Give old media a measured response!

The old saying in advertising “half of all my advertising is wasted. I just don’t know which half!” is typical of ‘old media’ and is a quote attributed to a number of famous people including Henry Ford, Rance Crain, John Wanamaker and others.

In the past, asking about impressions, performance, results and measurement of your campaign was usually given the standard ‘rate card’ response with statistics, prepared by an independent research company. The problem, traditional media was incapable of giving accurate feedback about YOU and YOUR promotion.

One of the best things about new media sites available today is the fact that you can measure everything.

Add Google Analytics to your website and you can get detailed information about the number of hits to your site, visitors, time on site bounce rates and conversions. The best part is it’s free.

Set-up an ad with Facebook and you can view click through rates and get dynamic real time information about how your promotion is performing.

It doesn’t matter if the story is good or bad; you are in control and can make informed decisions about your promotion based on real time statistics.

So before you hand over your next advertising dollar make your ability to measure the real time results of your promotion a priority.

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Should your business participate in the local coupon directory?

There are many local directory businesses that ask you to promote in their directory via a coupon. This includes printed directories, promotions on the back of shopper dockets, local flyer drops and of course online directories. Continue reading

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Why I love the iPad

So what’s so good about the iPad? I mean who’s going to replace their books with this fancy electronic device anyway?

Apple - iPad - It's thin, light, powerful and revolutionary.
I think people that are focused on ‘books’ miss the point and this is why:
  • The iPad is not an electronic book,
  • It’s not a photo album.
  • It’s not a device for reading newspapers or magazines.
  • It’s not a video or YouTube viewer.
  • The iPad is not a games console.
  • and it’s not a music player.
  • And the iPad it’s not a presenting device.
The iPad is not any one of these things, it is ALL these things and more! OK, so you have probably guessed that I’m sold on the device and can’t wait to get my hands on one as soon as they come to Australia.
I am also very impressed with the convenience of the App Store. Like with the iPhone, iPad users can purchase apps and content with the tap of the finger and it’s easy because the App Store already has your credit card details. The simplicity and convenience removes roadblocks and lost sales usually caused by those ‘need to get my credit card’ moments. 
The Mac strategy is about so much more than books. This video also has another use for the iPad but I should warn you that it was difficult for me to watch.

 

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Social Media and Search

What impact will Social Media Have on Search?

With the growth in Social Networking platforms like Twitter and Facebook many marketers are questioning the value of search and traditional SEO strategies. The following video provides a really useful discussion on the topic and is worth viewing if you are interested in how Social Media can enhance your business promotion.

Here’s my summary:

  • Twitter and Facebook are great because the enable real-time-search. When something happens it’s online immediately for the whole world to see.
  • So Social Media will enhance traditional search without circumventing search.
  • People are using social media more than email according to the video and this will force a rethink on marketing strategy for both email and social media.

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Using Twitter For Promotion

Over the past few months I have been working on a Twitter application called Tweet Me Savings. My goal for the site is:
  1. Assist users by helping them find discounts promoted on Twitter.
  2. Assist business by helping them to user Twitter for Promotion.
The slide show below is a simple summary on how to promote with Tweet Me Savings.
View more documents from Slade Sherman.
Please visit the site and make use of the free marketing tools and any of your feedback to help me improve the site is welcome.
If you use twitter, (1) please re-tweet this article and (2) please follow me @sladesherman or @tweetmesavings.

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Building online awareness of your subscription or membership

Earlier this week I read an article “Membership Development from the Ground Up” by Tony Rossell. In the article Tony outlines a series of programs that he would put in place to get membership moving. In summary the results driven steps are as follows:

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Twitter for Business: Restaurant Applications and Small Business Tips

My blog ‘Business Tools: How to use Twitter for Business’ provided some ideas on using Twitter based on my experience. Following it’s publication I have been sent additional examples in print and the following is a list of some really useful applications of Twitter for Small Business and specifically Twitter uses for Restaurants. I have summarized the examples but click on the link for each example to view the full article:

7 ways small business and restaurants have used Twitter:

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Restaurant Promotion: What discount should I offer?

OK, so you own a restaurant or café, you have been approached by a local discount program, you have read my last post, followed the 8 guidelines, decided discounting is for you and now you ask yourself ‘what discount should I offer?’

The best advice I can give for coupon restaurant promotion is to (1) limit your exposure and (2) use ‘perceived value’ to your advantage. Attracting new customers with a discount coupon is great for business as long as the terms of the offer limit your exposure by not giving away too much margin. You also want perception of value so potential customers feel compelled to use the coupon.

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Marketing Tips: Small Business Google Listing

Many small businesses have until now ignored the power of Google search but Google maps is changing the game for small business. If you own a small business or restaurant and have not already done so follow these steps to ensure you are listed:

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