Why so many people suck at marketing

(Also, wish me luck)

Happy Friday…

Last week I saw a post by a brand new author. She’d just uploaded her book to Amazon and said “knock on wood.” So I checked out her site and noted that she doesn’t have a mailing list. I felt sad for her because I knew what was going to happen. Nothing.

A writer on Medium posted to say she realized she doesn’t need an opt in or a fancy “newsletter” so she’s not doing those anymore.

If you know who I’m talking about, please don’t mention the name. I prefer not to use names if I haven’t asked permission to discuss them publicly.

I could give you examples of bad marketing until the cows come home. But I’m not entirely sure that’s fair. It’s not like we’re born knowing how to market stuff.

Marketing is a learned skill, but there’s a trick to it that no one seems to talk about. I’d like to talk about that. Because times are rough for a lot of people and maybe I can help. Doesn’t even matter if you sell a book or coffee or handbags.

The real truth is that “good marketing” isn’t a formula or a blueprint. It will look different for every single person and business out there. I say that from experience. It’s what I’ve done to put bread on the table since I was 19 years old. A LONG time ago.

I seldom take new clients because the ones I work with have been with me 12-20 years. You don’t keep marketing clients for 20 years if you don’t get results. You know?

But first I want to gauge interest.

If you’re struggling with marketing, can you let me know in the comments? And if you share specific problems, I’ll answer them as best I can in the piece.

Incidentally, the dogs I chose for the photo will make sense when you read the article. Dogs (and cats) have more to do with marketing than you’d realize.

There will be an aha moment that will explain why so many people suck at marketing. And how to fix that without feeling icky. Good marketing isn’t icky. I promise.

Side note:

Only linking two stories, below. If you only read one, I hope you’ll read the Vocal one. It’s personal. Course, I hope you’ll read both. The one on Medium is also true.

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On Medium…

Photos of the Real Beauty & The Beast and their “Beastly” Children

The true story of a diabolical queen, a boy with “werewolf” syndrome, and love’s triumph…

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On Vocal…

I entered this in the True Colors writing challenge. A tiny slice of my past. No idea if it will win or place, but wish me luck. I’d be happy if you’d read it. :)

Made Entirely of Rainbows.

I didn’t understand, but how could I? I was a child.

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Thought for the day

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

~Anais Nin

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If you enjoyed, click the heart to let me know. If you’re reading in email, you can click the title to like the post or leave a comment. Have a great weekend…

xo,
Linda