Online Reputation Management: How Much Is Reputation Worth?

Before you go for a status development campaign, it is very important to understand the value of reputation. You should analyze the return of your investment and judge if your investment on reputation management is worth it. You should have a clear idea of reputation management and how your brand image can benefit from it. Here is the list of the various benefits of building a reputation in the market may it be online or off the web. People often neglect the importance of reputation management online but that brings them into serious problems in the long run as revenue of the company is often affected.
Importance of Character Management:
Online Reputation Management can be very useful for various corporations and companies that are trying to pace up in the race of business through efficient marketing and brand promotion. They can significantly influence your business reputation and control it in whatever way you ask them to. The reputation management agencies take care of their client's online presence. A company's reputation is directly related to the brand image it carries.
Value of branding
People prefer buying branded products because once a brand image is established the company gets a tag for quality. People judge product quality by their brand. Reputation management on the internet has very less to do with the product quality of a company. It actually deals with the public image of the company on the internet and what is the reputation of the company in people's mind.
The might of the internet as a branding forum
An online status maintaining service helps businesses to uphold their reputation on the internet and helps them manage it time to time. Reputation management requires deep knowledge in the way brands can be promoted on the internet. Reputation damage can be a big problem and managing an existing brand image in the market is equally difficult as building one. Reputation management helps you market your product more efficiently and also increases your sales, but you should not hire any company to do that for you until you find the cost within your budget.
Role of SEO and Social Media
People may have a different view over reputation management but all that matters is that it is ethical. SEO or Search Engine Optimization is a very useful way of modifying your web content to get the website a better rank on the search results in different search engines. You should have a mark on the social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter. Having a company page on Facebook and promoting it through a proper PR scheme can be of great use and can prove to be a successful branding method.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8891348

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Reaching Out the Advertising Market From Home

Online marketing has become one of the essential media tools in promoting new or existing products and services, and at the same time, reaching out consumers from any corner of the world. Online advertising has become the centre of attraction to business owners. The reasons behind this are that online advertising is cheaper compared to billboard or usual advertising, all of this for the fact that large target audience can be covered at no time. This leads to more chances of interacting with people who are actually interested in an advertised business.
Various types of online marketing
Even for experts, it is very difficult to identify which is the best online advertising method. You can choose any of the following methods according to your preferences and goals. The only thing you need to understand that whichever method you will use, it should reach your targeted audience. Your method of advertising and content of the advertisement should be such that it not only generates attention but also convinces customers to purchase your product. Here are some various methods of online advertising:

1. Article marketing: this type of method is commonly used when you want to run your advertisements for a longer period of time.
2. Search engine optimisation (SEO): this comes on the top of the list when you need quick and fast results. It is one of the best methods for online advertising and helps your business get entry in the global market easily.
3. Pay per click advertising: this is relatively a favourable method to do advertisements online.
4. Forums
5. Link exchange
6. Banner advertising
7. Affiliate advertising
8. Email advertising
9. Online classifieds advertising
10. Others: also there are other methods of free advertising i.e. giving advertisements on social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter.

Whichever method of online advertising you choose, it will definitely bring good results in the promotion of your products.
Various rules of online advertising:
1. Set objective of the advertisement: in your advertisement, your objective should be clearly defined. Your message should be precise and clear in your advertisement. You can easily reap maximum benefits of your online advertisement campaigns if you know how and what to advertise to reach out to your audience.
2. Decide "where" to put your ad: you should be clever enough to acknowledge the best site where you can put your advertisement. You have to do a little research to find the best site for the promotion of your product. You can consider online yellow pages, search engines, Service Provider directories and other large web sites.
3. Be creative: tailor and mould your message according to your target audience. Use the language that appeals them the most. It is equally important to present your idea according to the mindset of your targeted audience. This step needs creativity and will make your advertisement outstand in the market.

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Tips On Church Banner Making: Fixing Mistakes

From time to time, errors are made on fabric church banners. Some can be resolved and others cannot. If the mistake is irreparable, it is sad but one must scrap the banner and start over. Below are a couple of problems that I have found can be resolved and therefore the banner spared from starting over.
If a letter is ironed on crooked or a word is misspelled, there is hope as long as the letters have not already been outlined with the permanent Tulip fabric paint. To remove and adjust a letter that has already been ironed on, one must allow the fabric time to cool from the heat of the iron first. Second, one must use a dampened clean soft cloth to DAMPEN only the letter itself from the front side or the backside of the banner behind the letter. It is very important that the there is not too much wetness as that can leave a "water mark" on the banner itself. Some dampness may absorb beyond the borders of the letter but it should dry okay as long as it is very little. The dampness will loosen the transwebbing adhesive on the back of the letter and you should be able to lift the letter(s) off the background banner. It lifts easier if you are using letters on satin banners because of the tight satiny weave. Sometimes you can lift the letter without adding dampness, rather the cooling alone may be enough to peel the letter off. This procedure works with lifting off design errors as well.
Another area that can cause mistakes on your banner is paint where you don't want it. There are a few tricks to resolving this mistake. Paint bubbles (burps) happen and cannot be avoided. But in order to lessen their occurrence, keep the bottle upside down to avoid air pockets in the thick paint. Also dragging the tip slowly where you are painting can alert you to when a bubble is about to happen and therefore lessen the damage. If you are using a glitter type paint, the base is a clear substance so you can carefully wipe the "burp" with a q-tip or other small tool... maybe a small paint brush to minimize the damage. If the paint is a solid color, it is much more difficult. I suggest waiting until the "burp" has completely dried and then touch up with another paint that matches the color of the fabric that the burp spilled over onto. You may even be able to peel the dried "burp" off the banner. This only works if the error is small.
If the paint error is too large there are still a couple of "saving graces". For example, you can figure out a way to cover a smudge. Sometimes I have added golden rays if appropriate for the design. Other times I add an extra detail like a vine or curling tendril from a grape leave vine design. I have also used gems in a sky background to simulate sparkling stars in order to cover unwanted dots or small fabric flaws.
These are some creative methods to resolve errors without throwing the whole banner away. You will probably come up with a few of your own. But the bottom line is that you are making something to represent a Holy God and that will be used in a church as a worship banner, so you should only fix errors to the extent that they are not readily seen and appear as meant to be apart of the church banner.

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Want To Know What The Catch

We all know the old expression the only guarantees in life are taxes and death, and if I may add another one being there is always a catch!! No adult should ever be naive enough in this world to think that any business deal or personal relationship comes without conditions. Especially as a consumer learning how to protect yourself, and that extends into all aspects of your life. Being book smart is great, but having those street smarts are equally important.
There is no company in North America that can stay in business without being profitable, and knowing how to protect themselves legally. They are experts at marketing making appealing deals attracting you to such things as free items, warranties, and sealing the deal with an agreement. Understanding the game eliminates the pain, they all come with conditions, and companies count on many consumers for going them for a great deal. Cellphone companies are amazing when it comes to this, get a free phone with just a few year contract. There are so many people more excited to get the latest device for free than actually reading and understanding the agreement. Then maybe somewhere down the road the customer wants to cancel, but in doing so according to their agreement it will cost hundreds of dollars. Perhaps they did not read the overage or roaming pricing clause calling complaining about their bill.
There is always a catch, do you sincerely believe any car company could have longevity giving an extended warranty without conditions? Sharp consumers understand the hitches before assuming they are totally covered. Maybe some companies have clauses in the agreement that if you don't change your oil every 5000 miles with proof it is null and void. Others could be the parts are covered but you pay the labor, or only valid to a certain amount of miles. Whatever they might be it is our responsibilities to understand the conditions before committing putting our John Henry on the dotted line. In a car dealership the business manager is the wolf in sheep's clothing. They do your financing, but make their living trying to scare consumers into extended warranties, and when they are finished with many inexperienced consumers they just sign without reading the contract. The reason is they are worried something could happen thanks to the business manager, and he/she was so smooth they trusted he/she is helping them. There is nothing illegal about what they're doing, and sucker is born every minute.
Do you truly believe that any business will provide you something free without catch? Companies are skilled at making you think you're a winner. Some of those marketing campaigns might be buying a certain dollar amount then receiving an item free. Just sign-up and get a gift, the reason is they now have your information sending offers betting a percentage of people will buy, and they are able to write the gift off as advertising and promotions. How about we will give you this item for a ridiculously low price, all you pay is shipping and handling. The handling is where they make their money, but consumers are just happy they paid so low for the product.
I am not implying we should not take advantage of some of these deals, but the important part is knowing what you're getting into in advance making educated decisions. If you are taking a strangers word as the gospel, not reading the agreement understanding all the conditions, asking for more clarity if you do not comprehend, then afterwards you need take ownership learning your lesson. Blaming companies for your short comings is a cope out!! There is nothing in life that doesn't come without catches jobs, relationships, and as consumer purchasing products or services. I believe the quicker someone recognizes that people and businesses have their own agendas, they can protect their interests better!

