Lost within the maze of our office, sitting in front of his Mac – probably playing video games – is Justin Mather, one of our graphic design veterans. Last week we bribed him to sit down and spit out a few notes about traditional advertising. Here’s the dirt:
Traditional advertising has been around a long time, much longer than anyone reading this. Today, it still plays a vital role in the success of any business. The technological aspects of marketing are changing fast, but traditional media is still a great way to consistently reach large numbers of potential customers, particularly for local advertisers. …Read more »
Last week, as Rapid City was pounded with rain, snow, and blistering winds (in early May, no less), our fearless leader ventured south to attend the Alliance of Marketing Communications Agencies conference in West Palm Beach.
Lady Gaga recycles...and uses genius product placement.
While Robert didn’t bring back sunshine or “I swam with dolphins” t-shirts for the worker bees, he did gift us with some conference nuggets that we’d love to share.
Takeaway #1: kids are smart.
Today’s tweens have grown up in the world of 24/7 advertising, where everything from their underpants to their morning cereal is a blatant advertisement for a movie superhero, cartoon character, or up-and-coming pop star. Tweens are exposed to so many messages in any given day that they’ve learned to tune out the noise, skipping commercials and ignoring movie previews altogether. So what’s a marketer to do? …Read more »
Using the internet is now mainstream; a way of life for the great many people who buy products and services online. In light of this, you might think more businesses would have a better online presence. So why don’t they?
Low budget = cheap website?
In my experience the top reason is budget. Businesses, usually those on the smaller side, tend to have limited financial resources to devote to web marketing. Now no one wants to settle on a poorly designed website, but some do because they think it’s all they can afford. Unfortunately a poorly designed website can often seem shady or unreliable …Read more »
With the dawn of a new year, there is a lot of buzz about marketing in 2010. The “blogsphere” is flooded with questions like, “What will be the most effective marketing media in 2010,” “Will traditional media become obsolete,” and “Where are advertisers going to spend in 2010.”
This will be a pretty big one and some are even saying that the impact of mobile marketing will surpass that of social media. Be sure to pay attention to how this develops in the coming months and years.
2. Relationship marketing and customer service:
This necessity continues to grow as social media gives EVERY customer a louder voice and influence. Remember that your customers are people too, and not just any people, but the kings and queens of your business.
3. Experimentation:
When it comes to new technologies, sometimes experimentation is the best way to see if they work for your marketing. This doesn’t mean (of course) to blindly pursue new media with no clear goal, intent, strategy and system of measurement. But, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try something new. If you don’t begin experimenting, you will be left behind.
4. Social media and SEO:
We can’t forget about the meat and potatoes of online marketing. Social media and SEO have advanced past the point of being mere buzz words. Don’t expect these two to disappear.
5. Promotions in both new AND traditional media:
Whether businesses are offering incentives to gain friends and followers in social networks, customer loyalty programs, coupons, sales or charitable contributions – promotions are sure to be another 2010 trend. …Read more »
Tools without strategy: poorly built house; dilapidated, isolated. More of a shack, really. A bad marketing shack.
I’ve had the opportunity to speak at a few events about social media. I’ve also spoken to clients, prospects, colleagues, friends, family, and a few pets about social media. One of the most common questions asked of me, and that I see asked of others, is “how do you use social media for business?”
For these presentations, I usually begin by explaining what social media is conceptually, then move into how it can be integrated into the marketing effort – beginning with objectives and strategy. Almost unfailingly, however, I receive feedback to the effect of “I still don’t know how to *USE* this stuff.” I think I know what the problem is (clearly I need to fix my presentation, but that’s beside the point).
Tools without a plan
Imagine I walked up to you and asked, “How do I use a hammer?” How would you respond? …Read more »
"People are in social media to be socially active, not to be sold."
Earlier this week, I attended a Social Networking seminar at Western Dakota Tech, put on by the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce. It was really quite interesting with approximately 85 people from local businesses in attendance.
I was particularly interested in what Adam Beshara (Marketing Specialist at Golden West Technologies) would share about Twitter and then how Realtor Lee Alley (with Prudential Kahler Realtors) would talk about Facebook for business. Both of these presenters impressed me with their realistic take/talk about social media for business in general. So much so, I want to share some of their key (form my perspective) points.
Are you ready for the holidays? Well, it is now October – Rapid City’s first snow has fallen. Yes, it is long-due time to start thinking about the holidays – and holiday advertising (see tips below).
With a well crafted message, promotion and placement, holiday advertising can be incredibly effective. Whether your business is retail or service oriented and regardless of your product’s gifting nature, the holidays are an opportune time to connect with people.
Reasons for holiday advertising:
People are in the buying/giving spirit and feeling nostalgic.
Your competition is surely advertising. If they’re not, you have a huge advantage!
TOMA (top of mind awareness). During the holidays, people have a number of things on their minds. Even if you’re not selling gifts, you don’t want them to forget about you.
People are looking for deals and gift ideas – paying attention to ads.
Increased sales numbers. We’ve seen clients experience a 50% sales increase (or more) from a holiday ad campaign!
There are plenty more. What are your reasons for advertising, or not, during the holidays?
Ok, but why so soon?
Honestly, the sooner the better – many companies even start planning in the summer. Locally, it is best to have your holiday campaigns planned and placed (or at least started) by mid-October! …Read more »
Photo Credit: Mykl Roventine Marketing on the Internet is a logical piece of the 21st century business puzzle.
Though people have been finding ways to market on the Internet for years, its broad marketing potential is still pretty new.
In my experience, most small business owners aren’t yet familiar with what internet marketing is and how it differs from/relates to traditional marketing media. I hope to answer some fundamental questions, or at least paint a clearer picture with this post.
Since we are talking about the world wide web, there are many advertising and marketing possibilities. But what’s best for your business? Well, that depends on your desired outcome (and budget). I’ll highlight three of the most common ways to market on the internet.
In addition to a company’s website, search engine marketing, social media marketing, and banner ads have proven to be highly effective in generating both web and foot traffic. All of these are useful marketing elements that enhance a company’s internet presence to promote offline business and online sales. …Read more »
Definition: Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to post updates (called Tweets) as often as they want (and limited to 140 characters). When you follow other people on Twitter, you see their tweets. When they follow you, they see your tweets.
According to the Twitter website, ‘Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?’
Relatively new to the ‘twittersphere’, my first reaction to this question ( just as the video ‘Trouble with Twitters’ comically conveys) was a simple answer: ‘Does anyone care?’…
Many businesses are catching on, choosing to engage interactive social media sites and applications as marketing and PR tools. You are able to reap the benefits of networking for customer service value, staying up to date with industry conversation and public interest trends, and building RELATIONSHIPS with the PEOPLE gathered around these online watering holes. The key is to remain both Person and Business at the same time…but mostly person. …Read more »
Wishing you a year of joy & good marketing
Marketing on the Internet is a logical piece of the 21st century business puzzle. 
