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Collections and Gift Guides…

Spring Gift Guides

Collections… we all have a collections of some sort. Whether it’s Stamps, Spices (yes, when we travel I bring back spices) Vintage Luggage? I had a small collection once that served as a portable office. Some collect oddities  such as watch parts. And, I’ll admit to having a collection of garden pots. Old Garden Tools- yes, the quirkier the better. Silver Serving Pieces? Books? Heirloom Seeds… oh yes, that’s a very nice collection to have. 

Though, you might be surprised to find out I also collect. Now, bear with me and I’ll tell you. After 30+ years in Retail, I tend to collect- very interesting Advertisement Openers. Why? Because I want to know what makes folks open an email, promotion or an ad. I do this so you don’t have to 🙂 …

Last week, I sent out email reminders to Create a Gift Guide for their Mother’s Day promotions. Yes, Gift Guides are one of the most helpful and effective ways to promote your products. Why? Because gift givers want you to give them ideas. And, you may just have what we shoppers think a loved one wants- especially if your gift guides offers different price ranges- and yes, this is regardless of what you offer.

I follow the best and brightest advertisers. They are using Gift Guides or announcing a New Collection. I personally love the announcement of New Collections no matter what it is. Whether you’re a shopper or seller- those two categories- Gift Guides and Collections. Count on it. Why? Inquiring Minds want to know:

1) Because these advertisements are genuinely helpful.

2.) A Collection is a peek into the upcoming season. A Gift Guide helps you make current buying decisions.

If you’re eyes are starting to glaze over by now, you’re either not a shopper or a seller. For years, my daughters made up their own gift guides, then sent them to me! I completely adored it. Why? Because it was a Guide for me to get them exactly what they wanted! They did the work so I didn’t have to!

So! I’ll cut to the chase- Collections. Gift Guides. Tell me what you offer. Help me make a decision. I’ve already sent out yet another guide to help sellers work in Batches. To save Time creating Content. It contains a few ideas of how the Big Brands are getting ahead of the Spring Gifting Season. Their gift guides will help those customers they serve, get good ideas and save time too!

If you’d like to get your copy of Gift Guides and Collections for Spring, just drop me a line at brenda@brenda-wyatt.com I’ll be happy to send it to your inbox!

As always, thank you for dropping by! Love y’all, Brenda

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 4 Comments

To Write Good Content.. add Whimsy!

Feeling a bit Frazzled?

One of my favorite quotes is:

‘You have to risk a little crazy in order to escape the gravitational pull of the Ordinary.’ by Tom Samet

I’ve found, to write good Content- you have to risk a little crazy… Visual Images like you see her, start telling the story before you write one word. And, it doesn’t really matter what you do or what your business is- Add a little Crazy… For instance if you’re a Coach who helps with time management- maybe that Frazzled Chick will help you get a smile, and your reader will be drawn in to find out more.

It’s Stretch!

Or maybe you teach yoga or stretching exercises- a crazy Frog will help you tell the reasons you know works! Or part of what you do helps folks relax, an image of a sleeping kitty- yes, they’ll get the concept just from the image!

Do you help folks find their purpose or get direction in their lives? I think I’d read about it, if I saw a charming image of this Big Teddy Bear. It’s wonderful to see a path or a road- though don’t you know, this Bear with a pointing bunny on his shoulder would often get the point across in a whimsical way?

And, really isn’t that what good Visual Marketing does? It uses whimsy. It uses Visual Imagery to market their products or services. A sketch of a castle or even a Sandcastle you built yourself- gets the point across! I will say this- to Write Better Read

I read a story weeks ago, I kept hearing in my head- something about ‘walking through raindrops’  I couldn’t find the quote so I adjusted it, and it prompted me to write this quote:

I felt like most of life, no matter what was going on, I was Dancing thru Raindrops without getting wet.’

And why did I write it that way? Well, I found this adorable image of a Frog and a lilypad- under it’s own natural umbrella! Don’t forget- it’s serious times we live in, often with serious solutions- Still. If you find a great whimsical image- yours or not- Let the image tell the story before you write a word! Everything doesn’t have to be serious even when the subject is. Add Whimsy… Love y’all, Brenda

Now, I know y’all have heard about my *Free Monthly Planning Guides and May’s Planning Guide is ready and it’s jam packed with fun things to write about!

Thank you to all who have requested it! This month, there’s a *Bonus*- it’s a *Mother’s Day Gift Guide* for product and serviced based businesses- you’ll learn how to price your products, how to really make the Mothers on your customers’ list feel like Queen for a Day!  So, if that’s You, all you have to do to get to get the Bonus Gift Guide is- *send me an email at brenda@brenda-wyatt I’d love for you to have it!

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The Power of Visual Marketing…

Visual Marketing. I’ve been working on a project about the impact Images and Colors have on readers and more important on Marketing your goods or services. I don’t usually go straight to statistics, yet this time- the Stats are powerful. Did you know folks only recall 18-20% of what they Read? Followed by a whopping 600% recall of what they See! That’s the impact of Visual Marketing. If you have something to sell? Over 300% will make a purchase when Visual Images are combined with compelling Information when compared to Text only.

Okay, sit down a minute, take a sip of coffee., and listen up! We think we know these things yet, considering today’s world of Advertising and Online Sales. I personally believe those statistics are why Instagram is such a powerful platform for product or service based businesses. On that platform over 75% are more likely to read Content that’s combined with Images that evoke emotions. You know, I get it- We’re so busy following our dreams, we forget the boring things that make those dreams come true. Why? Because it takes time coming up with fresh content and compelling images.

