05/24/10 by christian | Featured, Marketing | 1 Comment »
I am a big fan of this Pandora radio. I recently upgraded to the full version because I listen to it all day long - on my work PC, on my Mac in the home office, and even on my Blackberry. Pandora does music right- they play only songs I like.
Pandora goes beyond just playing songs that I have told it please me ears, they suggest new artists and tunes that I may like according to the ones it knows I already enjoy. Pandora measures each song on an algorithm that pre-determines if I am likely to “like” it or not. They have made the process easy, a simple thumbs up or down will give it the personalized data it needs to continue the process.
Pandora does what every good marketer should do – know what each individual client needs or wants and deliver it easily and effectively. Better yet, give it to them before they have to ask.
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06/29/09 by christian | Blog, Marketing, Reviews & Deals | No Comments »
OK, so after much debate between iContact & Constant Contact, I just switched my email marketing host to Vertical Response. I used VR several years ago and loved their service. Dont get me wrong, I liked both iContact and Constant Contact and will continue to promote both on this site (cause they rock!). Vertical Response is just a better fit for my current needs.
Why Vertical Response?
1. Tons of great tools to get your email marketing off the ground quickly and easily. I will agree all of the Big Three Email marketing services are very easy to use. But, the interface and start up seemed just a little faster to get my opt-in form function on my website… like 5 minutes.
2. Pricing structure works for both small and large lists. One thing Vertical Response offers that many others dont is the ability to pay per email rather than a monthly fee. For those of you on my email list, you know I only send my “best of printedproof” once a week. This option works out more economical at the time. Pay per email is perfect for smaller companies just starting to build their list or dont tend to mail frequently. Once you grow your list you can easily switch your account over to a monthly payment option.
3. Ability to Integrate with Google Analytics. This is a cool option I could not find in the other services. I use Google Analytics to track my website stats and can easily integrate my email campaigns to cross-check clicks.
Are you ready to get started with email marketing? Take a look at Vertical Response. Get the Free trial. When you sign up they will give you 100 free email credits. This is perfect for you to get started with email marketing. VR is so easy to get a opt-in list setup on your website and start building great emails. Click on the link below to get started now and get 100 Free Emails from VerticalResponse!
06/09/09 by christian | Marketing, Printing | No Comments »
With everything online today its easy to find marketing opportunities throughout the internet. But what about those people who may not be looking online for the products or services you are ready to supply? There are many great opportunities to market offline, and cost less than you may think. Try these marketing ideas to give a boost to areas and eyes that you may be missing away from the computer screen.
1. Business Cards. This is a MUST for every business or entrepreneur. Even if you exclusively work online, you are bound to run into someone somewhere that will want your contact information. Take advantage of every lead!
2. Postcards. Direct mail works and is arguably still the best return on investment for promotion. Postcards can be ordered online and mailed on the cheap. Thinking of direct mail? Take my Direct Mail Challenge
3. Info cards. Not a business card but simply a call to action in the size of one. Hand them out, leave them everywhere you go. Include a catchy image or logo, a catchy title, or phrase, and where to go next (web address, phone number)
4. Letterhead and Envelopes. Duh, use them and write people letters.
5. Newsletter. Print a small newsletter and mail it monthly or quarterly to past clients. Keep a fresh list and use fresh content telling them why they need to call you for more work!
6. Posters. Mail them to prospects. (I also use them as handouts)
7. Brochures. Have them on hand to hand out
8. Flyers & Handouts. Put them up, hand them out
9. Inserts. Find a local publication that inserts advertising into its printed distribution. Be sure to design your inserts according to the demographics of the publication.
10. Press. Get in the paper. Email or write to local publications to get an article written about you, your product, or your business. Come up with a unique headline and story.
11. Networking. Network with others in your industry
12. Speaking. Speak at meetings, seminars, or events in your industry. Be prepared to provide printed information to the audience… brochures, hand-outs, and business cards… wink, wink
13. T-shirts. Design, print, and give away t-shirts with your logo, website, and a creative tagline.
14. Classifieds. Take out a classified ad in a local publication. Believe it or not people still read these ads.
15. Print Ads. Advertise in a newsletter, magazine, or other publication that is targeted to your industry.
16. Promotional Package. Create a complete package with product information, samples, bio, portfolio, testimonials. Have this handy kit ready to hand out to any high prospect clients.
17. Sales or Data Sheets. Nice to have available to hand out with your services and pricing.
18. Signs. Create a sign that would be seen by prospective clients. Choose from yard signs, window signs, and more.
19. Bumper Stickers. Create a flashy bumper sticker or other type of stick-able creative that could be handed out.
20. Billboard. Put your ad in large format on a billboard other form of large outdoor advertising. Large signage may be costly but they are sure to bee seen. These are great for sales, or one-time promotions. Try local sporting fields and arenas.
21. Yellow Pages. Yup, they still print them. Hurry, while this is still an option.
22. Car Wrap. If you are feeling BOLD, wrap your car with an auto-wrap. Every where you go, people will know!
23. Magnets. Stick them on things or hand them out.
24. Bookmarks. Hand them out.
25. Notepads & Memo Pads. Hand them out.
26. Calendars. Hand them out.
27. Catalogs. If you have an inventory of products, this is a must.
28. Posters. Hang them up.
29. Invoices. Put a personalized marketing message on your invoices.
30. Door Hangers. Hand them out, or just leave them on the door.
31. Greeting Cards. Find a reason to send personal greeting cards. Holidays, Thank You’s, Thinking of You’s…
32. Event Ticket. Create a fake or real event to hand out tickets for. Use them also as a coupon or with your location info for a visit.
33. Table Tents. Ask to sponsor and leave them at local restaurants, coffee shops, or events.
Are you ready to try one of these offline marketing ideas? Visit my Resources page to see who I recommend.
Have something to add to the list? Please comment below.
03/17/09 by christian | Blog, Marketing | 2 Comments »
New marketing opportunity: Contact current or new customers and lead them to great customer service. If you are a business that prides itself in customer service and retention, then try creating a new campaign around it.
In many industries the number one complaint from customers is lack of or poor customer service. Using this fact may be a great way to build your reputation as well as your customer list. Prove to new customers that you are different, and your customer service reps will be the best part of your relationship.
Think about this campaign hitting anyone who has had a lousy experience with customer service within the past few days. It’s like kicking the competition while they are down. Many future jobs are gained or lost on the quality of service received.
Start your Campaign with a clean, catchy, and appropriate postcard or other direct mailing. I recommend using print rather than email so as not to have the words “POSSIBLE SPAM” before your title. That just does not start off on the right foot. Additionally there is a personal factor that comes with the touch and feel of a piece of mail with your name on it.
When targeting personal feelings, emotions, or experiences utilize personalization in your campaign as well. Be sure to address the recipient with a personalized salutation such as “Susan, have you been disappointed by Customer Service recently?”
Important: Before starting a new Customer Service Marketing Campaign, be sure to have a quick meeting with your customer service reps! The last thing that you want is to have the ones answering the phones to be unaware of the importance of following up on a marketing opportunity with such risk and potential.
Click here for my picks in print marketing
