Archive for Marketing

Have You Made the Switch Yet?

webdesignsmallWebsite Redesign in Order?

Google has introduced it’s latest algorithm in February. They want to make websites user friendly for all devices. Mobile, tablet and computer. If you’re looking at redesigning your website, contact me today.

It’s really easy to see when someone hasn’t touched-up their website in a while, especially with all the new devices.

Do yourself a favor… Do not neglect the first impressions of your website for either potential customers or employees. Remember that many people (including ourselves) judge a company by their website.

If you know you need a responsive website and you don’t even know where to start or you’re afraid of how much it’s going to cost you, contact me!

Helene

http://www.rainandcompany.com

Marketing Ideas for Your Business

Marketing plan for your business

10 Marketing Ideas for 2013

Here are 10 marketing ideas that could help your marketing efforts! Consider a marketing plan an investment in your company’s future if you don’t have one yet!

Here are a few marketing ideas to consider and perhaps implement!

  1. Make sure your website has the wow factor and is easy to navigate through (this represents your company) don’t go cheap on this one… it will show!
  2. Utilize social media on all levels and add relevant groups to your LinkedIn account.
  3. Offer a “door buster” service or product (get the customer in the door) then you offer a good experience and they come back!
  4. When you write your ads, don’t speak at people, make it personal so that the potential client can connect.
  5. Target your audience- promoting to the wrong audience is just white noise that no one listens too!
  6. Don’t be afraid to send out flyers with hand written notes. When you send it out, don’t type out the label, hand write the label instead.
  7. Create press releases and talk about what’s going on in your company such as new hires, new products, initiatives, community involvement.
  8. Attend trade shows and make sure your booth stands out (because you should be in front of the right audience) this is a golden opportunity!
  9. Offer coupons and discounts and have a referral program in place.
  10. Send out e-Blasts that have relevant content and offers for your customers. Change things up and make it interesting… give them a reason to want to read your e-Blast!

Hope these tips help out!  If you need help with your website or with your marketing, give us a call or visit our website http://www.integratedmarketingusa.com

Til next time!

Helene

Your Online Presence

The importance of online presenceI am simply speechless when I see companies without a website or any online presence at all.  I personally don’t use the phone book anymore… I use the internet.

Having a website is a must now a days if a company wants to grow or remain competitive, but incorporating social media is also very important.  Social Media is not just to tell people what you had for breakfast that day. Businesses across the world are using social media to spread the word of their products/services and expertise.

It’s pretty simple… the more content you have online about your business, the more likely your content will be discovered by someone who is looking for  what you have.

Creating an online presence is the first step, but engaging customers with reviews, experiences and having them talk about your product…that’s golden!

If you need help with your online presence or want to expand beyond your website, visit us at http://www.rainandcompany.com

Until next time!

Helene

Blogging Boldly and Confident

Is Blogging Right for My Company?

That’s a great question and I believe that every company should first, have a website in place.  Blogging for a company is a great idea and can generate a lot of interest… if done correctly.

Be Organized with Your Content

Always begin your blog with the end in mind.  I always recommend that people ask the question “What is your main objective?” and take it from that point.  A blog should not be too long and should have several headers, an image and bullet points.  When you blog with a main objective in mind, add the main topic of your blog and the headers should be the organized content that follows. Begin a blog with the knowledge of what kind of blog it is.  Are you setting it up as a teaching tool or are you simply passing on good information?

Why Bullet Points Are Important

Bullet points create an organization to your blog.  Even if a reader is scanning through your blog, he/she will remember the content if you have bullet points.  Here’s an example below:

  • Create interesting content and keep it real
  • Discuss relevant issues in a manner that is easy to comprehend
  • Don’t take yourself too seriously, have fun with your blog
  • Keep it short, people don’t like long blogs

For more information on how to blog boldly, listen to Life Improvement Radio on Wednesday, December 12th at 10:00am EST.

For more information, please contact me at Integrated Marketing USA

Until next time, have fun blogging!

The Power Of Visual Content

Use Graphics to Your Advantage

With today’s social media outlets, companies have immense opportunity to tell different stories with pictures. It simply amazes me that some companies choose to go on the cheap to save a buck and produce ineffective graphics and marketing pieces.  The following venues are pure opportunities to promote your product/services and paint a picture that a thousand words can’t do!

  1. Your Website
  2. Facebook Page
  3. Youtube Videos
  4. eNewsletter
  5. Flyers/Brochure
  6. Blog
  7. Twitter
  8. Pinterest
  9. LinkedIn
  10. Google+
  11. SO MANY MORE…

First Impressions Really Count!

Do you know that it takes a twentieth of a second for someone to decide if a website is appealing or not according to researchers at Carleton University.  The results stunned researchers, because they were expecting a few seconds or less than a minute.

Impressive Facts

Source: http://www.mbooth.com/framed/

Make your website golden and see how you too can use the right graphics to your advantage!  Make it a great week!

Helene

Owner/Founder of Rain and Company Marketing Group

Integrated Marketing Solutions

 

How To Differentiate Your Business

Focus on the Benefits of your Products/Services

Many companies fail to list the benefits of their products/services. They simply list the obvious.  I challenge businesses to highlight the benefits of those products/services.

Here’s a short exercise.  Write down what your products or services.

Middle: write down what the benefits of those are.

