Blogger Stories: Holly Buchanan

Most successful blogs are a success because of their point of view. Holly Buchanan's writing is crisp, smart and pulls no punches.

Blogger Story Teller: Holly Buchanan, Marketing to Women Online

I started this blog for two main reasons - to share my knowledge, insight, and experience in the marketing world with others, and to, in return, learn from them.  I can honestly say I have learned far more from readers than they've probably learned from me. 

 

The most surprising thing about this whole blog venture has been the passionate response I've gotten - both positve and negative.   Who knew a little blog about marketing could stir up such emotion!   It has provided amazing insight for me into just how strongly people feel about certain issues and stereotypes.   

 

I have to laugh sometimes because I have heard from readers who complain that I am not sensitive enough to women's issues.... that "as a woman you should know better" than to use examples of "degrading" ads from Victoria Secret - and references to a woman's skirt when discussing copy length is unforgiveable.  (for the record - we say that copy is like woman's skirt - it must be long enough to cover the essentials but short enough to keep it interesting)

 

I have other readers who send me vitriolic hate messages claiming I am  the dumbest woman in the world, a "radical feminist" and many many other names not fit for print.  it is "because of people like you" that the world is in its sad and sorry state.  These readers feel people like me "whine too much" and are so overly sensitive we have lost all sense of reality and objectivity.

 

But there is a third group of readers who have said "thank you - I've long held the same beliefs, but hearing from you gives me validation."   Others have shared with me how my blog has shed insight and helped them improve not only their business, but their personal understanding of women.   

So - Overall, it has been incredibly rewarding.  I have met many people from all over the world I would otherwise never have heard from.  But I think the best thing about this blog has been what I've learned about myself.   I've learned that if you are going to be passionate about what you do and speak up with conviction - get ready - because there's always someone out there ready to challenge you or attack those beliefs.  But listen to their side. (I don't delete comments - no matter how nasty - unless they use foul language.  If you don't believe me, check out some of the comments on my Doge Gay Bashing? post) it's always an eye-opening experience.

 

When it comes to marketing to women - people have some very strong, deeply held beliefs.    If we're going to improve marketing to women, it's important to know what we're up against.  The bad news is - there's still one heck of a battle to be fought.  The good news is - there are a surprising large number of the ranks ready for and actively promoting greater insight and understanding.      I'm fortunate and proud to know them.

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