Influencing Target Audiences – Work From the Inside Out

There are four ways that people learn about our products and services:

1. Through their own experiences with us.
2. From their friends, family and colleagues – word of mouth.
3. Through the media – news reports, articles, etc.
4. Directly from us through our own advertising, web sites, social media, etc.

I always list these four sources of information in this order, because Continue reading “Influencing Target Audiences – Work From the Inside Out”

Is Social Media Better Than Traditional Media?

Here’s another one of those “it depends” questions: Is social media better than traditional media? Well, it depends…

  • Is television advertising better than radio?
  • Billboards better than newspaper?
  • Direct mail better than email marketing?
These are all “it depends” questions and, frankly, if you ever see answers to questions like these I’d recommend Continue reading “Is Social Media Better Than Traditional Media?”

Connecting Locally Through the Web

While the Internet offers the ability to reach out to audiences that are literally around the world, not all businesses on the Internet are really interested in audiences around the world–or even around the country. In fact, there are many businesses that are interested in connecting with local markets. An online discussion recently focused on whether there is a place for local marketers on the World Wide Web. I would say that  Continue reading “Connecting Locally Through the Web”

Twitter Profile Best Practices

I’ve been spending a lot of time on Twitter lately – both on my own accounts and working with clients to help build and leverage theirs. On Twitter, as with other social media, your profile rules. Those few words you say about yourself really help to position you in the social media space and send an important message to followers and potential followers. One of the most common – and sometimes puzzling – errors I see on Twitter (interestingly, not quite so often on LinkedIn) is Continue reading “Twitter Profile Best Practices”

Practical Applications of QR Codes

Ever since I heard of them I’ve been enthralled with QR codes. Not so much the traditional (and rather “boring”) applications where they simply take users to a web site, but more creative and practical uses that really leverage this technology to convey information and, in some cases, accomplish tasks.

Most recently, for instance, while on a trip and going through the airport security check-in, I spotted another passenger Continue reading “Practical Applications of QR Codes”

Leveraging Social Media for Non-marketing Applications

When we think of social media we tend to think of its use as a marketing tool whether we’re talking Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, etc., etc., etc. And, using social media as part of your marketing efforts often makes sense (depending, of course, on your objectives and your audience). But social media can provide benefits beyond marketing. For example: Continue reading “Leveraging Social Media for Non-marketing Applications”

What Makes a Good Attorney…Small Business…Consultant…Engineer…Web Site?

I recently responded to a question in an online forum that asked: “What makes a good attorney web site?” I thought the way the question was framed was interesting because, on the one hand, I do think it’s important with any communication to focus on specific objectives. But, on the other hand, I would also say that what makes a good attorney web site is very much the same as what might make Continue reading “What Makes a Good Attorney…Small Business…Consultant…Engineer…Web Site?”

Are Travel Agents Making a Comeback (and why you should care)?

The Internet has had a dramatic impact on many industries and businesses–creating opportunities for some and destroying them for others. Consider the changing nature of the publishing industry and the impact of being able to buy online for companies like Best Buy and many others. But business tends to be cyclical and it is often true that “what goes around comes around.” A recent article in the New York Times suggests that this may be the case for at least one industry — Continue reading “Are Travel Agents Making a Comeback (and why you should care)?”

Why Pinterest Works for Users and Brands

I was engaged in an online discussion recently about the value (or lack thereof) of Pinterest. It reminded me of similar discussions over the years about various technologies and tools that crop up on an increasingly frequent basis. I wouldn’t call myself an early adopter but I do like to keep up-to-date and experiment with new communication tools particularly. Recently I’ve experimented with Google+, Quora and Pinterest. Pinterest, for me anyway, Continue reading “Why Pinterest Works for Users and Brands”

Don’t Be the Victim of Disruptive Innovation!

  • VHS tapes.
  • Landlines.
  • Encyclopedias.
  • Film (the Kodak kind).

All examples of products that have already, or will probably soon, disappear from use. Why? Because they were made obsolete due to new advancements, replacements or changing consumer demand that led to their demise. That kind of evolution is happening all of the time. Sometimes slowly. Sometimes rapidly. Just as Continue reading “Don’t Be the Victim of Disruptive Innovation!”