From the Book Archives - Lobster on a Cheese Plate: How to Stand Out, Attract the Best Clients, and Win Every Sale that Comes Your Way

from the book | page 154

So you want to learn about Mystery Marketing?

Well, as I mentioned in my book, Lobster on a Cheese Plate, I wrote a bonus chapter on that very topic!

But as I also mentioned, it’s a hidden chapter (and this post isn’t exactly “hidden,” now is it?)

So you’re going to have to find it. And all the clues you need have already been provided to you.

Don’t worry; I’ve also provided “an out” if you get stuck (or don’t want to make the effort).

If you need help or are not interested in solving the puzzle on your own, click here for three clues and, ultimately, the answer.

But before you take the easy way out, you should give it a shot. Seriously, everything you need to find it is right here in front of you.

So… as Forest Gump would say, “that’s all I have to say about that.”

I’ll see you on the other side.

Until then, here’s something else to read. (I didn’t want to leave you high-and-dry). It’s an article I found after a quick Google search. It has nothing to do with mystery marketing, but there’s some good info in it. ;-)not

Why Small Businesses Fail With Facebook Ads

Do you know what Facebook is? You may think it’s a social media platform. But, technically speaking, that’s not how it generates revenue. In reality, Facebook is in the advertising business.

That’s right, Facebook is nothing more than a massive, worldwide advertising platform 9 10 marketers use to generate leads.

And it’s very good at it. Primarily because it’s so incredibly affordable. But many small businesses aren’t seeing the return on their investment that they should.

Why?

Below is an article I found on sales-push.com that explains the problem:

Why Small Businesses Fail with Facebook Ads — Social media marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach targeted audiences. However, a recent study shows that a majority of small businesses aren’t seeing a positive return on investment (ROI), specifically from Facebook.

According to a study, 62% of small businesses found their Facebook advertising efforts to be ineffective.

Why most of the small businesses are unable to make ads work for them? This is because there is a string of mistakes that businesses make that leaves their Facebook ad ROI vulnerable.

Ineffective use of Content Marketing

Understanding of content marketing is necessary if you want to succeed, content is the hero of your Facebook ads. If your content is of poor quality, the ROI will fall flat on its face.

To make content marketing work, make sure you create high-quality content and post is regularly.

Lack of strategy leads to set unclear goals

The top reason brands fail to see results from their efforts on Facebook is a lack of strategy. Like any other marketing channel, Facebook is used for a specific purpose. Without any proper strategy or objective, the ads are bound to fail.

To get the most out of Facebook advertising, you need to identify your objectives, outline your content plan and allocate an advertising budget.

Targeting the wrong audience

Despite working hard on Facebook advertising if you won’t target the right audience you would not get the desired conversion. Facebook does provide massive outrage but your target audience should be limited and selective.

Facebook enables you to set the exact preferences of your target audience. You can set the filters down to specific geographic locations, age, gender, and so on. If you are facing difficulty to find out the right target audience, try using Audience Insights feature available on Facebook for business.

Stop cold sale

Facebook is not for cold selling, it is mainly for socializing. You can make friends, have interactions with them and possibly turn them into customers. But if you try straightway to sell, it won’t happen.

For customers, Facebook is a medium to stay connected with a brand and to interact, they don’t expect direct selling.

Some other mistakes:

Not investing enough time on Facebook
Not investing enough money on Facebook Ad Campaign
Paying little attention to optimizing where ads lead
Not tracking ads efforts
Ignoring the mere-exposure principle

Conclusion

Almost two-thirds of small businesses are unable to get ROI from Facebook Ads. To get a higher ROI, follow the best practices and make Facebook ads work for you.

Facebook is a social media channel, be social and build relationships. Determine the strategy, define your goal, invest more time and money into it if you want results. As long as you invest wisely, targeting the right audiences with the right messages, you will see a positive ROI.

from the book | page 134

As I mentioned in Chapter Twenty-Three, the 404 error page is an opportunity to show off your brand and impress upon your visitors exactly who you are. Here are some 404 pages that do just that. I’ve included a screenshot since there’s a good chance they will eventually change over time.

Marvel

Obviously I need to start with Marvel. They’ve put their characters front and center on their 404 pages. That’s right, I said pages… as in plural. There are a bunch of versions that are displayed randomly to visitor, which is pretty cool. Even cooler is that every page includes some type of subtle (or not-so-subtle) animation.

