#how to optimize website for conversions

[unicornmarketing]

From Drab to Fab: Website Design Makeover Essentials for 2025

Does your website feel stuck in the early days of the internet? Does it fail to captivate visitors, leaving them frustrated and clicking away? If so, you’re not alone. In today’s competitive digital landscape, an outdated website is a liability, hindering your ability to attract customers, build brand loyalty, and achieve your business goals. The good news is that a website makeover can transform…

[liveblack]

How to Boosting Bounce Rate- Tips and Tricks — Liveblack

The bounce rate is something you need to work for. It is a very important aspect of any website. If you see a high bounce rate for your website means there is something wrong with the website. Let’s understand the details.

What is the bounce rate? We know bounce rate as someone who leaves your website without taking any action. But the meaning of bounce rate in Google Analytics is something like this: the users who aren’t engaged with your website are considered bounce rate.

If you see a high bounce rate, you’re missing out on something that can save your website. This is a symptom that you need to work on your strategy or change the strategy that doesn’t benefit your website.

A high conversion rate can save you from a high bounce rate. To lower your bounce rate, you need to work on improving conversion rates. Delivering a poor user experience and content stops people from converting into the customer.

If you want to know how to improve the bounce rate of a website, keep an eye out. That’s what we are focusing on in this blog. You’ll learn different strategies which will help you increase your conversion rate and lower your bounce rate.

Let’s begin to know about the tips and tricks to reduce bounce rates.

1 — Improve user experience & readability.

This could be the major reason you are getting a high bounce rate. Providing a good user experience is key to increasing the conversion rate. User-friendly navigation and an easy-to-read format impact a lot in whatever strategy you want to follow. Short and clear sentences are more likely to be read by users rather than unclear and paragraphs overstuffed with words.

Give users a reason to go further in your site through short paragraphs, clear images, and mobile friendly experience. Make it easy for your users to engage with your site.

2 — Speed up your site.

A slow-loading website is a minus point. This kind of site prevents users from interacting with your site. If they face such an issue, they will leave the site instantly. Aim to build a website that loads as fast as possible.

3 — Create a strong Call to Action (CTA).

Create CTAs that no one misses out on. With your engaging and clear content and good UI, you have to generate call-to-action buttons that don’t force people to make a purchase. But create a need to click the button. As every website has different needs, you can make various call-to-action buttons:

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4 — Enhance your brand storytelling to engage your audience.

Great and interesting stories are one of the reasons people would love to engage with your site. This also can be helpful in reducing the bounce rate. People love to spend their time reading a story that connects them and most importantly engaging enough to capture their attention. This way, they build a connection with you and you can showcase to them how your product and service benefits them.

5 — Update your content regularly.

Updated content interests users. You must have known the fact that the quality of your content is associated with bounce rate. The more you update your content, the more it is relevant, and there are high chances to improve conversion rates.

You have to also rewrite your old articles, blogs, or content to keep up with the times. Some points work in your favor. Also, don’t just update content, make it relevant, and make it the solution people are looking for in their problems or queries. This is the way you’ll be able to stay ahead of the competition.

6 — Focus on keywords.

Every competitor wants to stay ahead by focusing on high-volume keywords. It’s not easy to find the exact and right keywords that can increase conversion rates. However, what’s more important is the search intent you are listing keywords for. Rank for high-intent keywords as these keywords are more helpful to your audience who’ll search through specific terms.

You can also try longtail keywords in your content which are more specific, through it create useful content that makes it easy to find your products and services effortlessly by users.

Informational keywords help create valuable content. Make sure you use keywords by analyzing their search intent.

7 — Satisfy user intent.

The content you’ve posted on your website doesn’t just align with the user’s search intent. It should fulfill the reader’s requirements. Those who visit your site have to be convinced that you can understand their needs and help them resolve their problems.

High-quality and relevant content makes your first impression great in front of users who are visiting your site. This way you can improve your game conversion rate in digital marketing.

Create content that helps your target audience to get what they want and you’ll achieve your business goals.

8 — Write engaging Meta descriptions.

The maximum length of a Meta description is between 120–158 and you should write it in a way that gets users to click on your website.

Give people a reason to move from a search engine to your website through engaging meta descriptions. Here are some tips for writing meta descriptions

Add CTAs

Include keywords

Show specifications

Make it unique

Use active voice

Make sure you provide the users they are searching for.

9 — Let videos enhance the engagement rate.

If you want your users to stick with you, you need to add elements like videos that will increase engagement and conversion rates. Explainer videos are a great way to convey information about your products and services.

You can also showcase your product to give them a feel of how it looks and works.

For a question about how to check the bounce rate in ga4, this link will help you get through this.

Make a start by learning about how to increase your conversion rate and lower bounce rates. We at Liveblack, help you identify your problems and solve all the issues with experts by our side. Connect with us for your business inquiries.

[craft-motors-zambia]

Your Website: The Silent Salesperson Working 24/7 (Is Yours Converting?)

Imagine a salesperson who never sleeps, tirelessly promotes your business, and caters to customers around the clock. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s exactly what a user-friendly website can be for your Zambian business. In today’s digital age, your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. A clunky, outdated website can drive visitors away faster than…

[web2411]

[marketingprofitmedia]

Why Amazon Affiliate Marketing is the Best Way to Make Money Online

Amazon Affiliate Marketing offers a high potential for earning with a vast product range. It enables easy monetization of content for creators and publishers.

Venturing into the world of online earning, Amazon Affiliate Marketing stands out as a promising avenue. Known for its straightforward program, it allows website owners and bloggers to earn commissions by promoting products from Amazon. com. Participants simply share links to Amazon products, and when a shopper makes a purchase through one of these links, the affiliate earns a commission.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Introduction To Amazon Affiliate Marketing

Have you ever dreamt of earning money while you sleep? Amazon Affiliate Marketing might just be the golden ticket to your dreams! You don’t need a warehouse full of products. All you need is a website or social media presence. Let’s dive into the world of affiliate marketing and discover why Amazon is king!

The Basics Of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is all about earning commissions. You promote products and get money when people buy through your links. It’s a win-win situation! Here’s a simple breakdown:

Choose a product you love.

Create content to promote it.

Share your affiliate link within this content.

When people click and buy, you earn cash!

Why Amazon Stands Out

Amazon is a powerhouse with a massive inventory. This means endless options for you to promote.

Amazon’s AdvantagesTrusted worldwideHigh conversion ratesCommission on full cartEasy to use affiliate program

Credit: www.amazon.com

Ease Of Getting Started

The Ease of Getting Started with Amazon Affiliate Marketing sets it apart from other online money-making strategies. Joining is straightforward, and you don’t need a physical product inventory. Let’s uncover the simple steps you can take to jump into the world of affiliate marketing through Amazon.

Setting Up An Amazon Affiliate Account

Starting your affiliate journey with Amazon is a breeze. The process is simple:

Visit the Amazon Associates homepage.

Create your Amazon Associates account by signing up.

Enter basic personal and website details.

Choose your preferred payment method.

Start promoting products with your affiliate links.

You can begin earning commissions once your account is active. Amazon offers a wealth of tools and support to help affiliates succeed.

No Inventory Management Required

Unlike traditional retail, affiliate marketing on Amazon eliminates the need for inventory. You won’t deal with:

Product sourcing — no need to find or buy products.

Storage issues — no space needed for inventory.

Shipping logistics — Amazon handles delivery.

Customer service — Amazon manages customer queries.

