Happy New Year! Now that the winter holidays are over, most of us are ready to forge ahead and make 2019 even more successful than 2018. During this transition, we tend to reflect on how we did last year, what we learned, what changes and improvements we need to make and what new knowledge we need to acquire. As you go through the process, it’s just as important to look forward and identify which industry topics are trending, relevant and even controversial.
Based on the feedback we received from you, our readers, here is a collection of 2018’s most popular blog topics. Check them out. You might rediscover some information that will help you in your planning for 2019.
Our Top 10 Blog Posts
1. How Often Are you Communicating with Your Prospects and Customers (2/6/18)
Our most popular blog of the year delved into the most important aspect of what we do here at Trade Press Services: create and implement ways to start meaningful conversations with your prospects and customers. There are many ways to do this, including creating content for blogs, newsletters, email campaigns, white papers, articles, press releases, case studies and other forms of communications. In this blog, we provided readers with a contact frequency guide that breaks down each of those projects by their recommended frequency. From the feedback we’ve received, we know our clients and prospective clients have used the guide to their advantage. If you haven’t taken a look, it’s not too late.
2. The Top 9 Marketing Communications Projects (1/23/18)
Content is still king in the B2B marketplace, and while this blog is almost a year old, it withstands the test of time. At the start of 2018, we predicted the top communication projects of the upcoming year. In 2019, we’d like to hear from other readers and marketers to see if they will be using many of the same initiatives or if they will be adding new programs to their marketing mix.
3. It’s Important to Begin With the End in Mind (7/17/18)
Our series of blogs for marketers based on the principles identified by Stephen Covey’s in his book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, was a hit with many readers. In part 2 of the series, we wrote about the importance of approaching each project, goal and day with a plan. At Trade Press Services, we love to talk strategy, and a written plan is essential to implementing a strategy with tactics that deliver.
4. How to Use Twitter to Increase Customer Engagement (5/14/18)
It’s estimated there are 330 million active Twitter users. It’s no wonder this blog on how B2B companies can use Twitter was one of our most-read blogs of the year. We interviewed social media expert Clarene Mitchell of TCMCommunications about strategies companies can use to increase their Twitter reach and engagement. She provided some great insights you might want to review again.
5. Using Internal Communications to Enhance Business Growth (6/12/18)
While external communications with prospects and customers do a lot to support the sales and business development process, a company’s internal communications are just as vital to success. This blog explored how the production and distribution of internal communications impact the company brand and generate greater employee awareness, engagement and effectiveness. Marketing isn’t just about how we look from the outside. It also stems from how we operate from the inside.
6. B2B Content Marketing: 5 Trends to Watch in 2018 (1/29/18)
It’s critical for marketers, executives and business owners to constantly keep an eye on trends; however, sifting through the worthwhile ones is not always easy. Another year has passed since we discussed the big trends to watch of 2018. How does this list compare to our predictions for 2019?
7. 4 Reasons to Get Published in B2B Publications (2/27/18)
Trade Press Services is starting its 24th year in business. During the last two decades, marketing platforms and channels have evolved significantly. While we’ve jumped into digital marketing and social media as readily as the next marketer, we still recognize the importance of getting published in print. If developing a competitive edge in the marketplace is important to you, take a closer look at this blog post.
8. Do Gatekeepers Help or Are They a Hindrance? (4/17/18)
Gatekeepers have been and will continue to be the first point of contact with a company. For salespeople, the screening process can be frustrating. For busy executives, it may be a necessary evil. In this blog, we weighed the pros and cons of gatekeepers and offered a new way to approach “first responders.”
9. 50 Marketing Terms You Need to Know (11/12/18)
As you likely know, marketers love their jargon. It’s almost impossible to find any blog, article or ebook on marketing that doesn’t use a host of buzzwords. With the continuing evolution of marketing tactics, strategies and business concepts, staying on top of the lingo becomes a full-time job. Just last month we compiled this list of 50 essential marketing terms that today’s readers and marketers need to know.
10. How to Craft an Editorial Mission Statement (4/24/18)
Have you heard of an editorial mission statement? It’s what guides companies that seek to take advantage of editorial coverage to promote their expertise and thought leadership. Any company that produces and shares content needs one. In this blog, we explain what an editorial mission statement is and offered a step-by-step guide for creating it. We also provided real-life examples of actual editorial mission statements for our readers.
2018 Reflection to Grow in 2019
Both in our professional and personal lives, the process of reflection can build self-awareness, effectiveness and resilience. When done correctly, it can also help you establish and achieve meaningful goals. As you reflect on 2018, which of these blog topics resonated with you? How can you use these insights to help grow your business in 2019? Looking forward, what would you like to hear more about in the coming year? We welcome your input and insights.
Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
