Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Build A Great Press Page Right Now - http://www.totemapp.com/

http://www.totemapp.com/

Build A Great Press Page Right Now

Give press easy access to the information they need. Build an awesome press page for you or your clients. It's FREE and it takes five minutes.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Business 2 Community White Papers

http://whitepapers.business2community.com

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

image placeholders - image sources by pixel size

sent from my Samsung Mobile

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: What makes a better image placeholder? a) Bacon or b) Vanilla Ice?
From: SitePoint <newsletters@sitepoint.com>
To: "colbycrocsmexico@yahoo.com" <colbycrocsmexico@yahoo.com>
CC:

[http://www.sitepoint.com/] View Online http://go.sitepoint.com/t/y-e-ilhhlil-yktyjhddkt-d/ SitePoint Design

Image placeholder services are nothing new, right?.

Sites like ' DummyImage.com [http://dummyimage.com/]', ' PlaceKitten.com [http://placekitten.com/]', ' BaconMockup.com [http://baconmockup.com/]' and even the Vanilla Ice-themed ' NiceNiceJPG.com [http://www.nicenicejpg.com/]' have been dutifully delivering filler images for our working mockups for years now.

Unfortunately, as fun as they are, not all clients, managers and co-workers are going to appreciate your Charlie Sheen-plastered gallery mockups as much as you (or I) might

So, here are two quick options that should pass most inspections.

1). P-Hold.com

[http://p-hold.com/]

P-Hold.com [http://p-hold.com/] uses Flickr's Creative Commons search API as its image pool -- allowing you to not only set image dimensions, but also a keyword such as 'people', 'agriculture', 'food' or 'machine'.

For example, if you needed a 400px square image for a car racing website, you could could use this URL: [http://p-hold.com/racecar/400/400]. Very useful.

The second service I like is UIFaces.com [http://uifaces.com/], which specialized in providing real-world avatars for mockup.

These avatars look real because the ARE -- each graciously provided by their owner for all your mocking needs.

Both of these services make it easier to get visually plausible imagery -- regardless of the site topic -- in place much earlier in the project timeline.

And that can only make it easier to hone your UX.

Alex Walker

@alexmwalker [https://twitter.com/alexmwalker]

SitePoint Design Channel

Editor Sponsored Spring Clean Your Code [http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N7384.147888.SITEPOINT/B8055242.107823826;dc_trk_aid=281015836;dc_trk_cid=57686482]

Make today the day you stop shipping slow apps and buggy code. The people using your app will thank you for it. Use New Relic to spot code-level bugs and build faster, better performing apps.

Great copywriting weaves language, emotion and design into a powerful weapon. Today, Julia gives us some easy but powerful tips for producing great copy.

Read more [http://www.sitepoint.com/proven-copywriters-power/] The Art & Science of Great Website Color Selection [http://www.sitepoint.com/website-color-selection/]

Choosing colors is something we all do from preschool, but that doesn't means it automatically gets easier. Dan gives you some method to apply to your color selection madness.

Read more [http://www.sitepoint.com/website-color-selection/] Simple Ergonomics Tips for Desk Jockeys [http://www.sitepoint.com/simple-ergonomics-tips-desk-jockeys/]

While one research team has declared sitting to be maore dangerous that smoking, most of us can't avoid our desks forever. Follow, Ada as she pulls together a handy ergonomics checklist.

Hugo's has a great round-up and analysis of a number of cool Sass tools to make your CSS and Sass development easier.

Even if you've been writing CSS for a while, you probably still come across new stuff all the time. Here are 12 things you might not have been aware of.

Read more [http://www.sitepoint.com/12-little-known-css-facts/] Head to manage your subscriptions http://sitepointcom.updatemyprofile.com/y-ilhhlil-3334339F-yktyjhddkt-h to unsubscribe yourself from this newsletter. You can also unsubscribe http://go.sitepoint.com/t/y-u-ilhhlil-yktyjhddkt-k/ from all SitePoint newsletters - no hard feelings! We send out our newsletters with Campaign Monitor [http://www.campaignmonitor.com/]

Saturday, July 12, 2014

The Power of Words: Use Them to Convert!

