storytelling
A visual creative’s job is to dazzle the reader using a well-executed convergence of concept + imagery + graphic design + words. This dynamic combination wins views … and peer-judged awards. Our team recently received national recognition in an industry awards program for a 2020 series on security awareness training featuring a fictitious company. We earned a National Silver Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. The series previously earned a Silver Award...
Today is better known in certain circles as May the 4th Be with You, a loose play on the most famous line in a long list of Star Wars movies. But we’re going to open with another sci-fi classic: Blade Runner. If you caught the last half hour of the Oscars the other weekend, then you likely laughed at Harrison Ford reading a list of feedback from producers to director Ridley Scott after a screening...
Anecdotes in articles, whether in print, broadcast or digital media, are one of the best ways to attract someone’s attention. People want real-life examples that underscore a point or illustrate a problem. But these same people will pick a bone if that example doesn’t deliver. That’s why it’s important that any brief story or scenario you incorporate align with the rest of the content. A tale of two Austin area residents Take the case of...
The other week a client asked me to craft a message to customers after the company made a major pivot. The change in direction meant unusual partnerships and new priorities. It also meant layoffs and inventory shortages in coming weeks. “Make sure it reflects sensitivity and compassion,” a key executive urged. A lot of companies continue to do something similar in their respective regions and industries. Their messaging is clear: We’re still open for business,...
February 2020
Creating Sponsored Content People Want to See
In early January, content posted on Teen Vogue’s website began trending on social media, which should have delighted the magazine’s editorial team. The article focused on how Facebook planned to tackle politically-driven misinformation campaigns on its platform. But the article itself was misleading. Though appearing as editorial content, it actually was a paid piece from Facebook. Teen Vogue initially added an editor’s note labeling it as sponsored content. When the controversy failed to die down,...
January 2020
Some Content to Help You Get Through … Whatever
I spent a lot of the last two weeks of 2020 catching up on content. That is, I finally got to books, blogs, podcasts, television shows and movies I’d long ignored. So, I figured I’d open a new year of Twirling Tiger Tales with some recommendations for what to consume in the coming days or weeks—whether you find yourself swept up in a coronavirus surge or just in need of creative inspiration. Watch: Death to...
November 2019
Be Best, Blogger
On a LinkedIn post recently, marketers were debating the value of blogs—those marketing mainstays used to build trust with your prospects, warm up the buying process with engagement and bolster your SEO efforts. Some of those weighing in on LinkedIn suggested to not post “some crappy 500-word blog that your overpaid agency told you to write,” and to “ditch the blog when you have nothing to say.” I 100% agree with those recommendations … and...
October 2019
How to Begin Marketing Your Brand Using Blogs
At recent networking events, I’ve been mingling with other small business owners and professionals who are interested in advancing their brand online. From financial advisors and real estate brokers to web service providers, wellness coaches and more—most are flummoxed by how to begin to gain attention and traction from prospects while on a tight budget. One piece of advice I offer to jump-start marketing for either their company or personal brand: Create an active blog. ...
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