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How To Choose Dependable Ad Printers

If you are searching for commercial printers to develop into your advertising partner to boost your marketing strategy, there's a need to find a dependable company that you can tap to give quality products anytime. You should discover that company that will supply your every need for pull up banners, flyers, brochures, posters or business cards. It can also be your requirement for printing large formats for outdoor use. It is now
There are factors that should be considered when looking for printers, so that you will get quality results. Here are some things to ponder when choosing that company:
You will be provided with templates to decide on if you request the company for brochure printing or business card printing. However, you can also incorporate your own design for the said projects if you want to add something that is uniquely yours. What's good about this that you would be given full assistance if you do not have previous experience in making brochures. You just have to supply your logo and also the contact details to the printer. They would need these so that they can design one that is suitable for your kind of business.
For brochure printing, each fold contains information that should boost your company. It can be provided by a content writer who has knowledge of your products and can translate the technical jargon into information that the ordinary reader can understand. Each fold must contain the best information you can give to your audience.
The time spent for designing must not be hurried since a haphazard way of doing things can also backfire. You must not hasten too much when getting your printing jobs. It would be best to also get feedback from the web about a certain printing company so that you won't have regrets later on. They should also provide you copies of their previous works so you would be able to compare their quality from others.
At the start, you should not settle for the first one that responds to your inquiries. Find at least two other options should you find out that the company does not really provide quality output. Do not be so concerned with pricing because you might get the cheapest one but with low quality paper, printing and ink. If this is the case, they you will probably get what you deserve for being too cost-conscious.
Check their pricing for packages and decide if you can avail of their bundled offers. It can be a combination of business cards and brochure printing at a lower price. This will be advantageous for your budget and the printing company also obtains added business for the friendly price tag they offer. If they don't have the package you want, request if they can tailor one for you.
Also, when you require printing for large format advertising signs, you must acknowledge that the pricing for this job is more expensive than printing on paper. Transact with these companies personally so you will be able to eliminate the middleman.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8926388

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Smartphones: The Power of Advertising in Your Hands

Smartphones now have become synonyms to mobile phones. The mobile market has increased tenfold in the last decade or so. Smartphones now are more connected than ever. The average user of a computer would find itself easily replaced by the smartphone usage. Whichever websites that you open on your computer all now have apps for phones. The experience of using apps on the phone is richer than ever. A phone is going to be with a person for almost the entire day and this makes sending information across very easy. All these factors have made advertising on mobile phones a very suitable medium.

• Connect with your customers anytime

The constant access to a smartphone is perhaps the most lucrative thing about advertising on those mobile phones. Vendors and businesses can convey their ads in the most effective manner. An average user opens and closes a particular app several times in a single day, so your ad is bound to be seen at some point or the other. Some ads are placed as banners on the top and bottom of your screen when you open a particular app. A banner ad generally points towards another similar kind of app or is meant to convey a certain message. Other ads appear in the notification panel of your smartphone. Such ads are periodic, and generally they are meant to boost a particular event like a one-day-sale. Another type of ad is the kind that pops up when you are using an app. Such ads, although have a cent percent chance of getting noticed, they can get really annoying, leading people to uninstall the app altogether. Since smartphones are being equipped with a GPS, geo-tracking becomes easier and helps in displaying more area-specific feeds. The power of such mobile advertising lies in the fact that the user has to come inevitably across the ad. Thus, this makes the potential of success very high. On top of this, mobile ads cost a fraction of television and radio ads, which in turn makes it a more suitable platform.

• Don't ruin the experience

Whether people will pay heed to your ad or not at all depends on their experience. Your ad shouldn't be a pestering tit-bit that appears sporadically. It should be a well-timed and dressed mechanism that catches the eye of the user. Try to integrate the ad with the flow and working of the app that will give a smoother interface. Also, make sure that your ad is compatible with devices of all resolutions and screen sizes. Test run your ad on a various set of devices running on different OS before launching it live. Also, take into consideration that not all type of phones support all type of ads. Work smartly to utilize the limited space and resources you have. Putting up video or audio ads is generally discouraged since it causes high data charges. So play your cards right and catch the users eye!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8949032

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Digital Signage - A Sign of the Times in the Hospitality Industry

Taking communication to a whole new level
From flexibility in deployment to running a seamless and reliable operation and meeting marketing goals, digital signage has significantly changed the way the industry functions. Hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines and every other type of hospitality enterprise can leverage the power of digital signage to communicate with guests on a whole new level.
Earlier, the hospitality industry relied heavily on printed signs, which has obvious limitations such as the inability to reach out to guests with time-sensitive messaging. However, digital signage applications have now made it possible to reach every area from the lobby to the guest rooms and conference center of a hotel and beyond. Digital signage networks help hotels engage guests with useful information and also contribute to the atmosphere throughout the lobby, elevators, hallways, and conference centers that host thousands of people.
Run cost-effective yet far-reaching campaigns
Digital signage has now become the focus of visual campaigns that reach guests the moment they enter a lobby. They are an effective way to guide visitors in the right direction while standalone touch screens now allow guests to check in. Most importantly, signage has the potential to not only deliver information but generate valuable feedback. Whether it's a flashy, vibrant add or a simple one line text message, the dynamic movement of digital display can help deliver when it comes to executing marketing and informational campaigns.
Thanks to the LCD/LED/plasma revolution, the hospitality industry now has a viable and cost-effective solution with a high return on investment. Even on a tight marketing budget, there is always the opportunity to use digital signage to conduct effective sales and marketing campaigns. Versatility is also a major attraction since they could be conveniently installed in various locations and settings. The first impression of any hotel begins in the lobby, which is where signage can help. Apart from visual appeal, they allow hotels to post their room rates and promote on-site amenities, restaurant and bar deals at a moment's notice.
Affordable digital signage solutions
Since majority of guests at hotels are tourists, electronic display boards are a great way to showcase local events and attractions. Digital menu boards are an excellent way to attract customers who can make up their mind before they actually enter the restaurant or other outlet. News feeds, weather updates, foreign exchange, and other information can easily be relayed for guests that want to keep abreast of what's happening in the outside world. For the most part, hospitality comes in various shapes and forms and digital signage is undoubtedly a flexible medium that can meet the needs of a wide range of settings. For both large and small entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry, there is always the opportunity to find affordable digital signage solutions that cost much less than any form of traditional advertising in the long run.

AOPEN designed a range of products that helps to attract customer attention, it is one time investment solution, including hardware, software and content templates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8953541

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Is Self-Service The Future Of Banking?

Today, banks, credit unions, pay-day loans and other financial firms look more like modern retailers. The amount of financial services has mushroomed, and with more customers choosing to bank on their mobile devices, the need for promotions to build awareness has never been greater.
Also like modern retailers, progressive financial institutions have shifted into high gear meeting customers' needs for a better, more connected experience by creating an atmosphere that is conducive to selling financial products.
However, today's connected finance customer can get services almost anywhere but the bank-on the Internet, via mobile apps, or at the ubiquitous ATM. Human interaction is no longer required for a bank transaction. Considering this, we ask, is self-service the future of banking?
According to the TD Branch Financial Education Survey, some of those "old fashioned" face-to-face banking practices are not only valid today, but also have demand from younger generations. For example, consider these recent findings:

• 54% of Millennials prefer to visit their bank for detailed information.
• Millennials still visit bank branches as frequently as they did in 2013 for simple transactions.
• 90% of consumers prefer face-to-face advice for complex financial products.

