SEO Tip: Write 10% More Than You Need
Most writing projects come with a word count. Blog posts, articles, brochures, and websites typically leave room for an expected text length. If someone likes to write, they have no problem filling the space. If someone struggles to write long-form content, they may be padding the space with less-than-stellar writing. Whenever a client asks for an SEO tip, I challenge them to write 10% more than they need. The reason? Most writing doesn't have a lot of meat to it. Encouraging someone to write a longer piece (then cutting it down) results in stronger content overall. Most people's experience with [...]
Top Halloween Costume Pinterest Trends for 2024
"Is that still a thing?" asked my GenZ team member when I told her that deer costumes were the most popular idea on Pinterest Trends right now. While I agree that it's been a go-to DIY option for several years, it's not surprising. You just need to wear brown, buy or make some antlers, and watch a super-cute makeup tutorial. It's not sexy or scary by default so, you can wear it to any event — whether it's a family-friendly festival or an adults-only party. If you haven't explored Pinterest Trends before, this tool offers a unique glimpse into what [...]
Maple is the Top Fall Flavor But It Can’t Touch Pumpkin Spice’s Rep
Comparing maple to pumpkin spice illustrates several key points about how I like to use Google Trends as part of my search engine optimization strategy. As consumers, we know that pumpkin spice is popular and that interest in it peaks each fall (thanks, Starbucks). This makes the timing for any pumpkin spice promotion important. It's high-competition so, you don't want to be too early, too late, or too unoriginal. At the same time, interest in maple flavor exists year-round. It's a safe, stable option for a fall flavor. As you think about your content strategy, this information can inform [...]
Should you use AI generated text on your website?
And other questions about the value of AI-generated content for Small Business Owner's Websites I wish I had screenshotted a fascinating Thread where users weighed in on what words or phrases make them think the text was written by AI. The list was similar to what's annoying about reading LinkedIn posts from solopreneurs. (Think buzzwords that feel aspirational but, don't mean much.) "‘Utilized,’ ‘implemented,’ ‘leveraged,’ ‘elucidated,’ and ‘ascertained’ are often overused. But what human talks like that in a general article they would write? Almost none." How To Check If Something Was Written with AI (ChatGPT), Gold Penguin As new [...]
Back to the Basics? The Cultural U-turn of the Pumpkin Spice Latte
In 2024, a girl's girl would never mock another girl's drink choice. Understanding how we got here is key to uncovering PSL's revival. For 20 years, Pumpkin Spice lattes have been a crucial part of autumnal marketing discussions. Why was it (is it?) so popular and how can we ride the coattails of Starbucks' success? In 2024, calling pumpkin spice a trend is no longer accurate. Rather, it's a zeitgeist, growing from trend to anti-trend to nostalgic mainstay. The Pumpkin Spice Cultural U-turn This year (2025), Starbucks released Pumpkin Spice on August 22, the earliest release to date. [...]
You Started a Shopify eStore. Now What?
If you just created a Shopify eStore, it can feel like you have a million things on your to-do list. This article tells you how to start promoting your Shopify eStore after you launch it. Who Are You? In this scenario, you are just starting with a Shopify store. Maybe you are an artist or maker. Perhaps you dream of owning a brick-and-mortar store one day. You might be working another job to support yourself while the store gets off the ground — and you don't want to take out a loan to build this business. You Started a Shopify [...]
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