Why creative marketing should be well rehearsed
January 11, 2010Have you ever watched an acting company prepare for a show? It’s a fascinating experience.
First, the actors, director and stage managers sit down for a read-through—just the people and the script—to get a feel for the play. Then rehearsals begin. The director works out the blocking—where he wants the actors to enter and exit, where they should stand and move on the set to convey the right message to the audience.
There are more rehearsals.
The set is built, the lights are hung, the sound guys do their work, the actors adapt to their new environment.
The costumes enter the fray. The actors have to get comfortable in them, particularly if it’s a period piece (I’ve never worn a corset, but I know how they’re constructed. I’ll pass).
There’s at least one full dress rehearsal.
Next it’s preview night, where there’s an audience, but it’s generally for invited guests—a friendly crowd.
It’s only then that the show opens for real.
So when you think about all that preparation, the adjustments, the fine-tuning, should you try to get your website copy, your bio, or your business card right the first time?
Or should you take some time to get a feel for what’s working, tweak and polish it before it hits the stage?
Trying to get it right the first time will drive you crazy. Try getting it first. Then get it right.
For more bits of advice, cool art and design info, and the occasional link to cartoons on YouTube, follow me on Twitter.
HA! Your post took me back. I was in theater in high school! And…I hadn’t thought about using the idea of rehearsal when thinking about our sites and content. It’s a great example.
You can still get out there and work on it, but as you polish you are getting ready for “the big night”.
[Reply]
Stacey Cornelius Reply:
January 11th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
I think people put too much pressure on themselves to have everything perfect right out of the gate. First drafts exist for a reason.
[Reply]
I like the idea of a dress rehearsal in front of a friendly crowd. I think I will use that idea to pre launch my blog to a select few.
[Reply]
Stacey Cornelius Reply:
January 15th, 2010 at 10:53 am
If you’re feeling a little uneasy about launching, it’s a nice way to take the edge off those opening-night jitters. Or you could just stare at it for a couple of days until you feel ready to hit the Publish button.
Let us know when it’s live so we can come visit.
[Reply]