1. The 2-letter word that undermines your credibility
Has someone ever pointed something out to you and then you begin to see it everywhere? That happened to me after reading this post about the word "so". The gist is, using "so" (oftentimes) dilutes whatever comes after it. I do it. And I've since noticed a lot of people do it. Personally, I think it's perfectly appropriate in some circumstances, but still, this tip has already found a spot in my "how to become a better speaker/communicator" file.
2. How to make Instagram on the web like Instagram on your phone (and see stats)
Lately, I've noticed a lot of my contacts have joined Instagram (wanna follow me?), thus I offer a quick tip. You might notice Instagram on the web is not nearly as functional as it is on your phone. But apps like Iconosquare (formerly Statigram) and Gramfeed change this. For those of us on our computers more than our phones, they are a handy way to manage and monitor accounts, specific hashtags, friends or "competitor" hashtags or accounts without having to switch devices.
Picture your perfect reader. Now, pretend the two of you are pen pals and pretend your posts are the letters you send. What makes pen pal letters so great? They're written in your own voice (you're not trying to be, or copy someone else), they're about topics you genuinely care about (not sales-y or shallow), they're substantive (not 2-liners or regurgitations of what others say) and lastly, you genuinely care about what your pen pal is going to gain in the process. Bam. Write like that and you've got SEO mostly covered.
4. Having trouble growing your blog? This might help.
How do I make my blog grow? Oh, the $64,000 question. I offered some tips here, but one of my biggest tips has always been, be helpful! In The Blog Planning Kit, Kat Lee talks about how her first blog never took off but her second blog far surpassed the first in a few months! The difference? Here's one reason:
My first blog was an outlet. I wrote about whatever interested me...InspiredToAction.com is a service...I write because I know it helps others.
Outlet or service? Both are good reasons to blog, but if you're not seeing the growth you want, how could you make your blog more of a service? (By the way, if you want to grab Kat's Blog Planning Kit, use coupon code useletter at checkout for 30% off.)
5. A couple extras...
In case you're wondering about the checkmark, I didn't notice a huge difference in open rates without it. But surprisingly, many of you said you missed it because it makes The Useletter easier to spot. So, I'm putting it back in. For now anyway. And finally, if you still haven't taken the plunge and started a website, HostGator is having a 50% off deal* this week. Sweet deal! (By the way, if you feel intimidated by the process and want me to walk you through, here ya go.)
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As Memorial Day in the U.S. approaches, I remember this. Thank you to all who serve and have served.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Amy
*Some links are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support in this way!
