Using Social Media Strategically - eMarketer

Using Social Media Strategically - eMarketer

Marketing Spending Pays Off for Small Biz

NOVEMBER 9, 2009

Spending money to make money

Marketers have seen budgets slashed in the recession, but that can create a dilemma: More marketing spending in a downturn can help a company come out ahead when the economy picks up again. According to the “Small Business Marketing Health Check” report from Hurwitz & Associates, there is a correlation between small businesses that are doing well and greater marketing spending.

Almost two-thirds of small businesses that expected increased revenues had raised or planned to raise marketing spending, compared with just 32% to 36% of businesses with flat or declining revenues.

Less than one-half of small businesses studied (46%) were expecting higher revenues in 2009, while 22% anticipated flat revenues and nearly one-third foresaw a decline.

The survey showed small businesses shifting marketing initiatives toward cheaper digital media and away from traditional channels. The top three marketing tools used were social media, e-mail newsletters and search.

Use of e-mail marketing in particular correlated with expected revenue growth.

“The survey clearly reveals that the use of low-cost Web-based marketing tools is playing a strategic role in helping businesses succeed,” said Laurie McCabe, partner, Hurwitz & Associates, in a statement. “Making a few changes to incorporate more online tools into the marketing mix seems to be a key ingredient to small business success.”

Keep up on the latest digital trends. Learn more about an eMarketer Total Access subscription, today.

Check out today’s other article, “Hassle-Free Healthcare, Delivered Digitally.”

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1007367

How fake sites trick search engines to hit the top

By JORDAN ROBERTSON, AP Technology Writer Jordan Robertson, Ap Technology Writer Tue Dec 8, 3:34 pm ET

SAN FRANCISCO – Even search engines can get suckered by Internet scams.

With a little sleight of hand, con artists can dupe them into giving top billing to fraudulent Web sites that prey on consumers, making unwitting accomplices of companies such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft.

Online charlatans typically try to lure people into giving away their personal or financial information by posing as legitimate companies in "phishing" e-mails or through messages in forums such as Twitter and Facebook. But a new study by security researcher Jim Stickley shows how search engines also can turn into funnels for shady schemes.

Stickley created a Web site purporting to belong to the Credit Union of Southern California, a real business that agreed to be part of the experiment. He then used his knowledge of how search engines rank Web sites to achieve something that shocked him: His phony site got a No. 2 ranking on Yahoo Inc.'s search engine and landed in the top slot on Microsoft Corp.'s Bing, ahead of even the credit union's real site.

Google Inc., which handles two-thirds of U.S. search requests, didn't fall into Stickley's trap. His fake site never got higher than Google's sixth page of results, too far back to be seen by most people. The company also places a warning alongside sites that its system suspects might be malicious.

But even Google acknowledges it isn't foolproof.

Some recession-driven scams have been slipping into Google's search results, although that number is "very, very few," said Jason Morrison, a Google search quality engineer.

On one kind of fraudulent site, phony articles claim that participants can make thousands of dollars a month simply for posting links to certain Web sites. Often, the victims are asked to pay money for startup materials that never arrive, or bank account information is requested for payment purposes.

"As soon as we notice anything like it, we'll adapt, but it's kind of like a game of Whac-A-Mole," he said. "We can't remove every single scam from the Internet. It's just impossible."

In fact, Google said Tuesday it is suing a company for promising "work at home" programs through Web sites that look legitimate and pretend to be affiliated with Google.

Stickley's site wasn't malicious, but easily could have been. In the year and a half it was up, the 10,568 visitors were automatically redirected to the real credit union, and likely never knew they had passed through a fraudulent site.

"When you're using search engines, you've got to be diligent," said Stickley, co-founder of TraceSecurity Inc. "You can't trust that just because it's No. 2 or No. 1 that it really is. A phone book is actually probably a safer bet than a search engine."

A Yahoo spokeswoman didn't respond to requests for comment. Microsoft said in a statement that Stickley's experiment showed that search results can be cluttered with junk, but the company insists Bing "is equipped to address" the problem. Stickley's link no longer appears in Bing.