The Big List of Power Words: 189 Phrases That Influence, Persuade, and Convert
Read more

“Join us!”

“Sign up!”

These phrases litter the huge variety of email newsletter boxes you’ll come across online, and they generally serve the same purpose: Click here to give us your email address. They serve the same purpose, but do they say the same thing?

Can one word change the way you feel about a button?

In my experience, yes. I subscribe to the copywriting school of thought where every single word is absolutely worth stewing over and A/B testing because one single word can change everything. The difference between “joining” and “signing up” is the difference between fellowship and enlisting. A word changes the meaning, the mood, and the motivation.

The Big List of Power Words: 189 Phrases That Influence, Persuade, and Convert image Copy of Untitled design

To connect the dots then, you’re probably wondering: If a single word makes that much difference, then what words should I be using? Which words and phrases convert?

The science of copywriting, the psychology of headlines, and the art of CTAs has revealed quite a number of go-to moves for marketers looking to gain a linguistic edge in their words and pitches. I’ve enjoyed saving several lists of these so-called power words and pulling them out to use in a pinch. I’m happy to share my lists with you. Do you have any power words that work magic for you? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

Research reveals how a single word makes all the difference

You likely know inherently that specific words matter. You click on a headline because a single word strikes you. You click a signup button because a word creates an emotion.

The research behind this power of words is incredibly deep. Researchers have found that the word you use to describe a car accident (“contacted” vs. “smashed”) paints the way eyewitnesses view the event. Another study found that simple stock names that are easier to pronounce lead to quicker gains post-IPO.

Perhaps my favorite study is one shared by Brian Clark of Copyblogger. Social psychologist Ellen Langer tested the power of a single word in an experiment where she asked to cut in line at a copy machine. She tried three different ways of asking:

“Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine?” – 60% said OK

“Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I’m in a rush?” – 94% said OK

“Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I have to make some copies?” – 93% said OK

I don’t know about you, but I thought Langer’s third request was rather elementary. Yet it didn’t matter. The trigger word “because” was all she needed. The takeaway: When you want people to take action, always give a reason.

Neurologically, we have an instinctual reaction to words and language. Researchers have found that we are hardwired to associate sounds with images, even in words we do not comprehend. Here’s a test for you, pulled from a study by Wolfgang Köhler. Which of the two shapes below is a maluma and which is a takete?

The Big List of Power Words: 189 Phrases That Influence, Persuade, and Convert image malumatakete 580

The vast majority of respondents label the smooth, rounded image a maluma and the hard, jagged image a takete.

To go one step further into the power of words, you can look at Patrick Renvoise and Christopher Morin’s book about neuromarketing (see Peep Laja’s article at ConversionXL for a great analysis of the book). Renvoise and Morin highlight the three different brains we have: the new brain, the middle brain, and the old brain.

The Big List of Power Words: 189 Phrases That Influence, Persuade, and Convert image brain 1

The old brain is the part that controls decisions, and it also happens to be the most primitive. In this way, the words you use to market to the old brain will often be the most direct, simple, arresting, visual words you have.

You’ll likely see a lot of these “old brain” words in the lists below.

The ultimate list of words and phrases that convert

A quick Google search can reveal pages of results for persuasive and powerful words. There’s no trouble finding them; there’s sometimes trouble applying them. The words you see below are split into a number of categories, along with some ideas on how I’ve used them in the past (and how you can use them, too).

The Big List of Power Words: 189 Phrases That Influence, Persuade, and Convert image Copy of Untitled design 5 600x600

The 5 most persuasive words in the English language

You
Free
Because
Instantly
New

You’ve seen these words countless times before—and for good reason. The research behind these words has shown over and over that they work. Gregory Ciotti wrote about these five in a post for Copyblogger, showing exactly how each is vital for persuasive speech and copy. For instance, immediate words like “instantly” trigger mid-brain activity and feed our zest for quick gratification.

