Pier 1 closes stores ahead of bankruptcy; Google SEO tips; Headline writing essentials; and more

MORNING SCOOP

Dogs drive online engagement for UPS, Girl Scouts offer cookies with a message, and Facebook defends stance on political ads

Also: Uber partners with mass transit providers, how digital media will be disrupted in the new decade, and whether in-person or virutal activations will prevail in 2020.

BRIGHTER WRITER

Beating writer’s block with a little help from Mozart

Wolfie didn’t plop himself down at the keyboard without first rolling ideas around in his noodle, and neither should you. Cogitate and percolate, so you won’t have to hyperventilate.

THE CONSULTANT IS IN

To increase your influence, cultivate your credibility

Workplace clout has its foundations in professional integrity, practical knowledge and personal rapport with your colleagues.

BRANDING

Infographic: How branding influences purchase intent

What parts of your brand identity help persuade consumers to choose your product or service? This chart breaks it all down.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

The next era of digital disruption

How will digital media change in the coming years? According to a new report from Weber Shandwick, new technology will be even more disruptive than the early days of the internet.

THE WORKPLACE

Why authenticity is crucial for diversity and inclusion initiatives

Embracing employees and other constituencies of all colors, creeds and gender orientations affects internal culture and the bottom line—and it requires full commitment at all levels.

MORNING SCOOP

Pier 1 prepares for bankruptcy, Red Cross dangles a Super Bowl score, and email works for millennials and Gen Z

Also: YouTube rolls out its policies to protect children viewers, Oscar Mayer offers a delicious job opportunity, purpose-led communications become a focus, and more.

CONTENT MARKETING

7 can’t-miss tactics for reader-grabbing headlines

Make specific promises, use numerals, ask questions, and put ‘impact’ words at the beginning.

EMAIL

Infographic: Your email marketing checklist for 2020

Are you making new connections with your efforts or just burning through contacts and ruining your sender reputation? Here are crucial steps to take when emailing this year.

WEBSITES

3 SEO tips to increase your Google rank

Stop worrying about Google’s BERT update. Here’s how to increase your reach.

MORNING SCOOP

Golden Globes goes vegan, Little Caesars partners with DoorDash, and Landry’s addresses a data breach

Also: Why ‘thought leadership’ is a powerful strategy and not just jargon, comedian’s Facebook donation rakes in money to fight Australia wildfires, and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

When change fatigue strikes, seize the communication opportunity

You can help your colleagues embrace the unavoidable twists and turns by offering a mission-connected, big-picture view and explaining their respective roles in the next chapter.

MEDIA RELATIONS

10 public speaking do’s and don’ts

If you’re nervous about giving an upcoming presentation, you’re not alone. Follow this advice to prepare, which can help you power through it.

WRITING & EDITING

10 tips to improve your writing and ignite creativity

To get the words flowing, try starting at the end. You might also use a prompt, rewrite a classic, or craft a poem based on fodder from your spam folder.