Successful Blog

Heart Stories Sought For The Go For Heart Program

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By Jayme Soulati

When world news becomes so negative it pushes away positive vibe, it’s time to put a little heart in our marketing stories. That’s why my pal and cohost John Gregory Olson and I have launched the Go for Heart program of The Heart of Marketing podcast.

After I watched the entire show of CNN Heroes, I became inspired. Each of those individuals had single-handedly launched a heartful crusade to make their community a better place. As a result, they touched others’ hearts and emoted positivity and heartful connections.

That’s what John and I want to do, too.

In honor of our biggest milestone, the first anniversary of our epic (indeed it is and I encourage you to listen, heh) podcast, we are launching the Go for Heart program to recognize YOU, our fellow marketer who is at the core of heart marketing.

What is Heart Marketing?

You might think that heart marketing is hogwash; however, I offer you this…as we become more seasoned in our profession, the heart core becomes more critical to business success.

When you live, breathe and work with a loving heart you develop an authenticity for customer care and build a model for employees to emulate. Over time, there’s more happiness, there is more laughter, and there is more genuine authenticity for what makes a business successful.

Personally, I don’t think people take time to stop and smell the roses any more. Who has it? Time, I mean. There is a point on our path that forces a new sensitivity to emotions in business. Heart marketing doesn’t need to be woo woo; it can be honest-to-goodness authenticity (a buzzword done to death for sure, but relevant nonetheless). We’re on the path to find it with your help.

What is Go For Heart?

The Go for Heart program puts you front and center, and it allows us to share and shout kudos to the heartful marketer who:

  • Puts problem solving for customers above all else to create goodwill and loyalty
  • Creates remarkable experiences at all levels of engagement
  • Communicates a value proposition that delivers positive emotional response
  • Makes genuine connections that further brand engagement and relationship
  • Earns trust through authenticity

When was the last time you were recognized for positivity in marketing that connected with customers, earned fabulous results to advance change in a community, or delivered on a value-driven promise that no one really understood but you?

It’s pretty rare that professionals behind the scenes earn any credence for their work. Our program is pretty simple in that regard. If you are part of a marketing team making a heart story come to life, then we’d like to know about it. Once we review your submission and agree it’ll make for good podder (that’s podcast fodder, you know), we’ll feature it on the show.

Share Your Heart Story

We invite you to review more details at The Heart of Marketing and complete the contact form on that page with your heart story submission. You’ll hear from me as soon as you click send. If you’d like an example of the type of heart story we’re seeking, listen to our first episode in the Go for Heart program special edition where we feature Big Hug.

About the Author

Jayme Soulati strives every day to be a heartful marketer and find a positive vibe that emotes smiles, happies, laughs, and connectivity. She’s a public relations digital marketer, loves to start and needs help finishing. You can find her @Soulati and on all channels except SnapChat because she’s still wondering why.

Is Multi-Channel Marketing the Right Call?

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remember your goals - handwriting on a napkin with a cup of epsrAre you using multi-channel marketing to promote your brand?

When it comes to business success, getting the right message in front of the right people is the name of the game. Multi-channel marketing is an effective tool for doing just that.

So just what is multi-channel marketing and why do you need it in your business?

What Is Multi Channel Marketing?

Multi-channel marketing is, quite simply, a marketing effort that encompasses more than one channel.

These channels might include:

  • Your website;
  • Social media profiles;
  • Email campaigns;
  • An SMS marketing list;
  • A physical premises;
  • Printed materials such as flyers and brochures;
  • A TV or radio campaign.

While you won’t necessarily use every channel all the time (and some channels won’t fit your business or specific campaign), incorporating more than one channel into your marketing efforts is a good idea.

Multi-Channel Marketing Creates Choice

At its heart, multi-channel marketing works because it creates choice for your customers.

Each of your customers has a preferred way, or combination of ways, or connecting with your business.

For example, they might prefer to find all the information they need online, but then hop on a call for further info.

Some will be happy to make enquiries by email, but would like to receive a printed brochure, or talk to someone face to face when they’re ready to purchase. Some will almost exclusively use mobile, and so on.

When you use multi-channel marketing, you give your customers the choice to connect with your business in the way that best suits them. That means more customers will reach out to you and ultimately buy from you.

Multi-Channel Marketing Gives You A Broader Reach

Your customers are in different places at different times. Some are browsing the web, some are specifically using social media to find brands, and some are out and about on their mobiles.

As the article “Spread the Word: Best Practices for an Effective Multichannel Marketing Effort” says, one of the best advantages of multi-channel marketing is that it ensures that your business is in a place where your customers are.

Multi-channel marketing means that wherever your customers go looking for businesses like yours, or looking to connect with your business, there you are.

For example, you might have customers on social media who haven’t found your website. Or your brochure might get picked up by someone who hasn’t found you on social media yet.

This broader reach means your brand and message will be seen by more customers.