Where to try these words: Calls-to-action, headlines, email subject lines, headings, opening sentences and paragraphs

The 20 most influential words, via David Ogilvy

Suddenly
Now
Announcing
Introducing
Improvement
Amazing
Sensational
Remarkable
Revolutionary
Startling
Miracle
Magic
Offer
Quick
Easy
Wanted
Challenge
Compare
Bargain
Hurry

David Ogilvy is to advertising as Jimi Hendrix is to the electric guitar. His list of influential words you see above was first published in 1963, and many remain in vogue today.

Where to try these: Headlines, bullet points, subject lines

(Sidenote: For a fun blast from the past, courtesy of Ben Locker, here are a couple advertisements for power words that date back to 1961. A New York Times ad is on the left, a Washington Post ad is on the right. Ogilvy’s 20 influential words came out two years after these.)

The Big List of Power Words: 189 Phrases That Influence, Persuade, and Convert image persuasive words 1 600x591

3 words to encourage community

Join
Become a member
Come along

These community phrases provide a sense of togetherness to the user; they feel like they’re taking part in something larger than themselves. (You’ll notice that we use the word “join” in our email newsletter form.)

Where to try these words: Email signups, trial offers, in-app messaging

10 cause-and-effect words and phrases

Accordingly
As a result
Because
Caused by
Consequently
Due to
For this reason
Since
Therefore
Thus

Author Darlene Price, the originator of this cause-and-effect list, has great insight into what makes these cause-and-effect phrases so useful: “Cause-and-effect words make your claims sound objective and rational rather than biased and subjective.”

Where to try these: Closing paragraphs, transitions

12 phrases that imply exclusivity

Members only
Login required
Class full
Membership now closed
Ask for an invitation
Apply to be one of our beta testers
Exclusive offers
Become an insider
Be one of the few
Get it before everybody else
Be the first to hear about it
Only available to subscribers

Garrett Moon of CoSchedule explains exclusivity as being like a club with membership restrictions. You want in because others are in. There’s a bit of social pressure with exclusivity wording, and it helps drive decisions and actions for the user.

Where to try these: Signup forms, links, calls-to-action, subheads

9 phrases that imply scarcity

Limited offer
Supplies running out
Get them while they last
Sale ends soon
Today only
Only 10 available
Only 3 left
Only available here
Double the offer in the next hour only

The fear of missing out (often abbreviated as FOMO) is a common driver of action for marketers and advertisers. FOMO is essentially scarcity. By showing that an item or product is in limited supply, you hope to ratchet up demand.

Where to try these: Headings, promo copy

28 words and phrases that make you feel safe

Anonymous
Authentic
Backed
Best-selling
Cancel Anytime
Certified
Endorsed
Guaranteed
Ironclad
Lifetime
Moneyback
No Obligation
No Questions Asked
No Risk
No Strings Attached
Official
Privacy
Protected
Proven
Recession-proof
Refund
Research
Results
Secure
Tested
Try before You Buy
Verify
Unconditional

Boost Blog Traffic’s Jon Morrow collected a huge list of power words (his full list of 317 is well worth the read) and sorted the list by category. The above section is Morrow’s grouping of words that engender feelings of safety. It’s my favorite group from Morrow’s list because these safety words have an amazing effect on the person reading: They create trust.

Where to try these: Payment forms, signup forms, testimonials

48 ubiquitous power words

Improve
Trust
Immediately
Discover
Profit
Learn
Know
Understand
Powerful
Best
Win
Hot Special
More
Bonus
Exclusive
Extra
You
Free
Health
Guarantee
New
Proven
Safety
Money
Now
Today
Results
Protect
Help
Easy
Amazing
Latest
Extraordinary
How to
Worst
Ultimate
Hot
First
Big
Anniversary
Premiere
Basic
Complete
Save
Plus!
Create

Each employee on the circulation and email marketing teams at Interweave Press has these words printed and posted on their wall. The list, which was originally compiled Linda Ruth and Curtis Circulation Company, came from studying best-selling magazine covers, and Interweave’s Bob Kaslik found that the words work equally well on magazines as they do in promo copy and in email subject lines.

