Posts Tagged ‘social media’
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Determining your objectives sounds simple. But do you really know what you want? Success only comes after you’ve taken the steps to get there. You want people to recognize, trust, and choose your brand. On top of that, you want consumers coming back for more. Online marketing campaigns can help you reach your objectives; whether those goals are brand recognition, customer engagement, lead generation, or increased traffic to your website.
The swoosh, golden arches, and apple are just a few examples of how companies have effectively built their image in our minds. Strong branding allows your brand to stand out among competitors. Through online marketing, you increase your view to consumers, prominently displaying your brand’s message and engaging them. With the need for transparency being a priority today more than ever before, online marketing is one of many avenues used to remain present in your consumer’s everyday life.
Businesses have three main objectives: make money, save money, and build brand equity. Having access to consumers at your fingertips, literally, will allow you to make an impression on your target audience in real time, actively generate and convert leads, and act in a more cost-effective manner than when utilizing traditional marketing techniques; thus maintaining the main objectives.
As Social Media has taken the stage with many brands, coordinating between your company’s Traditional Online Media and Social Media aims can be confusing. Social should be viewed as online PR coupled with brand management, engagement and active advertising and messaging. When defining your goals or strategy, engage a mediator that will help you keep on target while educating you on key concepts that you or your company may be unfamiliar with. Also, keep in mind that there are both Quantitative and Qualitative metrics within online Media and Social Engagement. They vary by industry and company – you’ll want to define them as a baseline for your projects.
Obtaining your objectives, once you have clearly defined what they are, can be a simple process. If your online marketing campaign raises brand awareness, generates leads, converts leads, or engages your consumers, then you have met your metrics for success.
Tags: audience engagement, brand strategy, online marketing, online objectives, social media
Posted in Branding, Marketing, Small Business News, Strategy | No Comments »
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
2010 is the year that online marketing trends really take off. Businesses, moms, companies, vendors, consumers are all out there cruising the web. Twitter, Facebook, Google, iPhone apps, Bogs, YouTube: are the new vernacular and everybody using it and doing it. If you are out to market your goods, turn on your computer and get to work.
With real time benefits, more interaction and connectivity, and audience engagement, online marketing has become more hands on than ever before. For the first time, business can begin to understand their audience in an up close and personal manner. Who they are, where they spend their time online and how they spend their money–and use that knowledge to create strategy accordingly. Business have already started to employ SEO, RSS syndication, bookmarking, pull marketing, and audience sourcing through Social Media  platforms to get their products/services directly to their market.
It is important to remember, although marketing is taking a turn to digital, creating synergy between online and traditional campaigns is still crucial to effectively reaching your marketing aspirations. By employing traditional techniques like using a consistent brand and message identity across all channels and understanding objectives and metrics, utilizing these tools to the online sphere will boost any marketing campaign.
Tags: audience engagement, online marketing trends, SEO, small business, social media, Strategy, synergy
Posted in Branding, Marketing, Small Business News, Strategy | No Comments »
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
The monetary benefits of online marketing have recieved a lot of attention lately. Sure, online marketing can increase your ROI and expand your market share–but there are other benefits to taking your marketing to the online world. Marketing online vastly increases the scope and diversity of your audience, but decre ases their attention span. So here are a few quick tips to make generating buzz about your compay online a breeze.
1. Bee Consistent
Make sure that everything from your branding to your content is on point. Since audience members have many different opportunities to interact with your brand, you want to make sure that your brand message is clear, concise and consistent. You don’t want to confuse your audience by sending mixed signals!
2. Bee Everywhere
With so many new online outlets and networks, it can be hard to keep up! But it’s crucially important to use as many marketing channels as possible to your advantage. Determine what platforms are right for you, and be sure to keep updated and relevant information on all of them.
3. Bee Engaging and Interactive
Online marketing provides you with the opportunity to engage with your customers on their turf. Don’t be afraid of this unfamiliar territory. Dive right in–explore, interact and, most of all, have fun getting to know your consumers! They’ll appreciate your time and attention.
4. Bee Unique
With so many other brands out there, you want to make yours stand out! Your audience now has the power to determine their brand experience, so creating a fresh, unique and relatable perspective is key. Following these tips will help your brand bee a winner on the online market!
Tags: bee, buzz, Marketing, marketing platform, online marketing, public relations, small busness, social media, Strategy
Posted in Marketing | No Comments »
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
 As we constantly move towards a society where daily tasks such as paying the bills, ordering food and shopping for clothes are being performed online, new opportunities to approach, reach and target your clients are beginning to emerge. Online marketing has a number of benefits, especially for small business owners. It’s fast, efficient, environmental friendly, but most of all, it’s cost-effective!
Besides the obvious benefits of eliminating mailing and printing costs, here are some important factors to take into consideration.
The two-way communication process. The feedback from your consumer makes it easy to adjust and update your online campaign. If you notice that certain copy or images needs to be changed, this is an easy fix. Imagine doing a print campaign and realizing along the way that you’re not getting the results that you’re looking for. The cost and time it would take to make the necessary edits would probably mean a financial setback for your business.
