just ran on over and purchased it. :) You're so full of great ideas, my lady. Appreciate it. :)

Hannah - November 6, 2009 - 4:19 pm

Umm – I've had those dreams… :) he he he – Thanks for the fabulous link!!!