This hassle-free approach allows you to focus on growing your online presence and maximizing your revenue through affiliate marketing.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Wide Array Of Products

The Amazon Affiliate Program unlocks a sea of products for marketers. This platform stands unrivaled for those eager to dive into affiliate marketing. Why? The sheer volume and diversity of items at your disposal. With Amazon’s vast inventory, affiliate marketers can easily find products that resonate with their audience.

Diverse Niches And Selections

Every niche imaginable finds a place on Amazon. From books to tech, beauty products to home goods, the list is endless. Marketers can select products that are not just popular but also align with specific, niche interests. This means affiliates have the unique advantage of promoting items that are tailored to a highly specific audience, ensuring higher relevance and potential conversion rates.

Vast categories ensure you never run out of options.

Select items that reflect emerging trends.

Access to exclusive products found only on Amazon.

Opportunities For Targeted Marketing

A diverse product lineup enables laser-focused marketing. Affiliate marketers can create content tailored to very specific segments of the market. This is key in attracting and retaining a devoted audience. Targeted marketing also increases the chances of clicks and purchases, thus boosting potential earnings.

Use Amazon’s data to identify hot sellers.

Match products with the right audience based on their interests.

Improve click-through rates with highly relevant offers.

Credit: www.amazon.com

Trust And Reliability

In the world of online earning, trust and reliability stand tall. They are the pillars that support the bridge between a customer and a marketer. Amazon’s affiliate program offers just that — a trustworthy and reliable path to making money online. Let’s explore why these factors make Amazon Affiliate Marketing your go-to strategy.

Leveraging Amazon’s Reputation

Amazon is a household name. People know it, use it, and trust it daily. When you become an Amazon Affiliate, you tap into this powerful trust factor. Here’s how leveraging Amazon’s reputation helps:

Instant Credibility: Your affiliate store benefits from Amazon’s long-standing reputation for quality and service.

Less Effort in Convincing: With trust already built, your energy focuses on driving traffic, not building credibility.

Better Conversion Rates: Trust leads to clicks, and clicks lead to purchases. Amazon’s name converts window-shoppers into buyers.

High Customer Loyalty

Amazon’s customer base is massive and loyal. The customers return to the platform looking for products that they can rely on. Here’s what high customer loyalty means for affiliate marketers:

Repeated Purchases: Loyal Amazon customers are more likely to buy products you recommend not just once, but repeatedly.

Customer Trust: Happy Amazon customers bring in a sense of security and reliability, which reflects on your affiliate offerings.

Increased Earnings: With returning customers, your potential to earn commissions grows. Every repeat purchase links back to your affiliate efforts.

Attractive Commission Structure

Imagine a world where your earnings grow while you sleep. This is the promise of Amazon Affiliate Marketing. Their commission structure stands out in the digital landscape. You can earn up to 10% in affiliate fees. The secret lies in understanding the ins and outs of Amazon’s rate card, and selecting the right products to promote. With strategy and insight, your profit potential is vast.

Understanding Amazon’s Commission Rates

The commissions vary by product category. Each sale you drive to Amazon puts money in your pocket. Amazon’s fee schedule is public and clear. You will know exactly what to expect from each item sold.

Add more rows as needed

Product CategoryCommission PercentageLuxury Beauty, Amazon Coins10%Furniture, Home, Home Improvement8%Headphones, Beauty, Musical Instruments, Business & Industrial Supplies6%

Maximizing Earnings With Smart Product Selection

Not all products are created equal. To maximize earnings, choose products wisely. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between popularity and commission rates.

Analyze market trends.

Consider seasonality and demand.

Spot products with less competition but high commission rates.

Focus on high-ticket items or those with repeat purchase potential.

Credit: optinmonster.com

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Tools And Support For Affiliates

Imagine earning cash while you sleep. This is the dream for many wanting to make money online. Welcome to Amazon Affiliate Marketing, where dreams turn to reality. With top-tier tools and support, it’s no wonder affiliates gravitate towards Amazon.

Amazon’s Affiliate Marketing Resources

Amazon provides a wealth of resources to help affiliates succeed. Here’s a glimpse:

Amazon Associates Central: A dashboard packed with tools.

Product Linking: Find and share countless products.

Banners: Ready-to-use graphics to grab attention.

APIs: For tech-savvy folks to build custom solutions.

Tracking And Analyzing Performance

Knowing your numbers is key to growth. Amazon’s platform comes with robust tracking features:

FeatureDescriptionReports:View detailed stats on clicks and earnings.Click-Through Rates:Identify which links get more traffic.Conversion Rates:Understand what drives purchases.Earnings Overview:See your financial success at a glance.

These tools enable you to adjust your strategies and maximize earnings. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, Amazon supports your affiliate journey.

Success Stories And Strategy

Exploring the riveting world of Amazon Affiliate Marketing unfolds countless success tales. These triumphs aren’t just inspiring — they’re educational. They show strategies that can turn clicks into income. Let’s dive into some eye-opening success stories and strategic moves that can pave your road to affiliate prosperity.

Case Studies Of Successful Affiliates

Many have found a goldmine in Amazon’s Affiliate Program. Real people, real results — a closer look can reveal the potential lying within this opportunity. Here are a few compelling case studies:

Case Study 1: A tech blogger began a simple review site. With consistent, quality content and SEO, they now earn over $10,000 a month.

Case Study 2: A DIY enthusiast created tutorial videos linked with Amazon products. This creative approach resulted in a six-figure annual income.

Case Study 3: A niche site focused on outdoor gear. With targeted content and affiliate links, they scaled their earnings to $120,000 per year.

These stories show diverse strategies leading to success. They began with a clear niche and built a content-rich platform, integrating affiliate links smartly.

Key Strategies For Affiliate Marketing Growth

Building a thriving affiliate site involves several proven strategies. Committing to these approaches can make a significant difference:

StrategyAction StepsCreate Valuable ContentIdentify audience needs and provide solutions with articles, guides, and reviews.Optimize for SEOConduct keyword research and optimize posts to improve search engine rankings.Build TrustOffer honest reviews and build a community around your niche for credibility.Utilize DataAnalyze data for insights on what works. Adjust strategies based on performance.

To put these strategies into action, start with in-depth research. Understand your chosen niche. Create content that adds value. Respond to questions your audience may have about products. Focus on SEO to attract organic traffic. Engage with your readers to build a loyal following. Trust is crucial — never compromise on giving fair and helpful product insights. Leverage analytics to refine your strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Is Amazon Affiliate Marketing?

Amazon Affiliate Marketing is a program where affiliates earn commissions by promoting Amazon products and driving sales.

Q. How Does Amazon Affiliate Payout?

Affiliates receive payouts from Amazon through direct deposit, check, or Amazon gift cards, typically within 60 days of the end of the month.

Q. Why Choose Amazon For Affiliate Marketing?

Amazon’s vast product range, trusted brand, and user-friendly affiliate tools make it an appealing platform for affiliate marketing.

Q. Can Beginners Succeed With Amazon Affiliates?

Yes, beginners can succeed by creating quality content and effectively promoting Amazon products to the right audience.

Q. What Are Amazon Affiliate’s Commission Rates?

Commission rates for Amazon Affiliates vary by product category, ranging from 1% to 10%, with frequent updates from Amazon.

Conclusion

Embracing Amazon’s affiliate program paves the way for substantial online earnings. It taps into a vast product selection and a trusted brand. The system is user-friendly, offering reliable tracking and payouts. Start your journey towards financial freedom; Amazon Affiliate Marketing is your key to successful online income.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Thanks for reading my article on Why Amazon Affiliate Marketing is the Best Way to Make Money Online, hope it will help!

