Over the past few months you may have heard some chatter about a new social network called Pinterest. The Unique visitors to Pinterest.com jumped a whopping 155% just in one mont from December 2011 to January 2012. Pinterest jumped Google + and LinedIn sitting at #5 of Hitwsie’s list of top 10 social networks.
Can you use Pinterest for marketing? Absolutely, let us share with you how.
-Drive Traffic to your website from Pinterest by pinning items your company carries
-Increase Links- by using the “Pin It” button on your pages, every single one of your pins will include a link back to the source, these are no-follow links and cannot be used to directly impact your strategy yet they provide marketing value because they allow pinners to encounter your content and visit your pages in just one click.
-Leads-Pinterest will start contributing to led generation
-Feature visual content you want to share with consumers
-Showcase your business personality!
Stay tuned for info on how to set up a Pinterest account and attract followers! Remember, succeeding on Pinterest is about finding how your products or services fit into the lifestyles of your target audience.
From The Hubspot: Pinterest for Business
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
I Want My SnapTag!
Definition of a SnapTag
[+]A Kindergartner's Definition
A picture with a circle around it is a SnapTag. You take a photo of it with
a mobile phone. Send the photo. Get back cool stuff. I like it when we get
back videos. My mom likes recipes.
[+]Brand Marketer's Definition
A SnapTag is your logo but interactive. Consumers engaging a SnapTag can
activate a full scale interactive brand engagement transforming any brand
impression anywhere into the opportunity for a brand experience. SnapTags can
be used across media platforms to deliver different marketing campaigns
customized for different consumer segments. SnapTags can also be used across
media platforms to engage consumers in an integrated multi-channel marketing
campaign. What brand marketer wouldn't want an interactive logo that is embedded
with sophisticated marketing campaigns?
[+]Direct Marketer's Definition
SnapTags provide marketers an opportunity to engage consumers and activate
a sustainable mobile relationship with them. Consumers participating in a SnapTag
campaign can opt in to receive more information, get brand updates or participate
in the brand’s loyalty campaign. Whatever the strategy, the result is a database
of consumers that want to hear from a brand. With a SnapTag, those brand messages
can be customized based on prior consumer behavior and information provided
by the consumer so direct marketing campaigns are more effective and engaging.
[+]Shopper Marketer's Definition
SnapTags enable marketers to engage consumers in a dialog customized for
different stages of the consumer purchase decision. Campaigns engaging,
influencing, informing or incenting can be crafted based on the consumer
opportunity. SnapTags campaigns can also engage consumers in mass marketing
campaigns and then drive them towards purchase consideration.
[+]Technologist's Definition
Snap and send on a standard phone. Scan on a smart phone. Either engagement
activates a response determined by a campaign-specific algorithm tied to a
specific SnapTag with a specific Code Ring™. The algorithm can serve responses
based on time, prior consumer snap behavior, API influences, consumer inputs and
other things we are just waiting to be asked to create. All the data is reported
via an analytics dashboard and recorded as attributes in a consumer database.
[+]A Kindergartner's Definition
A picture with a circle around it is a SnapTag. You take a photo of it with
a mobile phone. Send the photo. Get back cool stuff. I like it when we get
back videos. My mom likes recipes.
[+]Brand Marketer's Definition
A SnapTag is your logo but interactive. Consumers engaging a SnapTag can
activate a full scale interactive brand engagement transforming any brand
impression anywhere into the opportunity for a brand experience. SnapTags can
be used across media platforms to deliver different marketing campaigns
customized for different consumer segments. SnapTags can also be used across
media platforms to engage consumers in an integrated multi-channel marketing
campaign. What brand marketer wouldn't want an interactive logo that is embedded
with sophisticated marketing campaigns?
[+]Direct Marketer's Definition
SnapTags provide marketers an opportunity to engage consumers and activate
a sustainable mobile relationship with them. Consumers participating in a SnapTag
campaign can opt in to receive more information, get brand updates or participate
in the brand’s loyalty campaign. Whatever the strategy, the result is a database
of consumers that want to hear from a brand. With a SnapTag, those brand messages
can be customized based on prior consumer behavior and information provided
by the consumer so direct marketing campaigns are more effective and engaging.
