Personalized marketing messages typically perform much better than generic messages to general audiences. In some cases, conversion rates double or triple. That often equates into significant changes in ROI and future sales opportunities. Conceptually, personalization is taking a message that normally comes across as “hey you” and turning it into “Dear Joe Customer,” in s...

A DMA survey recently identified direct marketing pieces are getting more attention than in the past. Recipients are seeking: Better deals Coupons Special offers When these offers are combined with multimedia technology, many will make a purchase right online. In other cases they will give up personal information in return for subsequent offers and specials. The key is to market with proven dire...

Search engines do not see all web links the same. In fact, it is possible for a web master to request that a search engine NOT follow certain links to keep SEO value from "leaking" from a website. Some websites, blogs, and other web tools may allow you to link as a professional without providing you with search engine credibility. Search engines use special properties within link tags...

Like a well dressed, useful person, a website tends to have better success when it has the right anatomy. Establish a Strong Backbone: Every site should have a site map. A site map is a page that organizes every page on your site into a bunch of links. A user can rapidly browse through the entire site's contents from this page. Add Form with the Skeletal Structure: Intuitive navigation prevents...

The return on some forms of direct marketing campaigns is often difficult to track. However, powerful direct marketing campaigns can produce powerful results and drive significant business. Direct marketing campaigns include (not all inclusively): Postal mailings Email Door hangers, flyers and magnets When executed correctly, the ROI can be significant compared to other passive types of marketin...

How many leads did you convert from natural search engine traffic last month? how about over the last year? Your natural search engine rank is key to your online web traffic and converted business. We're not talking here about paid search engine advertising but natural results that result from successful SEO practices. There are 2 key concepts to successful SEO activities: Relevance Popularity S...

During The Oprah Show's 24th season kickoff party, Harpo staff and more than 20,000 people pulled off a massive surprise for an unsuspecting Oprah. The entire crowd performed a choreographed piece to the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling," and Oprah was not only shocked, she was thrilled! Award-winning director Michael Gracey says the interaction between the Black Eyed Peas and the cro...

A marketing message is only effective as its ability to engage and compel its recipients. It is common for a message to become confusing or forgotten unless it is written clearly with direction and purpose. Several mistakes make content ineffective. Poor Grammar Great grammar is expected whereas poor grammar gets noticed. Copy writers are expected to compose content that is expressed with proper...

Effective creative materials are key in any type of marketing. Sometimes the creative is simple, sometimes it is elaborate. Sometimes it is monochromatic and sometimes it is vibrant in color. The key to great creative is to design it for the target audience based on the channel in which the message will be delivered. Here are some suggestions every creative piece should exhibit. Forethought Ever...

Businesses and professionals often leverage the internet to drive business and convert potential prospects into leads and subsequent sales. Many incorporate website interactions into their overall marketing plans to generate interest and disseminate valuable information. Some brands see phenominal results as they push their brands online. What do successful websites and applications offer that e...