Turn off the computer and sit back with a great read: Clout: The Art and Science of Influential Web Content by Colleen Jones is a practical handbook for anyone that wants to learn more about creating digital content.
Watch Newport Interactive Marketers Suzanne McDonald, chief content strategist of Designated Editor, and Katherine Gagliano, e-mail and digital marketing consultant at Amplify Marketing Group, as they give their professional opinions of the book and decide if it is worth your time to check it out.
“If you’re only going to read one book, this is a good one” — Suzanne McDonald
Why read ‘Clout’ and care about ‘Influential Web Content’?
- Content 101: A practical guide that covers basic principles of content creation for your audience
- Great “how-to” on creating meaningful content on the web
- Relevant in our constantly evolving technological times
- Quick read, naturally, since it’s written by a content specialist
- The author directs you to the topics that are relevant to you
What does the book cover?
- Framework
- Oratory styles
- Crowdsourcing
Who should read this?
- Professional content creators who have access to strong support system
- Professionals who are looking to elevate their content game online
- Not so great for one-person operation
- Everybody can take some concepts from this book
- Relevant to all skill sets
Most enlightening aspects to Suzanne and Katherine
- Very current!
- Does not try to cover too many topics
- Author recommends other relevant reads such as branding
If you want a quick and practical read on the best ways to create content for your web strategy, read Clout. With it’s current relevance and practical guidelines, it is well worth your time to check out.
Join Newport Interactive Marketers at their monthly gathering for more information on online marketing strategies, great networking, and other book recommendations.
Optimize your online communication by timing emails, blogs, social media
By Alexandra Smith
Hubspot‘s social media marketing scientist Dan Zarrella takes a look at timing in social media, email, and blogs.
Zarrella offers some important advice on timing your online communications, an element seldom analyzed. He uses a scientific approach, which he likens to the study of medicine, to compile data and create visual representations of the best time to accomplish your online objectives.
Picture social media as a cocktail party: Why should I want to listen to you? What do you have to offer? He also explains the concept of contra-competitive timing — that is, putting out content when other people aren’t, in order to be noticed.
Zarrella explains the best times to tweet, update your Facebook status, post blogs, get click-throughs on links, get comments on posts, and send email blasts. He offers specific advice according to each platform and your objective.
Social media timing
Twitter
Tips
Facebook
Email
All in all, send more emails, and experiment with sending on the weekend!
Blogging
All in all, blog more!
Check out Dan Zarrella’s timing webinar. Follow him on Twitter.