Affiliate Disclaimer :

This post contains affiliate links, which lets me make a little profit at no extra cost if you buy anything. We earn affiliate money for reviews and promotions on this post, but we always provide honest thoughts, user experiences, and product or service perspectives. We want to assist readers make the greatest purchases, but our testimonials and views are ours. Before buying, check claims, outcomes, and metrics. You should assume we get affiliate compensation for clicking links or buying anything mentioned in this post. We evaluate intriguing items and services. We may get a commission from our partners If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.

Source : Why Amazon Affiliate Marketing is the Best Way to Make Money Online

[websolutionproviderblog]

Enhancing Digital Success: DCUB3 is your Reliable Web Development Company in Singapore

[sourcingpoint]

How E-Commerce stores can increase conversion using Social Media?

[powerfulaitools]

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Successful Affiliate Marketing Website

Create a successful #affiliatemarketing website with our ultimate guide! 💻 Discover the best templates for content, driving traffic, and measuring success. 📈 Start earning money today! #digitalmarketing #blogging #websitetemplates #trafficgenereration

Introduction Welcome to the world of affiliate marketing! As a new affiliate marketer, you are probably eager to dive into this exciting industry and start earning commissions. However, before you can do that, you need a website. Your website is your digital storefront, and it is where you will promote the products and services you are affiliated with. But with so many website templates out…

[agentmarvel]

i've been thinking about this for days, so here y'all go.

part i |♡| part ii

sugar daddy!könig x fat!reader

mdni - 18+; minors and ageless blogs will be blocked

könig, whose bank account contains millions that he has neither the time nor desire to spend himself.

könig, who learns about the sugaring community from stiletto and roze, surprisingly, and educates himself, finding himself quite interested.

newly minted sugar daddy!könig, who joins a website, hoping to meet a sweet, plump little thing to keep him company in his off time, accompany him to events he really doesn't want to be at, and is willing to be patient with him and stay in touch, though spotty, through deployments in exchange for everything she could possibly want.

sugar daddy!könig, who matches with you after several less than ideal encounters, boring conversations, and dozens of left swipes over the course of a year. he finds himself immediately enamored with your photos; you’re stunning, exactly his type.

sugar daddy!könig, who has a hard time talking himself out of sending you a large sum immediately just for a moment of your undivided attention, but ultimately decides against it, lest you only be interested in those deposits off the bat.

sugar daddy!könig, who learns you're a full-time student with limited means of support, given you aren't exactly a local. he could be the support you need, he thinks.

sugar daddy!könig, who is so thoroughly pleased with how you conduct yourself through messages, neglecting the matter of his finances almost entirely while you try to connect with him personally. after nearly a month of exchanging messages, he makes his first offer - daily pictures for payments. nothing lewd, not yet, but he's interested in seeing more than the same six photos he looks at daily on your profile.

sugar daddy!könig, who sends €500 per photo per day. you catch on quick, doubling or tripling up on them after a week; one before you head to class, one before you go to bed. but after the third time he sends multiple payments, you send a message telling him it's not necessary.

>>> I like sending the pictures! Your reactions are always so kind, and it makes my day! 🥰

sugar daddy!könig, who turns bright red at that and insists that he keep up his end of the bargain, but gives extra attention to detail in his responses.

sugar daddy!könig, who grows anxious to meet you face-to-face; broaching the subject proves difficult when he struggles to find the right words. luckily for him, you're a bit bolder, inquiring about events he mentioned, hoping to find chemistry on an actual date of sorts.

sugar daddy!könig, who is all too quick to agree to meet up with you. he warns you that he's painfully awkward, apologizes in advance on a loop, and warns you of his behemoth stature - a factor of intimidation for many, and he doesn't want to scare you off.

sugar daddy!könig, who adores your acceptance of his self-perceived flaws and shuts down the insecurities that you voice on your own behalf. your photos are not deceptive; he can see that you're a bigger girl (exactly what he wanted), and no amount of lighting, angle, or editing that could hide the most beautiful things about you.

sugar daddy!könig, who spends the next several days in a spiral over the date, stressing every miniscule detail until he chews a hole in his lip. his hands shake as he buttons his shirt, leg bouncing with nervous energy during the drive, fidgeting while he awaits your arrival...

sugar daddy!könig, who almost leaves when you're a mere five minutes late, berating himself internally for being blinded by optimism. he has to set his glass down in fear of breaking it in his tense grip.

sugar daddy!könig, who has to pick his jaw up from the floor when he catches sight of the hostess bringing you to the table. you're wearing a shy smile and a gorgeous dress that hugs your curves perfectly, and for the briefest moment, he swears he's in love.

[adventuringblind]

The Mirror is My Enemy

Oscar Piastri x Reader

Genre: Hurt/comfort, fluff

Summary: Growing up with a narcissistic mother was never easy. Never looking the way she wanted made enemies out of strange things, including her own mind. Oscar mends her slowly in the way he knows how.

Warnings: Narcissistic abuse, eating disorder, vomiting (implied),

Notes: yeah... this one his hard. I know narcissistic mother are different from father, but I did the best with the experience I have. I hope the requester of this likes it, I tried really hard!

Masterlist // Request Form // My Website // buy me a Ko-Fi

Narcissists are a special breed of people. Concerned about themselves and how they look. Charismatic and welcoming to the outside world. But to their inner circles? Their families? They see the hidden truth.

Having one as a parent is a specific kind of hell. It's underhanded comments and insults masked with laughter like it's a joke. It's always having your privacy invaded to make sure you aren't getting any ideas or talking about them in a negative light.

It's giving up on fighting because it's easier to just do what they say, to give up any semblance of control over your own life. Always being exhausted because you're either arguing or watching any kind of hope for life you had wither away.

The optimal thing to do is try and tell someone, but nobody believes because they can't see the evidence. They don't see the way her mom dresses her up like a doll or the comments whispered in her ear. They don't know that behind the closed bathroom door, her mother pokes and tugs at her skin and forces her to watch in the mirror. They don't know the control it takes to make herself not eat from such a tender age. Always trying to fit into the clothes that are too small for her. Purposely purchased that way.

She learns to love the compliments when her mother gives them. As her body whittles away into nothingness.

She meets Oscar while in a fragile state. Dolled up for some fancy dinner she's attending with her mother. Some kind of business thing with McLaren.

She's always thought the reason they had so much money was because they don't eat. It's how they have extra to invest into whatever they choose. Her father likes money and her mom likes appearances. A lovely combination that she's caught in-between.

She orders a salad for appearances. Nobody can see what's truly going on. They'd asl questions if she acts strange. She takes small bites and pokes around anything on it that might hold a few extra calories.

She makes conversation with herself in her head. Missing the looks the Australian driver is throwing her way.

They attend the race that weekend. Guests to the McLaren garage. She tries to avoid anything that even remotely looks like a camera since it adds five pounds to the image of her.

Saturday after qualifying is when Oscar finally starts a conversation. An encouraging nod from Lando has him making confident strides towards her.

He offers her a tour and she accept. Her mother isn't paying too much attention to her. Not like she ever does unless she looks acceptable in her loose-fitting clothes, so nobody says anything.

Oscar is nice. He makes good conversation with her. It's different to the people her parents approved of. Oscar asks her about her interests and reciprocates with his own.

They agree to a date after the race on Sunday. He takes her to some park he'd discovered over the weekend.

She hides it away. Desperate to keep this one thing for herself. Untouched by her parents.

She texts Oscar far more than necessary. Her co-workers notice how her mood lightens.

He comes to see her at every opportunity he can. she can't seem to get away from her parents. Every time she tries it ends badly. Then they get suspicious and start looking through her things.

Oscar takes her to eat a few times. She keeps up appearances. It's strange that someone is encouraging her to eat. Oscar looks soft every time she indulges in the foods that had been restricted for her entire life.

