Great article about treating your readers like dogs.

I ran across this really great article in my inbox and could not have said it any better.  It really brings into perspective how you should treat people that follow you, and a lot of times I see people treat theirs animals better than they treat their friends or themselves.  Sonia writes some really great articles and I love it when her stuff hits my inbox, I know I will always get a nugget or two that I can use.  You should check her out also, but for now here’s her article below. 

Do you want a wider audience, more subscribers, better conversion to paying customers, fanatically loyal readers, and enviable word of mouth?You can have all of them by keeping one simple piece of advice in mind: Treat your readers like dogs. If you want to teach your dog to sit, how do you go about it? Any good trainer will tell you that the smart way is to give him lots of rewards and love every time he sits when you say, “Sit!” It doesn’t take long before he’s waiting eagerly to see what other kinds of instruction you might have. Would you like him to shake hands? Fetch your pipe and slippers? Take out the trash and wash the dishes? Positive reinforcement makes an ally of your dog. You’re in the same pack. He wants to do things for you. He’s happy and you’re happy. How to treat readers like dogs Every time a reader does something you like (read a post, subscribe to your blog, open a message in an email newsletter, etc.), you want to give that reader a reward — a cookie. (When I say “reader,” I also include podcast listeners, video watchers, etc.) That’s what I call “cookie content,” and it has three characteristics. 1. Cookie content makes life better Cookie content makes the reader’s life better somehow. It might be a funny image, a useful tutorial, or just a really good low-carb dessert recipe. But in some way, large or small, cookie content makes the reader glad she took a few minutes to consume it. Reference and how-to content make great cookie content. Inspiring, funny, or heartwarming content can work too, if you’re good at it. If your readers print out your content so they can refer back to it, or bookmark it on Delicious, you’ve got it right. 2. Cookie content can be used right away The 60-Year Plan for Getting Moderately Well-Off doesn’t tend to make for good cookie content. 10 Things You Can Do This Weekend to Repair Your Credit does. No, you don’t want to overpromise quick “magic bullet” schemes. But cookie content isn’t about the long term and it’s not about hard work. It’s about fast, simple solutions that people can use right away. It’s fine to talk about the longer term too. But be sure you have enough quick cookies in your content to keep things palatable. Your readers have enough complexity to contend with. They’re not looking for more in your content. 3. Cookie content tastes good Cookie content is highly readable. It brings the reader pleasure. It’s often entertaining. It’s well organized, which makes it digestible. Cookie content uses your best writing skills. Not to show off how smart and talented you are, but to make the content more delicious for your reader. Easy reading is damn hard writing ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne Training your readers In a crowded email inbox or RSS reader, cookie content will tend to attract your reader’s attention first. You’re literally training that reader to consume your content, because the content is beneficial and appealing. Each time she reads your work, she feels better. It doesn’t take long for you to become a pleasurable habit with that reader. (Even better, you’re 100% fat free.) Does this mean you never get to promote yourself? Not at all. You can make high-quality offers regularly (and should, if you want to make a living). Just be sure you’re including enough cookies to keep your reader’s attention and interest. You probably don’t want to create content that consists of nothing but cookies. That can give even the most self-indulgent reader indigestion. But include enough that you’re always training your audience to open your email, read your blog posts, and pass along your special reports. You’ll find that the more you reward them, the more they reward you. About the Author: Sonia Simone is Senior Editor of Copyblogger and the founder of Remarkable Communication.

Thanks Sonia for another great article and more great information that I can use.  I hope my readers can use it as well.

How to edit the publishing date on your blog post

Are you feeling creative and able to write several post in one day but don’t want them all published one right after the other.  Watch the following video and find out how to delay your post a few days or even a year.   

Need customized help, contact me today and let’s get started on your next marketing project.  Need to know how to start a blog, I can help!  Need to learn how to use social networking to build your business, I can help!  Want to get started on Facebook, I can help! 

Call 404-788-2580 to set up an appoointment today!

Women’s Council of Realtors Tech Labs are FREE and Open to all

I wanted to post this out there for all who wish to know about it.  This is a Free  Tech Lab  that has amazing information and helpers available  to do hands on help at every session.  Sponsored by the Women’s Council of Realtors Cherokee Chapter.  I know for a fact that they have a video class coming up in the next few weeks, that will not be free as a matter of fact you need to be a member of WCR to attend.  This video class will take you from the beginning stages of doing a video to the final stages and will be worth CEU’s for Realtors.

So Join us for L.A.B…..”Leading Agents Beyond” tech training on the latest software that helps REALTORS maximize their productivity and success!! HANDS ON…bring your laptop!

DATES/LOCATIONS:
Cherokee Association Training Center
1600 River Park Blvd., Ste 104
Woodstock, GA 30188
Thursdays 11am-1pm
3/26, 4/2, 4/23, 5/7, 5/21

Outfront Education Training Ctr.
2205 Riverstone Blvd Ste 107
Canton, GA 30114
Tuesdays 9-11am
3/24, 4/14, 4/28, 5/12, 5/26

Shawn Graves-WCR Education Chair is the main contact person and coordinator for these classes and has shared a ton of valuable information all ready.   This is a great time for all of us to learn LOTS!!!
I know this morning Shawn went over several things in FMLS including how to pull special reports, how to locate several items in GAMLSPRO and he has a wealth of information to share every time.  I was happy to share with several people different things about Facebook, Twitter, and blogging.  Are you there getting your share, don’t get left behind, just because there isn’t a charge don’t think these labs are not of value.  Several people are already taking advantage of these free labs, don’t miss out! Put it on your calendar!

Great New Tool For Those who love to Text Messaging

Last night I was looking around for some marketing information and also looking

 for ways to increase David’s presence on the web and found this really neat site called 

It is a place that allows you to keep in touch with those who are following you just simply by texting your twitter account and all those who have an account instantly know what’s going on with you. It also puts your information on their twitter account so when the search engines and spiders are doing their thing, it finds your name and websites. 

I thought about several great ways to use this, just in my family alone.  Say you’re going to be late you can text your whole family with one message and let them know, or you’re running late to a meeting, one Text can let everyone know. 

Plus it’s just alot of fun!  Go to www.Twitter.com and Check it out.

Bonnie Lelak

The Home Inspectors Wife

www.askthegeorgiahomeinspector.com