Archive for the ‘The Competitive Edge’ Category
Writing for the Web
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010Website Design For Business Success
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010Website design encompasses all the things we’ve been talking about so far in these newsletters. It includes content, graphic design, functionality and navigation, among other facets. All these facets have to be focused on one and only one thing: providing value to your business.
Visit tinyurl.com/CMC-Design-For-Success for the entire article.
Using Color Combinations For Message Enhancement
Saturday, January 9th, 2010In our last newsletter, Michelle Stanish from mpression graphics gave us some good information about basic color choices. We talked about was the way colors can enhance a message by evoking emotions and that certain colors can either excite or turn off target audiences. Many of these same issues apply to combinations of two or more colors. Very, very few web pages, printed materials, or other communications are monotone, of course. This means selection of multiple colors give an almost infinite choice of ways to enhance a message.
One problem with selecting color palettes is that colors can deceive the eye. When two colors are placed next to each other, they modify how you perceive them. A neutral gray can appear greenish and dark next to one color, but brownish and pale next to another. Taking advantage of effects like this can help create a mood, such as dim evening light or bright noonday lighting. These effects can also suggest emotions or supply connotations that can enhance a message.
Using Color For Impact
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009Creating A Winning Email Marketing Strategy
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009What Can Social Networking Do For Me?
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
If there is one thing that has redefined the way people use and interact with the Web, it is the explosive growth of social networking sites. Social networking sites are ones that aim to create online communities of people that share interests or activities. Sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and the pioneer MySpace allow users to build chains of connections to other people.
It would be impossible to over-emphasize just how fast these sites are growing. Twitter grew 3,000 percent in just one month. More than 4 in 5 U.S. adults that regularly use the internet participate in online social networks. Facebook receives over a billion user visits each month. If you haven’t started using social networks yet, you almost certainly will be soon.
People talking to other people is nice, but it doesn’t necessarily help a business. One of the key things that we have been discussing in these newsletters is return on investment. Perhaps the greatest attraction in this regard is that the investment in social networking is minimal – many of these sites are free. Measuring return sounds more difficult, but sometimes it is very obvious.
Take the small blender company Blendtec. Three years ago, they started posting 1-minute or so videos on YouTube of the company’s CEO subjecting odd items to their high-end blenders. Items such as rake handles, marbles, even a full, unopened Coke can. Silly as it may sound, over 15.5 million viewers have watched these videos, and for a $50 investment Blendtec saw sales grow 500% over two years.
Not every small business will experience such results form a social networking site, of course. What they will do is open a new avenue of interaction with your potential customers and colleagues. Social networks can supplement or perhaps even replace your traditional advertising as a way to convey your message. Social networking sites also have the built-in advantage of naturally organizing along shared interests, so the people you contact through such sites are often your best targets. How many other media pre-qualify your message recipients that effectively?
Compelling Marketing Communications gives you The Competitive Edge – Getting Started Online
Friday, October 16th, 2009Compelling Marketing Communications gives you The Competitive Edge
Friday, October 16th, 2009Why Measure Return on Investment (ROI) for Your Web Site?
via Compelling Marketing Communications gives you The Competitive Edge.
Compelling Marketing Communications gives you The Competitive Edge
Friday, October 16th, 2009What Is Return On Investment For A Web Site, Anyway?
via Compelling Marketing Communications gives you The Competitive Edge.
Compelling Marketing Communications gives you The Competitive Edge
Friday, October 16th, 2009Compelling Marketing Communications gives you The Competitive Edge: How Can I Improve My Web Site?