Category: Marketing Communication

What’s the Difference Between Marketing, Branding, Advertising and PR and Does it Matter?

It’s a question that comes up in many venues. On Twitter and in LinkedIn groups. In business meetings. In university classes. It recently came up through a journalist who was asking for input from marketing professionals – like me: “I’m looking for experts to explain, compare and distinguish advertising vs. marketing vs. branding vs. PR.”

For those of us “in marketing” the answer is deceptively simple. Continue reading “What’s the Difference Between Marketing, Branding, Advertising and PR and Does it Matter?”

What Measures Can Marketing Communications Impact?

As I work with companies on their marketing communication efforts most are understandably concerned about measuring the effectiveness of their marketing efforts whether those efforts involve multi-media campaigns or social media. And, personally, I’m a strong proponent of measurement in any business endeavor – you must be able to show a return on your efforts to prove your worth whether you’re an employee or a consultant/contractor.

But, if you’re responsible for marketing communications, you also need to make sure that you’re measuring those things that your efforts can realistically impact.  Continue reading “What Measures Can Marketing Communications Impact?”

Do You Really Need a Web Site?

Back in October, 2009, I proposed an article on “Do You Really Need a Web Site” to some editors I work with, but the idea didn’t really seem to have traction. Today, though, it’s a topic I hear people talking about more and more, with Continue reading “Do You Really Need a Web Site?”

When Communicating With Customers Use Common Language!

Recently I’ve received a series of email notices from a cloud-based software provider that offers a service I use. (I’m not going to mention their name, because I don’t want to suddenly begin receiving even *more* difficult-to-interpret messages from them.) Suffice it to say they’re a good company, a big company and one that has become a leader in their area of service. Continue reading “When Communicating With Customers Use Common Language!”

Which Department “Owns” Social Media?

I participate in a number of online forums that cover various communication issues and a question that invariably comes up is “what department should ‘own’ social media”?

It’s a legitimate question and, as a former corporate communication/marketing director, I definitely “get” turf wars. But, while I tend to believe that all organizational communication should be managed through a single channel to ensure consistency and effective brand management, “owning” social media Continue reading “Which Department “Owns” Social Media?”

Tips for Choosing an Ad Agency

There comes a point in the life cycle of many businesses when advertising needs outgrow the “homespun” and it’s time to call upon the services of a professional agency. When you’ve reached this point, whether you’re looking for a partner to help you implement a major campaign, or a “boutique” agency to focus on just one marketing niche, you want to make sure that the choice you make is a sound one. Continue reading “Tips for Choosing an Ad Agency”

Should You Be Using Social Media?

This is a question that is on the minds of many these days. You can’t turn on the television or radio, open a newspaper or talk to a colleague, friend or family member without *someone* talking about “social media” – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

Not surprisingly, these discussions lead to thoughts of: “Am I missing out?” “Is my business missing out? Well, maybe. But… Continue reading “Should You Be Using Social Media?”

10 Copywriting Tips for Guaranteed Results!

Whether you’re writing a brochure, copy for a newspaper ad, a script for a radio announcement or a page or blog for your web site, there are some tried and true techniques that can help you make sure that your copy gets the results you’re looking for.

Think about writing copy as making a sales pitch to a customer. Your goal is to persuade that customer to do something – most likely to purchase your product or service. Here’s how: Continue reading “10 Copywriting Tips for Guaranteed Results!”