How To Make Your Ideas Stick

How to make ideas stick
Photo found in flickrcc.net

To make an idea stick, we should be able to package it so that it can be easily understood, it can transcend time and it can convey other to act on it towards your preferred end results.

Chip Heath suggest six traits you need to make your ideas 'duct tape sticky'. These are:

S >>> Simple

U >>> Unexpected

C >>> Concrete

C >>> Credible

E >>> Emotional

S >>> Story, in the form of a ...

Chip suggest to look for core essence of your idea - that high concept pitch that makes your idea stand out. 

He also suggest that to make your ideas surprising is break a pattern. Understand the pattern in your industry and find a way to break the pattern.

Watch his talk about his book "Made to Stick".

Chip Heath - Made to Stick from BrightSightGroup on Vimeo.

Niche Selection: How To Find Keywords To Establish Your Niche Online

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Niche Selection: How to Find Keywords
Image: 'Key to success'. Photo found on flickrcc.net

Here are some of the ways to find those important words on the Internet we call keywords. You know now your niche but the problem is finding the right words to that your business will be known for. What words can you build your brand with? Here are some ways you can find awesome keywords for your business.

l. Make use of Google Adword Keyword tool.

This tool gives you idea what people are looking for in Google. Look at the global and local monthly searches. Also, look at competition to know how many advertisers are competing on that keyword. 

2. Submit your Keywords to Google Trends (http://www.google.com/trends/)
This can provide you with an overview on what kind of audience you will get. Also, look at keyword interest over time. You want something that is constant or increases over time. You may want to see also if your keywords is seasonal and which time of the month has its peak.

3. Use the chain method to dig up more Keywords

To go through a bunch of keywords without too much work, use your initial keywords as the topic and generate more keywords from there. Use long tail or three word phrase. 

4. Backwards Niche Selection
Look at existing niche sites that are being sold on the market. Get their SEO and keyword data and see if there are opportunities there.

Go to flippa.com which is a marketplace for buying and selling websites. Search for potential Websites on sale. Look for websites making websites making $500/month and with over one thousand visitors a month. These websites are making money and are ranking on Google.

Take note of the keywords in the domain name and in the title. 

If available, look at the verified Google Analytics on the attachment section. Analyze it. In particular, look at the traffic site graph info which shows the traffic on a day by day basis.

Look at the traffic sources. It is good sign if most traffic comes from search engines. Also, look at the keywords the site is ranking for. Input these keywords to Google Adword Keyword Tool to find more keywords.

Google: digital point forum. Look for WTS (want to sell) and WTB (want to buy). Again, look at websites and their keywords.

5. Look at Inside the cover of Amazon
Amazon is a rich source of information if you are looking for topics to write about in your niche.

Search for books about your topic or niche. Look inside and read the table of contents. Look for keywords there to as input to your Google Adword Keyword Tool search.

6. Search in Forums
Google: forum <topic> and look for the top ones. On the forum, look at the topics as possible keywords for your Google Adword Keyword tool search.

Some forums have plugin that allow users to see what keywords people are using at search to land on the forum page. Look for the "visitors found this page by Searching for " search word.

7. Spy on your competition.
On your niche, search for high ranking websites and see what other keywords they are targeting on their websites. Some websites are optimized for a certain keywords. Some have backlinks and anchor text that are targeting other secondary keywords which you can use as your primary keywords.

When you found a high ranking website on your niche, right click on th page and them click on view page source. Use Find "keywords". 

8. Drop domain names

Drop domain names are domain names that people have registered before but have now abandoned.

Go to justdropped.com. You can register for free. Do a domain search using your niche keywords.

You can also subscribe on their newsletter and receive a list of recently dropped domain names through Email.

You can also go to snapnames.com

Easy Video Marketing for Your Business Using Your Ipad.

Ipad, Imovie, Easy Video Marketing for Your Business

Creating a video of your business and posting it on your website or blog and YouTube is an effective way to promote your products and services to potential clients. 

Then, you really need to prepare a lot of equipment just to create a video. Now you only need an Ipad and the IMovie app to edit your video. 