[+]Shopper Marketer's Definition
SnapTags enable marketers to engage consumers in a dialog customized for
different stages of the consumer purchase decision. Campaigns engaging,
influencing, informing or incenting can be crafted based on the consumer
opportunity. SnapTags campaigns can also engage consumers in mass marketing
campaigns and then drive them towards purchase consideration.
[+]Technologist's Definition
Snap and send on a standard phone. Scan on a smart phone. Either engagement
activates a response determined by a campaign-specific algorithm tied to a
specific SnapTag with a specific Code Ring™. The algorithm can serve responses
based on time, prior consumer snap behavior, API influences, consumer inputs and
other things we are just waiting to be asked to create. All the data is reported
via an analytics dashboard and recorded as attributes in a consumer database.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Social Media Do's & Don'ts
You’ve set up your social accounts and you seem to be gathering your fans online fast, but thinking about what to post online can sometimes seem as tricky as coming up with a wedding toast. We all want to be “Liked”, so what’s the secret to an irresistible to retweet update? Here are 5 Do and Don’ts for making the most out of your social media presence:
DO Be informative. According to research conducted by emarketer, consumers expect more than entertainment when connecting with a brand online; they expect incentives, like offers and coupons. A great number of consumers though (46%), replied that they look for something more substantial than offers just targeted to online fans, such as tips and information about product and services. Posting simple to follow how-tos and useful tips can prove much more effective than posting a link to a specific product or service. Ask your customers to share their tips and personal experience with your products or services in the comments or through tweets marked with a specific hashtag.
DON’T Be a parrot. Information overload and repetitive content are of the main reasons to turn off followers or even cause them to “un-follow” you.
DON’T neglect replies. Social media is not about broadcasting, but about conversation. Connect with your fans and engage in conversations, if you feel it is not an issue you can resolve though tweets or Facebook comments, don’t hesitate to transfer the conversation to a private space by providing the customer with the right telephone number or by requesting his/her contact details.
DO call for action. Ask your fans to Like your pics, prompt them to share your content and thank them when they do. Always remember to thank or acknowledge your followers though, showing appreciation never hurt anything!
DO have a crisis plan. Online backlashes seem to be difficult to avoid, so it’s best to have a policy implemented to handle these situations and always be prepared.
From MarketingProfs: thenextweb.com
DO Be informative. According to research conducted by emarketer, consumers expect more than entertainment when connecting with a brand online; they expect incentives, like offers and coupons. A great number of consumers though (46%), replied that they look for something more substantial than offers just targeted to online fans, such as tips and information about product and services. Posting simple to follow how-tos and useful tips can prove much more effective than posting a link to a specific product or service. Ask your customers to share their tips and personal experience with your products or services in the comments or through tweets marked with a specific hashtag.
DON’T Be a parrot. Information overload and repetitive content are of the main reasons to turn off followers or even cause them to “un-follow” you.
DON’T neglect replies. Social media is not about broadcasting, but about conversation. Connect with your fans and engage in conversations, if you feel it is not an issue you can resolve though tweets or Facebook comments, don’t hesitate to transfer the conversation to a private space by providing the customer with the right telephone number or by requesting his/her contact details.
DO call for action. Ask your fans to Like your pics, prompt them to share your content and thank them when they do. Always remember to thank or acknowledge your followers though, showing appreciation never hurt anything!
DO have a crisis plan. Online backlashes seem to be difficult to avoid, so it’s best to have a policy implemented to handle these situations and always be prepared.
From MarketingProfs: thenextweb.com
Friday, December 23, 2011
Langstaff Marketing’s New Year’s Resolutions
2011 is winding down fast and the New Year is quickly approaching. We have had a great year, but in order to make sure we have an even better 2012, we have put together a list of resolutions.
1. Not to take on last minute projects when we’re already so busy. We know this will never happen because we’re so addicted to the challenge and to pleasing our clients!
2. Continue to put our clients and their needs first.
3. Read even more than we already do! Considering the amount of magazine, newspapers, and books that get swapped and passed around our office, we may need more hours in a day to accomplish this, but hey anything is possible, right?!
