Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 2 Comments

This is not Urgent…

Hello!  I hope you’re enjoying a new season! In my newsletter this week- the subject line was actually – ‘This is not- Urgent, a Reminder or the Final Hours’ I hope you know by now that I love to keep up with marketing trends. I recently read a reputable business site and the title was something like- ‘How to Get your Emails Opened.’ Those techniques in my newsletter subject line- Urgent, a Reminder and Final Hours– were just a few of their suggestions! No! I’m sorry, that’s not my style. Maybe if it’s from a retailer who I trust- though still doubtful. I don’t believe those tactics work- they’re stressful, seem icky and spammy to me. 

In fact, another highly reputable site and whom I trust further stated that words in the Subject Lines like Free, Reminder or Percentage Off are overused and have negative open rates. Whoa! Who wants that? Okay, so what will work? Here’s a few in my personal inbox that I plan to open-

  • ‘Countdown to Summer’ This is a new collection from a retailer I love. 
  • ‘Classes Start Today’ – I signed up for those. 
  • ‘Today Only’ I’m still deciding, though it’s not as much of a put off as others
  • ‘ 10 Ideas to Refresh.‘  It’s Spring here. Who doesn’t want a Refresh?
  • ‘The One Thing You Should Know’ Folks love Lists or that One Thing. 
  • ‘Let’s Talk About…’  Ok, women tend to like these subject lines. Men usually don’t. 
  • ‘Cleopatra’s Favorite Perfume.’ Now, really who doesn’t want to know that? Ok. Maybe just me. It’s thought to contain myrrh, cinnamon, fruit oil- probably from dates and pine or cedar resin. Apparently, the recipes for the fragrance have been found in ancient writings. I’m not making this up! This is from a reputable History site. So, yes! I trusted the information.

So! How do we actually get folks to open, read or even just scan our written content? It’s like anything else- Develop a relationship with the reader, stir in that Know, Like, Trust factor and you’re on your way. Some of our titles or subject lines should be Specific and Straightforward- like ‘Classes Begin Today’. And there are those which use a play on words- which I tend to like. Still others create interest, are quirky and fun- obviously Cleopatra’s Perfume checked all of those boxes for me! 

I want folks to feel happy, intrigued and curious- not stressed out with another Urgent Demand- unless it’s really Urgent– let’s avoid that! 

We want whatever we write to be a pleasure to read. Something they will enjoy. It’s always about Information and Inspiration. Speaking of that! If you’d like to subscribe to my newsletter- it’s free but not in the subject line! Just send me a message and I’ll tell you how to get on the list!

I’ve been posting about Color lately on Instagram. Here’s a download from my course about Color Mapping-

Click Here:  “C:\Users\sunni\OneDrive\Color Mapping for You.pdf” It’s a fun way to find out your Color Values- I have more training available in my course!

opening-slide-for-courseSpeaking of which- We are having so much fun with ‘Be Unforgettable- Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing.’ If you think this is something you’d be interested in- I’d love to have you! Here’s the link to find out more! https://camellia-s-cottage-blog.mykajabi.com/about-course-copy-1-ed7ee1ac-4438-4133-968b-ffee43106f2b

Love y’all, Brenda 

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 4 Comments

Blooming in Harsh Light…

Times are harsh. They have been for quite a while. Over 2 years now, we’ve all witnessed Disease, Death, and Destruction and have had our share of exhaustion, even depression. The truth is life has been and still has been harsh. Unsure of the future, we are trying to find out way and yes, some have stared so long for so long and hard- that there’s overwhelm and some have told me that they are just burned out or ‘not feeling it’ right now.’ Backing away from social media, taking a break. I understand. Still.

We do need to know how to continue posting- even if not as often and with a certain sensitivity. We need to know how to continue creating or doing business while understanding folks are bombarded with information almost constantly. The question is then, how do we bloom in harsh light? How to celebrate holidays or perhaps get away from it all for a few days.

First we must believe that we are gifted. And not only gifted, but gifted for such a time as this. Right now, it’s easy to think what we write or make, create or sell isn’t vital- in fact we may think- ‘What I’m doing is trivial compared to all of the horribleness right now.’ Am I right? When what we are really thinking is – ‘What I do doesn’t matter.’ Oh yes, it Matters! Why? Well, let’s say we are thirsty- yet in your own special talented way- you go the extra mile and make a simple glass of water special- you add sprigs of fresh mint and limes. You’ve found a way to beautifully quench thirst.

It might be easy to say what we do or create or sell won’t bring World Peace or whatever it is that you’re thinking. Yet. Who are we to Decide what Folks Want or Need? Yes, be sensitive in your posting yet remember this- Folks need Beauty. Folks need Gifts for Celebrations. Folks may want to uplevel their Skills or Businesses. Folks who are burned out may need inspiration or even coaches and services- trying find ways to bloom in Harsh Times. You could be that person. You could inspire someone today. Do you recall how many of us found our gardens immensely helpful in the first lockdowns?

We never know what will happen, what I do know is that what you create, sell or offer could make all the difference in the world to someone. You may think you’re just one beam of light when really you can light up the night just be being the best sparkling effervescent unforgettable You.

That Quote? It’s true. I wrote it during the pandemic- I had to refer to it in harsh light. I read it often as I began writing and creating my course. On days when I wondered if it would ever see the light of day! Well, now it’s Live. It’s done with love going out into the harsh light of this world with hope that it might help someone… We never know, still we must go on.