What kinds of videos can you make? 

1. Landing Page Videos. You can create a video for your landing page containing your direct sales pitch. 
2. Customer Testimonials. Record a video of your customers saying wonderful benefits they experienced with your product or service. 
3. News and Updates. Instead of writing news and updates regarding your company, products or services, why not record then in video?
4. Q and A Videos. Make a direct video response on the most frequently asked questions your customers have regarding your product. 
5. Customer Support. Use your Ipad to record a step by step tutorials on how to use your product.

When you create your video, think of your content. You only need 30 seconds in your video to generate curiosity towards your product. Answer first the most pressing problem that your product can solve. Here, the customers want to hear your answer to the question: "Can you help me?" "How?"

Then introduce your company and your story. Explain why someone should pay attention and buy your product or services. Your story should relay an emotion to your customer. That way, your customer can relate and connect to you and your product or service. 


Your video should contain the following:
1. A call to action,
2. Your contact information,
3. A Link to your website or blog, and
4. Information of your company or business.

Here, social media can also work had in hand in providing traffic to your website. You only need to do these steps: 

1. Upload your videos in YouTube. When you post your videos, always include your keywords and your website/blog URL in your video description.
2. Connect your YouTube Channel to your Facebook Page. You can do this by a number using the Involver app or other similar apps available out there. 
3. Make a Wordpress blog and start blogging about your videos. You can create a free Wordpress blog at Wordpress do com or better, create a hosted Wordpress blog at wordpress dot org, if you have the resources for it.
4. Open a Pinterest account and pin your videos. Pinterest has become a phenom in the social media sphere as of late, so better join in the bandwagon and make your videos visible on your board.

It is now easy to create videos for you business nowadays using only your Ipad or Android devices and an app that can help you edit your videos. With YouTube, Your Facebook Page and your blog, you can generate more traffic and leads to your business. Always think of your content when making videos. Include content that is useful to your customers. You can do this by simply doing how to do it using your product videos as a service to your customers. This is a wonderful incentive for them to visit your site again and again.

Online Marketing Month 1 Assignment: Amazing Headlines

Amazing Headlines
Base Image Found on flickrcc.net

Option 1: If you were to create a headline for a Virtual Assistant Hands On Workshop, what kind of blog post TITLE will you create?

Based on 'The 100 Greatest Headlines Ever Written' handout, I came up with 11 blogpost headline below:

1) The Secret of Being a VA and Making Money Online

2) Who Else Wants to Earn Money Online?

3) Who Else Wants To Stay at Home and Earn Money?

4) Announcing .... Easy Hands-on Skills Training that Makes You A Highly Paid Virtual Assistant in 2 months

5) Nursing Graduate Earns PhP20,000 a Month as a Virtual Assistant.

6) Start Earning Dollars in Two Months from this Easy Step by Step Work At Home Training Course 

7) To People Who Wants to Earn Online - But Can't Get Started

8) They Laughed When I said I Work At Home, But When I Started Earning Dollars! --

9) How To Earn Money From Your Desk At Home

10) Profits that Lie Hidden in Your Computer at Home

11) Learn New Skills to Earn Extra Income at Home

10 Awesome Headline Patterns - Part 2

10 Awesome Headline Patterns
Star Wars Headlines, found on flickrcc.net

Here is # 6 to 10 headline patterns you can use to spice up your blog post titles and subjects.

6. Anything Science Fiction.

Anything Science Fiction gets pass along by Internet instigators or geeks quickly. So it is advantageous to align your content with science fiction and get that much needed attention.

      # Known Stock Markets in the Sci-Fi World.

      Can the Terminator trade for Us in the Future?

7. Anything Star Wars always gets the geek’s attention.

Star Wars is definitely the most popular science fiction ever, so take advantage come up with your own Star Wars' headlines.

      How To Be a Successful Trader like Star Wars' Boba Fett

      How to Predict Stock Market Prices like a Jedi

      # Stock Market Tips from Yoda

8. Geek anything. 

Make anything geeky 'cause geek rules the Internet world.

