Week 3

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CO.STARTERS Resources/Forms

Communications Plan

Messaging & Marketing

Business, Branding and the Art of Storytelling
One of the most compelling ways to launch and build a business or brand is to create a legend around it. Blogger Jonathan Fields shares how to craft your business’s story.

One Page Promotion Plan
In another helpful one-pager from $100 Startup, learn how to promote your business in a few simple steps.

I Don’t Hate Marketing
After repeatedly and publicly voicing his dislike of traditional marketing, a friend sets Brad Feld straight.

7 Sneaky Ways to Write Irresistible Headlines
Johnathan Fields helps you write headlines that “sing, pull, lure and lull.”

7 Tips for Getting Your Marketing Message Right
The SBA shares their insights.

Word of Mouth

VistaPrint
VistaPrint is an inexpensive site for purchasing custom business cards. Build from a template or upload a custom design.

MOO
With refined designs and a wide range of products, MOO equip your business with beautiful business cards, mini cards, and much more.

Online Strategies

Facebook Pages
If you have a Facebook account, you can create a business page where you can post essential information in just a few clicks. Moreover, this page will immediately come up in a Google search.

Google Sites
This free web service from Google makes it easy to build a website, either from scratch or using a template.

Doodlekit
Although it limits you to five pages and a blog, Doodlekit is an easy web-based site that allows you to get a free website up fairly quickly through customizable templates.

SquareSpace
For a more professional looking template site that can upgrade to a full package of business tools, you can use SquareSpace.

Wix
Wix provides every tool you need to create a stunning site for free.

Email List Strategies

MailChimp
MailChimp helps you design email newsletters, share them on social networks, integrate with services you already use, and track your results.

Emma
Email marketing made simple.

Social Media Strategies

Facebook
Create a profile and start connecting.

Twitter
You’d be amazed at how much can be communicated in 140 characters.

Pinterest
If you’re selling a product, take pictures and start pinning!

Google+
Share publicly and build a following as people discover, +1 and re-share your posts with others around the world.

Foursquare
Foursquare can help get more customers to your business.

Instagram
This platform provides a great way to take, edit, and share photos.

Hootsuite
Hootsuite allows you to schedule messages and send them across multiple social media platforms easily.

Adwords

Google Adwords
By purchasing Google Adwords, when someone searches for the keywords you selected, your ad will appear next to the search results, helping you reach an audience already interested in what you offer. Google offers a variety of pricing options to fit your needs.

Bing Ads
Simply import your Google AdWords campaigns, or create new ones with Bing Ads.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Google Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide
All of Google’s advise in a nifty pdf.

SEOBook Tools
This site contains free SEO tools.

Traditional Advertising Strategies

How to Write a Press Release that Gets Noticed
This article from Entrepreneur tells you how to get started.

The Beginners Guide to PR
This website has everything you need to get started with a successful PR campaign.