I’ve been thinking a lot about clarity. Perhaps it’s because things seem to be getting more complicated these days. Technology is advancing faster than the express lane on 880. My teen son has said to me more than once that a trending word was “so 2024.” (Insert eye roll for maximum effect.) And the demands on my time are, well, demanding. 

I’m sure I’m not alone.

So, why in the world am I making it so hard for others to understand my business and what I bring to the table? Why am I trying to sound so “professional,” using cliches and jargon beyond practical meaning?

It’s time to speak and write clearly.

My elevator pitch has always been that I’m a content writer. A storyteller. A digital marketer. 

All true.

But does the layperson understand what that means, especially when the average attention span is compromised by the number of distractions we keep introducing into our lives? Even my husband said to me that he wouldn’t know what a content writer was if he hadn’t lived with me for the last 25 years. (To be fair, I’m still not quite sure I understand what he does. All I know is that he has a backwards definition of credit and debit, is on the phone a lot, and is exceptionally good with complicated spreadsheets.)

Since only a few folks live under the same roof as me, let me be clear. 

For small businesses and nonprofits in the Bay Area, I’m your outsourced marketing department.

I’m here to help you create and execute a marketing program that fits your needs. That may mean: 

• Writing blog posts, website copy and emails
• Building and maintaining your website
• Producing and posting social media
• Designing collateral and coordinating printing with a local vendor
• Determining your target audience and developing a brand strategy
• Digging into SEO and how your business is showing up online

It’s all part of my skillset. 

I’m part of your community and interact with it every day. Likely, I am or know someone who is part of your target audience. 

It’s my job to “get you.” So that you can focus on running your business. 

What About You?

Now that you understand me better, let’s turn our attention to your business. What can you do to simplify your message? How can you spell it out clearly in terms the average person can understand? 

Your Task for This Week

Evaluate one piece of your marketing. It may be your website. Or perhaps your social media. Maybe it’s what you’re putting on LinkedIn. 

Is what you’re putting out there easily discernible? Are you using words that make sense to someone not in your industry? Is what you’re saying clear enough that a two-year-old would understand?

Want Help?

If the above task leaves you feeling a little scattered, I’m happy to brainstorm with you over an almond milk chai latte. (You can have coffee, if you want.)

Want to do more marketing for your business, but don’t have the time? Let’s talk.