Where to try these: Email subject lines, headlines, calls-to-action

9 word for shareable content

Secret
Tell us
Inspires
Take
Help
Promote
Increase
Create
Discover

Neil Patel put together the infographic you see below, based on research on each of the four major social networks: Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and LinkedIn. His list represents the words that can get your content shared on social media. I’ve found success grouping some of these words with other power words as well.

Where to try these: Social media updates

Read more at http://www.business2community.com/brandviews/buffer/big-list-power-words-189-phrases-influence-persuade-convert-0933163#cBuP0oq3kpb8P3HQ.99

5 Tips For Video SEO

Anatomy of a Perfect Website

Six Essential Components of B2B Marketing [Infographic]

Social Marketing Compass

Business Logos: Evolution, Colors, Value

Business Logos: Evolution, Color and Value of a Brand

Company logos and corporate colors serve as the face or identity of a business. Colors have long proven to evoke specific emotions and trigger powerful responses from consumers. Research shows that, typically, red indicates motion/ active, yellow provides an energetic vibe, blue translates as being reliable, green connects to nature and freshness.

Logos are big business for corporations and small businesses alike. Although intangible, logos can be an extremely valuable asset of a company.

Red is typically associated as being intense (recall your grade school teacher marking up your test in red pen). Words associated with the color red include: active, passion, emotion, trust-worthy, love, intensity and overall aggressiveness. Large internationally recognized brands using red as a primary color include Red Bull and Coke.

Blue suggests depth, reliance and stability with undertones of vast sky and sea. Words associated with blue include: Hospitable, comfort, empathy, conservative, clarity, calm and trust. Large internationally recognized brands using blue as a primary color include Facebook, Twitter, Ford and Samsung.

Yellow is associated with energy, happiness and sunshine. Words usually associated with yellow include: jovial, sustainable, energetic and refreshing. International brands with yellow as a primary color include Lipton and McDonalds.

Purple is lavish and associated with royalty. Words usually associated with purple: glamour, glitz, romance, power. Famous brands with purple as a primary include FedEx and Yahoo.

Orange is associated with happiness, bright sunshine and exotic tropical escapes. Words usually associated with orange: Stimulation, enthusiasm, creativity and determination. International brands with orange as a primary include Gatorade and Tropicana.

Black is sleek and formal with boldness and definitive ideals. A few international brands with black as a primary color include Nike, Sotheby's and Tiffany & Co.

Pink is obviously feminine. Pink suggests love, intimacy and innocence. Some brands with pink as a primary include Barbie, Verizon and LG.

Brown conjures ideologies or a connection to nature and earth. Words typically tied to the color brown include: dependable, resilient and firm. Some brands with brown as a primary color include UPS and M&Ms.

Useful Tools: Plugins, Blog Utilities, Auto-post to Facebook, Twitter

http://mt-hacks.com/

What is NetGalley?

NetGalley is a digital book marketplace. This online service helps connect point book publishers, media, reviewers, librarians, booksellers, bloggers and educators.

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NetGalley delivers advance eBook copies dubbed "digital galleys", often referred to as ARCs: advance reading copies, to editorial reviewers, paid readers and assists promotion of new and upcoming titles. Publishers, Writer's and Author's can include their works for a fee. Publishers pay a set-up fee and a monthly fee depending on the number of titles on the site Professional readers: media, reviewers, journalists, bloggers, librarians, booksellers and educators can join and use NetGalley for free.

INFO LINK

Firebrand Technologies is the parent company of NetGalley. Firebrand offers numerous publishing technologies, services and solutions.