To be sure, routine transactional banking activities are going digital by the majority of customers with over 50% using online services, but for more complex transactions that require thorough consideration, modern banks are meeting the needs of consumers by shifting to the concept of full-service flagship locations. These consumer-friendly centers provide a plethora of financial services and tools, and are staffed with knowledgeable associates for on-the-spot assistance alongside self-serve kiosks for the do-it-yourself customer.
"Many people do their banking not only at a branch but online as well," noted Robert Moctezuma in the Digital Signage For Financial Institutions white paper published by DigitalSignageToday.com. "Digital signage can help tie together the financial institution's online and offline presence."
"When people walk into a branch just wanting to do a few things, there may be a line at the cashier. They can go to a sign, they can touch it, they can interact, and they can get what they need done," Moctezuma said. "That helps the institution extend the online presence to the offline world."
Since banks can no longer take walk-in or even drive-through customers for granted, managers want to do their utmost to maximize the opportunity. This is where modern banking differentiates itself from our parents' bank. Modern banking crosses the digital divide to connect to customers in new ways, ways that provide information and ways that provide services.
Here are four examples that demonstrate how digital signage can improve the customer experience and better meet growing expectations.
Cross-Selling Financial Services - The common task of cross-selling financial services typically falls on tellers' shoulders, which is not the best game plan for positions that have high turnover. Fortunately, digital signage provides a platform that can prime customers' interests and create awareness before having that conversation.
Customer Experience - Modern banking can facilitate better customer experience by reinforcing the brand-and the atmosphere-that makes the client better informed and more inclined to accept additional services. This can happen through customer engagement with both bank employees and interactive media, bolstering services that directly address and fulfills customers' needs on the spot.
Drive-Through Banking - For approximately 60% of the customers that drive to the bank, the majority use the drive-through to meet their banking needs, which is possibly the most overlooked opportunity to promote and cross-sell customers. Today's digital signage can be easily placed outdoors, providing a reliable, dynamic way to keep drive-through customers informed.
Staff Training - Bank employees can benefit as much as patrons with targeted digital sign messages. Keeping staff up to date with the latest promotions, rates, and industry regulations becomes much easier on a display platform that resides in break rooms and cafeterias. Busy personnel can be reminded of the most important product promotions, rates, and other service offerings that managers want to emphasize. This greatly reduces the time required training staff, and the reinforcement greatly improves retention.
So, to resolve the question we started with, the answer is a resounding YES! Self-service is the future of banking, but that future will also include many digital bridges that go right back to face-to-face services that even your Grand Pa and Grand Ma would fondly remember, barring the stale coffee of course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8954141

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How to Create an Effective Catalog for Your Business

Yearning to expand your business? Why not create an effective catalog today and enhance your marketing presence!
Catalogs are the best way to publicize your business and help you look professional throughout your marketing campaign. Also, it is an effective marketing tool used by most of the companies for introducing their new products and prices. Moreover, it also helps in setting a positive impression on the minds of the people sitting around the world. Over the last few years, ways of marketing has completely changed with the advancement in technology, because of which many new podiums in the field of advertising were built. Catalogs are one of those techniques that have left a great impact in the field of advertising.
No doubt creating a catalog is a daunting task to implement, so it's better to consider some factors that will guide you well to create an effective one for your company.
• Gather the content - it is important that you decide what content you'll need, for e.g. which images you'll be using, what products you'll be putting up on your leaflet, different customer reviews that you'll be highlighting, and more.
• Do some research - take a look at various catalog designs of different companies and gather as much info you can. Once you're done with the research part, make use of the best tools to create your handout.
• Create the layout - this includes making a proper format, keeping your text readable & using high quality images, streamlining the information, deciding the right amount of pages, choosing an appropriate size for your catalog, creating an impressive cover, and more. When it comes to choosing a proper layout, there are plenty of options available such as grid layout, column layout, row layout, magazine layout, open layout, etc.
• Decide the colours - it's important that you decide the colours that are to be used and try to avoid detailed images. Also, use the colours that compliment your business and create a striking impression on your customers.
• Provide necessary information of your products - you must bestow proper reasons why customers should buy your product and provide them with essential benefits associated with it, which will definitely help you have an edge over your competitors sitting worldwide.
• Provide your customers with all the available options for buying your products - it's important that you offer all the necessary information to your customers, which include toll-free number, email, website, etc.
In order to give a spectacular look to your catalog, it is important that you avoid using templates as it limits creativity and uniqueness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8957567

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Use The Right Marketing Apps To Make Your Event A Success

Event marketing is frenzied, intense, chaotic, and mostly thankless. One needs to give everything they have... tireless work for months, complete physical and creative inputs... ultimately for what! In the end, all the compliments, kudos, and the praises that you garner may seem almost insignificant in lieu of the efforts that you put in, but that's how it works.
A lot is involved in making your event a success. Simply planning everything is not enough. Besides,
· Figuring out the agenda
· Ordering food
· Booking the venue
· Deciding on the speakers
· Contacting entertainers
You will also need to help the attendees with,
· Great experiences
· Smooth registration process
· Easy finding of meeting room
· Visit to exhibiter hall
· Timely receptions
· Find peers or friends
Fail to do it and you will have to live with it for the rest of your marketing life. There won't be any end to ongoing reminders in event surveys, and God forbid in Tweets - the fastest way the news can travel across the world!
Whenever the going gets tough, technology comes to the rescue! Here too, you can make the best use of technological innovations in the form of apps tailored to the needs of event marketing companies. So what are these applications?
These are downloadable phone apps or web apps that people can easily access with their Smartphone browser. In its most standard form it can augment or even, replace printed traditional show guides. This offers detailed information related to sponsor profiles, speaker, agenda and convention centre or hotel maps. The attendees will be able to refer to these directly on their Smartphone screens. Advanced apps also provide numerous options as guest schedule builder, real-time polls, and networking tools to increase face-to-face interactions.
- Educate & engage people
- Forge new relationships
- Build stronger brand value
- Increase revenue generation
- Improve sales process
The growth of mobile technology today is phenomenal. You cannot think of life without your ubiquitous tablet or Smartphone. Ingenious marketers understand the colossal opportunities inherent in this platform and spare no pain in exploring the possibilities. Conversions becomes easy when you can tell your attendees that they can,
- Go for on-site communication
- Reduce their printing costs
- Enjoy enhanced networking
- Experience outstanding digital experience
- Use the latest sponsorship platforms
Event planning apps can help you to give an experiential marketing experience to your customers. It incorporates the novelty element and as such drives the success of your event. Presence of technology relationships saves both money and time for the organizers.
Now, the question may arise which is the best app for your requirements? It depends upon the degree of interactivity you want to give to the attendees. Also, it's important that everybody related to the team understands the software thoroughly and helps the guests enjoy optimal benefits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8960594

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How to Create Effective Video Advertisements