4. Step out of our comfort zone; wait…what is a comfort zone?
5. Avoid letting boxes get stacked higher than our desk, this only leads to a feeling of claustrophobia and prevents us from seeing outside.
6. Deliver even more creative ideas and the best of marketing strategies in 2012. After all, that is what our clients deserve!
7. Attempt to keep communication between our office in the range of business hours. Business related calls, texts, emails, and even house visits will only be allowed from 6am-6am.
8. Limit ourselves to only 2 cups of coffee each day......and maybe some more caffeine in the afternoon.
9. Show up each day ready to take on new challenges, brainstorm for creative ideas, expand our marketing knowledge, and push ourselves beyond what we think we are capable of, all with a smile on our face.
10. Be thankful each day when we come to work for our job. This is what we love, and we love delivering good stuff.
Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year from Langstaff Marketing
1. Not to take on last minute projects when we’re already so busy. We know this will never happen because we’re so addicted to the challenge and to pleasing our clients!
2. Continue to put our clients and their needs first.
3. Read even more than we already do! Considering the amount of magazine, newspapers, and books that get swapped and passed around our office, we may need more hours in a day to accomplish this, but hey anything is possible, right?!
4. Step out of our comfort zone; wait…what is a comfort zone?
5. Avoid letting boxes get stacked higher than our desk, this only leads to a feeling of claustrophobia and prevents us from seeing outside.
6. Deliver even more creative ideas and the best of marketing strategies in 2012. After all, that is what our clients deserve!
7. Attempt to keep communication between our office in the range of business hours. Business related calls, texts, emails, and even house visits will only be allowed from 6am-6am.
8. Limit ourselves to only 2 cups of coffee each day......and maybe some more caffeine in the afternoon.
9. Show up each day ready to take on new challenges, brainstorm for creative ideas, expand our marketing knowledge, and push ourselves beyond what we think we are capable of, all with a smile on our face.
10. Be thankful each day when we come to work for our job. This is what we love, and we love delivering good stuff.
Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year from Langstaff Marketing
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Your Elevator Pitch
If you suddenly found yourself next to someone who could benefit your career or business connections, would you be ready to take advantage of that opportunity?
It can be as simple as having the right elevator pitch. Think of it as your calling card, you have to remember that anywhere and anytime there could be an opportunity for conversation that could serve your career. Preparing an elevator pitch allows you to showcase your skills, experience, capabilities and goals in just a couple of minutes.
Where to start? First write a script, write down what exactly you do in several different versions. Then practice. Practice in front of a mirror to observe and perfect your facial expressions. Your script should include not only your professional accomplishments, but what is important to you, what you find meaningful in your life. Talking about personal subject matters will be more likely to connect you with someone as oppose to rambling off a list of awards you won at your last company.
Stay away from cramming your entire resume into your elevator pitch. Try and think of an elevator pitch as a first date, this is not the actual job interview. This is the first step in getting acquainted that will hopefully and maybe lead to a job interview. That is the point when you sell yourself. So next time you are unexpectedly in the same proximity as an influential person, networking, or just speaking with someone in the grocery line, remember that marketing is everything and everything is marketing. This includes marketing yourself!
It can be as simple as having the right elevator pitch. Think of it as your calling card, you have to remember that anywhere and anytime there could be an opportunity for conversation that could serve your career. Preparing an elevator pitch allows you to showcase your skills, experience, capabilities and goals in just a couple of minutes.
Where to start? First write a script, write down what exactly you do in several different versions. Then practice. Practice in front of a mirror to observe and perfect your facial expressions. Your script should include not only your professional accomplishments, but what is important to you, what you find meaningful in your life. Talking about personal subject matters will be more likely to connect you with someone as oppose to rambling off a list of awards you won at your last company.
Stay away from cramming your entire resume into your elevator pitch. Try and think of an elevator pitch as a first date, this is not the actual job interview. This is the first step in getting acquainted that will hopefully and maybe lead to a job interview. That is the point when you sell yourself. So next time you are unexpectedly in the same proximity as an influential person, networking, or just speaking with someone in the grocery line, remember that marketing is everything and everything is marketing. This includes marketing yourself!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Helpful Tips for Mobile SEO
If you haven't already done so, it's time to develop a unique SEO strategy for customers out there who search for content with iPhones and Androids—and all things mobile. As mobile online searches continue to increase, it is important to make sure your website can also be found on cell phones.