Her mother notices. Because every calorie shows. Like somehow, she knows every time she puts any kind of food in her mouth.

Oscar spends summer break staying with her. She takes a deep breath introducing him to her parents. They play nice in front of him.

Afterwards is a different story. They catch her alone in the hall and pull her away. They lecture her about not knowing anything about him and how he won't be any good for her.

She sleeps separate from him all summer. She keeps her distance physically. He doesn't notice how far gone she is.

Oscar asks her to come with him. To drop what she's doing and travel the world with him.

She acts on a whim. She leaves everything and follows Oscar around the world.

He figures is out eventually. He knew, always had, but he sees how bad it is. Her resolve breaks, she doesn't know how to combat these thoughts in her head. They are overwhelming, they eat away at her in the form of depriving herself.

But Oscar is a patient soul. He works at her pace.

Oscar comes up behind her when she gets lost staring at her flaws in the mirror. He doesn't drag her away; he points out every beautiful make she has, every perfection like it's a drug to him.

He asks about confronting her mother; about defending her and setting some hard boundaries. She begs him not to. They cut contact and leave it at that.

It's different being with someone who doesn't care what she eats. Who doesn't make a big deal about when she pokes at her food or indulges in a favorite snack.

It's amazing what happened when one has a decent support system. When she is able to look for Oscar when she's stuck staring in the mirror and picking at her skin. When he stays with her despite relapses that make her sick.

Oscar still holds and compliments and makes sure she knows she's loved despite it all. He tells her that seeing her smile is worth every weird joke he tells.

He's doing what her parents should've done. And maybe one day she'll see that she never needed their approval, that she has always been perfect. But for now, Oscar is there to make sure she knows she's enough for him exactly as she is.

[femmefatalevibe]

any tips for getting into copywriting?

Learn the basics of copywriting & writing fundamentals/ marketing skills

Study the different types of copywriting (web/banners, email, social, ads, direct mail, sales letters, etc.)

Decide on your niche(s). Study everything you can about the industry, trends, latest news, customer demographics/psychographics, customer behavior, types of lifestyles/preferences they have, how they speak, where they spend the most time (IRL or digitally)

Craft an inspiration folder full of compelling copywriting examples you find when browsing on the web, going through your email, scrolling on social media, billboards, magazines, direct mail, etc.

Practice rewriting these examples with your own flair. Evaluate it, and keep practicing until you're proud of your copy.

Be as concise, clever, and convincing as possible. Keep your tone conversational (write like how you would speak), catchy, simple, and witty. Take out any extraneous or fluff words. Pepper in cultural references, puns, and relatable anecdotes understood by your target audience when relevant to your messaging/CTA

Create a portfolio with these mock-ups or projects done for family/friends (state they're spec work, not client-commissioned samples) or clips from an internship, school work, etc.

Craft a USP for yourself (including your niche, copywriting specialties, and the specific expertise you offer within your broader niche/service offerings that makes you unique)

Create an Upwork profile and share your services on LinkedIn (optimize both of these profiles)

Research local clients and small businesses within your niche. Also, take time to create a list of dream clients. Study their copy, brand voice, and keep tabs on updates regarding these companies' happenings

Learn the art of a cold email/LinkedIn pitch/Upwork proposal. Introduce yourself and your services to your prospect and share with them how you can fulfill a specific need they're seeking out (For local and smaller companies, feel free to offer suggestions. With more established companies, connect the dots as to why your experience/expertise is a great fit for their brand/target audience), and attach your work/link to your LinkedIn profile, website, and any other relevant hub for your professional services & content

Ask for referrals from friends/family to get started. If they're not a relative, get a testimonial to include in your portfolio

Follow up once if you haven't heard back from a prospective client after an initial pitch after a few days

Search for potential gigs on sites like Upwork/ProBlogger/People Per Hour

Once you land a gig, execute to the best of your ability and hand in your work by the deadline (strategies surrounding best business practices is a whole other post, lol)

Gather testimonials from all clients of successful projects. Confirm with clients whether you can use their work in your portfolio if you're unsure

Continue studying copywriting from books, courses, and everyday reading & living

Stay knowledgeable about advancements/updates in your field, keep updated on current events, and culture/social trends, and read a lot in general. Have interesting, multi-faceted conversations with others. Observe what makes people tick & remain engaged in a verbal dialogue or content

[mariacallous]

On May 16, the gaming and entertainment news site Dexerto tweeted an image from the forthcoming game Assassin’s Creed Shadows featuring one of its protagonists, the Black samurai Yasuke, in a fighting pose. Across scores of replies, some voiced optimism, others fatigue with Assassin’s Creed’s now 14-game-long run, and a very vocal few expressed frustration and anger that a Black person was at the center of the narrative.

“Gonna pass on the DEI games,” wrote one blue-check X user, referencing the acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Why Wokeism?” asked another. Comments full of racist and sexist language filled the thread.

A more articulate undercurrent of these reactionaries, across many online forums, had a more specific set of complaints. Some alleged the race of the real Yasuke was never known, others that he wasn’t a samurai but a retainer, and another claimed he was never in combat.

These were all fairly elaborate conclusions to draw about a guy from 1581 who’s been depicted as a samurai in Japanese media many times, including in the 2017 video game Nioh and Samurai Warriors 5 in 2021, as well as his own animated series on Netflix.

They also may have been the last bit of armchair history we got on Yasuke if the conversation hadn’t been sustained by a set of accounts looking to build yet another front in the online culture war, fueling what some have been calling Gamergate 2.0. Whereas the Gamergate of 2014 focused on trying to drown out feminist voices, and the voices of women of color, in gaming culture, this second incarnation seems focused on pushing back against diversity in games of all kinds. Yasuke just stepped in their path.

The resurgence of the Gamergate moniker came earlier this year in reaction to the work of Sweet Baby. Staff at the small consultancy received a wave of harassment this spring stemming from misinformation and conspiracy theories claiming the company was a BlackRock-backed outfit trying to force diversity into games. (It’s not affiliated with BlackRock and merely advises on characters and storylines.) As the controversy around Assassin’s Creed Shadows intensified, several posts mentioned Sweet Baby, even though company CEO Kim Belair says the firm didn’t work on the game.

“I think it just comes with the post-Gamergate (late-Gamergate?) territory,” Belair wrote in an email to WIRED. “To a certain kind of person, largely trolls, we're synonymous with their idea of ‘wokeness in games’ or a vague idea of ‘DEI,’ but it's ultimately reflective of the overall misinformation that fuels this campaign.”

Gamergate was not the first harassment campaign conceived in the bowels of 4chan and its affiliate websites, but it was perhaps their crowning achievement. The attacks against developers Zoë Quinn and Brianna Wu and media critic Anita Sarkeesian, among others, ranged from doxing to rape and death threats. Its tenets and tactics eventually proved valuable in bringing people into the burgeoning alt-right movement. Even Pizzagate and QAnon can, in some ways, be traced back to what was happening with gamers online in 2014.

“Gamergate was a recruiting ground, a pipeline to leverage the loneliness, discontentment, and alienation of young men—often white young men—into alt-right politics, extremist misogyny, and outright white supremacy and Nazism,” Thirsty Suitors narrative lead Meghna Jayanth told WIRED.

If the early days of social media incubated a cultural cold war, Gamergate turned it hot. Frustrated that they were no longer the sole demographic being catered to, Gamergaters saw “the growing visibility of women, not to mention their incomprehensible insistence that games cater to their perspectives as well, as an unwelcome intrusion in a space that does not belong to them,” Laura Hudson wrote in WIRED at the time. As a result, they wanted more than debate, they wanted blood—and nothing really stopped them from going after it.

