Rich Boyd Blog

Creative Writing Goals 2011

2011-01-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

Creative Writing Goals 2011

The Grant Goddess Speaks. . .: Grant Writing Training at Taco Bell?

2010-12-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Grant Goddess Speaks. . .: Grant Writing Training at Taco Bell?

How I Landed 7 Ideal Clients in 7 Weeks

2010-12-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

How I Landed 7 Ideal Clients in 7 Weeks

You make it a great day!!!

2010-12-05T19:47:00.002-08:00

A few weeks ago, Jason Garret took over the head coaching duties of my Favorite team the Dallas Cowboys.... I really love the approach he has taken with the team. It simple, he told the players ... "Today we are going to have a Great Day" "Lets Work on having a great Day today, and do the things we need to do to insure that we make it a great day." ....

Those that know me are aware of my reoccurring theme in most of my posts

"You make it a great day!"

I would like everyone to think about this statement ... Remembering it’s intentionally meant to give a positive motivation .... Tell me what this statement means to you.....

Behind My Nose

2010-02-12T04:12:00.000-08:00

The game changing solution that stands head and shoulders above all of the rest can be found right Behind my nose!

By: Rich Boyd

How many times a week do we really develop our ideas, imagination, and solutions? The creative process is one of the most important skills and all too often, we don’t take advantage of this tool we have just behind our nose.

Yes, it’s the brain, the most important part of the body in my opinion. It is fine to do what has worked before however, I am seeing this trend to the point the everyone is becoming a copy-cat in their advertising approach. The real innovative advertising can only be seen on special events like the Super Bowl, Grammy’s, and the Oscars.

Why is that you may ask?

I could go into a long explanation about market research and demographics but your eye’s would glaze over and I would lose you. Instead, let me tell you about creating an original idea and developing it to its fullest potential.

The Basics in Game Changing Copywriting is

Ideation, Brainstorming, & Development

Creating an original idea is hard work, those that can do it are in high demand, and the professional copywriters that do it consistently are very wealthy people.

Ideation is the act of merging two concepts into one idea! The worldwide phenomenon of the Snuggie is a perfect example of the merging of two concepts. This was quite simple idea as well a blanket and a robe made of the fleece material, how can anyone not love it.

Brainstorming is the collaborative process used to create the results if the ideation. The how to process of colleges determining the type of buyers, stores, and markets that can handle a new idea. This expansive thought process results in a more focused advertisement and is the start of the development stage.

Development This stage is where it all comes together the idea , concept and marketing platform is brought together with the method of advertising. Meaning whether you plan to advertise on the TV, Radio, or print, and if the product is best suited for direct mail, the mailing list is ready. The ad is ready for market testing and the ad copy go’s threw its final touches.

Imagination is the fountain of creativity from the human mind.

Have you ever thought, “why I didn’t I think of that?”

I do all the time. It drives me nuts when I see a great ad, a simple idea and is why I am always looking inward. Thinking about people and how they think, what’s on their minds, their concerns, and habits. I am fascinated when a group of friends is watching TV talking and visiting and a TV Ad comes on and everyone gets quiet to watches the commercial. I want to know what was it that made these people to turn their focus to the TV. It is in this moment I discover the ideas, concepts, visual stimuli and words that invoke certain emotional response that causes people to pause.

“It’s not what you say it’s how you say it !

To capture the largest possible audience, the message must connect with the most common idea within the specific group dynamic. The challenge here is the desire to be too general which results in weaker ad copy. To combat this, the message must continue to hone in on the common idea with words that push the reader / listener toward a specific emotion.

Words

The words we use are powerful!

I am always thinking of words, and the meanings behind each. I think of what thoughts and emotions, specific words invoke and how the audience will respond and in turn, the direction of the ad copy.

Your Brain is the perfect SEO

On the internet page, rank is so important. It is hard to achieve a first page ranking without controlling you message to the specific idea. The content must relay the message while at the same time keep the reader engaged and reading. The most effective Ad copy will always use elements of the SEO science weather it is for the internet or direct mail.

If You Listen…

2009-07-09T12:39:00.001-07:00

If you listen, they will buy!

By: Rich Boyd

I hear all the time, "the sales are down because the economy is bad", and it drives me nuts. Yes, it drives me crazy to hear this constant rant about the bad economy and I think its baloney. Sure, the economy is bad, but to blame your poor sales numbers on the economy is just simply making excuses for your sales production.

I have been in sales for over 20 years and I have learned a thing or two about people. People still need products and services no matter how bad the market gets. I still buy supplies, for the office, products for my home and goods I need for my family.

You know what? I see people doing the same all around me too!!

So I think its hogwash to blame poor sales on the economy and I resent the sales professional's that do. Not once do they ever think it just might be their technique or the product they are selling for goodness sakes. They never consider listening to the customer, they just plow on threw the presentation and attempt to close the sale with little or no success.

In my experience the prospective customer will tell you, what they are looking for and what they need, shoot for that matter, if you listen, the customer will tell you what they will buy from you.

When I talk to people, I ask the "open ended questions" and then I shut up and listen. I concentrate on what they are telling me and I offer solutions that meet the needs they want to fulfill.

I know that's a simple view, but its true! People are still buying cars, portable storage buildings, insurance, computers, software, homes, and whatever they want, the list goes on.

As professionals, we must convey the information in the presentation to match the needs and desires of the client. The only way to do this is to listen to the customer and help them solve the problem with the products and services we are offering.

I have sold over $20,000 of products and services in the past 2 weeks and my appointment book stays full. What am I doing?

I am listening to my customers and providing the customer service, products and services they want. You can do it too!

SEO Truck Stop

2009-03-13T11:42:00.001-07:00

People, Truck Drivers and Travelers…Why we love Truck Stops & Travel Centers.