"Despite some predictions that mobile SEO will be of negligible importance, mobile search has grown 5x in the past 5 years—far outpacing PC searches—and the growth is only set to continue with the rapid uptick in smartphone sales," writes Lior Levin in a guest post at HubSpot.
See below three helpful tips to increase your mobile SEO success.
Create mobile-formatted content. This may be obvious but is still very important. If you choose not to format for mobile users, your content will hold less on-the-go appeal, and Google might take unfavorable notice.
Research keywords for mobile searches. When people search with a smartphone, they often use different keywords than they would use at a desktop. For help choosing better keywords for mobile searchers, HubSpot suggests you use the "Advanced Options and Filters" link at the Google AdWords Keyword Tool. Choose "All mobile devices" under the "Show Ideas and Statistics for" option.
Optimize for predictive text. Mobile visitors are far more dependent on predictive text than their desk-bound counterparts—so structure your keywords in a way that anticipates common predictive phrases.
From The HubSpot
"Despite some predictions that mobile SEO will be of negligible importance, mobile search has grown 5x in the past 5 years—far outpacing PC searches—and the growth is only set to continue with the rapid uptick in smartphone sales," writes Lior Levin in a guest post at HubSpot.
See below three helpful tips to increase your mobile SEO success.
Create mobile-formatted content. This may be obvious but is still very important. If you choose not to format for mobile users, your content will hold less on-the-go appeal, and Google might take unfavorable notice.
Research keywords for mobile searches. When people search with a smartphone, they often use different keywords than they would use at a desktop. For help choosing better keywords for mobile searchers, HubSpot suggests you use the "Advanced Options and Filters" link at the Google AdWords Keyword Tool. Choose "All mobile devices" under the "Show Ideas and Statistics for" option.
Optimize for predictive text. Mobile visitors are far more dependent on predictive text than their desk-bound counterparts—so structure your keywords in a way that anticipates common predictive phrases.
From The HubSpot
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Ever So Popular “To-Do” List
Do you go through multiple note pads weekly and have found that sticky notes have become a part of your wallpaper and house décor? Maybe even covering up pictures on your refrigerator? If so, let us offer a bit of organizational tips that just may slim down that to-do list. Becoming a master at making a to-do list can help you save time, be more productive, and also become better organized.
Keep it simple- Keep your list to the point and simple. Creating an overly detailed to-do list can lead to even more things to do that aren’t necessarily as important and also can be slightly overwhelming. It can be a hectic vicious cycle!
Plan ahead- Map out your day in your head the night before or the morning of making your to-do list. Try and schedule things or tasks near each other at the same time to avoid wasting time running all over the place.
Create time- Need to get something tedious off your list but can’t find time? Wake up 20 minutes earlier than usual to get that task done. Mornings can be a great time to accomplish detailed tasks because the craziness of the day hasn’t started yet and it is easier to remain focused.
Keep it uniform- Try and keep your to-do list on a certain type of paper or stationary in the same location each day. This will avoid all those sticky notes piling up and will also help you stay organized.
Keep priorities, priorities- If you have something you need to do, avoid putting it off until tomorrow and get it off of your list today. As Nike would say,” Just do it!” Putting tasks off will only result in a longer to-do list in the future, and get you behind.
Keep it simple- Keep your list to the point and simple. Creating an overly detailed to-do list can lead to even more things to do that aren’t necessarily as important and also can be slightly overwhelming. It can be a hectic vicious cycle!
Plan ahead- Map out your day in your head the night before or the morning of making your to-do list. Try and schedule things or tasks near each other at the same time to avoid wasting time running all over the place.
Create time- Need to get something tedious off your list but can’t find time? Wake up 20 minutes earlier than usual to get that task done. Mornings can be a great time to accomplish detailed tasks because the craziness of the day hasn’t started yet and it is easier to remain focused.
Keep it uniform- Try and keep your to-do list on a certain type of paper or stationary in the same location each day. This will avoid all those sticky notes piling up and will also help you stay organized.