Ten years later, aggrieved gamers are focusing on other forms of diversity and inclusion, which is how Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Yasuke has become the latest point of contention.

While only so much can be truly known when it comes to history, accounts suggest Yasuke (the real one, not the video game character) was a man presumed to be from west Africa who served the Italian missionary Alessandro Valignano. He accompanied Valignano to Japan where he served Oda Nobunaga at the daimyo’s demand. Yasuke was presented with the trappings of a samurai: a house, servants, a sword. He would go on to be with Nobunaga, or near him, at the time of his death, before seeking his heir Nobutada and joining him in battling those responsible for Nobunga’s death, though unsuccessfully.

While Yasuke’s history is fascinating and mysterious, much of the fuss over him has concerned whether he was officially a samurai, a depiction that has shown up in media several times in and outside of Japan. Some insist that he may have instead been a retainer, page, squire, or sword-bearer. Others decrying his inclusion in Shadows said he looked gay.

“There is no easy way to separate the many threads of what we are seeing within the Yasuke backlash,” says Paula Curtis, a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA’s Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies. “There are legitimate complaints about the developers’ decisions regarding representation and historical engagement … There are also many discriminatory responses to the game that have been anti-Black, misogynistic, and politically motivated.” It’s important to note, Curtis adds, that Shadows’ fans and commentators, and the issues they’re raising, aren’t uniform.

When Japanese historian Yu Hirayama tweeted there was “no doubt” as to Yasuke’s samurai status, he was treated to a tirade of abusive replies in English, including one claiming he brought “dishonor to [his] family and Japanese history.”

Amid the backlash to Yasuke’s inclusion in the game—and specifically to his role as a samurai—Ubisoft, the game’s developer, issued a statement saying that while the company “extensively collaborated with external consultants, historians, researchers, and internal teams at Ubisoft Japan” on the game, “some elements in our promotional materials have caused concern within the Japanese community.”

Without saying specifically which aspects caused concern, the company added that it was taking this “constructive criticism” into account as it prepared for the game’s November launch, and apologized. (Ubisoft did not respond to a request for comment on this story.)

Jayanth believes the apology was a case of misplaced appeasement.

“The alt-right's fundamental drive is hatred of the ‘other,’” she says. “Even if we cleansed our games of women, non-white people, queer people—which is their ask, and one we absolutely should not give in to—they would turn to insufficiently ‘masculine’ depictions of white men. This movement exists only in opposition to some polluting ‘other,’ an enemy that must be manufactured if a real enemy cannot be found.”

Revisionist approaches to history have seen a rise in recent years, especially in the interest of enshrining an idealist sense of a traditionalist past as an ahistorically conservative utopia.

“You see this in the false assertion of a purely white Middle Ages or the denial of war atrocities in World War II,” Curtis says. “Bad-faith actors may cherry-pick historical sources in order to craft specific narratives, completely ignore sources that do not support their views, or appropriate historical symbols as rallying cries to their causes.”

The proponents of Gamergate 2.0 have veiled their scorn for Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ inclusion of Yasuke within concerns for historical accuracy. Much Like the Gamergaters of old, who insisted they were defending ethics in gaming journalism and not harassing women they felt needed to be put in their place.

Gamergate then, and Gamergate now, are both ultimately about the sensitivities around who saw representation and how, made disproportionately important by how disempowered and alienated modern people feel. As games have made room for a wider array of characters, the gamers at the center of the backlash have seen this progress as a form of persecution. Games are changing, and as much as those upset over Yasuke’s inclusion in Shadows want to push back, they may not be able to stop that.

“It's certainly been strange to see us tied to a ton of games we've never worked on simply because people perceive ‘wokeness’ or progressive ideas in them,” Sweet Baby’s Belair says, “but maybe it's indicative of a greater truth that Gamergaters miss: No external consultancy is forcing studios to make their products more diverse or more progressive. The change, whatever you think of it, is coming from inside the house.”

[oneknightstand-if]

FAQ

(That I just made up because there's no time for questions yet)

600,000+ words for the first chapter?!?

(Damn, Tumblr insists on blowing up even small gifs into full size, huh)

I know, I know... that's not going to be sustainable unless we're aiming for the first 6 million word release in history. I'll be streamlining things more from this point onwards.

Is this a standalone or the first book of a series?

It's a series of 4-5 books. The first book One Knight Stand will keep going until we finally complete that Lesser Circle of Seven (or die trying) but the apocalypse won't be over yet.

What is with all these wikipedia links in the game?

So I was going to have tooltips that popped up and explained things such as 'greaves' and whatnot like Twine games do… but oops, Choicescript doesn't have that capability. The closest I could do is include a link to a website that explained it.

I decided that wikipedia had the best chance of still being available years from now and have handy explanations to most things I was referencing (so I wouldn't have to chase after broken links when sites go down forevermore).

And then I just started running amok and linking to anything that the player might not know offhand. If you already understand the reference or have no further interest in it, please feel free to just ignore them.

How can I see the code for the game?

You can view the game code on my site the same way you do on Dashingdon just add /scenes to the end of the URL.

The sound effects aren't working in the game?

Are you playing on iOS (iPhone etc) or macOS? If not, please report this as a bug. Otherwise, if you're playing on an Apple platform unfortunately there's a known bug with OGG sound files not working (even though they're supposedly supported by all browsers by now).

Unfortunately, despite an extensions search, I haven't found a solution for this.

If by the time One Knight Stand is completed, Apple still isn't properly supporting OGG, then I might have to convert all the hundreds of sound files over to MP3 for the iOS version of the game. ( ⚆﹏⚆ ) The conversion will double the size of the sound files however and with hundreds of sound files that's definitely less than optimal there.

Do I need to know anything about King Arthur, Camelot, or random arthurian lore to play this game?

No, you don't need to know anything about it.

You can spend the whole game going "Who is Arthur? What's a Camels-a-lot? What am I even doing here?" as a legit strategy. (You can even play that way if you actually do know stuff about arthuriana.)

If you choose to be an in-game lore expert, it just means your MC is as likely to give an explanation as one of the other characters. However, anything important that the player needs to know will come up in the game itself.

You can also ask the other characters for info dumps on Camelot... and boy, will some of them give you (completely skippable) lore dumps all right.

Hey, this stuff that Merlin's saying about Camelot doesn't jive with what I know!

Maybe that's the difference between what canonically happened in One Knight Stand's backstory. Or maybe Merlin is just gaslighting you.

What's going on with Merlin's pronouns?

If Merlin's pronouns don't fit with the gender that you've chosen for them within the MC's speech or internal narrative, then that's a coding error (please report it).

If another character (say a little girl who's convinced that Merlin is Elsa) is using different pronouns for Merlin than what's expected, then that's simply how that other character is currently perceiving Merlin.

But what pronouns does Merlin prefer?

Merlin doesn't care what human pronouns you use for them. Out-of-universe I'll be using they/them for simplicity's sake (same reason I'll be using 'incubus' instead of typing incubus/succubus the entire time).

What's up with all of Merlin's kaomoji in their text messages and e-mails?

They're a fifth-century mage who's been sealed away for 1500 years... they're *trying*.

 m(✿￣ｰ￣)m plz understand

Why are there so many Merlin questions in this FAQ?

I don't know, it just ended up that way. Probably because they show up in Chapter 1 and have a rather... complex... situation that needs warnings attached to it.

(✿≖ᴗ≖ )ゞ "Naturally, I'm simply the most intriguing member of this party."

Are all RO's available to all MC's?

Your MC won't be blocked from a romance due to gender or sexuality. At most you'll get a passing mention if you're not the gender that the RO usually dates.