Bottom: Write down what the compelling Benefits are (what are the results) Customer: “Why should I care”

 

 

 

Remember: Consumers don’t usually make a buying decision based on your product or services- interestingly enough, that’s what most businesses promote. People buy the benefits, they don’t buy the features… list the benefits.

Do Something That No One Else Does

Attract new clients through differentiation.  The best place to begin looking in this area is customer service. Find out what the biggest complaint is from your customers. This will give you an opportunity to make a difference, big or small- the choice is up to you.  The problem could be industry wide or just with your company.

Until next time, don’t be afraid to stand out!

Helene

Owner and founder of Rain and Company Marketing Group

 

Focused Marketing

One Thing vs Many Things

Most of us would consider ourselves multi-taskers.  When neuro-scientists conducted some research, they found that issues that deal with attention and consciousness, it is best to focus on one thing versus many things.  Bottom line is if you want customers to remember your product and your brand, don’t make your customers multitask when you’re trying to get their attention on your product or service.

Motion Attracts Our Attention

Have you ever noticed how some TV infomercials use very animated speakers? You could be presenting to a group, TV commercial, one-on-one, use motion to grab your audience’s attention. Focus your movement where you want their eyes to focus on- Where there is movement, someone is looking!  Videos are becoming more and more important in companies advertising campaigns- include the product/service with motion.

I hope you have a great week!  Keep your advertising to the point and simple to read at a glance.

Until next time,

Helene

Owner/CEO of Rain and Company Marketing Group– Integrated Marketing Solutions!

 

Customer Engagement Rules

Ongoing Dialogue

Customer engagement is no longer a series of one-off experiences—it’s an ongoing dialogue. Companies should develop ‘listening skills’ in this new social media age. It means listening  to customers who are already having conversations about brands –yours and others—in traditional online channels as well as over the social Web.

Keeping it REAL

Those conversations need to come across in a genuine and human way- keep it real. Important elements to invest into are to establish trust and form relationships through open, honest interactions over time.interactions that create positive experiences and outcomes for your customers.

Proactive outcomes include participating in the online conversations, solving problems, answering questions, hearing ideas and giving positive feedback while supporting them.

Responding

Responding to the customer’s feedback is critical- Unlike just a few years ago, the customer now has all the tools to be in the drivers seat. Businesses can benefit by staying engaged with customers or potential customers who talk about your products/services.

Take some time today and discover how you can engaged with your customers!

Make it a great day

Helene

Owner/founder of Rain and Company

 

Engagement Marketing- Four Key Factors

What does Engagement Marketing Really Mean?

More and more companies are using the term Engagement Marketing.  It has a nice sound and most people would understand that the topic is about getting potential customers engaged. The question is HOW?

Most People Don’t Marry Strangers

Today’s social media allows people to research, evaluate, talk to, comment and much more. Some advertisements that are oftentimes loud, intrusive and simply put, white noise are also relevant.  Let’s compare engagement marketing to a potential marriage. There are four key factors that are crucial for effective engagement marketing.

Connect/Meet

A connection is necessary. It could be over the internet, in person, through a referral, an ad, phone call or something else.  At this point…. first impressions are made by the potential customers. This stage is all about the looks!

Inform/Get To Know

This factor is the show and tell. What are the needs? What are they looking for? How do we differentiate ourselves from the competition? Many companies don’t address how they differentiate themselves at all- this is important. Share your testimonials on your website. Establish your brand and what your company stands for (loud and clear). Many businesses simply list their services and products when they should really focus on the benefits of their products and services.

Entertain/Courting

Several discussions take place and trust begins to be established. If you have the product/services the potential client is looking for, develop a friendship, find common ground and make it personal.

Share/Refer

This one is big- this speaks of your reputation, your services, your customer service…. and you’re not the one doing it… the customer does it for you IF you’ve engaged properly!

When I work with clients, they are more than just another person I encounter. I want every single business that I work with to do well and succeed. I spread the word about their businesses and they do the same about mine.

Engagement marketing is more than just a term, it’s an investment. Many companies want this, but are not willing to invest the time and money to “wow” the potential customer.  With the current economic conditions… many companies are bringing the circus along to wow their potential customers. Don’t be afraid to be give it your all in this phase.

If you are looking for web-designer that has a purpose and plan or a marketing plan that will differentiate your business, contact us at http://www.rainandcompany.com

Make it a great week!

Helene

Founder of Rain and Company Web Design and Marketing Group

 

 

 

 

How To Get More Referrals

Your Best Prospects Come From Referrals

As a business, you already have a customer base. Leverage that customer base in a unique way and make those customers talk about you!  “People will never talk about you to others if you haven’t given them something unique or different to say.” by Maribeth Kuzmeski in her book …And The Clients Went Wild!  That’s a great ready by the way!  I highly recommend it!

Make Sure You Do What You Say You Will Do

Establishing credibility is key in a new business relationship. The wonderful tools of social media have made it easy to over-promise and under-deliver. No business wants to be labeled as a business who under-delivers.  If anything, businesses want to known for going above and beyond.  Believe it or not, developing that personal relationship goes a long way!  It’s not just about you or them, it’s about your circle and their circle and when the two get together, you could very well have referrals!

If you need help with your marketing, press releases, websites or business plans, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!

Make it a great day!

Helene

Owner/Founder of Rain and Company Marketing Group

http://www.rainandcompany.com