Currently, a reported fifty percent of mobile traffic stems from video viewership and the growth won't be slowing any time soon. It's not surprising, as YouTube is the second most used browser to Google. Also, in just the last 10 months, Nike increased its Instagram following from 4 to 12 million users with the use of engaging video campaigns.
For brands considering the introduction of video ads into their current marketing strategy, it helps to know that fifty-two percent of consumers agree that well-executed videos make them more confident in their purchasing decisions. Most companies struggle with where to start and how to differentiate between the best video ad format to achieve their sales goals. Below is an overview of common video formats and how to optimize each for maximum effect.
The three most common video advertisements are in-stream, click-to-play and TrueView.
- In-stream: these video advertisements play at the beginning or during another video program (e.g., commercial breaks during online tv streaming, before the start of music videos or other short clips). They're mainly meant for branding purposes as they rarely convert given that consumers are forced to watch them but really just want to view the content they originally sought and won't navigate away after viewing the ad.
- Click-to-play: these video ads are usually displayed in standalone format. Viewers are presented with a static image that has a call to action, compelling them to watch the video.
- TrueView: these video advertisements are YouTube's most recent push to vary video advertisement capabilities. TrueView videos are less traditional video advertisements that show the full story behind a brand rather than showcasing their product or service.
In-Stream
While in-stream videos don't have as high of conversion rates as other marketing formats, they nurture brand recognition through proper placement. For example, a laundry detergent company will pay to have commercials streamed during the commercial breaks of an online TV show that many of their target consumers watch. While the viewers are less than likely to stop streaming the show to go to the brand's website and check out their household products, they may consider buying the item the next time they shop because they recognize the name and enjoyed the advertisement.
To optimize in-stream campaigns, brands should keep the ads short and to the point. Most consumers lose interest after thirty seconds so experts suggest communicating the most important information within the first ten seconds of play. Furthermore, knowing that these videos are branding tools, the call to action should entail something the viewer will actually consider after the campaign ends. In other words, the video might tell the consumer to visit their site or subscribe to their mailing list for coupons rather than asking them to shop right at that moment to collect on the offer.
Click-to-View
Click-to-View videos are unique in that they are standalone so if they're not introduced in an appealing manner, they won't accumulate views. Also, unlike their in-stream counterparts, they display the call-to-action before the user even clicks play. Thus, video ads in this format must have a compelling CTA and use high-resolution imagery to make an effective first impression.
The content of click-to-view videos should entertain and educate viewers on a brand's product or service. Furthermore, to increase their versatility, companies should develop multiple variations of the same ad, adjusting either the stream time, CTA and imagery used. When companies have several ads to choose from, they can place them on multiple sites that have different ad format requirements and reach a larger audience by appealing to varied demographics. In some cases, a non-commercial approach increases viewership as well. Rather than a call to action that says "Click Play Now" or "Click Play to Win", a less sales-y approach such as "Click Play to Learn More" or even a captivating summary that explains the value of the clip with a simple "Watch Now" CTA. Some brands will find that less is more when trying to allure their audience.
TrueView
TrueView emerged as YouTube's answer to standing out in a market inundated with video ads. TrueView takes an unconventional approach to online advertising by expanding campaigns to not only encompass the products and services brand provides, but also making that brand come to life with clips that encapsulate the story behind a company and its personnel. TrueView can be used to create a series of documentaries relevant to an entity's industry or even to tell the history of how a brand became so successful with a collection of short videos. The overall goal is to make the videos a real-life background that consumers can relate to. As a result, they no longer view the company as just the product or service they offer but they also see the whole picture and are more likely to be loyal based off familiarity.
Marketing experts expect that online video will account for one third of online advertising dollars within five years. Integrating and optimizing video ads now is the best way for brands to appease the millions of consumers seeking information in an appealing digital format. As always, the more entertaining and valuable the advertisement or clip, the more likely it is to be shared and reach a larger audience. With ninety-two percent of mobile video viewers share videos with their friends and family, video formats have the propensity for going viral, meaning an exponential increase in revenue for deserving brands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8966567

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How One Can Explain Corporate Ideas Through Video

A Forrester Research study in 2013 showed that 93% of marketers use video to market advertise and communicate with target audience. Another study by eMarketer shows a 51% surge in sales conversion when video is included in an email marketing campaign. In addition, a Marketers Summary Report in 2014 projected that 74% of all internet traffic will be video influenced by 2017.
Impressive Corporate Video Numbers
All these numbers highlight the integral role a corporate video production play in your business's success. Over 82% of Americans own a Smartphone, making videos even more critical for businesses. The question then becomes how to optimize them in explaining corporate ideas.
Tips on Pitching Business Ideas via Video
1. Write a Comprehensive Script
The planning stage in video production can make or break the objectives. You must plan clear messaging, who will be in the video, project problems, objectives, brand strengths or product features and the story that will be used in communicating all this. A rough sketch is all your production company needs to start production.
2. Hype Product or Brand strengths
It must have an objective, and if it is advertising, then make sure the benefits of your products or services are quickly introduced in the story. Contemporary viewers are choosy hence they need instant information through statistics, proof and evidence that what you are advertising really works.
3. Behind the Scenes Story
You can communicate business ideas by showing behind the scenes events in your business. This will demystify your business while also enhancing brand loyalty and trust. By opening up your business, you will have created familiarity, which in turn leads to more traffic on your page.
4. Email Marketing
If you have a message you want to pass across, fusing email and video is an ingenious technique of making sure your content is read. Your email should have a sketch of the information while the video link should promise more detailed information. Research shows that this technique guarantees over 200% click-through for your videos.
5. Social Media and Video Content
Whether you are launching a product or promoting it, Facebook is a good platform to make sure your business ideas are communicated. With content consumption on Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp increasing tremendously, you are assured of increased sharing and click through for your videos if they are posted on social media.
6. Video Training
It can be primed for internal educational purposes within your organization. These videos are interactive and help explain intricate aspects of the business that your staff ought to understand.
Other ways in which you can optimize videos include product advertising, appreciation, entertainment, clarification, news and commentary and business demystification. Simply put, the opportunities are numerous when it comes to video application in your business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8971832

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A Guide for Hiring a Graphic Designer

Hiring a graphic designer can help you grow your business. Your superb product or extraordinary service still needs a proper branding and advertising. So picking a designer is one of the crucial steps in creating your company image. Using professional graphic design services are necessary, especially for startup companies.
First impression plays very important role when it comes to appearance of your company. Potential clients get this first impression of your business mostly through advertising material such as brochures, pamphlets, flyers, catalogs, product packaging and web pages. Getting recognized by amateur, homemade advertising is the first thing you want to avoid. If you have advertising material designed and made by a professional designer, you and your company will have better chances in attracting positive attention from your customers.
Graphic designer builds your product image in a way that will gain you positive response and acceptance from potential customers. In order to constantly attract new customers while keeping the loyal ones, a lot of businesses choose to update or recreate or even reinvent their advertising activities. Giving your web site a fresh new look, or redesigning your logo and product packaging, can initiate a new interest for your products or services.
How to pick a graphic designer?
Search graphic designers online at places like B2B marketplaces, Google, social networks and yellow pages. Furthermore, you can ask your business coworkers or friends for references. Probably the best way is to choose couple of designers for evaluation. There are numerous things to keep in mind while looking for services of a graphic design company.
Check their portfolios: primary step in assessing graphic design services is portfolio review. Look for certain projects which are of the most similarity with your own. Also designers' styles are easy to recognize from their portfolios. If you choose to hire a design company, ask for portfolios of designers who would be appointed to work with you.
Next step would be an agreement on certain number of design concepts that are going to be submitted. Based on your request, a professional designer would create few concepts for you to choose from. The best chosen one, would be further used and developed. It may happen that you end up not satisfied with any of provided concepts. Then you should try explaining your vision further more. Keep active and direct dialog with your designer. There are graphic designers out there that can make you all most anything as long as they understand what exactly would you like to see.
Graphic Designer needs to be an attentive listener who will turn your vision and ideas in appropriate design concept. Make sure he/she is committed in developing your requests and pays attention to details. Cooperation between you and your designer should lead to an excellent balance, between meeting your demands and using creativity and imagination in building up the design concepts.
Check references! Before hiring somebody for the job make sure you check his/her references. Also agree upon number of revisions that may be required for further development of the chosen design concept.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8970308

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Position Yourself As the Expert: Define Your Market

f you want to position yourself as The Expert, you must Define Your Market.
Dan Kennedy, marketing expert to small business owners, says you always need to begin with this premise:

"I will start with the who."

Meaning, you need to think about WHO you want to attract as a client.
Who are they demographically? What is their corporate makeup? Are they a near retirement couple, someone who has recently moved to town, a middle aged person with an aging parent in need of care?
Who is it that you want to attract? Write out as much as you can about your who and do all of your marketing specifically targeted to them.
You want to become a big fish in a very small pond. You don't want to go after everybody. When you define your market, you want to draw a circle around the people that you're going after and then focus your energy on attracting them. Exclude everybody else and invest all of your time, all of your energy, all of your money on going after your who, your specific target market.
You want to be everywhere they are, what we call omnipresence. If they're listening to certain podcasts you want to be there. If they're on certain forums you want to be there. If they're on LinkedIn groups, you want to be there. If they read certain magazines you want to be there. You want to be where your who is.
When they see you over and over and over and over again, guess what happens? You start climbing the rungs on their ladder and they start seeing you as the expert. You have to consider who will be most receptive to your offer. Where do they spend their time? Who already owns your who? Learn as much as you can about your who and be where they are.
Not only do you want to target them, but you also want to-over time-eliminate the bottom 20% of your clientele who typically eat up 80% of your time and cause 80% of your problems. You don't have to serve everyone. By eliminating the bottom 20%, you will be able to charge higher fees and will grow your business more steadily.
This is all part of positioning yourself as the expert in your market. Just remember, one of the phrases that we've learned and that we teach is:

There are riches in niches.