There are certain *other* mitigating factors, however... for example not all RO's are going to be kosher with the Serial Killer MC (especially if said MC won't knock off with all the killings).

Also there is one modern day RO that is incompatible with a certain Camelot MC background.

Is there a lock-in point for romances?

No, there will be several points where you can initiate and break-off relationships with the various RO's (and know that the RO's can take take those on and off-ramps just the same as the MC).

You can also romance another character after breaking up with your current RO... but that's going to get tougher and tougher the more you do that.

Can we start a romance in Book 1?

Romances will proceed at a different pace depending on who your MC is romancing (and also on your MC themselves). For example Adrian will be friendzoning you through most of Book 1 for... reasons. Meanwhile, potential sex scene with Merlin in Chapter 3 if you're feeling particularly horny.

Do I need to romance someone to take part in their personal subplot?

No, you just need to be "close" to someone, either platonically, romantically, or otherwise to take part in their subplot. You'll also need to actually be physically present (which will not always be possible for everyone at the same time).

Is there any poly?

In the series, yes, but not in the first book One Knight Stand, as forming the triad will require developing a certain level of trust and loyalty between all three members. And right now everyone is too busy side-eying each other in suspicion at this point.

Thus, since the poly options won't appear until Book 2, saying who is involved would be a *spoiler* since it indicates who'll actually still be available for romance later in the series.

In general, there are three triads that will be available... one is male/male/MC, one is female/female/MC, and one is male/female/MC. Note that there is some overlap in the characters potentially involved in various triads since only a couple of the ROs are interested in this sort of thing.

What about options for flings and friends with benefits--

*points to Merlin*

So... Merlin the incubus as an RO. Can they be romanced monogamously? Can they be romanced asexually?

You can indeed romance Merlin and have them be emotionally monogamous to you as the partner they will always return to while everyone else is a (literal) snack.

But they can't be physically monogamous with the MC. They need to eat and being Merlin's sole food source would literally kill the MC in two weeks or less.

In fact, romanced Merlin is even more likely to seek out other food sources just to make certain that the MC is safe with them and that they won't get too hungry and accidentally eat your soul.

Merlin's nature as an incubus means their sexuality is highly integral to them, and while they will reflect back what their partner wants/needs from them, they are not naturally romantic. Basically if you're not having sex with them, then a high affinity MC is defaulting back to platonic friends.

These are things that are definitely going to be brought up in-game if you try to initiate a long-term romance with Merlin.

Will any other RO have problems with an asexual romance?

Nope, sex can be entirely avoided with all the other RO's, just choose the snuggle options instead of the sex options.

How explicit are we talking here regarding sex scenes?

You'll have the choice between fade to black and something rather more explicit but not full-blown porn. If anything rated higher than that gets included as a DLC option (not part of the base game) will depend upon how much (if any) interest there is in that sort of thing.

Can I romance the saboteur?

You can certainly *think* you are! (Note: This is not recommended for your MC's longevity)

Can I romance the 404 Error?

You can certainly *try*. (You actually have a better chance here than with the actual saboteur.)

Can I romance the dude in the elevator, that random paramedic, or some stranger walking down the street?

( ⓪ ᴗ ⓪ )

So there's only one traitor, right?

There may actually potentially be more than one depending on the MC's actions. But there's always that one particular saboteur present despite whatever else the MC may do.

Will the gender of my past Camelot reincarnation be the same as the one I've chosen in game?

No, there's no connection between your MC's current and past gender (or really their current and past *anything* since they're basically an entirely different person now).

There are four different backgrounds available for the Camelot reincarnation, 2 male and 2 female, so if you end up with a past incarnation you don't like at the end of the game, you can replay for one more suitable to your tastes.

How is the MC's past Camelot Incarnation determined?

Mostly through your choices during the Camelot flashback sequences. Mostly.

Who are the potential past incarnations of the MC?

That's for you to find out! (No really, this is one of the major subplots of the game).

What is with all these grayed-out options?

Options will be grayed out if they conflict with a previous choice the player made if you haven't fulfilled the prerequisites for unlocking them.

An example would be the "I'm lying about my amnesia" option not being selectable if you didn't chose to have amnesia in the first place. (The exception right now is the fencing & book club choices... I just haven't written those routes yet).

If nearly *all* the options have been grayed out, then usually that's triggered by your fear or vice kicking in or because your MC is literally possessed (Congratulations!). You may want to work on that.

I'm here for the story and not for the trauma… what background choices are least likely to spectacularly blow up in my face later?

In that case, I'd suggest the Lab Technician job, the Imposter secret, Abandoned or Abused as your childhood, Lust as your vice if you're not planning to pursue a long-term relationship with a RO (Sloth if you are), either Heights, Snakes, Spiders, or Closed Spaces as your phobia, avoiding Luck as your talent & avoiding the Internet as your addiction, and finally having Adrian as your close friend.

Not saying that you can't make other choices during the game that'll set you on the path to Hard Mode, but these background choices have the mildest potential repercussions.

I want the full spectacular clusterf*ck experience here! What background should I choose?

The Wrath (Vice), Accident (Childhood), and Serial Killer (Secret) combo is always f̴u̸n̷. The "Lying about my amnesia" secret is also it's own brand of mindtrip as well.

Also, some other options include starting off as a Security Guard as your career, with Fear Itself as your phobia (blood or death are also 'good' options), Luck as your talent, the Internet as your addiction, and of course Adrian as your stalker because obviously we don't need any good relationships to fall back on when playing Among Us.

What is going on with the "lying about your amnesia" option?

What indeed.

If you don't like meta fourth wall breaks or otherwise heavily self insert, you might not want to choose that as your secret.

My MC's skin is pretty dark, is that demonic-bruise thing actually going to be seeable?

Since the bruise being perceivable is an important plot point, then no matter how dark your MC's skin is, that bruise is darker still even if has to become the abiding abyss of a black hole to do so. (I even described it as a black hole in some routes to cover my posterior.)

My MC is intrigued by this agenda of demonic conquest & people-eating and would like to subscribe to their newsletter. Can I join the other side?

Well... there's certainly some Dead Ends where you can do that!

Screw all these people and this forced quest! My MC wants to leave the group and this plot behind.

You can certainly do that. You'll die (since your MC is currently on the top of several different 'Kill on sight' lists), but you can do it.

At some point the MC will be strong enough that they can split from the group and frolic off into their own nonstandard ending adventures in the apocalyptic world while everyone else deals with the whole apocalypse plot thing. But you're nowhere near that point yet.

So the MC can die prematurely here, huh.

Yep, this game is horror-adjacent and you're being given a hundred save slots for a reason. I'll be inputting checkpoints as well once we come to that part. Hopefully Choice of Games will start allowing normal save points in the near future.

Also, please note that all the Dead Ends include clues towards the truth of what's going on here that may otherwise not be knowable, so they're not complete wastes of time. Also, they all give Achievements.

What is a Cloudcuckoolander etc?

Please see this post for all your cloudcuckoolander needs.

What is going on with the Changeling MC?

Please see this post for all your changeling needs.

OMG, what the hell is this monstrosity that is Merlin's Guide to Arthurian Lore?

We're playing Among Us/Werewolf/Mafia/etc here. You aren't getting any word-of-god lore directly from me. That'd be too easy.

All info about the One Knight Stand world will be filtered through the natural biases (and lies) of the characters involved in the game. Hence, Merlin's Guide to Arthurian Lore.

Feel free to read or ignore, as you like. (Also feel free to text Merlin back and tell them exactly what you think of that doorstop.)

So Why 'Among Us' in the description?