      # Great Geek Gods of the Stock Market

      # Awesome Geeky Tools to Have for Stock Market Trading

9. Infographics.

Find an info graphic about your topic, feature it your blog and comment on it.

Infographics: What is a stock?
      Here is an awesome infographics on what is a stock. I started investing in the Philippine stock market only a year ago. In the stock market, time is your friend.

Infographics: What is a Stock?

Infographics: The Investor Sentiment Wheel

      Hello fellow investors. Here is very informative infographics about the investor sentiment wheel. Can you relate? I can and it feels like a roller coaster of mixed emotions. That is what's thrilling about the experience riding the market cycle.

Infographics: The Investor Sentiment Wheel

Infographics: Warren Buffet - The Oracle of Omaha
      I found this awesome infographics about Warren Buffet. He is my hero. Read some facts and figures about the man they call "The Oracle of Omaha.

Infographics: Warren Buffet The Oracle of Omaha

10. # Most asked questions about ______________.

Answer some pressing questions regarding your topic and answer them one by one in your blog. This will surely perk up some interest from your readers. Ask them what questions they may have regarding your subject. Bare in mind, you are the expert here.

      # Most Asked Questions about Warren Buffet

     # Most Asked Questions about the Stock Market

     # Most Frequently Asked Questions from Stock Market Beginners

So what is your blog topic? Can you come up with your own blog titles based on these headline patterns? Good luck!

10 Awesome Headline Patterns - Part 1

10 Awesome Headline Patterns
Keyword: Headlines, photo found on Flickrcc.net

There are ways you can create awesome headlines for your blog post or Email titles to make your readers stop and read your content. Here are 10 patterns you can use to come up with your own awesome headlines. I made some examples of headlines about the stock market which I will use later on in my blog.

1. Use a myth.

Myths may or may not be true. It is usually based on superstition, folklore or unverified claims with exaggerated or untrue details. That is why they invoke curiosity from people. Exposing them will surely create some buzz.

      # Stock Market Myths That Any Newbie Investor Should Know

      Top # Stock Market Myths Exposed

2. The ___ is dead: (Make your case).

Saying something is dead is a strong statement. You have to make your case interesting enough for your readers to believe your claim is true.

      The bear is dead: It is time to get rich in the stock market.

      The bear is dead: It is time to Ride the Stock Market Bull by the Horn

3. # Absolutely + (Superlative statement). 

Exaggeration is key here. You want to feed their curiosity more.

      # Absolutely High Earning Stocks to have in your Portfolio

      # Stocks That Gives Absolutely High Dividend Return

      # Smart Stock Market Investing Tactics that Works Every Time

4. ________ that people don't know about.

It is similar to #3 but you are saying that your readers don't know about it yet.

      # Excellent Trading Tactics Many Stock Market Traders Don't Know About

      # Highly Effective Investing Secrets Many Stock Market Investors Don't Know
      About

      # Insane Things people know about the Stock Market

5. A ______ for people who hate ______!

Use when you are presenting alternative solutions to things that some people hate to do.

      An Easy Investment Plan for People Who Hates Investing.

      # Easy Stock Market Rules for Traders Who Hates Losing

to be continue...

How to make awesome headlines

How to Make Awesome Headlines.
Famous Ad by John Caples

The first lesson is about creating awesome headlines. When I thought of headlines, I associate it with the news on TV and in newspapers.

So Blog Post Titles, Email Subjects and Article and Poster titles are headlines too.

"Creating the right and attractive headline (words) is the most important thing to guerrilla marketing (guerrilla = inexpensive)" (Hilario 2013).  It is true. If you are a blogger or a small business blogging about your product, you really want to create post headlines that can attract your target customers.

A classic example of a great headline done by a famous copywriter, John Caples.

I think this ads works because there is intrigue. You are curious about the story. There is also an element of surprise.

I see this quite a number of times in American Idol auditions where in the judges starts to laugh because of first impressions. He or she don't look like a star, buy when the contestant started to sing and behold - an awesome voice just pop out and grab you. That is the moment of total surprise that is so entertaining and inspiring to watch.

