Category: Marketing and Branding

Example of QR Code in Print Ad

I’m still fascinated by QR codes! Recently came across an ad in a magazine I was browsing through that included a QR code. It was an ad for “Hearts on Fire” and includes a QR code in the lower left corner, with copy that reads: “Scan the QR code with your smartphone to view styles, share, and become a Facebook.fan.”

This YouTube video talks about the ad and gives a good, brief, overview of the use of QR codes.

“Hearts on Fire” use of the code is a good example, I think, of illustrating how these simple codes can be used to easily provide additional information to consumers while sending a signal that the company is “techno-savvy.”

Have you seen example of QR codes in use? Would love to hear about other examples – please share!

Social Media and Marketing Synonymous? I Don’t Think So!

“Social media and marketing have become synonymous over the years.” – Brian Solis

I recently read this comment on the blog of a very prominent social media guru, and it made me cringe. Continue reading “Social Media and Marketing Synonymous? I Don’t Think So!”

QR Codes – Have You Seen Them? Used Them?

As I was doing research for my upcoming Direct Mail in the Digital Age I discovered a neat new (well really not so new…) communication technology called QR codes. I think this codes offer a wide variety of very interesting options to marketers. Continue reading “QR Codes – Have You Seen Them? Used Them?”

Local News – Where It’s At For Advertisers?

A recent study from Frank M. Magid Associates, Inc. and Hearst Television, Inc., sends a hopeful message to local news media–and an educational message to advertisers (local and otherwise), I think. The study, reported by Marketing Charts, indicates that 49% of respondents consider local news as the Continue reading “Local News – Where It’s At For Advertisers?”

Different Strokes For “Special Folks”? Good Idea or Bad Promotional Move?

Look up the phrase “new customers only” on Google and you’ll turn up more than 38,000,000 results.  Look up “existing customer deals” and you’ll find 19,000. It comes as no surprise that companies often turn to special incentives when trying to lure new customers to their fold. Chances are, most of us have even taken advantage of those deals from time to time. But, when you’re an *existing* customer Continue reading “Different Strokes For “Special Folks”? Good Idea or Bad Promotional Move?”

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?”

If You Can’t Be Found Online, Are You “For Real”?

I recently had an editor I work with ask about a source’s credentials because she couldn’t find her online. And I’ll admit that my first thought was also “Oh oh – weird!” But then I recalled a “back of the brain” feeling I’ve had for a while now about all of the valuable information and sources that I–and others–may be missing because we rely so exclusively on online content.

If you can’t be found online, are you important? Are you *credible*? Do you even exist? I think maybe  not… Continue reading “If You Can’t Be Found Online, Are You “For Real”?”

You Can’t Compartmentalize Results!

In a recent post I talked about an “aha moment” I had. It’s one that has impacted how I think about my own business. When I started my business about two years ago, I was hoping to work with clients to help them develop strategic marketing communication plans to move their businesses forward. I’m a *HUGE* proponent of planning and think that effective planning can avoid unnecessary effort and expense–and increase results.

But, not everyone believes this. I found that, just as when I was in the “corporate world,” Continue reading “You Can’t Compartmentalize Results!”

What Makes Information Worth Paying For? An “Aha!” Moment!

I just finished a complicated, but very interesting, article for an information industry publication about security and identity issues for content owners. Once I was able to get past all of the confusing terminology and “IT-speak” (which took me several interviews and multiple reviews and re-reviews of my notes, not to mention “sleeping on it” for several nights…) some key themes began to emerge. Ultimately (I think…) I pulled together an article that effectively sums up both the challenges and opportunities facing content owners today. There are two “big questions” from the content owners’ perspective: Continue reading “What Makes Information Worth Paying For? An “Aha!” Moment!”

Sometimes “Snail Mail” is Still the Best Way to Go

I’ve recently begun working in earnest on an update to my 1992 book A Small Business Guide to Direct Mail. The update will be significantly revised and will be titled Direct Mail for the Digital Age. A lot has happened in the direct mail industry since 1992–most notably the advent of email marketing which opens up many new opportunities for marketers. Very cost effective opportunities. Continue reading “Sometimes “Snail Mail” is Still the Best Way to Go”