Category: Writing

How to Write Clickable Headlines to Engage

Chartbeat released a mind-blowing analytic on headline effectiveness. Only 38% inspire quality clicks. Quality clicks mean 15 or more seconds of engagement with the content.

Whether you spend hours or days with strategy, content development and writing, the intent is targeted audience engagement; preferably the right targeted audience engagement. Maybe you want to increase blog commentary 25%; convert 10 white paper downloads to sales leads; or score 3 new business accounts from a webinar. Use headline best-practices, to increase quality clicks by 71%

Effective Headlines that Boost Quality Connections

A Chartbeat analysis of 95,255 headline tests and 235,494 individual headlines found linguistic traits that help headlines inspire quality reader connections.

Download findings on what language really engages readers.

Mix It Up Right for the Best Qualified Results

Co-Schedule says the right mix of power, emotional, common and uncommon words increase traffic, shares and search results. Quality audience engagement translates into more qualified opportunities for targeted prospect, lead, and sales conversions.

Read Co-Schedule’s, how-to-write-headlines-that-drive-traffic-shares-search-results.

 

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Time for Transformation

February, 2016, Spring Hill, TN . Within a month nature will transform this wintertime, unobstructed view to one of springtime vibrancy. Life transforms to test, empower, and influence .

Thanks for visiting, kateschannel. I created it in 2011 to share thoughts and scenes from parenting and living in Metro Detroit. Today, I am transforming it to provide

  • Copywriting, content development and marketing successes with global, corporate, small business, K-12, local government, non-profit and media organizations
  • Peer writers and marketing communication pros a virtual community to discuss content strategy, development, management and measurement.

As kateschannel evolves, you can expect access to my portfolio, blog posts, curated material, book reviews, life replays and trending thoughts. An archive of previously published content is available. Please feel free to check it out.

Six Sentence Monday: Missing Entry #5

I searched the world over for missing Entry #5. It was here — at the tips of my fingers — Monday, September 16. But, then it slipped through my grasp. As I went through the week, I looked. But, prepping kids for school, household responsibilities, social time with girlfriends, and after-school commitments compromised my focus. Today — Monday, September 23 — will be different.

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Hello. Hello. A Random Morning Thought!

Good Morning!

Do you know moments like this? It’s been months since writing a blog post. Writing a random thought or word about life is due. Heck. But, since it’s been so long; writing this post is almost awkward. It’s a similar feeling I have when finally making the decision to get in touch with a close family member or friend I have put off calling.

So, instead of discussing my multitude of excuses for not writing; I am just going to say hello and move forward. In the coming days and weeks, I plan on changing things up at kateschannel. Life changes; and so it is time for my blog to do so as well.

I hope all of you have been well; and that you’re preparing for a summer of hot fun in the sunshine. Take care.

Kate

 

 

A Case of Winter Snark: Five-Step Recovery Program

For two weeks I have battled a case of winter snark. Despite an appearance of happiness, peace and goodwill my inner voice continues to have more snark as the winter days linger on. Last night, the snark would not shut up. I was trying to fall asleep. It kept listing one complaint after another. Finally, I demanded silence.

While I am not anywhere close to being snark-free, I stopped living in denial last night. I admitted to having winter snark and signed myself up for a self-imposed, five-step recovery program.

1. Listen to my favorite music when and wherever possible. Blink 182, Foo Fighters, Korn, Rob Zombie and  Journey are among the artists who help take me to happier places.

2. Girlfriend time puts winter snark in its place: out in the cold where it belongs. Without fuel, the snark does not have energy to thrive.

3. Exercise is my number-one defense against any kind of snark: winter, cleaning, marital, parenting, alcohol shortage, etc. Fitness is a natural outlet for all negativity to escape. Too bad this doesn’t work while I’m driving. Sign language isn’t enough.

4. Writing is my second line of defense. Again, it is another method I use to relieve stress. Once I write it, it’s no longer a burden. I may still need to resolve a problem. But, I no longer feel it clouding my thoughts. Somehow, I achieve clarity on the direction I should take.

5. Attack action item list, which is always growing. After crossing items off, I felt accomplishment, not dread from excuses for not “doing.”

Related post …

Seven Silent Monsters

Don’t Go So Easy On Them

Love the posts from Limebird Writers. They are always relevant and make me think about how to improve my writing. This one is about character development.

Don’t Go So Easy On Them.

Bonus Post: Lyric Status Friday

Time is never time at all
You can never ever leave without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change the less you feel
Believe, believe in me, believe
That life can change, that you’re not stuck in vain
We’re not the same, we’re different tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight

— Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins

One selection from many I love from Smashing Pumpkins. It is among those on my MP3, which is always with me on runs and walks.

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Bonus Post: Lyric Status Friday

Purple Haze was in my brain,
lately things don’t seem the same,
actin’ funny but I don’t know why
‘scuse me while I kiss the sky.

— Jimi Hendrix

I don’t know about you. But, for me, summer just wouldn’t sound the same without listening to legendary guitar riffs from Jimi Hendrix. His lyrics and melodies always make it easier to wait for some delicious ribs to smoke up all hot and tasty on the grill.

Enjoy your time soaking up the sunshine with family and friends as the U.S.A approaches its celebration of independence on July 4. Temps. north of the “D” are approaching 100 this weekend, which calls for plenty of Hendrix tunes, ice-cold Bell’s Oberon and something cool to splash in.

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One-Word Wednesday: Chaotic

Since Mama’s Empty Nest takes the top slot with her Wordless Wednesday posts, I figured I would take a stab at a One-Word Wednesday series. Jamie Taylor, a long-time college friend and extraordinary photojournalist inspired the idea on Facebook this morning. He challenged all of his peeps to describe their Wednesday is just one word. So, here is mine … chaotic.

See It: Xanadu Live at Meadowbrook Theatre

You have to believe we are magic
Nothin’ can stand in our way
You have to believe we are magic
Don’t let your aim ever stray
And if all your hopes survive
Your destiny will arrive
I’ll bring all your dreams alive
For you

— John Farr, performed by Olivia Newton John, Xanadu

After romancing two glasses of Pinot Grigio Campanile and my husband at Mitchell’s Fish Market Saturday evening, I revisited what I define as one of the best decades ever. I saw a family friend and former neighbor star, David Havasi, in the live production of Xanadu at Meadowbrook Theatre in Rochester Hills, Mich.

Photo Credit: Meadowbrook Theatre, mbtheatre.com

Perhaps re-connections with school mates through social media sites such as Facebook and Pinterest stir up all these feelings of nostalgia. But, it was a decadent performance complete with leg warmers, flashy colors, superb roller disco moves and replays of hits from Olivia Newton John (one of my fave’s from that era).

I recommend booking a date with your partner or girlfriends for a trip down memory lane with this very talented cast. It’s surreal to look back at the years growing up during the ’80s. What great memories and good times.

Can’t help myself. I’m singing this in my head as I type. So, it’s the only cure I know …

A million lights are dancing
And you’re here with me
Eternally

Xanadu Xanadu (now we are here)
In Xanadu
Xanadu Xanadu (now we are here)
in Xanadu

Xanadu
your neon lights will shine
For you Xanadu.

— Jeff Lynne, performed by Olivia Newton John

Cover of "Xanadu - Magical Musical Editio...
Cover via Amazon

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