To fool people into thinking they were following the right link, Stickley established a domain (creditunionofsc.org) that sounded plausible. (The credit union's real site is cusocal.org.) After that, Stickley's site wasn't designed with humans in mind; it was programmed to make the search engines believe they were scanning a legitimate site. Stickley said he pulled it off by having link after link inside the site to create the appearance of "depth," even though those links only led to the same picture of the credit union's front page.

The experiment convinced Credit Union of Southern California that it should protect itself by being more aggressive about buying domain names similar to its own. Domains generally cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars each — a pittance compared with a financial institution's potential liability or loss of goodwill if its customers are ripped off by a fake site.

"The test was hugely successful," said Ray Rounds, the credit union's senior vice president of information services.

Stickley's manipulation illuminates the dark side of so-called search engine optimization. It's a legitimate tactic used by sites striving to boost their rankings — by designing them so search engines can capture information on them better.

But criminals can turn the tables to pump up fraudulent sites.

"You can do this on a very, very broad scale and have a ton of success," Stickley said. "This shows there's a major, major risk out there."

Robert Hansen, a Web security expert who wasn't involved in Stickley's research, said ranking high in search engine results gets easier as the topic gets more obscure. An extremely well-trafficked site such as Bank of America's would always outrank a phony one, he notes.

Still, Hansen said, criminals have been able to game Google's system well enough to carve out profitable niches. He says one trick is to hack into trusted sites, such as those run by universities, and stuff them with links to scam sites, which makes search engines interpret the fraudulent sites as legitimate.

"I don't think we're anywhere near winning" the fight against such frauds, said Hansen, chief executive of the SecTheory consulting firm.

Roger Thompson, chief research officer for AVG Technologies, who also wasn't involved in the research, said search results can be trusted, for the most part.

"But the rule is, if you're looking for something topical or newsworthy, you should be very cautious about clicking the link," he said. That's because criminals load their scam sites with hot topics in the news, to trap victims before the search engines have a chance to pull their sites out of the rankings.

"The bad guys don't have to get every search," he said. "They just have to get a percentage."

Consumers can protect themselves from scam sites by looking up the domain at http://www.whois.com, which details when a site was registered and by whom. That can be helpful if the Web address of a phony site is similar to the real one.

___

AP Technology Writer Michael Liedtke contributed to this report from San Francisco.

Your On-Line Reputation: 3 Things You Need to Remember

Your Online Reputation: Three Things You Need To Remember

So you’ve read all our articles here at Brand-Yourself.com about how essential it is to maintain your online reputation and personal brand identity. You’ve successfully set up your Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts, emphasizing your individuality, visibility, consistency, and desirability as an employee.

The battle doesn’t end there, however. Maintaining a personal brand is continuous work and will continue for the remainder of your working life – perhaps even beyond retirement.

In order to cultivate your identity and your online reputation, keep three things in mind:

Be smart, not paranoid.
This is the age of the World Wide Web and, although you should exercise basic common sense and abstain from releasing information like your social security number to the general masses, there is no need to be paranoid about your information being online. Visibility is key, and it is up to you to take advantage of the accessibility of the Internet. Although you obviously shouldn’t provide, say, a blueprint and a detailed aerial shot of your home, don’t make it difficult for interested employers to contact you, either.

Use your name as often as [logically] possible.
Look at your various websites and social networking profiles as web footprints. Your online personality should be unique to you, but a clever, intelligent website means nothing if people have no idea who owns it. It is crucial that your name be prominent on any work you post online – not only in titles and bylines, but also headings, URLs, etc. – so that there will be a higher chance of your page[s] receiving hits. Exercise discretion, however. Sprinkling your name unnecessarily will look cheap and desperate, but thoroughly linking your work with your name shows that you are proud of what you can accomplish.

OWN YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION.
It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to own your personal brand identity. If you haven’t already, do a quick search of your name and see what the Web says about you. If you find there are people who share a similar name, you must work hard to differentiate yourself from those people. Always keep in mind all those professional and personal traits that make you desirable to prospective employers, and protect this image with everything you’ve got.

Remember, your work isn’t finished once you’ve established a personal brand identity. You must also work hard to regularly manage the impression you make on the rest of the world, ensuring now only that you remain individual but also that your brand remains true to who you are. Your online reputation is how people will differentiate you from the masses.