Obviously, it can't be officially marketed like that, but I thought that would be the most popularly recognized description for this type of situation.

I also considered using the OG Mafia or Werewolf instead, but I thought that might've confused people into thinking that there are actual gangsters and werewolves present in the game.

About those werewolves...

No comment.

Are there any guides available?

Here's a link to various guides & info posts available on the Choice of Games thread.

Escaping the Monster Under the Bed

Getting Excalibur Shards

Gaining/Avoiding Corruption

Gaining/Avoiding Fear

Gaining/Losing Purity

Gaining Magic Points | Ver. 2

Gaining Charisma Points

Mini Guide to Gaining Will Points

Full Guide to Gaining Will Points

Gaining Cloudcuckoolander Points

Getting Possessed Late... for reasons

Saving & Getting Pippa Killed | Version 2

Saving Zain

Potential Past Incarnations

Potential Camelot Incarnations (Google Spreadsheet)

Camelot Family Trees

Quick Guide to Sparring with Lancelot

Percy Soulmate at First Sight Guide

My save slots keep getting stuck in the Status Menu! (or any of the submenus associated with it such as Messages/Inventory/etc)

Unfortunately, that's a common problem with Dashingdon games or any games that use the smPlugin.js save system (like One Knight Stand). You can't save the game directly after checking the stats menu (or any of the submenus associated with the stats menu such as Messages, Inventory, menu). If you do, that save will be permanently stuck in the stats menu for good.

So you either have to...

Save the game before checking the stats menu

After checking the stats menu move the game forward by at least one screen before saving. That means picking an option, hitting the 'Next' button or whatever is currently available in that particular game.

I keep getting an error in the game.

Before reporting any errors, please clear your browser's cache (just the cache, not the cookies, localStorage, or any other browser data) and refresh the page.

Then, if you're loading an old save slot, check the Status Menu to make certain that your stats haven't been reset back to default (which can be caused by the data in the save slot corruption). If the Status Menu variables have reset back to their original values, you'll have to load another Save or restart from the beginning of the game).

If you're still getting an error message after trying these steps, please feel free to send in a bug report.

When will the Book Club Route be done?

When it's done. There's no set date at this point and considering the time investment (3-4 months for 150,000-175,000 words) and how burnt out I currently am with Chapter 1, it won't be anytime soon.

I will also no longer be responding to any update requests regarding the book club.

What the hell is going on with Gawain in Merlin's Guide to Arthurian Lore?

So, while I was plotting out One Knight Stand and deciding which version of Arthurian lore would be taken as the "truth" of the OKS world, I looked at Gawain and his five million wives and lovers (because if you were going to create a female OC back then, high probability she's shacking up with Gawain) and then I decided, yes, I'm going to make all of them canon.

The yandere. The other yandere. The one who dosed him with aphrodisiacs. That one who died of heartbreak because he couldn't figure out how to get back to her castle. The cursed baba yaga.

Merlin's cursed ex-lover. [insert Merlin screeching in the background about not having done any such thing] The fairy daughter of Morgana... and that other fairy... and this fairy too.

All of them.

Good luck, Gawain.

[nether-before]

I'm gonna be real, I was never huge on your portrayal of Callie before, but after reading that post that explained your headcanons, something clicked and now I'm FEELING it. Up until now I guess I thought you were just drawing her like that just because and thought it didn't fit the character, but after reading the reasoning behind it... omg, flipped like a switch, you're actually a genius.

Like, I LOVE headcanons about the idols that acknowledge how much the industry and being in it sucks moderately to severely for almost everyone in it irl... ESPECIALLY for the Squid Sisters, because they were teenagers when they started being idols, as opposed to Off The Hook and Deep Cut being in their twenties at their debuts. They also, to me, seem to be the most "by the books" idols the game has seen, at least in Splat 1. Pearl and Marina seem to be self-made, and Pearl had the wealth and connections to get the band rolling without signing any contracts. Deep Cut was also wealthy from the start, and thus likely has more power over themselves since they won't lose everything if they go out of style or fail to be 100% optimally marketable. The Squid Sisters, though? Farm girls found by a talent scout. They DEFINITELY belonged to an agency and signed some things they didn't fully understand. Thus, potential for angst, criticism of a shitty industry, something something capitalism...

Also also, I am a fucking SUCKER for the "weight gain as an outward signifier of mental/emotional healing" trope. Makes me go gaga EVERY time. I was saved by antidepressants after a lifetime of being The Skinny Kid, which doesn't seem to be that uncommon an experience on this website, so I connect to this sort of thing a great deal. Thin character who's been through some shit finally finds themselves in a better life, and as a result puts on weight? Already great. If, additionally, they struggle with it at first but eventually realize, accept and internalize that they're healthier in this state than they were while skinny but in a state of constant anguish? EXCELLENT. A+. Just like me fr.

And so, to cap off this wall of text, can I just end by saying that I'm pretty basic with my Squid Sisters hcs, ok? Yours do not align with mine, but I'm not the kind of person who gets upset about that. To the contrary; I LOVE conflicting hcs. I love when fandom is a conversation, not a consensus. I love when different people see the same character in different ways. And your take is one I don't see ANYWHERE else. I respect the hell out of you for boldly going your own way. I ALSO respect how you were not shy and went all-in on a rarely depicted but very real female body type that's mostly relegated to OCs. Your Callie isn't just chubby or curvy, and she isn't even just fat, she's really fat. She's an absolute unit. She has muscle under that fat, bulky and strong muscle like she pumps iron on the daily. She's got wide shoulders and thick fingers and a chest like a barrel and a huge belly. She's built like a brick shithouse. AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN GIVE HER BIG BOOBS, THEY'RE STILL SMALL.

You NEVER see this in fandom unless we're drawing orcs or dwarves, and hell even then it remains rare, despite women like this existing in real life. You portray a broad-framed, strongfat farm girl with a small chest, and you portray her as not only beautiful, not only a social butterfly, but as an absolute girly-girl fashionista glitter diva material girl supreme. What few instances of truly boulder-suplexing women we get are typically relegated to barbarians or aggressive tanky fighters, and they're almost always butch.

YOU say you can bench press a steer and make cars sag when you sit in them, but still be 100% femme. YOU say a girl can be an arm wrestling champ at the local biker bar AND gossip with her besties at the mall while holding 5 pink shopping bags. YOU say girliness, glitter and the colour pink have no size limit, that a woman can own a wide variety of dumbells and lipstick colours alike, that physical strength and being pretty are NOT mutually exclusive.

I've flipped like a dime on this, OP. Thank you for being so unashamedly original and positive in your portrayal of Callie.

HELL YEAH!! This was great to read, and I'm happy to see she kind of resonated with you with the whole "weight gain as emotional healing" thing. Love when art impacts people! Thanks for this.

[michaelespositostatenisland]

Michael Esposito Staten Island - Influencer Marketing the Future of Engagement? Exploring its Impact & What We Can Expect

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for brands to engage with their target audience. Michael Esposito Staten Island — How Influencer Marketing Revolutionizes Brand Engagement demonstrates the transformative potential of this approach. As the digital realm continues to expand, the integration of influencer marketing and SEO is proving to be a game-changer, offering brands amplified awareness, improved engagement metrics, and a boost in conversion rates. Let's delve into the latest trends and insights to understand the impact of influencer marketing and what we can expect in the future.

The Rise of Influencer Marketing

In recent years, influencer marketing has experienced tremendous growth, with an estimated surge from $4 billion in 2022 to over $6 billion in 2025. This surge is not only fueled by direct partnerships but also by the increasing adoption of influencer marketing by brands, with 68% planning to increase their influencer marketing budgets. Additionally, the shift towards social commerce strategies has attributed 29% of sales to social commerce, further underlining the impact of influencers in driving consumer engagement and sales.