Really what that means is this: the more you target your market and the more narrowly you define your market, the more wealth you can create from that market. There are strategies that we teach our clients to help them do just that. It does take time. It requires some serious thinking, and it involves a lot of focused attention, but the results are very much worth it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8972435

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Event Sponsorship: What to Do When Money Is Tight

Sponsoring an event can be a very rewarding way to get your company/brand known to the public, yet it does not come cheap. Like anything else, you only get more out of it if you pay more for it. In that sense, if money is tight it will be difficult for you to afford sponsoring a certain event without compromising the finances of your company. In an attempt to solve this conflict, there are a few points to think about that can help you make the right decision.
Study the event very well: Know whether your target consumers will be at the event and how many of them are expected to be there. It is also useful to know if the event is repeated (annual, bi-annual... etc.). This will help you decide whether there will be another chance for you to sponsor when your financial state gets better. Moreover, look for other events to decide whether your money is going in the right place.
Consider a payment plan: A payment plan is a great way to get the best of both worlds. You can give a part of your money to an event and part to your company to keep things running. You can also consider a payment plan on one side (e.g.: an order of supplies) that allows you to have more cash flow to host the event and pay for all its items.
Minimize your sponsorship package: You may be tempted to appear as a major contributor/partner to a certain association or event that you follow an all-or-none approach when it comes to publicity. For example, you may not be ready to settle for a few banners and want the name of your company/brand to be associated with big exposure. However, in case of financial stress, this may not be possible. Brainstorm for all the possible options in a certain event and find a middle ground in which you get satisfactory exposure without hurting your name or your money. Another solution is to negotiate a customized sponsorship rather than get tied by a package. For example, you can reach a deal in which you offer more goods/services in exchange for minimizing the money you have to pay. To achieve this, you need to know your inventory and decide whether you have enough goods to cover the event without disrupting your business.
Withdraw while maintaining connections: If you decide to pass on a certain event, always maintain good terms with the contact persons. If the event is to be repeated a year later, you will have a chance to offer sponsorship when your company is ready. Keep in mind that being honest about your inability to host an event at a certain point will increase your credibility, which is a necessary issue. This way, people will believe you when you say you are ready and will be willing to work with you when you contact them again.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8942348

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How Can You Sell a Product If You Don't Believe in It Yourself?

Being a graphic designer and photographer by trade I've always helped to promote others with their products and services but I've never been so great at promoting myself...
I've always struggled with self-doubt. It's dogged me since I can remember but I've always fought to try and overcome it. Since I started singing back in 2002 I've had to sell myself and my show as a credible choice to clients looking for the best entertainment for their party or event. I like to think that I've promoted myself honestly and hopefully exceeded expectations. I've never been one to big myself up or used delusional false accolades and I've always based my success on the feedback from other people.
I heavily rely on being online to help promote my show and to showcase myself to potential clients and if this isn't working then neither am I. Recently my site was infected with a malware virus and I was contacted by Google (on Christmas day) to tell me it was being removed until it was fixed. I spent the Christmas break frantically trying to rebuild it from scratch. Two weeks later it was reinfected again and removed from Google once more. Since it was reinstated my site has struggled to gain the same ranking position it had previously and this has really affected my bookings this year.
Being self-employed this is a very worrying prospect. I've spent months trying to get my online presence back to where it was before it was destroyed but this is proving difficult for me. It's been a huge learning curve as well as seeing how others promote themselves too. Success now seems to be measured by Google rankings with so many people trying to stand out from the rest. Selling yourself as the product takes a lot of self-belief but how can you sell a product if you don't believe in it yourself? Being a bit of a perfectionist I always see the flaws in the photographs and hear the bum notes in the songs. I've also been advised to make some videos to help with my website but I'd just think I look and sound terrible. Am I the same as everyone else doing this?
I know that not believing in myself will get me nowhere because if I don't no one else will neither. I'll have to try and overcome these issues so I can help promote my show and start to fill my diary again. I hope this will help me see myself as my clients do and challenge me once again to be the best I can be. I also hope it inspires others who may have similar doubts to try and overcome them too.
"DOUBT KILLS MORE DREAMS THAN FAILURE EVER WILL."
Mikeyp x

A CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED TRIBUTE SHOW BY ONE OF THE UK'S LEADING VOCAL IMPRESSIONISTS.
Featuring vocal impressions of Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Scott Walker, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole and other crooner legends. From big showstoppers to smooth swing, from romantic ballads to dancing the night away, it's the perfect show for your special event.

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How to Create an Effective Catalog for Your Business

Yearning to expand your business? Why not create an effective catalog today and enhance your marketing presence!
Catalogs are the best way to publicize your business and help you look professional throughout your marketing campaign. Also, it is an effective marketing tool used by most of the companies for introducing their new products and prices. Moreover, it also helps in setting a positive impression on the minds of the people sitting around the world. Over the last few years, ways of marketing has completely changed with the advancement in technology, because of which many new podiums in the field of advertising were built. Catalogs are one of those techniques that have left a great impact in the field of advertising.
No doubt creating a catalog is a daunting task to implement, so it's better to consider some factors that will guide you well to create an effective one for your company.
• Gather the content - it is important that you decide what content you'll need, for e.g. which images you'll be using, what products you'll be putting up on your leaflet, different customer reviews that you'll be highlighting, and more.
• Do some research - take a look at various catalog designs of different companies and gather as much info you can. Once you're done with the research part, make use of the best tools to create your handout.
• Create the layout - this includes making a proper format, keeping your text readable & using high quality images, streamlining the information, deciding the right amount of pages, choosing an appropriate size for your catalog, creating an impressive cover, and more. When it comes to choosing a proper layout, there are plenty of options available such as grid layout, column layout, row layout, magazine layout, open layout, etc.
• Decide the colours - it's important that you decide the colours that are to be used and try to avoid detailed images. Also, use the colours that compliment your business and create a striking impression on your customers.
• Provide necessary information of your products - you must bestow proper reasons why customers should buy your product and provide them with essential benefits associated with it, which will definitely help you have an edge over your competitors sitting worldwide.
• Provide your customers with all the available options for buying your products - it's important that you offer all the necessary information to your customers, which include toll-free number, email, website, etc.
In order to give a spectacular look to your catalog, it is important that you avoid using templates as it limits creativity and uniqueness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8957567

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Position Yourself As the Expert: Choose Your Ladder

There are category ladders in everyone's mind for every product category. Whether rental cars, pizza and overnight delivery, one company "owns" the top rung on each of those ladders.
If you want to position yourself as the expert, you need to Choose Your Ladder. What we mean by this is,

Which ladder are you going to own in the mind of your prospect?

You want to be the first person someone thinks of in your category. Sometimes you can do that. Dominos was able to do it by being the first pizza delivery place that guaranteed pizza delivery in 30 minutes or less.
But if another company already owns the top rung of your category ladder, you should create a new ladder that you can be first in.
FedEx choose to create a category to be first in. And that category was overnight delivery. They came out with their commercials of guaranteed when it absolutely positively has to be there overnight, it's Federal Express. They created the category of overnight delivery and they own that category in the mind. If you want something to be delivered overnight you think Federal Express because you now it's going to be there.
That is the category that they chose to create and own. They took a ladder that was in somebody's mind about delivery service and they actually created another ladder in that same category of overnight delivery service and they positioned themselves on the top rung of that overnight ladder. That was decades ago and they still own that today. That is a great example of how you choose your ladder.
The same thing can happen to you in your business. You can look at the marketplace and see where there might be a hole in the market. Even if there are four dozen other competitors in your market, there is an opportunity for you to do exactly what Federal Express did and position yourself as the expert in a category. Create an entirely new ladder in the mind of the prospect and position yourself on the top rung of that ladder, just like Federal Express did with overnight delivery. Specifically focusing on their one message hammered it into our minds until we remembered FedEx without fail. And you can do the exact same thing.
It's taking a category ladder and in a sense, dividing it down into a smaller and smaller niche, if you will. You can own a category in the mind of your prospect. You just have to understand how the prospect thinks, what they need and how can you solve that.
What did Apple do? They came out with a new ladder when they launched the iPhone. They're not really a phone company, they're a computer company. The "phone" ladder was already occupied. So Apple created (or at least refined) the "smartphone" ladder and made the iPhone the gold standard for smartphones. So now the iPhone is incredibly popular. Apple owns most of the market share today because they understood how to do marketing. Their marketers understood how to position the iPhone uniquely and differently so Apple was not fighting the same battle as most other companies. Arguably, all the other companies are still playing catch-up with Apple. Every category has a ladder in the mind of the prospect. You must think in terms of those categories, those ladders in the mind-because that's where the marketing battle is won or lost.
For example, if you're a business litigation lawyer, you have certain areas of specialization, or you have a geographic region that you want to dominate. You can position yourself as the top business litigation lawyer in your area. You can know more about your area than anyone else, or more about your specific area of expertise than anyone else, and position yourself in that category-doing exactly what Federal Express did with overnight delivery.
What you want to do is position yourself for what you do, for what is unique about you, and focus your marketing on that. When a prospect is thinking about needing an attorney or a lawyer, they're not thinking in general terms. The prospect is thinking specifically about their needs and about who best can solve their needs. They are looking for an expert. And when you have positioned yourself properly by choosing your ladder carefully, YOU become that expert in their mind.
This has to be done methodically, and you have to be able to choose the ladder that relates to who you are and what your business is all about. That's exactly what Federal Express did. They chose a ladder, they chose the word "overnight," and they dominated that ladder. That's exactly what you can do in your marketing. It can be done. It's not that difficult. It just takes thinking and strategic planning and execution over a long period of time.
You must Choose Your Ladder. You need to look at your competition, know how the customer thinks, and make your choice carefully. There is always an opportunity for you to break out of the mold and create your own category ladder. If you need help, just give us a call; that's what we do best.