–

Gabrielle is a recent graduate from Syracuse University, where she studied fashion design and fashion communications. She occupies her time with photography and creating her own comic book, and she plans to return to Syracuse in 2010 to pursue her Master’s Degree in art journalism.

www.brand-yourself.com

The Gap Between Google and Rivals May Be Smaller Than You Think

It’s no secret that even with their recently-announced alliance, Yahoo and Microsoft will lag well behind Google in the hugely profitable search and search advertising business. How far behind? With a combined 28 percent of the American search market, Yahoo and Microsoft could double their usage and still trail Google, which accounts for 65 percent of the market.

But by another important measure, the two sides are much closer. ComScore found that for the combined Yahoo-Microsoft, “searcher penetration,” or the percentage of the online population in the United States that uses one of those search engines, is 73 percent. Google’s searcher penetration is higher, but not by that much: at 84 percent.

The difference between the two ways of measuring is frequency of use. Users of Yahoo-Microsoft on average searched just under 27 times in a month on those sites, whereas users of Google searched on average 54 times a month, or twice as often.

Of course, when it comes to making money from search, it is the number of searches, not penetration, that matters. But the penetration figures suggest that Yahoo-Microsoft could close the gap with Google if they persuade their existing users to use them a bit more often.

“The challenge will be to create a search experience compelling enough to convert lighter searchers into regular searchers which is generally easier than converting new users,” Eli Goodman, comScore Search Evangelist, said in a press release. “Though clearly easier said than done, if they were to equalize the number of searches per searcher with Google they would command more than 40 percent market share.”

That suggests Microsoft may want to spend more of its money improving Bing, rather than on marketing Bing. Spending on both, of course, can’t hurt.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com

Asterisk Creative Client, Mitch Yellen, is making strides in a stagnant market

Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB) August 22, 2009 -- In a time when most people are finding it difficult to afford life's daily necessities, Mitchell B. Yellen of Colorado Springs, CO is not only sustaining personal financial stability and planning for long-term wealth he is helping others to do the same.

Having 18 plus years of experience in the financial services industry, Yellen has had a chance to work with some of the best financial advisers in the business, study the mistakes and traps of conventional financial thinking and discover the true principles regarding what it takes to acquire wealth. After years of observing the devastation of fiscal misinformation, Yellen decided to forgo the traditional methods of financial planning and launch two advisory groups (Wealth Wonks and IBPro llc.) utilizing his own ideologies on ways to obtain wealth and consult with clients.

"People need more than a financial product," said Yellen. "They need to understand what wealth-building processes and enlightened strategies build true wealth. So many people with real wealth potential are still languishing in the shadows of traditional financial planning, however, we are blessed to have the answers these people need. It is my passion (and my calling) to lead others into this light that has so profoundly changed my life."

By establishing a personal relationship with each client and implementing customized strategies, the results desired are almost always guaranteed. Mr. Yellen sees financial planning as more than just a monetary projection. It's about helping clients understand the dynamics of various financial climates, pitfalls and wealth building as well as encouraging them to be their own bankers and invest in themselves. His expertise have helped everyday professionals as well as corporate CEOs and Presidents. "I found the services to be extremely helpful in planning long term growth and a secure retirement," said Dr. John Trowbridge, M.D. The President and CEO of Credit Union said, "It didn't take long to see that we could accumulate more wealth with better money management." Mitchell B. Yellen is well on his way to becoming one of the United States' premier financial planners.

Mitchell B. Yellen is the Founder and CEO of Wealth Wonks and IBPro llc. Information and resources regarding his companies and ideologies can be found on the Wealth Wonks and IBPro websites respectively http://www.wealthwonkspro.com/ and http://www.ibprollc.com/default.asp.

News From the Mecklenburg Times!

Social Media is not just for reconnecting with old friends. It is a tool to grow your business and create a greater footprint in your market. The article below explains that. Don't get left behind!

Full-time Facebooking

By Austin Light

CHARLOTTE — Twitter grew a staggering 1,382 percent in the last year. Since starting in 2006, it’s picked up more than 8 million users, according to Nielson Online. Facebook has attracted about 65.7 million users in five years.

