The Next “Big Thing” in Marketing

The marketing game is continuously evolving to incorporate new technology and applications. Failure to keep up could result in a failure of business. Consider the impact social media has had on the marketing landscape. Many businesses and even communications professionals balked at its usage as an effective marketing tool; however, it is one of the leading consumer touch points utilized by companies today. Well, the next big thing is here. And, you need to be sure not to waste time refusing its place as an effective marketing tool in order to gain a head start on competition.

QR Codes, which stands for Quick Response Codes, have recently burst onto the scene as an interactive marketing method to connect and engage with consumers as the boom of smart phones accelerates. Many businesses have already started using them on business cards, brochures and advertisements as a way to enhance their messaging with additional, targeted content.

QR Codes are essentially a bar code type system that acts as a portal to new content. Smart phone users simply take a picture of the QR Code and, using a QR Code application, are directed to targeted content of your choosing. Their effectiveness is wide in scope. From accounting firms to real estate agents or law firms, every industry can benefit from the use of QR Codes.

ProMoter Inc. has worked with several clients on initiating QR Codes into their marketing plans. Contact us today to find out how we can put them to work for you!

Fundraising Made Easy

Fundraising. For most people working or volunteering for non-profit organizations, fundraising is a nasty word. Few enjoy it; most dread it and even more fear it! Nevertheless, it is a reality of all non-profit organizations in order to maintain their programs and general operations. Whether you are hosting a big event or a year-long campaign, take a look at the following keys for success. They just might help quell your money-asking fears and turn your next fundraising initiative into a great success.

1. Develop a plan. All great successes start with a well-devised plan. Think strategically and consider all players involved in order to capitalize on organizational talents and connections.

2. Cultivate a “circle of friends” – aka prospective donors. Your organization has an inherent circle of friends that will likely support your fundraising initiatives simply because they believe in your mission. And, you don’t need rich friends either. (Wealth is the least reliable indicator of a potential donor).

3. Make the ask. As part of your strategic plan, you should identify the key players in your organization who would be the best representatives to ask for donations. If you are a smaller operation requiring all involved to solicit donations, devise a value proposition for donors to make it easier to ask. Don’t make it about money but rather the continuation of a cherished service and/or institution.

4. Think and act positively. Keep your head and spirits up throughout the fundraising initiative. A good attitude is contagious and your bottom line will show the effects of that!

Need help spreading the word about a specific fundraising event or generating PR for a campaign or drive? Contact ProMoter Inc. today to learn how a strategic PR plan can help your organization reach its goals.

Social Media Etiquette Part 2: Social Media Goes Great with Your Morning Coffee

When I stumbled upon Nathan Hangen’s blog titled “How to Manage Your Social Media Marketing in 10 Minutes Daily,” I had to reread the title a few times. Is it really possible to effectively manage the plethora of social media tools a company may be linked in to in just 10 minutes a day? This means generating unique content, posting on fans walls, putting out customer fires and tweeting the latest industry-related clippings? It’s true! Read below for some of Nathan’s tips to conquering your social media marketing while you take in your morning coffee.

1. Take One Platform Bite at a Time. According to Nathan, all social media sites are not created equal and, thus, you should not try to divide your time among all platforms as such. Nathan suggests for social media beginners to master one platform at a time before moving on to the next one. Remember to keep branding consistent among all platforms. If you are comfortable among the various platforms, Nathan suggests alternating between platforms on a daily basis. Don’t try to cram all of your social media efforts into these 10 minutes.

2. Respond to Your Fans. Nathan says it point blank in his blog. Your customers (fans in the social media world) aren’t listening to you. They’re waiting for you to respond. But rather thinking this is a negative aspect to social media, realize it is an opportunity for you to create an excellent customer relation experience and add to your company’s narrative. According to Nathan, a bulk of your 10 minutes should be spent responding to your fans.

3. Reach Out and Help People. Social media sites are a great way to discover new customers but Nathan warns against blatantly using these tools as such. Instead genuinely seek out those needing help using searches. It could lead to an invitation to join you on Facebook, Twitter or your blog, but don’t make that the goal. According to Nathan, the goal is to get on people’s radar.

To read more on this topic, visit Nathan’s original post at http://fwww.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-manage-your-social-media-marketing-in-10-minutes-daily/.

Social Media Etiquette Part 1: Is it OK to Reuse Old Content?

This entry marks my 30th post to ProMoter Inc.’s Smart Marketing blog since December of 2008 when we jumped on the blogging bandwagon (around the same time social media came charging down the information super highway.) I’ve covered a broad spectrum of topics aimed at helping you market your business smarter. And, behind every keystroke was the thought that I had fallen upon the latest trend, hot topic and buzz word of the moment. But, what comes of these old blog entries? Would they spend the rest of their Internet days archived amongst the other lonely and dated Internet information?

In an ever changing industry, the basics to smart marketing remain the same. So, is it ok to reuse old content for future posts? Surely there is some type of social media etiquette one should follow while traversing and participating in the online world. According to Rob Birgfeld, there are highly effective ways to give old content new life.

1. Update the post with a forward explaining its relevance today or how times have changed.
2. Reference the post in a new blog regarding a similar subject matter.
3. Add a new comment to the post. This may spark a new conversation.
4. Check the tags to ensure your blog entry is categorized correctly for organic Web searches.
5. Refresh! Perhaps you were off target when drafting your post the first time or even ahead of the curve. Take the entry and revise to fit with today’s social media environment.

By using these guidelines provided by Rob, you can dust the cobwebs off your old blog entries and keystroke new life into them!

Be sure to check back soon for part two in our social media etiquette series.

Welcome!

Welcome to ProMoter Inc.’s Smart Marketing Blog! No matter how you fell upon our blog – whether through our newly refreshed website, a Google keyword search or through a friend – we are happy to have you! We aim to frequently update this blog with the latest industry trends, valuable tips for small businesses and happenings at ProMoter Inc. Feel free to leave comments or questions. We hope to create a dialogue with this online community and welcome any and all feedback. Or email us at promoterinc@promoterinc.com. Enjoy!