Content Mastery Guide

Editor and Ghostwriter

Could Your Last Email Exchange Be Your Next Blog Post?

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As I was thumbing through (yes, I printed out the e-book) Karri Flatla's new Sales Page Relief package, I noticed she had a section about how to craft a mobile version of your sales page or "mini website."

Typepad does a decent job of displaying my website on mobile devices (at least from what I've seen on my iPod Touch), though not as nice as the Genuine Coaching website I recently re-built using Weebly.

I've been wondering whether I should bother creating a separate mobile version of this site, so I emailed Karri to ask what she thought. When she replied promptly with a stellar answer, I immediately suggested she post it to her blog – and so she did!

She was respectful enough to leave my name out until she could check with me, but of course I was happy to tell the world about how brilliant she is.

Karri

You can read Karri's post at: Wondering if You Need a Mobile Website? Some Things to Consider. [Update January 19, 2013 – This blog post is no longer available, but check out how Karri is bringing a coaching approach to real estate in Lethbridge, Alberta!]

Blog post ideas from your emailWriting prompt: Has anyone responded to one of your emails lately by saying something like, "Thanks, that was really helpful!"? If so, see if you can re-work that email exchange into a blog post that ALL of your readers can learn from. 

Weekly Blog Posts I’d Like to See from Beaches Fine Market Grill in Barrie

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Beaches-grill I'm not the easiest person to cook for. Between the foods that don't agree with me and the ones I stay away from for health reasons, there's not a lot to work with!

That's why I'm always glad to find a restaurant that can accommodate me and still make my meals taste amazing.

I recently met Tom Friedli, co-owner (with his wife Dale) of Beaches Fine Market Grill here in Barrie. I had an amazing meal featuring fresh, local food, and it got me thinking: How could Tom apply some of the weekly blogging techniques I covered in last week's call about how to be a weekly blogger?

For starters, I'd like to see a feature article that reinforces the philosophies of the business, e.g., the health benefits of eating locally-produced food.

Following up that article, I'd like to read about one of their suppliers, e.g., a local farm, and hear more about where my food comes from.

Then, maybe in another week, I could get the background story on one of their regular customers and hear about why eating locally is important to him or her.

At the end of the month, maybe Tom could provide some tips for shopping at the farmer's market – since I can't eat ALL of my meals at his restaurant.

And in each email, why not tantalize me by describing a featured menu item – maybe something a little different that I wouldn't have thought to try.

Receiving these gems by email every week, would I be more likely to think of Beaches Fine Market Grill the next time someone asks me to join them for a meal or a coffee? Absolutely! I'll probably be dreaming up reasons to eat out!

There, Tom, now you're set for the month! You can thank me later, and YES, I will work for food 😉

Just kidding! I definitely paid for my own meal at Beaches Fine Market Grill, and this blog post was my idea, not Tom's. I wanted to show all of you that thinking of weekly blog post ideas can be creative, fun and easy! Stay tuned, because I'll be posting more ideas using other businesses as examples.

UPDATE! March 23, 2011 – Tom's new blogging journey has begun: Fresh, locally sourced food…many PROs…any CONs?

Curious what kind of ideas I might have for YOUR weekly blog posts? You can submit your blog for consideration and I will write a post just like this one – but it will be about YOU, YOUR business and YOUR prospective clients.

Click here to apply now.

May article ideas for coaches

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Just imagine – if you were to spend some time over the next couple of weeks brainstorming and drafting, your May newsletters and/or blog posts could be a real breeze! Here are some potential topic ideas for your May articles: 

  • Life coaches: Happy Mother's Day! 10 Ways to Celebrate Being a Mother
  • Parenting coaches: May is Family Wellness Month – 10 ways that wellness can bring your family together
  • Marketing coaches: The Tweet-Up – Take your online networking offline in the warmer months
  • Money coaches: Were Taxes a Pain? Take action now to create an easier tax season for next year
  • Career coaches: The Spring Job Fair: Plan ahead to stand out from the crowd

Writing prompt: Use these sample titles as a starting point for topics that are relevant for your clients, prospective clients and readers.

Write from the headlines: Earth Hour is on Saturday, March 27, 2010

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Earth Hour is coming up fast, scheduled this year for Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 8:30-9:30 p.m. I haven't made my plans yet, but I'm looking forward to a quiet, simple evening when I can reflect on the spirit of the event.

I feel proud that some of the pledges I've made in previous years are now second-nature – things like washing my clothes in cold water and bringing reusable bags when I go shopping. I'm not perfect (who is?) but I'm trying.

Here are some environmentally-inspired themes for your March articles and blog posts:

  • Life coaches: Taking a stand for the planet
  • Money coaches: 5 ways that recycling will save you money
  • Parenting coaches: Family-friendly Earth Hour activities
  • Business coaches: Green your office: 5 sustainable business practices 
  • Career coaches: Choosing a job that fits your values

Writing prompt: Please join me in darkness, quiet and simplicity for an hour on March 27th. And in the meantime, inspire your readers with one of these earth-friendly themes.

Write from the headlines: This doesn’t feel like global warming

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While experts say that this cold snap doesn't disprove the theory of global warming, all I keep hearing about is how frosty everyone is feeling. So here are some January article topics inspired by the weather:

  • Life coaches: Top 5 ways to make your own sunshine
  • Parenting coaches: How to keep your kids active in the winter months
  • Business coaches: Are your clients hibernating? Make the best of it!
  • Relationship coaches: 10 ways to heat up your relationship
  • Career coaches: Top 5 winter jobs

Writing prompt: What issues might be coming up for your target audience in this cold weather? Or are there some unique New Year themes you could explore?

[Update December 29, 2012 – The original article is no longer available, but I did find this similar story about the cold snap in January 2012.]