With numbers like that, it just makes good business sense to be where the people are, said Brandon Uttley, hired recently by Charlotte marketing firm Wray Ward as the company’s first social media strategist. But that’s often easier said than done.

“Sixty percent of people that sign up for Twitter become inactive after 30 days,” Uttley said. “The LA Times found that that same percentage of people don’t even know what Twitter is…but you’re seeing more companies use it.”

Brandon Uttley, social media strategist, Wray Ward

Twitter is a Web-based communication system, using messages of 140 characters or less that are sent via phones or computers.

Accordingly to Uttley, the high drop-off rate comes from people knowing they should be on Twitter or other social media sites, but not knowing the lingo and culture associated with them. That’s where he comes in.

Uttley is part of a growing profession that helps companies monitor, use and market with social media. Their job description is simple — “connecting people to other people online” — but according to Jason Keath, a prolific Charlotte social media strategist and head of SocialFresh.com, it isn’t a simple task.

Keath maintains that social media management is fast becoming a full-time job as opposed to a low-priority task that can be passed off to an intern.

“I think it is as big as when e-mail came along,” Keath said. “Everyone uses e-mail; it’s expected. There’s etiquette, legalities, even laws associated with it. I think social media is going to be integrated like that into almost every business. Clients will start demanding it.”

Roy Morejon is the founder of B2WE, a social media marketing agency in Charlotte. He said businesses have three options: Hire one person full-time to manage it, hire an agency or third party to manage it, or use existing staff to figure it out.

“I’ve dealt with a lot of them, whether they need their hand held or I’m training a marketing manager in-house,” Morejon said. “[Social media] is not the same as traditional media. It’s more about conversation and less about campaigns.”

Uttley said a company’s best bet is to hire someone or use an agency.

“You can now have a presence in a lot of different places, and they are free or very low cost,” Uttley said. “So the biggest investment here is time.”

Keath maintains that even though social media services are free, businesses shouldn’t skimp on the time they invest to maximize on-line opportunities.

“A lot of people think it is free and they move to it to save money, but if you are going to do it correctly, you have to invest in it time-wise,” Keath said. “Can you afford to invest that time?”

Keath’s SocialFresh.com is working to increase social media awareness among businesses and help them develop skills to use it in a positive way. Social Fresh will host its first conference Aug. 24, a one-day event for marketing professionals with social media speakers from Rubbermaid, Best Buy and other companies.

“It’s quickly becoming a more legitimate industry. From people like myself that are individual consultants all the way up to large companies,” Keath said.

Duke Energy is among several Charlotte corporations hiring social media managers, including GMAC and Bank of America. Duke Energy is providing information through its Twitter feed DukeEnergyStorm, which keeps customers informed of power outages and restoration efforts.

“On Twitter, just from the anecdotal, we’ve got good replies back,” said Michelle Pearson, Duke’s social media director. “We’re still working to formulate where we go from here, and an important part of that is listening to our customers and other important people out there.”

As businesses attract more followers, more will be asked of them when it comes to interaction.

“If you join Twitter and just blast out a bunch of messages about yourself and your company, it’s going to fail,” Uttley said. “It’s about empowering the consumer…they have more of a say in expressing their opinions and getting feedback.”

Monitoring and responding to that feedback can take serious juggling skills, not just because some social media strategists are monitoring multiple platforms — Twitter, Facebook, blogs — but multiple accounts on those platforms as well.

“It’s a 24/7 job. My phone is constantly beeping with updates,” Morejon said. “The Internet doesn’t sleep and people don’t stop talking. You have to engage them and listen to them.”

The job, Keath said, is rewarding.

“It’s a rewarding career path because I’m more or less connecting people and helping people,” Keath said. “I consider myself an idea guy…It’s a great outlet for someone with a lot of ideas to help people.”

http://mecktimes.wordpress.com

Key to Sucess: A Solid Marketing Strategy

"Without a solid marketing strategy, you will have no blueprint to follow."

In order to create success for your business, you need a plan. Organization helps you know when to hire new people, what functions to attend, where to spend money, and how to better develop your business. Learn how to create an effective marketing strategy with advice from this article.