To receive feedback from the consumers while doing an offline marketing campaign requires the consumer to mail or call. People don’t have the time to do this and valuable information gets lost. Online marketing allows clients to have an ongoing communication with the actual company, and most importantly the company can very fast adapt according to their audience.
Another way to track the results of your campaign is to set up SEO keywords. The campaign can get customized and constantly updated based on your consumer’s reaction and feedback.
There are numerous communication channels to be utilized in online marketing. The primary channel is the web, but also e-newsletter, social media platforms audio and video. Speaking of email marketing, there’s nothing easier for a potential client to forward and/or share the email that is being sent out. Today, an increasing number of companies are integrating social media with e-marketing. TopRank’s online marketing blog featured an interesting post about the so-called “Share to Social” (S2S) link t hat can be imbedded in an email marketing campaign. When sending out an email simply include this link, which tells the receiver to instead of just sending or forwarding the email, he or she should also make sure to share it with more people by utilizing social media platforms. Links to the platforms are imbedded in the email, which makes it easy for the receiver to spread the word about your products and/or services!
Tags: blog, cost-effective, email marketing, Marketing, online marketing, print marketing, Search Engine Optimization, SEO, social media, TopRank
Posted in Marketing | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
 You’ve built an amazing network of contacts, potential clients and business partners. Great! But, think of your network like a plant–it only grows when it is fed and nurtured. Don’t go sprinkling MiracleGro on your contacts just yet. Networks are fed by information and engagement. So how can you engage your network?
Of course, you can use social media for quick updates and day-to-day engagement. But, don’t forget the power of a newsletter. You can send a mass online newsletter to your entire contact book or you can opt to send a print letter to your inner-circle. Either way works as long as you understand how to effectively position and utilize your newsletter. Here are a few quick tips and benefits to keeping your network in the know. A newsletter can be used for:
News and Information
Keep your network up to date about your accomplishments. A newsletter gives your comp any a chance to shine and showcase its success. Also, keeping your network in the loop about your current projects may peak their interest and they may even lend a hand (or a contact!)
Education
By including relevant links and resources in your newsletter, you make it more interesting and, thus, engaging. Your network will want to read your newsletter if you include interesting facts or links to articles written by yourself or well-known sources in your field. This also reminds your network that your company is a credible resource, with your finger close to the pulse of the industry.
Outreach
Sending out a cheerful and informative newsletter to a wide audience can help you expand your network. If your newsletter is effective and well-written, members of your network may pass it along to their friends and colleagues, allowing you to cast a wider net, increase brand awareness and explore new markets.
Reinforcement
Don’t let your network forget about you! Popping a monthly newsletter in their mailbox (electronic or not) reminds your network that you’re an innovator and expert that is constantly looking out for their interests.
Think newsletters are a thing of the past? Has social media replaced newsletters? Perhaps. But, there is something special about getting a personalized piece of mail that no tweet could replace.
Tags: company newsletter, e-marketing, eMarketing, Marketing, news letter, newsletter, online marketing, online newsletter, print newsletter, small business, social media
Posted in Marketing | No Comments »
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
 Last evening I had the pleasure of speaking on the PR Professional Panel hosted by the NYU Women in Communications Club and the NYU Comm Club. Accompanied by a lovely dinner and scintillating conversation with professionals from such esteemed PR firms as Quinn & Co. and FerrenCom, the event was a wonderful evening centered around sharing thoughts and ideas. The discussion covered a range of topics from the affects of digital media and the current recession on the PR industry to tips and advice to landing a job and navigating today’s fast-paced PR landscape.
Have you ever found yourself speaking on a panel and nervous about what to say? Here are a few quick tips to make your next public speaking experience successful.
1. Do your homework.
Before you arrive at the speaking engagement, make sure you have researched the hosting organization, as well as the other panelists. Ask your contact for a list of questions and a list of the other panelists, as well as any other information that you may need to know before you speak. If this information is not available, focus your research on the hosting organization and topic of the panel, so you can anticipate the types of questions that may be asked.
2. Find your key points.
Make sure you walk into the panel or speech with your three main points selected. Figure out the three key things that you can not leave the panel without addressing. That way, if you don’t have access to any information prior to the panel you at least know what you want to weave into your answers. Don’t forget to remember who your audience is, and include information that may be interesting and relevant to them in your notes.
3. Listen to the other panelists as they speak.
It can be easy to let your mind wander when it is not your turn to speak. Stay engaged as all of the other panelists take their turns speaking. Bring blank note cards and a pen to jot down any thoughts or questions that may be sparked by what your fellow speakers say.
4. Be personable and energetic!
Approach your speech with passion and enthusiasm. Engage your audience by asking rhetorical questions and providing real-life examples. Look directly at the audience when you speak. Being a dynamic speaker not only reflects wells on the company you represent, but also makes you feel confident! Answer all questions asked to you thoroughly, and address that speaker by name whenever possible. Be open to one-on-one questions and networking after the event. And don’t forget to bring business cards–you never know who you might meet!
