Weekly newsletter brought to your inbox every Wednesday, by your friends at Elite Blog Academy®—full of valuable marketing tips, tricks and inspiration to help you keep pushing forward when the days get long. 

FEATURED READS

Rules are for suckers (sometimes)

Sure, rules can be helpful to keep order and there are important rules to follow—like using proper etiquette, minding your manners, treating people with respect, and carrying yourself in a way that reflects your values. But if we get caught up in all the “should dos”, rules can also hold us back.

And if you’re wondering how this applies to the online marketing world, the answer is in so many ways! There are so many things we think we should be doing either because it’s working for other marketers, or everyone else just seems to be saying it’s the way things go. With so much information out there it can be hard to know what norms to follow and which areas to forge your own path.

Scared of getting it wrong when it comes to your blog? The rules aren’t as important as you think they are! Here are 5 blogging rules to break right now (& 5 you should follow)!

POWER MOVES

The formula for sales copy that resonates

When it comes to crafting persuasive sales copy, the age-old battle between features and benefits takes center stage. It's like choosing between a classic cup of coffee and a fancy latte—both have their merits, but it's the delightful experience that ultimately wins hearts.

Features are the hard facts, the technical specifications that outline what your product or service can do. They're the nuts and bolts, the foundation upon which your offering stands. On the other hand, benefits are the real game-changers. They showcase how your product or service can enhance your customer's life, solve their problems and fulfill their needs. Benefits are the warm embrace, the promise of a better tomorrow that resonates deeply with your audience.

In the art of sales persuasion, benefits should take the spotlight. Customers aren't just interested in the bells and whistles; they want to know how your offering will make their lives easier, happier or more fulfilling. So, paint a vivid picture of the positive impact your product or service can have on their daily lives.

However, don't dismiss features altogether! While benefits steal the show, features add credibility and substance to your narrative. They provide the evidence, the concrete reasons why your product or service can deliver on its promises. By striking a harmonious balance between features and benefits, you can create compelling sales copy that informs, persuades and ultimately drives action.

So, as you work on your sales copy, don't forget to highlight the benefits while anchoring them in the solid foundation of relevant features. This winning combination will really strike a chord with your audience and get them excited about what you have to offer.

MINDSET MATTERS

Imperfect Action vs Perfect Inaction 

Struggling with imperfection and waiting for the perfect moment to take action—it's a battle we all face. Before sending your lead magnet out to the world you just have one more tweak. There’s just one more round of edits to have made on your logo before you go live with your website. You’re sitting on a folder of recorded podcast episodes because you’re waiting for the perfect interview to release first.

We've all been there, striving for flawlessness before making a move. 

But here's the deal: imperfection is the key to growth! So, how do you break free from the habit of perfection and embrace imperfect action once and for all? We’ve got some simple strategies you can start with today!

1. Start Small. This is a game-changer. Take one tiny step towards your goal, no matter how insignificant it may feel to the big picture. Progress is progress, no matter how small the step may seem. 

2. Embrace mistakes. Making mistakes is part of the journey. It's where the real growth happens. So, give yourself permission to trip up, learn from your missteps, pivot and keep forging ahead.

3. Share your imperfect journey! Connect with your tribe by sharing those unfiltered moments. It's empowering to show that it's okay to take imperfect action and learn along the way. 

So, let's celebrate those little imperfections and keep conquering. After all, progress beats perfection every time! Here's to imperfect action and the transformative journey it brings! 

WE’VE GOT TO TELL YOU ABOUT

Do it Scared® Fear Assessment

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SHE MEANS BUSINESS

Recently we officially kicked off our new beta program, EBA® Powerhouse, with our first one-day intensive with our beta members.

And it was AMAZING. Over 100 entrepreneurs at different stages of their business came together to spend the day focusing on the purpose of their business.

Here is what they had to say:

“As a long-time EBA and then Activate member, I've worked through similar steps, with Ruth as my mentor, in the past. The difference in this program is actually beginning with the end in mind. Once you can see the whole path, the implementation will be easier. I was blown away by how much I got done in such a short time. It's worth every penny.” - Alice Culbreath

“This was one of the best classes I have ever taken as far as finding my purpose in the business world. I was frequently blown away by how clear and in depth I was able to get, and the ideas continue to keep flowing to me. Thank you so much for the immense time and effort that was put into this course to see all of us succeed.” - Liz Murray

“This is the push I needed to continue moving forward in my business. The blue ocean and value ladder were eye-opening. Having the replays available to rewatch and absorb the information combined with assignments that have to be turned in before you can move to the next level is what I needed to stop getting stuck and move on to the next step! The Live intensive structure that included a lesson, work time, and then group discussion was SO HELPFUL!” - Michelle Herness

“Participating in EBA Powerhouse's Phase 0 training was an eye-opening experience that helped me set the foundation for my online business. This workshop brilliantly navigated through crucial elements such as defining my purpose, identifying my dream customer, discovering untapped market spaces in the blue ocean, and creating a complete value ladder. The work on clarifying my movement was exactly what I needed. However, the real game-changer for me was the profound insight gained into my business's core offering and a crystal-clear understanding of my dream customer. The structured activities and in-depth discussions made Powerhouse Phase 0 an invaluable step toward building an online business with purpose and direction. I am grateful for this workshop's transformative impact on my mindset and strategic approach.” - Jen Gochoel

“By being in Powerhouse, I finally feel like I am going to get my online business going this year. The work in Powerhouse is pretty intense but I know this is the push that I need to get moving! I love Ruth’s authenticity, insight, and wisdom! I know that the information that I am learning in Powerhouse is trusted and tried. I really appreciate that we started with the mindset training, this was so important! The phase 0 pre-work really helped get your mind in gear with what was going to happen with the intensive. I have never started my own business, let alone online business, so this is all new to me. This is a bit intimidating to me but I am going to move past my fears and keep moving. Looking forward to the next phase!” - Sophie Anderson

“Phase 0 was so valuable from all the weekly pre-work pieces, the Blue Ocean Strategy book, to having it followed with the all-day intensive headed up by Ruth herself including work time and group time for each section. The format worked well, as we built piece by piece in our prework, then dove in for a full uninterrupted day. Ruth led the charge as no other can with humility, great vision and a well-laid-out day. Having time to do some individual work and then sharing with our group was so valuable. I am such a fan of this model, especially the consistent group that we got to work with during each section to bounce ideas around and get support.”- Lucie St. George

And this just barely scratches the surface. 

We are blown away by the hard work our students are putting in this year and love seeing it pay off already.

If you are looking to either start a business this year OR take your business to the next level, we invite you to join us for our free training, Fuel Your Fire: 3 Business Secrets for a Fulfilling Path to Freedom in 2024. 

MARKETING FUN FACT

The first Super Bowl commercials aired in 1967 for companies like Ford, Chrysler, RCA, RJ Reynolds Tobacco, McDonald's, Budweiser, among others. The price tag was $37,500 for 30-seconds of airtime—compared to $7 million today.