Visit http://www.examiner.com/x-12418-NY-Market-Research-Examiner~y2009m8d5-Planning-Your-Marketing-Strategy-Quickly-and-Effectively

9 Ways to Pump Up You, the Brand

With the stressful economic times, everyone could use a breath of fresh air when it comes to their branding strategy. Get yourself involved in the networking community through new means of communication. Focus on relationship building. And venture outside your comfort zone. Here are some tips and tricks to help you pump up your brand.

Visit http://webworkerdaily.com/2009/07/30/9-ways-to-pump-up-you-the-brand/

Twitter 101: How to be a better tweeter

Okay, we get it. Twitter is all the rage. But what are "good tweets" and how do you get in touch with the right people? Who do you follow? Check out this article for a little Twitter 101.

Visit http://www.examiner.com/x-14552-Providence-Social-Media-Examiner~y2009m7d30-Twitter-101-How-to-be-a-better-tweeter

Beating Negative Perceptions of Your Brand

Marketing and personal branding are key elements when promoting your business. But what happens when the going gets tough? Here are some tips to help you move past negative perceptions of your brand.

Please visit http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/channel/Finance/news/922812/mt-experts-top-ten-tips-beat-negative-perceptions-brand/

Add a Blog to your Website

This New York firm explains that having a blog on your website can greatly increase your SEO.

"Maintaining a blog is simple and easy once you get the hang of it," says Crisafi, "and it is an added feature that will, in time, help your online presence grow so that your business can grow too."

At Asterisk Creative we stress the importance of Social Media Marketing and the use of blogging. You can never do enough to connect with your consumer.

Read more at http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/3999-1249339284-new-york-web-development-firm-says-that-adding-a-blog-to-your-website-can-greatly-improve-your-search-engine-ranking.html

Having Doubts in Social Media Marketing?

If you need a little more convincing - here are some helpful hints from people in the field.

Please visit http://www.examiner.com/x-13133-Columbia-Internet-Marketing-Examiner~y2009m7d22-Social-media-tips-from-the-field

Just a Few Website Design Tips

Need some ideas to increase your sales? Start with a closer look at your website design. With the growing internet community, a website is more often than not a clients first look at your company. Create a positive first impression with some advice from this article.

Check it out at http://www.promotionworld.com/articles/internet/webdesign/090710-Website-Design-Tips-Web-Designers-Increase-Reputation-Sales

Seven Habits for Sucessful Email Marketing

Even if social media has seemingly taken over the networking community, the old stand by of email marketing should never be ignored. Research shows that companies are over-spending on email marketing simply because of minor mistakes. Here are seven tips that will help you save money and take full advantage of this networking tool.


Visit http://www.utalkmarketing.com/pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=14812&Title=Seven_habits_for_successful_Email_Marketing_revealed

A New Take on Social Marketing

Recently, all the buzz has been about getting your company out there through the likes of Twitter, Facebook, and blogging. But there is one thing we are forgetting. While creating a web presence is key, relationship building will never fail you. Here is a fresh perspective that will get you thinking.

Check it out http://www.bizjournals.com/extraedge/consultants/succeeding_today/2009/08/03/column560.html?market=portland

Your Personal Brand can be a Calling Card

The term "personal brand" has been thrown around by business professionals for years. With the recent explosion in networking and social media marketing, this whole idea of creating a "personal brand" has taken on a new meaning. Whether it is a logo, or simply your name, branding is about communicating what you and your company stands for to the public. You never know when a simple blog post could turn into a future business opportunity.

Read more @ http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2009/07/your_personal_brand_can_be_a_c.html

Reverse Your Fortune With Sound Marketing

When you know your market, your product will sell itself.

Too many people are concerned with finding something innovative that they can sell to their customers. In reality, you should begin with finding an target audience and discovering what they WANT to buy. With a strong marketing plan, you can turn your business around regardless of any economic strife.

For more information please visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32206855/ns/business-small_business/

SEO and Web Design: Why Now is the Time to Invest

Even with the tough economic times, the web design industry continues to push forward. The Internet has now become a part of everyone's day. People access it to check the news, search an idea on Google, or simply to connect with friends. To ensure that your company has the most visibility, a strong website design and SEO strategy are crucial.