Love y’all, Brenda

Here’s the link to my Online Course. Be Unforgettable- Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing. In this fast paced marketing world we live in- we are All Beginner’s at something- the Marketing Portion is of special interest. Though, I do take you through the Steps of Visual Marketing. If it’s something you think you could use it for your business or dream of one, the link also tells you how to join. Thank you.

https://app.kajabi.com/admin/sites/2147488395/landing_pages#

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 6 Comments

Unforgettable…

Hello There! Here I am in living color talking to you from my phone! If you’re new here, thank you for stopping by! I’ve added a little bit about myself, my blog and what I’ve been up to in the last few months! If you’ve been here awhile, thank you. I really do appreciate you. You’ve made blogging unforgettable for me!

The video explains a little bit about my journey in blogging and my brand new online course called- Be Unforgettable- Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing. It’s gleaned from 30 plus years in Retail. I was so fortunate to work with amazing visual stylists- what they taught me or showed me, was a tremendous help in developing my 9 Principles of Design which are included in this course.

There are 5 Main Things I think even folks who’ve been around a while should know about Marketing online.

1. Express your Values through Color. This is one way the big brands develop their logos and more!

2. Use the 9 Principles of Design for Styling. This is how You will be Unique.

3. Create, Choose and Use Compelling Images. This is how you Draw Folks into your sites.

4. Become a Storyteller. Make your Audience Feel Something. As Seth Godin said- ‘It’s not about the Stuff you Sell, it’s about the Stories you Tell.’

5. Create a Personalized Shopping Experience. This is the essence of Marketing 101.

All of this, including personalized Color Mapping, a 50+ downloadable workbook, the 9 Principles of Design, 20 pages of Props, Images and Styling Materials, 15 Writing Lessons to Create Content with Confidence, Marketing 101, Lifetime Access and more are included in my online course- Be Unforgettable- Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing.

https://camellia-s-cottage-blog.mykajabi.com/about-course

Because I’d rather serve the many, rather than the few- it’s very reasonably priced for 5 Mini Courses in 1 Program. I hope you’ll take a look at it. If it’s something that would help you grow your business, pursue your dream of owning a product or service-based business or add to what you already know, just click the link above, I’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have!

I’ll be back to my regularly scheduled program soon! Thanks for watching!

Love y’all, Brenda

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 2 Comments

Mushrooms- the Extraordinary Ordinary…

Why this talk of Mushrooms? Well, I love to take something ‘ordinary’ and make it extraordinary. It’s a fun way to write, design and add that extra special something. Here- mushrooms use my 9 Principles of Design. Texture and Mood, two of my favorite design principles. Mushrooms, lichen and moss see to add something mysterious and magical to a woodland walk. They add something special to a warm bowl of soup or a rustic tart.

And oh yes, there’s a natural artistic expression of the ‘ordinary’ mushroom. The underside folds or gills look at once ancient and modern, even when recreated in fabric stitchery definitely add that whimsical mood. The stuff that adds an extra dimension, especially this time of year.

Whether the mushrooms are a singular find on a damp forest floor or a basketful, we are enchanted by mushrooms. And when you consider that for a mushroom to grow, it requires almost perfect conditions. If you see mushrooms growing, that’s a sign of good rich soil. It’s incredible to me that mushrooms grow in dim light without any fanfare and yet are so unique.

Texture? Yes. Mood? Oh yes, we also love moody light and we must not forget to add Whimsy which is the subtle ‘mood lifter’ which is always welcome especially as the holidays draw near and ordinary day grow dimmer. I don’t know about you, yet I want a bit of the extraordinary ordinary. Mushrooms, anyone?

Love y’all, Brenda

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 7 Comments

Write using Scent…

The Scent of Fall. Think about it, what do Autumn Scents evoke? In the South, we plant Pansies, we collect hydrangeas on the wane…drying. The Zinnias are making one last effort. Full Blown Roses may take center stage on the fall floral scents. Yet. And this is Important- Fall Scent is really the decay of leaves and moss or fungi breaking down, this creates the musky sugary scent of a leaf pile. Yes, Mums have a distinct spicy scent and as fruit ripens- well you know the scent of ripe fruit, right?

Scents are closely associated with Memories. For instance, I worked for the Fragrance Division of Oscar de la Renta- the Classic Oscar fragrance was born from his stroll through his mother’s garden in the Dominican Republic. He picked a bouquet and the scent was born. With floral scents of Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Rose and Gardenia- Oscar brilliantly added herbs- Basil, Lavender and Rosemary. There is also a hint of Coconut and Cloves. So! Why all of this talk of Scent? Well..

When we show off our photos or even videos, we appeal to sight, maybe sound- using only 2 of our 5 senses. There are 3 more senses we need to appeal to our audiences. Scent is one of them- if you show Fall Food- write about the scent as the Food is prepared. Let us know the aroma is irresistible. If you show Fall Gardens, please know that it’s not the scent of a Pumpkin or an Apple- you want to evoke in your audience. It’s the Warm Spices of a Pie, hot from an oven. Create a Memory using Scent. That’s the biggest lesson of Writing in this post. Yes, we enjoy the photos, yet it’s the combination of images and words which form the greatest attraction. Writing which uses the Unseen Senses of Photography and is one of the best ways to draw us in. What keeps us there? is Writing about it!

A cosy blanket? Help me ‘Feel’ the Texture. Tell me what I taste and smell when I read your post- Warm Bread? Oh my, yes! Caramel? Did you know Caramel is one of the Burnt Sugar Scents of Autumn- the distinct burning of the sugary scent of Fall Leaves. It’s a scientific fact- when leaves fall and turn brown, part of the process is releasing sugars to feed the plants and trees through the winter.

Try on the Scents of Fall as you write, create more than Beauty- Create a Memory. Just like Oscar created a Memory of Home in his mother’s flower garden.

Love y’all, Brenda

PS. Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve written a post! I’m about halfway through creating an online course- A Beginner’s Guide to Visual Marketing. Stay tuned.