When you write articles, web pages, and blog entries, you want readers to remember your message. Effectively using memory devices (mnemonics) can help you achieve this. Remember, to build traffic to your website, content is king. Developing high-quality content is key for traffic-building strategies such as publishing articles, posting blog entries, and adding fresh content to your website to entice visitors (and search engines) to return again and again.
What’s a memory device? Here’s a famous example:
When scientists booted Pluto out of Club Planet by downgrading it to a dwarf planet, a news item reported that teachers were scrambling to rework the following planetary memory device:
My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Pizza
For decades, this mnemonic had helped students memorize the planets in our solar system:
When we write website pages, articles, or blog entries, we may use a variety of approaches to convey key messages and develop high-quality content. Like the planetary mnemonic, memory devices can be effective. Let’s look at a particular device: spelling a word vertically to present several points. For example, an expert’s stress-management workbook may present this content:
How can you manage STRESS?
S = Slow down
T = Take on fewer responsibilities
R = Relax and regroup
E = Exercise regularly
S = Say “no” whenever possible
S = Sit back and breathe
Such mnemonics can effectively trigger memories for readers. However, I’ve often seen this structure used poorly with weak points shoehorned in, just to fit the framework. As a result, the messages weren’t nearly as compelling and memorable as they could be.
If you find yourself struggling to make a memory device work, try a different approach that makes a key message communicate precisely what you want. For this example, a simple, uncontrived solution could read like this:
How can you manage stress in 3 easy ways?
1. Take control—Instead of immediately saying “yes” to requests that demand your time, say “let me think about it” and follow through.
2. Exercise regularly—Go for a walk, swim laps, shoot hoops—whatever you enjoy. Invigorating exercise melts away stress.
3. Remember to breathe!—Take a few moments throughout the day to breathe deeply, relax, and re-energize.
When scientists demoted Pluto, they knew their news would rock the science teachers’ world. But they probably never guessed it would encourage business people to rethink a few ideas, too!
If you own a business, your website is your most powerful marketing and sales tool. Marketing consultant and copywriter Patrice Rhoades-Baum teams with entrepreneurs and small-business owners to make their websites DELIVER: clients, income, credibility, results, and success. A Colorado resident and avid outdoorswoman, Patrice is renowned for her down-to-earth website strategies. Visit www.WebsitesDeliver.com for a free audio workshop: “10 Strategies to Make Your Website Deliver!”
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