Keep priorities, priorities- If you have something you need to do, avoid putting it off until tomorrow and get it off of your list today. As Nike would say,” Just do it!” Putting tasks off will only result in a longer to-do list in the future, and get you behind.
Monday, October 24, 2011
What You Can Learn From Steve Jobs
"Few of us have the chance to achieve 1/100th of what Steve Jobs has achieved," writes Bill Taylor at Harvard Business Online. "But all of us can look at his body of work, and the reaction to that body of work, and use it as an opportunity to ask more of ourselves as leaders and innovators with a chance to make a small positive difference for our industry, our customers, and our colleagues." To get there, Taylor suggests asking questions like these:
Why would exceptional people want to work with me? You can provide money or status, but Jobs gave his top-flight employees something that mattered even more: exciting projects. People want to feel that they're part of something great.
Do I know how to identify and hire outstanding talent? "Steve Jobs was as picky about the people he let into Apple as he was about the features that went into Apple's products," notes Taylor. When you evaluate candidates, he argues, character is as important as credentials. And that means you'll doggedly pursue the right person—even when she's not looking for a new job.
Do I teach my employees how the company works and wins? Everyone who works for Apple has a clear sense of the overall mission—and how the roles they play contributes to success. Be sure to give your team a similar level of insight.
From www.marketingprofs.com, Harvard Business Online
Why would exceptional people want to work with me? You can provide money or status, but Jobs gave his top-flight employees something that mattered even more: exciting projects. People want to feel that they're part of something great.
Do I know how to identify and hire outstanding talent? "Steve Jobs was as picky about the people he let into Apple as he was about the features that went into Apple's products," notes Taylor. When you evaluate candidates, he argues, character is as important as credentials. And that means you'll doggedly pursue the right person—even when she's not looking for a new job.
Do I teach my employees how the company works and wins? Everyone who works for Apple has a clear sense of the overall mission—and how the roles they play contributes to success. Be sure to give your team a similar level of insight.
From www.marketingprofs.com, Harvard Business Online
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Telephone Manners
When the hustle and bustle and stress of work becomes overwhelming throughout your day, remember to remain poised and calm when speaking to clients on the telephone. It is important not to let your voice show your stress levels or frustration over phone conversations. Your apprehensive nature can actually show through the tone of your voice, and your clients will pick up on this. If they sense uncertainty, frustration, or believe you to be in a frantic state, they will be less likely to trust you with their business and less likely to feel comfortable calling you. Nothing is worse than to call someone and feel frazzled after you hang up the phone, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth as well as you may even subconsciously make some sort of negative mental note.
Clients who communicate regularly with their partners have a better and more productive relationship; it is essential that clients feel comfortable picking up the phone to chat, and vice versa. Touching base with your clients is a key factor in maintaining a healthy working relationship. Remember common courtesy and be polite. Also, smile when you are talking and try to keep good posture, just as if you were speaking to someone in person. Try it and you will be surprised with how pleasant you sound!
So next time you are in the middle of spreadsheets, strategies, planning dinner, and arranging to pick up the family dog from the vet and the phone rings, remember to be calm, cool and collected and give 100% attention to the person on the other end. You can never be too professional over the phone. This will not only assure your clients that you are put together and organized, but it will also reflect the professionalism of your business.
Clients who communicate regularly with their partners have a better and more productive relationship; it is essential that clients feel comfortable picking up the phone to chat, and vice versa. Touching base with your clients is a key factor in maintaining a healthy working relationship. Remember common courtesy and be polite. Also, smile when you are talking and try to keep good posture, just as if you were speaking to someone in person. Try it and you will be surprised with how pleasant you sound!
So next time you are in the middle of spreadsheets, strategies, planning dinner, and arranging to pick up the family dog from the vet and the phone rings, remember to be calm, cool and collected and give 100% attention to the person on the other end. You can never be too professional over the phone. This will not only assure your clients that you are put together and organized, but it will also reflect the professionalism of your business.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Saving Time
Here at Langstaff Marketing, we pride ourselves on our diligent work ethic on and off the clock. No job is too big or small, or too difficult; we are up for the challenge! As you all know, we firmly believe that marketing is everything and everything is marketing. So here is a question we ask, where does all of our time go?