Images that symbolize the Doorway to the Opportunity to present and sell your products or services. Or show someone their Potential. Tell someone what and why you’ve created your art, your online shop, your coaching services.

Whew that’s a lot of Math. And not just math, astonishing Information! So, I’ll make this short, so you can get maximum information with minimal effort. I’m almost finished with a 6 page list of My Favorite Styling Materials, Props and Images- I’ll let you know when it’s ready. Still.

Listen to this: There are certain images that Stop the Scroll, make you want to read what the content says. My top 4, (though certainly not all!) are contained in this post. If you’re a photographer, shoot these anytime you find them. If you’re not? Find compelling images like these. Free Stock Image sites abound. Start building a stable of Images you can build Content around. Images that evoke nostalgia, curiosity, calm and compelling. You have to decide what emotion you want to create. The images don’t even have to be related to your brand or product directly. Advertising Agencies have used this principle for years. You can do what the big brands do, with color, images and great content.

Love y’all, Brenda

P.S. If you haven’t guessed by now- A bicycle creates nostalgia and movement. A cup or a whole stack of cups is a proven image to project warmth and comfort. Eggs always represent Potential, even comfort for food bloggers. A Door or two! Even a bit scuffed, is always perceived as Opportunity. That’s why they’ll always make my top 4 images. And, just an FYI- you can blend stock Images with your own images, like I’ve done here. 3 are Stock Images and one is mine- I’ll let you guess which one!

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 6 Comments

9 Principles of Design…

I developed 9 Principles of Design that work for me. They all work hard for you, especially with Visual Marketing.  My Mimi was a florist and my mother dabbled in art and interior design. With that background  and some good training while working in retail, these elements were always present and I hope will serve you well.

  1. Light is always going to be the first principle. It’s that shimmering glimmer of you, the energy that makes you and your designs sparkle.
  2. Color  Which colors you choose tells me a whole lot about You.  Vibrant or calm. Passionate or serene. You see what I mean, that bright house with vibrant flowers says something…it’s hard to believe dreary folks live there!
  3. Texture. Don’t get me started on Texture…it’s been said by fine artists and designers to be one of their favorite ways to add warmth, patina and age.
  4. Mood. Mood has to be there- whether it’s a moody Angel or a whimsical sketch. Mood sets that stage without one written word.
  5. Perspective. Whether it’s peering through a window or painting a landscape- good perspective is a must have! That view is charming to me…
  6. Balance. Ahh, balance. Ok, those cookies aren’t perfectly balanced, yet they’re a good example of balance, color, light, texture and mood. I’ll admit to being so happy I ate quite a few.
  7. Shape. I could say- Shape and Form– because they are always pleasing to the eye. Beautifully shaped Eggs, rounded nest- all in the boundary of a square- yes, it pleases my eye.
  8. Time. A sense of Time needs to be part of design. Something is either bright and new or has the patina of age- history if you will. A blend in your designs is what I seek in a well designed marketing plan. It’s a blend of timelessness- daylight or nightfall- yes, give almost anything Time and it looks good.
  9. Negative Space. Though certainly not last in importance- negative space is an oft neglected art. Did you know in Retail Stores- you can always predict the Value and Price by whether things are jammed and jumbled in (low priced) and then there are high end goods which take up more real estate on a display wall or case (yes, high end- higher price). Space is the easiest upgrade- a big clean out makes a room spacious. Adding Negative Space into your displays, your social media grids, your art, writing and more…uplevels all you do!

Love y’all, Brenda

P.S. Happy Easter! and… If you need help with writing content for April, or could use a few tips- our Free April Planning Guide is there for you! Just email me at brenda@brenda-wyatt.com

Posted on by Camellia's Cottage · 8 Comments

Curb Appeal…i

Curb Appeal. Spring seems the perfect time to think about it. Realtors agree that Curb Appeal is the great Attitude Adjuster.  3 Seconds is all it takes to form an opinion or create an impression. It’s interesting that the same 3 Second Rule applies to Social Media, Blogs or Websites. Visual Impressions are everything. Those Pink Blossoms and the Black Door would draw me in. I worked for a beautiful Garden Shop, Most of workdays I was responsible for getting the shop open- with the most important job being- a well swept, clean entrance with a focus on the door. Clean Windows, our most beautiful plants, trimmed and watered and the sign put outside.

Did you know that a clear Landing Page, like an Open Gate invites visitors to look around your site? There needs to be a balance between the Shelter and Open Spaces. The places where visitors gather and the secure shelter where the living or business is done.  A clean welcome entrance, made attractive with green living things adds to the experience whether it’s upscale or an humble place.

Inspiration is also an essential element to- well, almost anything. Approachable, warm, inviting. Uncluttered. Now that’s a word for you- Uncluttered, is your site loaded with pop up sign up boxes that detract from what your message is? Are there ads about a ‘fatty liver’ right in between your glorious recipe, scrumptious floral designs, gorgeous artwork? Is anyone but me bothered by these things?

I’m not looking for perfect, just extra good.. Give me one fabulous, well maintained feature, like that Window Box. Give me a measure of simplicity. Even if the site has more formal structures- well kept, clean swept means even more.

Ahh yes, Curb Appeal. For homes, businesses, websites and social media: There’s no doubt, Curb Appeal = Attitude Adjustment. Visitors will be more interested, inspired even excited to enter your site wherever you are!

Welcome Spring! It’s a great time to get out and look around… I’m thankful and glad you stopped by and stayed awhile.

Love y’all, Brenda

A big P.S.

The April Planning Guide is ready- it’s free and April sure looks like fun! All you have to do is send me an email at- brenda@brenda-wyatt.com