Don’t Like to Write, No Problem!

February 2, 2008

This article is dedicated to all of you who want to write and keep in touch with your clients, but feel you do not have the time.

Oh, the excuses! I have heard from many of you. The protests, the reasons why keeping a site or blog updated can’t be done. The lamenting about there’s not enough time in the day. You’ve told me:

· “I’m not a writer.”

· “Not everyone loves to pour their heart on the page like you do, Tina.”

· “Isn’t there a better way?”

The short answer is yes – and no.

Let’s take a look at the issue involved. It has two parts. The first part is about this part of marketing not being as important as other things (think accounting, think doing the work, think anything else you find time to address).

The second part is the how. How are you going to get your ideas on paper or on a blog? How are you going to get them on your website or your blog? How is this going to happen you keep asking!

First, and foremost, this tactic must be a good fit for you. The best laid plans fall short when people try to do something they don’t like. This isn’t the only way to keep in touch with prospects and clients (although it is one of the best in terms of bang for the buck!)

After you decide marketing in this way is a great way to go, here are some easy solutions:

  • If you love to talk, then speak your ideas into the microphone. If you are a speaker, you might also consider doing a short video clip instead of writing. Consider using tools such as Jott.com or Basement Ventures that allow you to record for free!
  • Once you have your audio or video clips, get them transcribed and voila! You are that much closer to an article.
  • If you are a writer, commit to writing for a month – half an hour each morning right after your workout (or before). New habits will support your goals.
  • Take stock of everything you have. I estimate that if you have been in business for five years, you probably have at least 20 articles sitting on your computer. These may be in the form of previous presentations, handouts you may have given out at a speaking engagement, white papers, articles created before.
  • Tag-team the effort. If you can handle the writing, then hire someone to do the technical side and post in a timely manner. It’s important to determine what you do well and the area where you tend to get stuck. Relax, we all do it.

Here are just some of the ways you can recycle and re-use articles you write:

  • Submit the articles to publications to earn press.
  • Use them in your newsletter or electronic magazine (ezine)
  • Post them to your blog
  • Send them out to your client list with a letter
  • Include them in your press room/media kit
  • Submit them to various places online so people can find you
  • Post them to other people’s blogs
  • Compile them and create a book or e-book
  • Create a white paper or a free report prospects can request

Once you see that your initial work is just one of the ways that your articles can work for you, you’ll realize that these marketing soldiers really are worth the time and effort. In the end, it’s more about connecting to your clients and soon-to-be clients than it is about writing in the first place!

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Posted by Tina Ferguson | Filed Under Blog, Marketing Results 

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