For more information please visit http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=12311&catid=409

Better Website Design: Love at First Site

Your website should be a reflection of what you and your company represents. A user-friendly, informative website is the first impression that potential clients have of your company. What makes a design successful?

1. Fit for purpose
2. Accessibility

For more tips check out http://www.watoday.com.au/technology/biz-tech/better-design-produces-love-at-first-site-20090728-dzfi.html

Can You Join Too Many Networks?

Social Media Marketing? Check. But which networks should you join? Many people have spread out their personal brands on too many networks and are unable to manage their existence effectively. Here are some methods to help you choose which social networks are worth your while.

Check it out at http://mashable.com/2008/12/16/choosing-social-networks/

Take Control of Your Google Search Results

Google can be your best friend or your worst enemy. When someone Google's your name, the results can be very telling about who you are and what you do. Essentially, the Google results are your resume. Here are some tips on how to manipulate your search results and increase your web presence.

Visit http://mashable.com/2009/02/19/control-google-search-results/

How To: Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

In the corporate world, having a LinkedIn page is a must. However, for all of us non-techies out there, how do you best customize your page to reflect a personal brand? Taking advantage of this public forum can help you learn and further your career in no time at all.

Find out how at http://mashable.com/2009/07/27/linkedin-personal-brand/

Making Time for Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing, made simple, should only take you up to one hour per day. Many business professionals claim that social media marketing is too time consuming. The key: prioritizing. Social media has now been established as the most up to date tool to directly connect your company with your consumer. If done well, social media marketing can boost your companies success and only take you a short amount of time. Here are some tips and tricks to keeping social media marketing simple.

Please visit http://www.examiner.com/x-13398-Salt-Lake-City-Social-Media-Examiner~y2009m7d28-Social-Media-Marketing-in-an-Hour-a-Day

10 Ways to Jump Start Your Social Media Thinking

It seems as if there are thousands of articles out there advising you how to effectively incorporate social media into your marketing plan. In reality, what is the next step after you've created a Twitter, Facebook, and a blog? Here are 10 way to jump start your social media thinking and take your company's presence to the next level.

Please visit http://www.socialmediaexplorer.com/2009/07/22/10-ways-to-jump-start-your-social-media-thinking/

Asterisk Creative

Asterisk Creative is a creative services company that uses graphic design, illustration, and new media technology to custom design strategies and products for corporate communication needs. Asterisk Creative manages productions involving multimedia web site design, print design, logos, corporate identity systems, illustration, brand marketing, production coordination, and a vast array of related services.

5 Reasons to Jump on the Facebook Bandwagon

In the past two to three years, the marketing world has brought on an all out social media frenzy. If your company does not have atleast a Facebook or a Twitter, "everyone" is convinced that the world is ending. But really, is social media marketing all that its cracked up to be? Here are 5 reasons to convince you that it is.

Check it out at http://www.isedb.com/db/articles/2099/1/5-Reasons-to-Jump-on-the-Facebook-Marketing-Bandwagon/Page1.html

So What?

The most important marketing question: "So What?"

Today, it seems like all marketing techniques are the same. A representative lists off the product facts followed by a short shpeal on their "unmatched reliability" and finally, wraps up with a dramatic customer satisfaction story. But in all honesty, "So what?". What differentiates YOU from the company next door?

Find out more at http://search.sys-con.com/node/1038433

SEO Strategy: Your Website needs one

"As much as 90% of purchases begin with a keyword search."

What good is a website if no one can find it? Having a thorough review of your content is crucial if you want your website to be search engine friendly. The key: thinking about what your consumer will search, not what YOU want them to search.

Get more tips and tricks at http://www.examiner.com/x-16921-Newark-Internet-Business-Examiner~y2009m7d14-Your-SEO-strategy-should-begin-with-a-thorough-review-of-your-Web-site

Branding with Twitter to help your company

All this talk about Twitter and social media marketing can get overwhelming. Twitter has millions of users but how do you customize your Twitter profile to better connect with your consumer? The worst feeling is possessing the means to succeed but simply not knowing how to utilize them to the best of your ability.

