Presentations: we’ve been giving them since our fourth-grade science projects, yet somehow, we still dread them. In truth, dread hangs around the word “presentation,” from every angle. And you don’t only have to be the one giving it to feel the dark cloud descending. Just try getting invited to one. Most people don’t meet the invitation with a hop, skip, and a heel click. Have a guess at why? I bet you do.

Whether you’re a one-woman show working out of your garage or the VP of a marketing department, you need an email list. They’re one of the most valuable assets your business can have. An Instagram can get hacked; a LinkedIn account can get deleted. But an email list? That’s all yours. Which means you need a super awesome email marketing software to help you build, edit, and market to said list. When it comes to picking an email marketing software, it isn’t exactly rocket science. Many offer very similar features and costs. But instead of you scouring the internet, jotting comparisons down on a sticky note you’re bound to lose, we’ve done it for you. In no particular order, here is our list of favorite email marketing software, and their comparisons.

 When it comes to your marketing, it doesn’t always work to create on specific strategy and blast that strategy to your entire audience through the same platforms or messaging. Depending on what generation your reader is a part of, they may or may not respond to your marketing strategy. The large gap between Baby Boomers and Generation Zers means that each respond to different kinds of media, as well as the messaging you present within that media. Some marketing techniques that put Generation X at ease might make Generation Z squirm, and vice versa. Let’s take a look at some tips for marketing to different generations for the most success.

You’ve heard the phrase that “Content is King.” While this is true, and we appreciate the point it emphasizes, it’s also true that not all content is created equally. If we wrote a blog post telling you about why Marvel is better than DC (duh), you probably wouldn’t be very interested. Granted, there’s certainly an audience for this type of topic, but if you’re here, it’s because you’re likely looking for marketing advice. A blog like that doesn’t serve you in the least. For content to really be a good king, it needs to be considering the good of its people constantly. Let’s take a look at how to do precisely that.

For a lot of business owners, they’re switching between hats constantly. It’s something they often don’t tell you when you start a business. You’re not only the tradesman, great at his or her craft, but you’re also the receptionist, accountant, marketer, event the janitor. With so much to do, the idea of creating the amount of content needed to be successful in a world where “Content is King” can be daunting. Even for a full-fledged marketing team, sometimes the amount of content that needs to get done can seem like an endless ocean where they forgot their compass somewhere on the mainland.

There’s a saying that's become popular with the ever expanding availability of the internet. It goes a little something like this, "These days, everyone’s an expert.” It has a two-fold meaning. There’s the obvious, which is human beings’ tendency to spend one afternoon reading into a certain subject matter and suddenly they’re an aficionado. It’s a rough reality, but not as bad as the second meaning (unless you’re the poor soul stuck talking to that guy at a party). The second is that with the internet comes the ability for users to self publish. These are the really dangerous experts. And with their continual emergence, Google is having to work harder and harder to determine what out there is good content, and what is, well, just plain crap.

Hearing the word “content” and only thinking of words on a page is like hearing “ice cream” and only thinking of vanilla. There are so many other forms it can come in, and all are equally important for your business and delectable to your audience. You should be using many different types of content other than just words on a page to engage with them and promote your business. Each will serve you a little differently and appeal to your audience in different ways and for varying reasons. Today, we’re looking at some of your content options, how to implement them into your business, and why your audience is drawn to each. Let’s get started.

Look, not every product on the market can be a sexy, shiny object. The reality is that sometimes aspects of life require products or services that are, well, just plain boring. Does the average person get their kicks chatting about retirement plans? Likely not. How about medical equipment? Yeah, that one’s not exactly a rip-roarin’ time, either.

Ah, the blog. The very room in which we’re currently chatting. Having a blog is one of the best things you can do for your business for a smattering of reasons. We’ve already discussed at length how your blog can boost your SEO, so today we’re talking about the less technical side of things: your voice--how to find it, and how to use it to be a better blogger.

You see, each writer has their own writing voice. Yours will sound different than mine, and that’s a good thing. Your voice is your banner of brand personality to the world, and a blog is a perfect place to showcase it and cut up a little while you’re at it. And while we want you to let loose, there are a few key practices that are universally true when developing your writing voice, and sticking to them will make your writing as strong as Arnold in his heyday.

Starting to create marketing videos can be a scary thought - expensive equipment, fine-tuned skills, or even rejection. Taking this leap into the world of video does involve risks but they might not be as intimidating as you think. Plus, video can offer some impressive and unrealized marketing potential. Continue reading to find out why your business NEEDS to start using video marketing.