Moreover, the influence of influencers is not restricted to specific demographics, as 63% of internet users of all ages have engaged with a sponsored influencer post at some point 3. This demonstrates the widespread impact and reach of influencer marketing across diverse consumer segments.

The Convergence of Influencer Marketing and SEO

As consumers seek authentic content based on real experiences with products and services, the convergence of influencer marketing and SEO has become increasingly evident. This convergence presents an opportunity for brands to leverage influencer content to bolster their SEO strategies and enhance their online visibility.

How Influencer Marketing Impacts SEO

The relationship between influencer marketing and SEO is complex yet complementary. Influencer partnerships can drive engagement, authority, and trust signals that are crucial for SEO. Positive influencer endorsements can build trust with their audience, which can translate to trust in the brand itself. Furthermore, influencers creating valuable content featuring the brand can be leveraged for SEO benefits, including the acquisition of high-quality backlinks.

Future Expectations

Looking ahead, influencer marketing is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of engagement for brands. The integration of influencer content with SEO strategies is expected to further elevate optimization and rankings, ultimately enhancing brand authority and trust signals. Brands that capitalize on this convergence and provide authentic value to their audiences are likely to reap substantial rewards.

Influencer Marketing and SEO: A Symphony of Success

In the journey towards maximizing the potential of influencer marketing and SEO, there are actionable steps that brands can take to craft a strategy that amplifies their brand's reach and builds lasting organic visibility:

1. Aligning Influencers with SEO Goals

Considering micro-influencers who engage in deeper connections with their audiences and create authentic content.

Prioritizing content quality over reach, focusing on informative, engaging content that optimizes for relevant keywords.

Investing in evergreen topics that offer lasting value to the audience and search engines alike.

2. Capitalizing on Content Synergies and Measuring Impact

Repurposing influencer-generated content and optimizing it for relevant keywords.

Leveraging backlinks from influencer partnerships to boost SEO ranking.

Tracking and analyzing influencer campaigns using analytics tools to monitor audience engagement and organic search traffic.

3. Building a Robust SEO Foundation

Optimizing the website for technical soundness, fast loading times, and mobile-friendliness.

Focusing on quality backlinks beyond influencer partnerships, actively pursuing high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in the niche.

In addition to these steps, brands are encouraged to develop always-on influencer partnerships, coordinate integrated content strategies, encourage backlinks, build internal influencers, monitor optimization for E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), and leverage video content to bolster reach and visibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of influencer marketing is bright, with an increasing number of brands recognizing its potential as a valuable marketing tool. Michael Esposito Staten Island - The Impact and Future of Influencer Marketing underscores the significant role this strategy plays in modern marketing. As the integration of influencer marketing and SEO continues to evolve, brands have the opportunity to drive real business impact by leveraging influencers' authenticity and social proof to elevate optimization and rankings. By embracing this convergence and providing authentic value to their audiences, brands can expect to see their authority, trust signals, and conversions surge over competitors.

In essence, influencer marketing is not just a passing trend but an integral component of the marketing landscape, offering brands the potential for sustained engagement, improved visibility, and significant returns on investment.

By aligning influencer marketing with SEO goals and embracing the convergence of these strategies, brands can position themselves for success in the dynamic world of digital marketing. As the relationship between influencer marketing and SEO continues to evolve, the future indeed favors those who recognize and capitalize on this intrinsic link.

For brands looking to stay ahead of the curve, an integrated approach that leverages the power of influencer marketing and SEO is key to unlocking the full potential of both strategies.

In essence, influencer marketing is not just a passing trend but an integral component of the marketing landscape, offering brands the potential for sustained engagement, improved visibility, and significant returns on investment. By aligning influencer marketing with SEO goals and embracing the convergence of these strategies, brands can position themselves for success in the dynamic world of digital marketing. As the relationship between influencer marketing and SEO continues to evolve, the future indeed favors those who recognize and capitalize on this intrinsic link.

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Top Organic Social Media Marketing Strategies to Boost Your Audience Without Paid Ads

In today’s competitive digital landscape, growing a social media audience without paid ads is a key goal for many businesses. Organic growth fosters authentic connections, boosts long-term engagement, and builds trust. Below are some essential social media marketing tips to grow your audience organically:

1. Create Share-Worthy Content

To attract attention and encourage sharing, your content must stand out. Highly visual and emotionally engaging content is more likely to be shared, expanding your organic reach.

How to create share-worthy content:

Use eye-catching visuals like infographics, videos, and memes.

Evoke emotions — funny, inspiring, or thought-provoking content performs better.

Offer value by educating or entertaining your audience.

2. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-generated content is a powerful way to expand your audience authentically. Encouraging customers to share their experiences builds trust and extends your reach.

How to leverage UGC:

Run contests or giveaways encouraging followers to tag your brand.

Share or repost customer reviews, photos, or testimonials.

3. Optimize Your Profile for Conversions

Your social media marketing strategy should start with optimizing your profile. A well-crafted profile can convert casual visitors into followers.

Profile optimization tips:

Write a clear, keyword-optimized bio.

Include a call-to-action (CTA) and website link.

Use branded visuals for your profile picture and cover photo.

Read More: Social Media Profile Optimization Tips — Learn how to craft a high-converting social media bio.

4. Post Consistently

Consistency is essential for keeping your audience engaged. Platforms reward active accounts with more visibility, so regular posting helps grow your audience.

Steps to maintain consistency:

Use a content calendar to schedule posts.

Experiment with posting times to discover when your audience is most active.

Mix up content types with images, videos, and stories.

5. Engage Directly with Your Audience

Engagement is a cornerstone of effective social media marketing. Directly interacting with followers strengthens relationships and encourages further interaction, boosting visibility.

Ways to increase engagement:

Respond to comments, mentions, and DMs quickly.

Ask questions or start conversations in your posts.

Host polls, surveys, or live Q&A sessions.

You’ll Love: Top Engagement Strategies for Social Media — Proven tactics to increase follower interaction.

6. Use Hashtags Wisely

Hashtags help improve the discoverability of your content. However, the key is using them strategically rather than overloading your posts.

Best practices for hashtags:

Use tools to find relevant, trending hashtags.

Create a branded hashtag for followers to use.

Combine broad and niche hashtags to reach different audience segments.

7. Collaborate with Micro-Influencers

Micro-influencers, with their smaller but highly engaged audiences, are an excellent way to grow organically. Collaborations with them help you tap into their dedicated followers.

How to collaborate with micro-influencers:

Partner for giveaways or joint promotions.

Invite them for a social media takeover.

Co-create content that appeals to both audiences.

8. Cross-Promote on Different Platforms

Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Cross-promotion helps you expand your audience by sharing content across multiple social channels.

Cross-promotion strategies:

Share content on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn with tailored messages.

Promote your social channels in blog posts, emails, and YouTube videos.

9. Foster a Community Around Your Brand

Building a community is vital for audience retention. By creating a sense of belonging, you inspire loyalty and encourage followers to spread the word about your brand.

Tips for building a community:

Create private groups on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Host live events, webinars, or virtual meetups.

Be authentic and responsive to your followers.

10. Measure and Adjust Your Strategy

Tracking your performance is essential to improving your social media marketing tips. Use analytics to monitor key metrics and adjust your strategy based on data.

Metrics to track:

Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares).

Follower growth over time.

Content performance to see which formats work best.

By using these social media marketing tips, you can grow your audience without relying on paid ads, while building a strong, loyal community around your brand. @webpinosoftwares