Using Channels to Strengthen Each Other

When you use multi-channel marketing, you can use each channel to bolster the others.

Say you’re running a special offer for SMS subscribers. With multi-channel marketing, you can reach out to your followers on social media and promote the offer there, too. When they sign up, your SMS subscriber list will get a valuable boost.

Or perhaps you want to get more social media followers.

You can add QR codes to printed materials, links into SMS messages, or special announcements in email blasts, to show your customers what they’ll gain from liking and following you on social media.

If you want to reach as many customers as possible and empower them to connect with your business in the way that best suits them, multi-channel marketing is the way to go.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Tristan Anwyn writes on a variety of topics including social media, how to build customer relationships, content marketing and how to use multi-channel marketing in your business

Is Your Association Providing the Personal Touch?

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Shaking HandsPersonalization is the key to many marketing campaigns today, especially if you’re newer to the business scene and looking to make inroads.

For organizations that don’t offer a product, they may not see the benefits of personalization. However, associations in all industries can utilize personalization to create a more satisfying experience for their members.

Members join associations for all kinds of reasons.

Some use them to leverage connections or to enhance their own image. They may be looking to network or to gain more industry experience.

Your association can find unique ways of interacting with members based on those reasons and on the unique needs they have.

Go Beyond Basic Personalization

As the article, “Why Personalization is so Vital to Your Association” says, many organizations use a basic form of personalization without tapping into the more advanced options. The article discusses using the individual’s name in correspondence, but you can do so much more.

Associations often attract members from various levels.

For example, in an industry association, members may consist of experienced professionals as well as those just starting out. The information a beginner is looking for is going to be different than what an expert in the field needs.

With modern technology tools, it is possible to show custom content to each user. As a result, you can create content that caters to various types of members.

Filtering for Information

Another method of personalization begins with filtering your members based on specific criteria.

Put them in groups with certain groups receiving information or other tools that benefit them. Create opportunities for networking based on their interests.

You can offer courses or send out special invitations based on the various needs of your members.

Instead of waiting to accumulate data over time, most associations have immediate access to more information than the average business that is trying to sell a product or service.

Just by joining your association, you can ascertain certain facts about your members. You will also most likely have them fill out a form that provides you with even more details.

Benefits of Personalization

Personalization benefits you as much as it does your members.

Instead of offering random or generalized information or opportunities, you create custom options that are geared toward a specific group or person.

This degree of personalization creates a more positive interaction between you and the member. They will be more likely to stay with your association and will be more active.

In addition, you will spend less time and money sending out general content to everyone.

Because you have a target audience and are more specific in your approach, you will see better results.

Personalization is not just for businesses in the retail industry.

Every organization can benefit by personal interaction with their members.

Take your association to the next level and discover that your members are getting what they need when you make your interactions with them more personal and satisfying.

Begin today finding out how you can get personal with your members.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including finance and the business world.

Give Your Mobile Subscribers What They Desire

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Internet Of ThingsMuch of what consumers do electronically these days is done on their mobile devices.

People have grown accustomed to the ease and convenience of communicating and getting information without having to sit in front of a computer. Mobile devices are easy, convenient, efficient, and well, mobile.

As a business owner, it’s up to you to deliver great mobile marketing to keep your customers happy and engaged, while reaching out to new ones at the same time.

If nothing else spurs you on to develop great mobile marketing, these two facts from Forbes should:

  • Ninety-one percent of adults keep their smartphones within arm’s reach. (Source: Morgan Stanley).
  • Even more important to entrepreneurs: nine out of 10 mobile searches lead to action. More than half lead to sales. (Source: SearchEngineLand).

Yeah – mobile marketing is pretty important.

As the article, “Do You Know What Your Mobile Subscribers Want from Your Business?” looks at, it’s important to know what your subscribers want.

You don’t want to send them the wrong information, or content with no personal value, that’s a waste of everyone’s time.

Know Your Audience

One of the biggest keys to mobile marketing is to know your audience.

Lots of data is compiled to find target audiences, whether through surveys or digital or print campaigns, now use that information to create a target base.

Keep in mind:

Shareable, valuable content

Once you have your target audience, deliver what they want. The more valuable the content you give them is the better chance your audience will act upon it. And that isn’t just purchasing a good or service; it’s also sharing the information to extend your customer base. One of the marvels of mobile marketing is that it’s so easy to share content, for your customers to reach out and share your great business.

Good mobility

Another thing you can do is work the mobility factor. A great website that works well on a mobile device is vital. Even if you have a stunning, easy to navigate, informative website from a desktop, if it isn’t mobile friendly, you’re hurting yourself. Think about how many times you’ve looked up something on your mobile device that doesn’t read well – you usually find something else. Don’t’ let that happen to your business.

Besides your website, make sure you have the right social media and it’s easy to follow.

You also want it easy for your customers to subscribe to any SMS or email services you offer.