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How Corporate Videos Impact Business Audiences

The modern business environment is a tough nut to crack. In fact, this is an understatement. Your business is, today, competing globally which calls for a paradigm shift in the way you interact with your target market.
This is where corporate video production comes in as a novel communication tool to help you optimize your business. It helps launch, promote, educate and entertain potential customers in order to draw them to your landing business page.
Encouraging Video Marketing Statistics
If you are wondering if there is any viable potential to tap from video, you are in for a big surprise. Forrester Research reports 100 million people watch an online video daily, while the Online Publishers Association says 90% of online shoppers use them to make shopping decisions.
A Forbes Insight shows 59% of video watchers click through to learn more from your vendor website increasing the chances of sales conversion. Sysomos, in a study, found that 89% of CEOs use YouTube as part of their marketing plans. eMarketer on the other hand reckons 74% of all online traffic will be video motivated by 2017.
Impact of Corporate Videos
With such irresistible numbers, it is obvious that video marketing must be an integral part of your online business presence. When you hire a professional videographer to promote your business, the impact will be felt through:
1. Brand Recognition
Whether you own a startup, or an established entity, a corporate video helps you create a bond with your target customers. With a prolific video campaign, customers will gradually start looking up your marketing videos, especially if they are captivating, entertaining and educative.
2. Products Marketing
Nielsen reports that 93% of all marketers use videos for online marketing, sales and communication. Such steep numbers indicate the business world has realized the benefits of it in drawing online traffic. Forrester Research in one study found out that 64% of viewers watch three quarter of content, which makes this an ideal tool for product launches, advertising and even re-launches.
3. Increase Engagement
One of the toughest areas in business practice is of course customer interaction. When you leverage them, you will be tapping into the senses of viewers thus increasing the chance for them to comment on your product or brand. With such interaction, your company is able to learn more and create a strategy on the same.
4. Increased Visibility
Online Publishers Association, in a study, found that 83% of your corporate video viewers will recall seeing this content even after 2 years. More importantly, over 57% will instantly share them if it is captivating thus giving you cheap exposure.
If they go viral, there is no denying the impact this will have on customers who will flock your page in order to learn more. This in turn leads to higher sales conversion and a better ROI. Isn't this what you always dreamed of?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8971805

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A Guide for Hiring a Graphic Designer

Hiring a graphic designer can help you grow your business. Your superb product or extraordinary service still needs a proper branding and advertising. So picking a designer is one of the crucial steps in creating your company image. Using professional graphic design services are necessary, especially for startup companies.
First impression plays very important role when it comes to appearance of your company. Potential clients get this first impression of your business mostly through advertising material such as brochures, pamphlets, flyers, catalogs, product packaging and web pages. Getting recognized by amateur, homemade advertising is the first thing you want to avoid. If you have advertising material designed and made by a professional designer, you and your company will have better chances in attracting positive attention from your customers.
Graphic designer builds your product image in a way that will gain you positive response and acceptance from potential customers. In order to constantly attract new customers while keeping the loyal ones, a lot of businesses choose to update or recreate or even reinvent their advertising activities. Giving your web site a fresh new look, or redesigning your logo and product packaging, can initiate a new interest for your products or services.
How to pick a graphic designer?
Search graphic designers online at places like B2B marketplaces, Google, social networks and yellow pages. Furthermore, you can ask your business coworkers or friends for references. Probably the best way is to choose couple of designers for evaluation. There are numerous things to keep in mind while looking for services of a graphic design company.
Check their portfolios: primary step in assessing graphic design services is portfolio review. Look for certain projects which are of the most similarity with your own. Also designers' styles are easy to recognize from their portfolios. If you choose to hire a design company, ask for portfolios of designers who would be appointed to work with you.
Next step would be an agreement on certain number of design concepts that are going to be submitted. Based on your request, a professional designer would create few concepts for you to choose from. The best chosen one, would be further used and developed. It may happen that you end up not satisfied with any of provided concepts. Then you should try explaining your vision further more. Keep active and direct dialog with your designer. There are graphic designers out there that can make you all most anything as long as they understand what exactly would you like to see.
Graphic Designer needs to be an attentive listener who will turn your vision and ideas in appropriate design concept. Make sure he/she is committed in developing your requests and pays attention to details. Cooperation between you and your designer should lead to an excellent balance, between meeting your demands and using creativity and imagination in building up the design concepts.
Check references! Before hiring somebody for the job make sure you check his/her references. Also agree upon number of revisions that may be required for further development of the chosen design concept.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8970308

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Position Yourself As the Expert: Define Your Market

f you want to position yourself as The Expert, you must Define Your Market.
Dan Kennedy, marketing expert to small business owners, says you always need to begin with this premise:

"I will start with the who."

Meaning, you need to think about WHO you want to attract as a client.
Who are they demographically? What is their corporate makeup? Are they a near retirement couple, someone who has recently moved to town, a middle aged person with an aging parent in need of care?
Who is it that you want to attract? Write out as much as you can about your who and do all of your marketing specifically targeted to them.
You want to become a big fish in a very small pond. You don't want to go after everybody. When you define your market, you want to draw a circle around the people that you're going after and then focus your energy on attracting them. Exclude everybody else and invest all of your time, all of your energy, all of your money on going after your who, your specific target market.
You want to be everywhere they are, what we call omnipresence. If they're listening to certain podcasts you want to be there. If they're on certain forums you want to be there. If they're on LinkedIn groups, you want to be there. If they read certain magazines you want to be there. You want to be where your who is.
When they see you over and over and over and over again, guess what happens? You start climbing the rungs on their ladder and they start seeing you as the expert. You have to consider who will be most receptive to your offer. Where do they spend their time? Who already owns your who? Learn as much as you can about your who and be where they are.
Not only do you want to target them, but you also want to-over time-eliminate the bottom 20% of your clientele who typically eat up 80% of your time and cause 80% of your problems. You don't have to serve everyone. By eliminating the bottom 20%, you will be able to charge higher fees and will grow your business more steadily.
This is all part of positioning yourself as the expert in your market. Just remember, one of the phrases that we've learned and that we teach is:

There are riches in niches.

Really what that means is this: the more you target your market and the more narrowly you define your market, the more wealth you can create from that market. There are strategies that we teach our clients to help them do just that. It does take time. It requires some serious thinking, and it involves a lot of focused attention, but the results are very much worth it.