By Rich Boyd

I am going to tell you something new about myself only my closest friends and family know. I am a licensed commercial truck driver. Yes the big trucks, 18-wheelers, and in all of my travels, I discovered people in general LOVE Truck Stops. I have studied these mecca's of marketing for over 20 years. We can learn a great deal from travel centers and truck stops that easily transfer to direct marketing and copywriting.

Truck stop location, layout and design, are the key elements for a successful operation. Like a strategically placed ad, the truck stop wastes no opportunity to market services and goods to a constant flow of traffic. The fuel islands, convenience store, and restaurant are scientifically laid out to direct the flow of traffic, quickly and efficiently to the cash register. Much like a well-written direct response ad, that calls the reader to action. That's what I do in my Copywriting.

Studies show that 87.6% of all interstate highway traffic use truck stops and travel centers. Families traveling over the road in there RV, Campers, and SUV on vacation are more likely to stop at the travel center to fuel up both their vehicles as well as their bellies.

Consider the interstate highway system is much like the internet. The billboard signs are strategically placed to drive the flow of traffic to the truck stop. You can place your banner ad in much the same way. If you could increase the web-traffic to your website like the truck stops do, you could increase the sales of your company. The next step is to be able to offer the verity of services and products that traffic is wanting.

Truck Stops also deliver specific benefits to its patrons:

Fuel service
Convenience Goods
Food and Dining
Showers and Landry services
Recreation and Relaxation
Logistics Support
Tire Repair & Maintenance
Truck & Auto Maintenance

Providing Specific Goods and Services to a Specific Market!

The only industry that comes close to providing such detailed and specific services to the public is the internet marketing industry. For example, You Google what you are looking for and instantly get choices the meet your requirements. While truck stops and travel centers are limited to, the travelling public and in larger part Truck Drivers. You can take advantage of the marketing principles of the modern truck stop. They are well-managed and well-run marketing oasis. Everything is focused solely on providing for the needs of the traveling public.

Internet marketing professionals are adapting to provide services and goods to broaden their market. The most successful are the ones provide specialized goods and services such as SEO, and PPC services that increase client's sales, much like the truck stops. The leading Copywriters provide the best value and opportunities to develop such results. Copywriters like me instinctively know what words to blend in with a specific message that will increase the reader's interest similar to the travel centers ability to attract customers. I show the customer what they want to buy.

If you want, your website to thrive like a modern Truck Stop …Here is my suggestions:

Hire a specialized copywriter. Not just a SEO copywriter but a "Business to Business SEO Copywriter", "Financial SEO Copywriter", or a "Your Niche SEO Copywriter"
Decided what message you want to convey and stick to your expertise.
Your specialization is your niche and it is your target market.
Diversify within your niche like the Truck Stop marketing to the traveling public.
Use a PPC (pay-per Click) campaign that best fits your budget.

Finely, remember to keep learning and growing in you specialized niche. You can increase the web traffic to you site. If you need any help or referrals to great copywriters, email me at richcat@suddenlink.net

Thank You

Rich Boyd

Combat Fear …Take Action Today!

2009-03-09T11:18:00.001-07:00

Combating Fear in Today's Unstable Economy

By: Rich Boyd

The US Stock Market has dropped over 8900 points in less than 3 months. The federal government is bailing out everything in sight and you, the taxpayer will be left holding the empty bag. It's hard not to fear what's coming next. I understand the fears and concerns of the American public and the craziness coming out of Washington DC makes your blood boil, your fears are justified.

However, I have found, dwelling on the negative has never gotten me anywhere and only leads to my own depression. When I am felling like this, especially in the current economic environment, I take pro-activate action. I am a writer first, and then I write Ad copy commonly known as a Copywriter, but my first love is creative writing, specifically political op-editorial writing.

There are many good things to focus on to help you overcome the fear in the market today. Here are few thoughts I have about the state of the American economy. While, the Obama administration is running circles around the American taxpayer. I believe the market is nearing the bottom regardless of the actions of the President.

The trends of increasing unemployment will soon stall as companies begin to realize they will have to produce goods and services to stay in business. Companies simply cannot produce without workers.

Professional Freelance Services have increased 256.8% over the last 36 months. People are working from home, changing the way companies throughout the US and UK does business. This increase due to industry downsizing results in a market shift to lowering cost and increasing productivity for the companies that take advantage of the outsource option. This is the most cost effective way to get your message out to the consumer. It is no wonder, so many companies are seeking out specialized talent to help stimulate growth and increase income.

Prices fall bargains are available!

The American consumer has already seen the prices fall to bargain basement levels and is beginning to buy goods at an increasing rate. The housing market, we see the actual value of homes depressed which will bring out bargain hunters will the capital to invest in new homes. Mortgage applications have increased nearly 9% in February and numbers for refinancing are up as well. The US Stock market is in a bear Market and this from my point of view is a great time to invest. There are some grossly undervalued stocks out there and investors are poised to cash in as the market rebounds. The investment dollars will flow into the companies with the best management and the most creative innovation. This innovation will begin in the energy sector as we look for new technologies to fuel the future. It will spark secondary uses, increasing productivity and lowering the cost of doing business.

Consumers, business and investors are looking for bargains, everywhere and this will lead to competition. The increase in competition always leads to innovation, as the market seeks out new methods, services and goods to increase capital. Americans have always stepped up to the challenge.

This will happen fast too!

The savvy American is prepared with the training and creative imagination of the American spirit, building new business and marketing principles, leading the world out of this economic crisis. You will be able to witness the economic revaluation. You have the opportunity here in the United States of America that no one else in the world has… to become whatever you desire.

Take Action Today

You don't have time to be fearful!