Equal parts data, marketing, advertising, economics. Splash of pop-culture. Shake.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Lead, follow, or steal

This post from Daily Conversions got me thinking about when to lead, follow, or steal (I mean borrow and improve).
Why do people like to do what everyone else is doing? Copy landing pages etc., that for all we know are not converting?
 Landing page optimization does follow some rules.  But like anything, you need to be open to when the rules are applicable.  Fewer choices may lead to more conversions.  Giving more options could be the way to go if they are relevant and reach more people.

On an EMU School of Marketing class trip, our group met with Rob Mattina, Director of Marketing for the Detroit Red Wings.  He said reading is a fundamental part of his day.  Keeping up with others in his industry is very important.  He also looks for how new ideas are being implemented.  According to Rob, sometimes its not the leader, its the second person who applies the new idea in a better way.

Apologies for using a cliche, but "learn from others' mistakes, you don't have enough time to make them all on your own."  I doubt everyone has enough time, energy, or creativity to constantly come up with new ideas.  I focus on what works.  Then when an inspiring idea comes to me.  I decide if its worth pursuing.  Challenging a proven technique just for the sake it can be a waste of time and resources.