We can’t answer that question technically, but we can propose some options you may want to try to keep from losing your time. If you asked yourself, “Off clock, what’s that?” after you read the first sentence of this blog, please continue reading.
Cell Phones-How much time do you waste a day checking your cell phone? Try leaving your cell phone on silent after work and check it infrequently (unless of course you are expecting a very important call). Remember, children and adults at some point in time did survive without them! Going to the gym? Save time by leaving your cell phone in the car to get in and out faster. Eating dinner with the family? Make a rule to turn cell phones off (or keep them on silent). Keep cell phones away from the table or other places that are discussion areas. You will be amazed with how much extra time you have to visit with your family and friends.
TV-How much time do you waste watching TV? Now we are all guilty of indulging in our early evening TV shows and late night episodes after a long day at work. Do you really need the TV on at all times while you are in your house? A lot of people like to have the TV on so it isn’t so quiet, but is something wrong with quiet time? If you leave your TV on while dressing for work, getting ready for a night out, or doing house chores, you may find yourself wasting time with distractions from the tube. If you really want to accomplish cleaning your house in a certain amount of time, leave the TV off and get to work! If you need motivation, put on some upbeat music.
Internet-Now this one is a biggie. Surfing the internet waste your time whether it is online shopping, browsing for sports stats, or engaging in social media communities like Facebook and Twitter. The main point, stay off these online distractions while working or trying to accomplish anything in certain time period! So many people take breaks throughout their work day online, imagine how much more efficient you could be if you focused on your job duties. The vast range and diversity of internet’s capabilities is not just wasting time at the office however, these same things can eat up your time at home. Valuable time with loved ones, time you spend on daily chores or fulfilling habits like exercising, and running errands is lost every day to the internet.
Now we aren’t saying to become a hermit and close yourself off from all technologiy by any means, but the main point here is that sometimes in order to save time, you need to disconnect. Multi-tasking is not for everyone, and at times to truly save time throughout your day, you need to cut out the distractions and stay focused. Focus in the present leads to time saved in the future. Now we hope this blog has not been a waste of time for you today!
We can’t answer that question technically, but we can propose some options you may want to try to keep from losing your time. If you asked yourself, “Off clock, what’s that?” after you read the first sentence of this blog, please continue reading.
Cell Phones-How much time do you waste a day checking your cell phone? Try leaving your cell phone on silent after work and check it infrequently (unless of course you are expecting a very important call). Remember, children and adults at some point in time did survive without them! Going to the gym? Save time by leaving your cell phone in the car to get in and out faster. Eating dinner with the family? Make a rule to turn cell phones off (or keep them on silent). Keep cell phones away from the table or other places that are discussion areas. You will be amazed with how much extra time you have to visit with your family and friends.
TV-How much time do you waste watching TV? Now we are all guilty of indulging in our early evening TV shows and late night episodes after a long day at work. Do you really need the TV on at all times while you are in your house? A lot of people like to have the TV on so it isn’t so quiet, but is something wrong with quiet time? If you leave your TV on while dressing for work, getting ready for a night out, or doing house chores, you may find yourself wasting time with distractions from the tube. If you really want to accomplish cleaning your house in a certain amount of time, leave the TV off and get to work! If you need motivation, put on some upbeat music.
Internet-Now this one is a biggie. Surfing the internet waste your time whether it is online shopping, browsing for sports stats, or engaging in social media communities like Facebook and Twitter. The main point, stay off these online distractions while working or trying to accomplish anything in certain time period! So many people take breaks throughout their work day online, imagine how much more efficient you could be if you focused on your job duties. The vast range and diversity of internet’s capabilities is not just wasting time at the office however, these same things can eat up your time at home. Valuable time with loved ones, time you spend on daily chores or fulfilling habits like exercising, and running errands is lost every day to the internet.
Now we aren’t saying to become a hermit and close yourself off from all technologiy by any means, but the main point here is that sometimes in order to save time, you need to disconnect. Multi-tasking is not for everyone, and at times to truly save time throughout your day, you need to cut out the distractions and stay focused. Focus in the present leads to time saved in the future. Now we hope this blog has not been a waste of time for you today!
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