Next time you find yourself in a public speaking situation, keep these tips in mind and your speech will be smooth sailing. Don’t be too nervous, your confidence in your abilities (or lack thereof) will be reflected in your speech, so hold your head high and speak up!
And finally, a big thank you to the Women in Communications Club at NYU and the NYU Comm Club for hosting such a wonderful event!
Tags: digital media, economic recession, FerrenComm, networking, NYU, panelist, PR, public relations, public speaking, Quinn & Co., social media, Women in Communications Club
Posted in Perks Consulting News | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
 Linkedin is based on a simple philosophy, “Relationships matter.” In today’s competitive and tough economic landscape, it has become more important than ever to maintain and cultivate your relationships. Linkedin is considered to be the #1 social media platform for professional networking. Launched in 2003, Linkedin has grown into an online network that only a few days ago surpassed 50 million users from around the world representing 150 industries. The goal is to connect with former colleagues, potential business partners and/or old classmates to uncover business opportunities. Keep Linkedin’s philosophy in mind when you’re networking on Linkedin. Make sure to keep it professional and act as if every relationship is of great importance. This means that if you meet someone at a networking event make sure to follow up with this person and when sending out the request to connect, do not send out the standardized message. Make sure to include a short but personal note from your first meeting.
The most important on Linkedin is your profile. It needs to be perfect! In this case, perfect means completely filled out, flawless with no grammatical errors and preferably with additional Linkedin tools implemented. Think of your profile as your resume in depth. There are a number of tools and tricks that can be utilized to improve your profile so that it stands out and increases your business opportunities.
Enhance your search engine results by implementing strong key words. Both recruiters and individuals often use the search function. You will increase your chances of having your profile appearing if you make sure to spread out keywords on your page.
Update your status. By using Ping.fm or hellotxt.com your status can be pushed to all of your social networks at once. Just remember that Linkedin is not a place to write that you’re craving Jell-O. The status should reflect your work and provide the other users with the latest updates of what is going on within your company.
A great way to build your brand is to utilize the “Answer” function. Here is where you show your expertise by answering, but also by asking questions. By sharing knowledge within your network you’ll earn expert status and increased credibility.
Create and join groups. They are free to join and you’re allowed to join more than 50 groups. This is an easy way to explore and get access to a number of connections. By joining a group you can connect with the other group members, which might end up being your future business partner, customer or investor. Every group also has a discussion board where everything from tips and job postings to new opportunities and expert comments are displayed.
Ask for recommendations. There is nothing wrong in requesting a recommendation from previous colleagues, employer or clients, as long as you’re clear about your intentions. Remember that the more recommendations you write, the more people will recommend you.
This brings us back to one of the key points when utilizing any social media platform: you have to give in order to receive the benefits!
Tags: business networking, key words, keywords, linkedin, relationships matter, Search Engine, small business, social media, social networking
Posted in Marketing | No Comments »
Thursday, October 15th, 2009
Social networking is on everyone’s lips nowadays. No wonder. Not since the Internet took over people’s minds, money and time have we seen such a boom in the world of social and business networking. Social media is free and for everyone. What differs though is how people choose to utilize the social media platforms. Take Facebook for example. Some people like to take quizzes that tell them what animal they will be in their next life. Others choose a different approach: the approach that will increase their business, connections and career opportunities.
So what are the tricks for turning Facebook into a networking tool that will bring success to your company?
 First of all, remember that social media works best when there is synergy. Simply put, social media comes best in pairs or more! Cyberspace is huge, but by utilizing multiple communication channels you will increase your chances of attracting people’s attention and interest.
When you set up a Facebook account, make sure to combine this with a blog and/or website. Wordpress offers a tool that will link your blog to Facebook. Every time you publish a new post your Facebook friends will be notified.
Keep your Facebook page professional, but still personal. Adding a personal touch will build trust and create a more personal relationship between you and your clients. There is nothing wrong in adding pictures of family and friends. This shows your clients that you’re more than just a company.
The Flickr2Facebook uploader is an easy tool that allows you to upload your photos and then easily connect them to Facebook.
Add applications selectively. The applications should be related to your field and if they don’t say something about your business or what your business (not you as a person) is looking to achieve, you probably do best in not adding that application.
Sendible is another useful tool for business owners that want to schedule their updates. You can schedule status, feeds, comments, emails and much more. It’s perfect when you want to connect with all your social network contacts, but you don’t have the time or access to a computer.
From a business perspective, keep in mind that there is no reward for having 500 friends on Facebook. You’d rather have 80 qualitative business connections versus 700 where none of them work in your sector or share the same interests.
Edit your news feed preferences in a way that is beneficial to your business. You may not need to know every time your news feed gets updated, but if someone your looking to do business with posts something you would want to know so that you can respond. That brings us to the last and one of the fundamental things when it comes to Facebook and any other Social media. Be active! It’s all about sharing your thoughts and ideas. Respond if you see an interesting comment, relevant question or feed. Let people know what you think. Only then will you experience increased engagement and conversation about your company!
Tags: Facebook, Flickr, Flickr2Facebook, Sendible, small business, social media, social networking
Posted in Marketing | No Comments »
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