Using this example, I come up with this headline on working as a virtual assistant.

"My friends laughed when I said I work "sa bahay" (at home), but when I started getting paid in dollars! --"

Jay Abraham, one of the most successful marketing consultant in America said that "the headline is an ad within an ad”.

Here is a 100 Greatest Headlines Ever Written by Jay Abraham. The trick here is to study the pattern and apply it on your subject matter.

Headlines are the first thing people see. And from the headlines, they decide whether to read more to what your message is.

How Can You Guarantee Your Business Success

How can You Guarantee Business Success?
Image: 'Why Wont They Buy From You?' Found on flickrcc.net

"You must be a great marketer to guarantee your business success." Strong statement to start off a lesson. Before, I don't even know what a marketer does. For me, its been synonymous to a seller. A seller is someone who sells. Therefore I thought selling is what marketers do.

I realize now that marketing makes your product or services sell-able. It is every step you do to elevate a product or service to sell.

It is true what Peter Drucker said. "The best marketing makes selling a non-requirement." Take the Iphone, for instance. It doesn't take much effort to sell it because it is an awesome product and a lot of people buy it as soon as a newer version of the phone is released.

So what is the goal here? The goal is to make selling as easy as pie. However, baking a pie is not easy and so is marketing. We can only do our best. How can we do the best marketing we can possibly do? We need to relay emotion to reader. Any emotion will do as long as you compel them to act on your message.

"An action step is when you tell the reader to DO SOMETHING." The action step is not necessary telling your customers to buy this or that. The sales man say that. But you, as a marketer, you want your readers to do a step or two that will lead them to buy the product. You want them to get closer and make them comfortable with the product. Marketers create the best time or place for your target customers to buy.

Four Key Elements You Must Have in Your Facebook Posts

4 key Elements in Your Facebook Post
Image found in flickrcc.net

In an online marketing seminar, I learned that an important aspect of being a marketer is working yourself to becoming a better version of you. And one way to accomplish this is to watch a lot of self-improvement videos. One rich resource of such videos is TedTalk on YouTube.

An online marketer also needs to know very well his or her target customers. Moreover, a marketer should know what they want. If you deliver on these front, then you will become valuable to them.

One way to promote your physical business is through Foursquare. You can also promote your business location using Facebook places.

Talking about Facebook, the first goal of having Facebook Pages is to get many page likes as possible. And as you get more likes, the goal is make your fan share your post in the hopes that their friends see it. Then you want to make your fan's friends like your page as well and share your post. Then make your fan's friends' friends like and share your page and so on. That is how you become a viral success.

So it is basically the post that you share that can make you popular. People like and share inspiring stuffs.

There are four key elements you should have in the post.

Sample Facebook Post.

One, you got to have a message. A quick and easy to understand one to two liner should be enough. Messages can be quotes of your heroes, mentors or favorite subject. It can also be a tip you want to share in any subject matter. Or it can be something you want to promote, like you want to inform them of a new product of your business.

Two, you got to have a poster. Image is everything and a catchy visual message is what makes your post share-able. How do you create a poster? picmonkey dot com is a great way to start. I use it to create 403x403 Facebook poster using photos I took or cool patterns I got from colourlovers dot com. 

Sample Facebook Post.

Three, you got to move your readers to do something. This is a call to action. Like, share, visit, comment, etc.- Let them know what you want to do. Just don't tell them to buy. That would be too forward and most probably they will go away.

Lastly, you should have your links in there that leads to your website, blog, Facebook page or any page you want them to visit.

How many times do you post a day? 

It really depends on your business. Experiment on it to find out when is the best time to post. It can be 8 AM or earlier than that. Some do like to check their Facebook messages before they start their working day. Lunch time is a also a great time to post. At 5 PM when people are about to go out from work. After dinner at around 8 PM is also an ideal time and at midnight where they would want to check things out before they go to bed.

Do you have the same degree of responses on weekend posts? Start experimenting. See how much interactions you get when you post at different times.