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3 Ways To Blow Your Ad Agency Clients Away With Reporting

Anyone operating in today's business environment knows that having the right information, at the right time, is critical to their success. Depending on your ad agency reporting software, the different features and data points provided by the analytics software are nearly limitless.
With so many new features coming out all the time, it is easy to overlook some of the reporting features that may really impress your clients. While some of the following are brand new capabilities, others have been around for ages. Here are five ways to blow your clients away with your reporting features.
1. Bring Analytics and Ad Tracking Together
Your ad reporting software helps you see how much your ads cost, and how much each ad is contributing to conversions and revenue. However, few ad reporting technologies provide information about what happens with the client between the time they land on your site, to the time they convert and purchase product.
This is why bringing your website analytics software together with your ad reporting is the ideal solution. This will tell you what people are doing on your site, and may even lead you to understand why. Whether you look at bounce rate, pages per visit, average visit duration, or the percentage of new visits, paying attention to and manipulating these metrics will translate into greater ad performance and more revenue.
2. Do Not Delete Zero Conversion Keywords
Far too many marketers are too quick to delete keywords that are not generating conversions for them. While, in general, this is a smart move, it helps to ask a few questions before hitting delete, and drill down to why these keywords are not performing. One thing to keep in mind is that the conversions reported in AdWords are the last click a person makes after completing a search.
Remember that most consumers will search several websites to find what they are looking for, so even though you have a search term that is getting clicks, it may not be directly translating into conversions, but instead serves as a vital method for consumers to do research about your products and companies, yielding a conversion sometime in the future. In short, do not be so quick to delete until you know why the keyword is under performing.
3. Find and Correct Bad Landing Pages
One of the best things you can do to increase your conversions is to optimize every landing page. A simple way to do this is to sort your analytics data by bounce rate, average time on site, and cross comparing with your conversion rate. This will help you locate ads that are not engaging to consumers nor creating conversions.
With this information you can fix the ads by changing the keywords, picking a better and more relevant landing page, or fixing any ads that my appear misleading. For this reason, it is important to look at data for every landing page on your site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8979872

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The Beginner's Guide to Best Customer Profiling

When it comes to nearly anything in life, knowing the ultimate goal helps to define the strategy and the actions needed to actualize the strategic plan. For those in business, knowing the intended audience is a parallel concept and activity to knowing a goal. This is true for established and new companies alike. One way to know the intended or target audience is to participate in a practice called customer profiling.
This practice allows a company to know who the desired customers are and what they look like. Typically the company reviews criteria of the desired audience that is centered around demographics such as annual income, marital status, or gender; behaviors such as hobbies, weekend activities, preferences around social topics such as eating out or voting habits; lastly is gaining insight into psychographics including preferences, personality traits, and social mores.
How is this initial data collected? Sometimes it starts at home. By taking surveys of current customers, or those who are known to be ideal prospects, data may start to compile that helps to establish benchmarks for customer profiling. Perhaps from surveying current customers, it is found that they typical customer is a forty year old female who lives in a home and makes a salary range of eighty five to one hundred thousand a year. From this point, more research may be done or a profile may be started.
Some find that taking the initial findings and delving deeper is necessary to get to the ideal candidate. It may be that also the ideal customer described above is a significant portion of the desired lead base, there are some significant outliers who show that the taking questions deeper or exploring the other profiles is key. There are ways to tie the customer profiling to marketing and advertising campaigns to make them more effective and lucrative. Knowing the customer profile helps to bring the company to the desired lead. Sometimes it is even found that an actual connection along with social media connections are important.
Working with a trusted advertising agency partner on an endeavor such as segment profiling is often one of the best ways to start. The agency partner often has the staff to collect the data and then later to analyze it. Gathering data and not applying it is never a positive endeavor, but in a world of big data, without a partner, data may overwhelm versus helping.
Look for an advertising agency partner that has the experience and knowledge that is needed. This includes analytic know-how, and the ability to engage and establish rapport with those who fit the desired lead criteria. From here customer segmentation is a desired tool, along with being able to take this data and work and help generate an effective advertising campaign to target the desired customers. Of course what is most important is working with an advertising agency partner who may then take this data and work to help the customer generate campaigns and initiatives that utilize the customer profiling data.

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Using Banners And Signs To Promote Your Business

he goal of every business is to attract as many customers as possible in a minimal amount of time. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but all of them involve some form of marketing. Internet ads, mailers, flyers, and other advertisements can help any company get the word out about their products and/or services. The only problem is that they can be expensive and most new businesses do not have big advertising budgets.
The Solution?
Although most modern marketing methods are quite costly, there are a few old-fashioned options that won't break the bank. Online ads and mailers are effective and often inexpensive ways to reach potential customers. But neither can compare with banners and signs.
Signage is the number one reason why most new customers enter an establishment. It makes perfect sense, of course. They see a banner and they stop on in. It is also important to note that around 85 percent of the average local businesses' patrons live or work within 5 miles of that store. As a result, it rarely pays to advertise to outside communities on television or radio.
Effective Marketing
One thing most successful companies have in common is that they know their customers. They identify them early on and send messages directly to them, rather than wasting time and money on uninterested groups. Signage is the most cost-effective way to reach your target audience. How do we know?
It costs just 2 cents per one thousand views for signs and banners, according to numerous studies. By comparison, it costs nearly 10 dollars per one thousand views for the average television commercial. We also know that the right display can help increase sales by double digits, depending on the location and the type of signage.
The Benefits
It goes almost without saying that you can't run a business without having a marker that helps people locate your establishment. Without one out front, how would anyone ever know where you were or what you sell? With that said, not all banners are equal.
Storefront signs are clearly the most popular options, since they are easy to see and identify from the street. There are also banners, sidewalk signs, and custom decals. All of them accomplish the same goal but do so in different ways.
Increased Sales
The primary purpose of signage is to attract new customers. Most will be walk-in customers, since your regulars know where to find you. There is ample evidence to suggest that an attractive, prominently displayed sign can grow sales by double digits shortly after it is hung.
Impulse Buys
We all know what it's like to see something we absolutely must have and then buy it, even if we can't afford it. Well, that's what business owners call impulse purchases, and they are one of the easiest and most reliable ways to grow sales revenue. Of course, you have to whet your potential patrons' appetite before they rush in and hand over their hard-earned money.
Creates Brand Identity
No, your business won't be competing with Fortune 500 companies simply because you put up banners and signs. But these markers can be seared in a person's memory if he or she sees them often enough. Patrons and potential patrons that spot your sign each and every day will inevitably begin to think about it even when they aren't in the area, which should draw them to your establishment -- whether they know what they want to buy or not.
For all of these reasons and more, signage should be a part of your company's marketing strategy from the start.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9008777

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How to Choose an Ideal Logo Design Company

Choosing the right logo and brand for your business can be an intimidating experience unless carried out in the correct fashion! So it's better to take the help of an expert in order to maximize your company's logo and brand power!
Brands and Logos, in today's world, have become a key aspect of marketing! No matter what business you are running, you will definitely understand the importance of these promotional tools. Your brand symbol is your company's identity and plays a vital role in building relationships with your clients. So, it is important that you choose a unique symbol design for your business in order to create a long-term impression on your target viewers.
In addition, when it comes to designing a perfect logo for your business, you don't have to take stress and carry out the process on your own. Instead, you should lookout for an experienced and certified logo design company and promote your business in a better way thereafter!
Carry out complete research
Before selecting any company, it is important that you perform a detailed research of the market in order to shortlist a few companies and then choose specifically. Furthermore, you can compare prices and choose the one that not only fits your budget, but also provides high quality services. With this, you will also be getting a better view of the latest ongoing trends that's going on in the field of designing.
Set your budget
Deciding the budget is the key when it comes to choosing the right professional for carrying out a process like logo designing and also keeping an eye on the operating costs involved in it. Moreover, it's important that you create a list of all the suitable options available and see whether they suit your budget or not.
Choose a suitable designer
Once you have interviewed a number of designers and requested for quotes, then comes the turn to decide whom to hire. Once you have decided whom to hire, then you must ask for a list of previous logos they have created and make sure whether they're effective enough to meet your specific design requirement.
Both commercial and brand identities are indispensable for the growth of any business and help in conveying a strong marketing message to all your customers. Moreover, your logo should be an appealing one, easy to read, should highlight all the services your company provides, and should correlate to your website too.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9008402

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Marketing In The New Era: The Difference Between Marketing and Advertising