Dilbert

Talk about being on brand! Most people visit dilbert.com to see the brilliant cartoons by Scott Adams. So, doesn’t it make sense that if you take a wrong turn, you should still get a Dilbert cartoon?

Besides entertaining you with a very funny take on the 404 error, Scott has a call to action to buy his latest book. Now that’s making use of an opportunity!

Kualo

Here’s one of the 404 pages I referenced in the book. The UK-based web hosting company Kualo is so passionate about their core values, it’s in their name. Knowledge. Uptime. Accountability. Love. Originality. Are you seeing any of those core values in their 404 page?

Dogstudio

Dogstudio’s brand personality comes through in 1.8 seconds. The moment you arrive at their 404 page you are either “in” or “out.” (Which makes it a prequalifying tool, too.) For those that are “in,” you can’t help explore the site and learn more about who they are.

Like Marvel, this page is animated and there are a number of different versions that are shown randomly.

Amazon

Staying with the dog theme for a moment, Amazon has a major “dog culture.” Every day is bring-your-dog-to-work day at their Seattle headquarters. And their 404 page randomly displays the real dogs that “work” at Amazon.

Marie Forleo

The Jersey girl that built a socially conscious digital empire has a uniquely humorous personality. Her 404 page actually sounds like it’s her speaking, declaring that either she broke something or you can’t type.

She also offers an “entertaining video” that you can watch. If you like outtakes, then you should check it out.

IMDb

Another page that I call out specifically in the book is the Internet Movie Database. IMDb has totally nailed it. It’s simple and effective, randomly showing a different (spoofed) movie quote every time you visit.

And, as you might have guessed, it’s one of my favorites.

NPR

Yes, I listen to NPR when I drive. Well, when I’m not listening to an audio book or podcast that is. (I get my music listening in at the gym, so don’t judge me). So, I was pleased to see that they, too, have embraced the opportunity to engage their audience on the 404 page.

And they do it with a bit of humor, inviting you to read stories about “other lost people,” (like me).

Remodelers Advantage

When I’m not writing books, I’m Vice President of Remodelers Advantage. Which means if anything breaks, the responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders. So our 404 page lets you vote to fire me if you so choose. Of course, I try to talk you out of it first.

(If you’re not familiar with new construction and remodeling, at the end of a project the contractor will have a blue tape walk through with the client. This is the process of putting little pieces of blue tape to mark any ‘issues’ that need attention.)

The Australian

A follower from “down unda” sent me this one. Like IMDb, the Australian features spoofed quotes. These by Australian politicians. Apparently, they are very similar to actual quotes.

I don’t know any of these people, and it’s still funny as hell.

NFL.com

Sometimes short and sweet is all you need. I don’t think there’s anything more appropriate than throwing a flag on you for ending up on the NFL.com 404 page.

It’s even more appropriate (in my opinion) because sometimes it’s “a bad call.” I mean if I click a link on your website and it’s broken, how is that my fault? And yet you’re flagging me? Really ref? REALLY? That’s total B.S.

Mint Mobile

I love the Deadpool movies. So when I heard that Ryan Reynolds bought a majority stake in Mint Mobile, I had to check out their 404 page.

I wasn’t disappointed (nor surprised). Mint Mobile’s brand personality has definitely taken on that of it’s owner.

But it works here because “Ryan Reynolds” is an established brand in itself. So, it’s basically a merger of two brands. And as you know, (since you read my book) you can only have one brand personality.

Medium.com

Medium is an open platform where anyone can write. They proudly proclaim that “thought-leaders, journalists, experts, and individuals with unique perspectives share their thinking here.”

Their 404 page does a great job of reinforcing their message by declaring, “out of nothing, something,” and offering stories about how finding something you didn’t even know you were looking for will take you somewhere new.

Wendys

Okay, the way I heard about this one is just as creative as the 404 page itself. Rival Digital posted the following on LinkedIn:

We just hit 404 followers here on LinkedIn! In honor of this milestone, we want to know what your favorite 404 page is. Let us know in the comment section!

What a cool post! And to kick it off, Rival digital’s president, Eric Thomas posted this Wendy’s 404 in the comments.

Wendy’s 404 is great. Like KUALO, they created a playable version of the classic video game “BurgerTime.” Naturally, instead of the chef, you control Wendy herself as you put together a value meal. Lot’s of fun.

BeTheLobster.com

Hmm. I wonder if this website has a unique 404 page…

Chapter 9¾:
Mystery Marketing to Engage Your Customer