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”
Category: Marketing and Branding
Social Media – Not Everybody Is Out There…
…and they may not be where you think they are! While it may seem that just about everybody is engaged in social media in some way, shape or form these days, that’s not necessarily true. Continue reading “Social Media – Not Everybody Is Out There…”
Are Phonebooks – and Other Print Directories – a Dying Breed?
I was at a meeting of small business owners recently where we shared our experiences and ideas about marketing effectiveness – what works and what doesn’t. I was surprised at the vehement reaction Continue reading “Are Phonebooks – and Other Print Directories – a Dying Breed?”
Advertising in Healthcare – Driving Up Healthcare Costs?
Some media coverage recently by NPR and AdvertisingAge addresses the issue of advertising in the healthcare industry – whether it’s a good use of healthcare dollars and whether it is money well spent. I’ve often asked the same question. Continue reading “Advertising in Healthcare – Driving Up Healthcare Costs?”
What Advertising Images Go Best With Your Product?
Does a talking fish make you thirsty for iced tea with citrus? Lipton’s marketers must think it does – their TV ad shows a weary woman shopping at the market. It’s part of their “Drink on the Bright Side” campaign. She pulls a Lipton gree tea with citrus from her bag and, as she takes
Continue reading “What Advertising Images Go Best With Your Product?”
Be Careful How You Read Those Numbers!
I was recently catching up on some reading and came across an article in Fast Company that made the assertion that: “major consumer brands still have a lot to learn as social tools continue to proliferate.” The author shared some data comparing Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts in terms of the percentage of people who hear positive things about the brands and percentage of people who would never recommend the brands. Here’s how it shakes out: Continue reading “Be Careful How You Read Those Numbers!”
Should PR Report to Marketing? Vice Versa? Who Cares?
There is an interesting discussion raging (and I do mean raging!) on one of the LinkedIn groups I’m involved in – Network of PR Professionals. It all started with this post:
“Have observed/noticed in many cases Marketing wants PR to be part of their function/department…However as PR ( External and Internal) is developing, it needs to have a separate identity of it own.”
This comment was almost immediately followed by Continue reading “Should PR Report to Marketing? Vice Versa? Who Cares?”
The Power of Networking
Attended a session on networking at a women’s business event yesterday, so the following guest blog from Gina Abudi is particularly timely for me – some great recommendations. Thanks Gina! Continue reading “The Power of Networking”
Progressive – an Ad Campaign That Works!
OK – so I’ve blasted the E*Trade babies because, although attention-generating, they don’t seem to be achieving results. But here’s an example of a campaign that is clever, memorable – and working! Continue reading “Progressive – an Ad Campaign That Works!”
Sure the babies entertain – but do they get results?
I *love* the ETrade baby ads. I’ve said it before. I absolutely love them. But, do they work? I really wonder if – aside from the buzz value – these ads have achieved any meaningful, measurable goals.
A recent piece in Fast Company (March 2010) Continue reading “Sure the babies entertain – but do they get results?”