Navigate Social Media for Your Business

The effect social media – particularly Facebook – can have on your business’ bottom line is undeniable. If you haven’t already joined Facebook, it is time to crawl out from under that rock, log on and get connected with current and potential customers alike!

Having a stagnant Facebook page just doesn’t cut it in today’s marketplace. You need to have relevant and fresh content daily to keep fans engaged. SIGNARAMA Downtown – a ProMoter client for over five years – has had its own Facebook profile for several years, and they are seeing a real pay off. In fact, over the past several months, SIGNARAMA Downtown has generated more solid website conversions from their Facebook page than any other method. And, SIGNARAMA Downtown’s fans are engaged and active on their Facebook page thanks to daily contests and giveaways.

You, too, can have a quality and valuable presence on Facebook. Take a look at some best practices in order to give your Facebook account a boost!
· Build a fan base. To have a successful Facebook page, you need fans! Be sure to promote your social media presence on all customer touch points including your website, advertisements, staff Facebook pages, direct mail, Internet campaigns, etc.
· Keep your page active. Nothing is worse than an inactive Facebook page. Not only does it give the impression that business is slow, but it is nearly impossible to build up a fan base. It isn’t enough to make company-related announcements every other week. You need to really offer fans valuable information that is useful to them and their businesses on a daily basis. Dig around for some industry-related news bits to post when company news is slower. Offer contests and giveaways that keep fans coming back to your page for more!
· Get your fans talking about your page. Word-of-mouth is a great way to go viral. By maintaining an active page, fans are likely to start talking up your page to their friends. The more fans you have, the more impressions you make, which could lead to more business.

There isn’t a science to Facebook or other social media sites. Consider what you’d like from a Facebook page of which you are a fan and try to provide that to your fan base.

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.

Is Your Company Missing Its Brand?

BRAND – it is a funny, little 5-letter word that leaves most small business owners scratching their heads with a perplexed expression on their face wondering, “Where is my brand?” It is an easy case to crack, really, and you don’t have to look in the trees or through the big budget catalogs of “brand enthusiasts” to find where your brand has been hiding. In a sense, it is what your company is and has always been. However, there are ways to make that brand more attractive and fresh.

What is a brand? According to the sources at Wikipedia, the word “brand” began simply as a way to tell one person’s cattle from another by means of a hot iron stamp. Today “brand” has evolved to acknowledge the identity of a specific product, service or business. While it is visible through a name, logo, slogan or even color combination, your brand also encompasses the personality and culture of your product, company or service.

What does this means to you? Brands are often a key selling component for a product and/or service. So why does this word affect your business’s bottom line and how can you use it to your benefit? A recognizable brand creates loyalty among its consumers, who are likely to continue to buy from a company with a “brand” they trust. Additionally, a solid brand gives your business credibility in the marketplace.

How do I better my brand? If your business is facing a brand deficit, action is necessary. From a company name change to a logo redesign to the creation of employee brand ambassadors, whether you consider a brand overhaul or a simple makeover, steps taken towards stimulating your brand will have a positive effect on your bottom line. And, once you have your brand in shape, don’t waste any time getting it in front of your target audiences. Many techniques can be very cost effective. For example, a solid social media campaign providing discounts to fans or followers is a free effort, which can build an online community with immense loyalty to your brand. Additionally, Internet marketing such as enewsletters can be done at a low cost with the same effectiveness as direct mail. Furthermore, brand ambassadors (your employees) are an in-house resource that can be cultivated into a vital part of any brand.

Want to do your own brand overhaul? Give ProMoter Inc. a call at (502) 562-1969 or email us at promoter@promoterinc.com to see how we can help turn your business into a brand powerhouse! (And, not to worry, we’ll leave the hot iron stamps on the fire.)