All advertising is marketing, but not all marketing is advertising. If you and your organisation see it as the same, then now is the time to rethink your marketing efforts. Basically, it means that you're opening up a box of crayons ("marketing"), and trying to create a colourful masterpiece with only one colour ("advertising"), then wondering why the canvas is lacklustre and not attracting interested buyers.
The other day, one of my house mates said to me, "as a marketer, your industry is dying because I just ignore all advertising now, and I don't think I'm alone." This is quite an interesting statement as he was highlighting the very misconception between marketing and advertising.
Marketing is an all-encompassing, essential practise, which includes elements such as organisational strategy, customer research, trend investigation, public relations, social media promotion, product design, pricing techniques, promotional campaign activities, distribution management, demographic analysis, positioning, competitor research, innovation, concept design, bundling, content creation, copywriting, and so on. All of these efforts need to be working together to build a successful organisation.
It's understandable where all of this confusion has emerged about what marketing actually. Advertising is really the only highly overt form of marketing which everyone actively notices. It's called 'above-the-line' and is the promoting of brand awareness to a large target audience via mass media, such as television, print and radio. My house mate was half right: the traditional mass advertising trend is starting to become ineffective, because consumers are so utterly bombarded now that they are learning to automatically filter out messages of no interest to them.
The practise of marketing is very different these days, with organisations shifting away from just advertising, and towards what I call Empathetic Marketing: developing a strategy that focuses on catering to the human person. Advertising is all about forcing messages onto a potential customers, but other methods of marketing are now far more effective and consumer friendly. Organisational blogging is a way to reach people with general content that engages them in a less intrusive way. PR activities draw people in, encourage their feedback by joining in on the conversation, thus creating highly coveted word-of-mouth. Podcasting is usually free and enjoyable for people to listen to at their convenience, and if scripted well, will gain a following of consumers that actively download each episode and end up as an advocate. Social media connects consumers to each other and offers advice and opens forums, thus easing the barriers to purchase.
Today's consumers expect more than noisy, forceful messages. They want to be catered to, appreciated, wooed and persuaded. They distrust forceful messaging, and look to other, more trustworthy sources that essentially are other angles of marketing. This doesn't mean that you can use marketing to manipulate them in more subtle ways, as that's not true. Today, people are highly educated and informed, and are extremely judgemental about these channels, so effective marketing requires high quality efforts. Poor campaigns and uninspired campaigns will surely fail.
Today's marketing channels are new, innovative, fluid and highly digital, and so marketing efforts must reflect this, offering the consumer engagement, information, and interactive advice. The key to successful marketing is to value your customers; engage with them, offer them advice, respond, invest your time in them and customise your offering to them, so that their experience is ultimately unique and rewarding. This is not simply recommended, it is essential as your target audience now expect it. There are too many competitors out there waiting for your organisation to 'drop the ball'.
Marketing is no longer about forcing advertising down a customer's throat; it's about getting to know your customer and being interested in what they really want, their preferences and opening communication in order to build relationships. Think carefully about them and how your product or service will benefit them and then actively engage with them to demonstrate your empathetic marketing.

Article excerpt taken from my Melotti Media blog.
Christopher Melotti
Freelance Copywriter at Melotti Media.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9019210

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Tips On How To Pick Custom USB Sticks

Many businesses find it difficult to promote their company using conventional methods. Unfortunately, many businesses do not know how to harness the power of the public to increase their brand awareness to increase their revenue. The best way to promote businesses is to use promotional products and one of the most convenient and functional ways to improve brand awareness is to use custom USB sticks. If you are planning to give away USB business cards, then it is important that you know how to pick you're the right one to promote your business.
Consider The Look Of The Handy Drive
It is important that you consider the look of the custom USB sticks to grab the attention of your clients. The design will not only reflect on the company using it as a promo item but it also gives the intention of assurance to the public because you are giving something to them that is more valuable compared to shirts, umbrellas, mugs and other conventional giveaways.
Consider the Functionality
Functionality is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a custom hard drive as a promotional item. A thumb drive is a very functional promo item but you can add more to the functionality of the device by adding more files and applications in it that is not only dedicated to your business but also something that your potential clients can also relate to.
Consider The Quality
Different brands of thumb drives are made with different quality marks. While some are durable, others break easily especially if clients accidentally drop them. When choosing this particular tool for promotion, it is important to consider the quality. Choose a brand that is reputable. A poor quality one introduced to your clients will backfire on you as your clients will think badly about you. You might need to spend a little more but this will go a long way when it comes to improving your brand and your business reputation.
Consider The Overall Aesthetics
When making a customized stick drive, make sure that you also consider its overall aesthetics. Great flash drives do not only appeal to customers but they should also represent the goals of your business. For instance, if you want to indicate serious reliability, you can give away drives that are sleek and durable. On the other hand, if you want to show your clients that you take your business serious but you also want them to have fun, then giving a novelty drive is a great give away for your clients. Remember to always make sure that this promo item speaks out for itself about your company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9026173

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Choose an Expert Video Editor for Video Production Service

When it comes to video shooting and editing, many businesses have inquiries since they have several options to choose from, but they need only the best to help them communicate their message clearly. So the following are a few things to consider when you want to hire the services of an expert video editor.
Apples versus apples
Thanks to advanced technology, anybody can shoot and edit videos. This makes it very easy for someone who is starting up to pose as a professional, thus making it very tricky to choose. If you want to avoid the complications, then the following steps should be of help.
1. Type and quality of equipment. An experienced videographer uses a variety of cameras and equipment to suit different types of media, plus they also have different types of production lighting to make their work effective and give a cinematic feel to the video content.
2. Experts always look at the task and decide on the number of persons it needs. Check the quote and see how many people will be posted to your project and the skills that they have.
3. What amount of budget is allocated to each service and how much time will be spent on each? There are three steps in video production, that is, pre-production, production and post-production. All these stages are essential for a successful output.
4. You should also ask about the other extra costs that might come, for example, revisions, extra hours, packaging the video branding elements such as a Logo Intro, revisions, if the duration of the video and scope of work increases etc.
The skills
The next thing that you have to find out is the skillset that the video editing and shooting team has. You will only be able to tell the quality of work they will do for you by asking for previous work samples and portfolio.
Project management
A good production team knows that there is no such thing as a job that is too small or too big. They will focus on the objectives that you want to achieve. So you can ask them questions on how they will handle your project and give you effective results.
Added advantages
Go for a team that does not only get the job done, but also suggests ways it can be done better. They should also suggest ways of doing the work in a manner that will not cost you a lot, but still get you good quality and results.
How they handle the customer
You are a businessperson and you know how you handle your clients, so if somebody is not able to handle you well, then you can simply imagine how they will handle your work.
The devil usually lies in the details, therefore, consider all factors so that you get good quality service that will affect your business positively. Good customer service is very important for the client to feel satisfied and for the project to run smoothly. After all, video production is first and foremost a people oriented business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9053830

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Three Options To Consider When Choosing A Sign Company

When you need to advertise a new project or business, there are many new ways to get your message out there. It's more than just a question of which kind of sign company to use.
Channel Letters and Illuminated Cabinets
Either of these types of signage would adorn the edifice of your business and make your name visible to passing traffic at any hour. Channel letters are the kind of 3D letters that are often illuminated with LEDs or another internal lighting source. LEDs are the most energy efficient and long lasting, so it's important to find a sign company that's capable of equipping your installation with LEDs.
Alternatively, illuminated cabinets would allow you to use a more complex logo. Because individual letters are not cut out, this type of product isn't always as legible from far away. Backlighting is available from nearly any sign company that sells this type of product, which improves the 24/7 visibility of your logo.
Electronic Marquees
Adding electronic messages to your board can dramatically increase its potential to hold a bypasser's attention. Flashing useful information like the time and temperature can encourage commuters to look for your business on a daily basis. Adding updates and special discounts can help your company seem interesting and relevant.
The more you're willing to spend on a sign, the more likely you'll be able to attract attention. Still, it's important to find an experienced sign company that will make sure your logo is exactly appropriate for your needs. Electronic marquees are great for installations visible from major roads, but if your business is hidden in the back of a shopping mall, then you might need to adjust your choice of signage accordingly.
Car Wraps
Does your company already use vehicles? Why pay money for a billboard when your employees already drive advertising space around town? Lettering and decals for the side of the door can cost less than a hundred dollars, and wraparound graphics for larger vans can cost anywhere between one thousand and five thousand dollars. Vehicle wraps can be more eye-catching than billboards, and you aren't committing to a single location. Rather, your business logo travels all over your service area. Of course, if your drivers are irresponsible or unsafe drivers, then this branding choice could have a negative impact on the perception of your business. Because of the hazards of putting your company name on a vehicle, it's much safer to make sure that your business has a quality logo posted in a stationary location.
However you choose to make your business more visible, it's vital to choose a sign company who can help you make the most cost-effective choice. Choosing to invest a little more can improve the public perception of your business for years to come, and it's an opportunity for long-term advertising on a space you already own. For every industry, making your business's name and information more visible will help to attract new customers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9065161

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