These are great ways to engage customers and keep them abreast of anything new going on with you.

You can also send out deals and promotions to your subscribers. If they receive it on a mobile device, they are much more prone to act on it.

Trust that the time and effort you put into your mobile campaigns will pay off.

Just like social media, it may take some extra time, but through the marketing pay out, you’ll be glad you did.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Heather Legg is an independent writer who covers topics related small business, social media, and working from home.

Know the Merits of Guest Posting

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Brand Branding Marketing Product Copyright ConceptWhat takes up the majority of your time running a business?

Some business owners will point out the task of keeping customers happy. Others will note overseeing employees takes up a fair amount of their work week. Meantime, some will state that marketing and advertising their brand constitutes countless hours weekly.

One of those aspects of marketing is content marketing. More specifically; having an authoritative and popular blog on your website grows by the importance each day.

So, what happens when you don’t have the time and/or resources to field a noteworthy blog? What happens when you’d like to contribute to other relevant blogs, yet time and resources are again issues?

Is it too late to change course or can you make your blog worthwhile, along with contributing to others in order to drive more business and revenue your way?

Your Content is Critical

With 2016 knocking on the door, it is more important than ever that you don’t lose focus on the importance of content marketing for your brand, material that oftentimes will be displayed on your website.

Among the ways to make your content marketing stand out:

  • Hiring the right talent to write copy – If you find that you’re too busy yourself (and also your staff) to do the content marketing writing, look to guest posting services. By using such a service, you eliminate the need for you and/or your staff to research and write the copy. As long as you hire a service provider that knows their stuff, has a feel for your industry and can provide that necessary voice (see more below), and promotes your brand in a variety of ways, you can stand out in the content marketing arena, By doing so, you increase the odds of landing more business;
  • Talk to your audience – All too often, companies will try and tell the consumer what the business owner wants them to hear, something that is not necessarily always what the consumer in turns wants to hear. When using a guest posting service, make sure they properly represent your brand, something which will receive a better response from many consumers. The copy should be informative, yet not too heavy on the sales side. If the voice is one of simply a salesperson, you may very well push the consumer/s in the direction of your competitors. Talking to your audience also means being a social butterfly (see more below), so don’t be shy about talking-up your brand;
  • Socializing is where it is at – Finally, properly using social media to promote your content marketing initiatives is very important. You can have the best content/writers in the world, but what if no one or few people are reading it? Use various social media vehicles (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc.) to promote your brand. Yes, YouTube has become more and more popular with companies looking to market their products and services. Having a small amount of worthwhile content with the video/slides etc. you want to show can go a long way in converting a potential client into a delivered client.

If you’re finding that you don’t have the time and/or expertise for properly doing content marketing now and down the road, a guest posting service could be just the right call.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers marketing topics on the web.

Put Some Bounce Into Your SMS Marketing Plans

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Smart Home Device - Office ControlYour club or other form of entertainment establishment is alive with nightlife.

Excitement and energy pulse through the space and the air is fused with electricity. You want your marketing efforts to exude the same vibe.

Have you thought about bumping up your SMS marketing?

Text message marketing is one of the smartest marketing techniques right now.

You can reach large numbers of people who will follow through on a call to action. Most people have access to text messaging and check their texts throughout the day.

With smart messaging, this can be low cost, high reward form of marketing. Your club will be even more vibrant and exciting.

As the article “6 creative ways to advertise your club’s SMS marketing program” looks at, here are some things to remember:

  • Motivate people to sign up with incentives – Include a free drink or discounted cover charge when they sign up for text alerts. Think about this for getting current customers to sign up immediately, as in when they are in your club – post the number to join in your club and offer a free drink with sign up.
  • Make it urgent – With a quick turn-around time, people are more likely to take you up on your offers. For instance, when you say you get free entrance to the club with SMS sign up, make sure you include an expiration date and make it quick, like one week.
  • Let your subscribers know of special events – They can be the first to know about events like ladies’ nights or special DJ’s. It’s a great way to form those connections with your customers; they’ll love the feeling of getting insider’s tips!
  • Post your SMS offers on your social media – The people coming to your club are probably pretty into social media, so get this out there. Those that subscribe to your Instagram and other social media will get reminders to sign up for SMS. You can also send texts now and then with social media participation reminders. These work hand in hand.

Easy She Goes with SMS Marketing

The great thing about SMS marketing is how easy it is.

Because you are limited in your text characters, you don’t have to worry about creating long winded content. Short and sweet is the way to go, with a clear call to action, a reward and an expiration date.

Be sure to text consistently, but no more than a couple of times a week. You don’t want to annoy your customers, but you want to keep their attention. Vary your incentives and be creative.

You’ll see more and more subscribers and more and more revenue coming in!

Good luck and please share anything fun and creative you’ve done with SMS marketing for your club.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Heather Legg is an independent writer who covers topics related to social media, SMS marketing strategies, and small business.