Visit http://www.examiner.com/x-14460-DC-Social-Media-Examiner~y2009m7d9-How-to-brand-your-Twitter-profile-for-your-company to find out how.

Era of Digital Information

Digital media is completely changing the way companies respond to their consumer. Obama's campaign manager, David Plouffe was regarded for his "imaginative use" of social media and as a key player when it came to producing the first "You-Tube era President". While this explosion of digital information has left some confused and overwhelmed, it appears that the sky is the limit when it comes to discovering new ways to market your brand. Your mission: harness the beast that is social media and never, never underestimate the power of cyberspace.

Check it out at http://www.mad.co.uk/Main/Home/Articlex/900a9802919e47cdaa7d7f6427be0c21/Era-of-digital-information-redefining-brand-identity.html

The Art of Branding

Its more than just the logo.

Today brands are meant to embody everything that is your company. True success is when someone can recognize a brand even when the name is taken away. Companies like Apple, Nike, and McDonald's have mastered the art of branding recognition - who could forget the infamous "swoosh"? The Asterisk Creative team brainstorms to give you the the most optimal brand recognition through use of social media marketing, keyword rich content, and SEO strategies. If you want to reach your highest potential, no aspect of your company can be overlooked.

Discover how you can improve your brand recognition.
Visit http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/brand-recognition-20090619-cogw.html

20 Reasons to use Social Media Marketing

Today the importance of a TV commercial or newspaper ad is dwarfed in comparison to that of social media marketing. If I had a dime for every time I heard, "Follow us on Twitter!" in the past 12 months I would be rich. While interactive media powerhouses like Facebook and Twitter may seem like a fad or downright annoying, in reality they are excellent resources to communicate your brand to the consumer. They are efficient, low-cost, and easy to manage. At Asterisk Creative we stress the importance of using media resources like these. The more your company is mentioned, the more potential clients you reach.

Still not convinced? Here are 20 reasons that will change your mind.
Visit http://www.examiner.com/x-8160-San-Diego-Social-Media-Marketing-Examiner~y2009m6d25-The-Top-20-Business-Reasons-To-Use-Social-Media-Marketing

Getting your Brand out there in the "Twittisphere"

Twitter has become all the rage recently when it comes to social media marketing. But lets be honest, there are millions of people tweeting everyday - how do you get the right people to follow your brand and remain dedicated? The key is syndication. When you syndicate your content you'll get Twitter followers who want your information, knowledge, know how, style, and sense of humor. At Asterisk Creative we have a huge respect for not only the power of social media marketing but also those who can utilize it to the best of their ability.

Check it out at http://www.examiner.com/x-977-SF-Marketing--PR-Examiner~y2009m7d4-Grow-Your-Twitter-Following-Free-branding--promotion-on-Twitter

Social Media... Teaching Ourselves and You...

Success on the social web depends directly on your current knowledge of the subject. At Asterisk Creative, our team stays on top of the latest trends and are always continuing our social web education.

The AC Team will keep your employees abreast of the all the tips, tricks, and trends required to conduct business on the Internet.

We involve ourselves in ever aspect of the social media community. We work to understand who the players are and what the next innovation will be to drive results for your business.

Contact Asterisk Creative today to start using the internet to grow your business and make an impact using social media!

Color Theory and Your Brand

Color is more than meets the eye. Color evokes strong emotions and reactions. This is important to understand when designing a logo, website, or marketing materials. The colors you choose sends a message to your buyer. The proper use of color is vital to create a positive image among your target audience.

For example, red stimulates appetite. Think of the impact the McDonald's logo has had for decades. Red, however, is not a color to use in the financial sector because it creates fear not trust. On the other hand, blue it is one of the least appetizing and one of the favorites for most people.

Our team at Asterisk Creative uses color theory to when designing. We understand the complexity of the decisions buyers make. We work with our clients to create a brand strategy and materials that will deliver the right message to their buyers to create RESULTS.

Good SEO can help Reputation Management

A company traditionally implements an SEO (search engine optimization) strategy in order to ensure that their references appear that the top of every search engine results page. In the past few years, reputation management has become a higher priority as more people are using the Internet to express their opinions. This article gives great insight into how SEO and repuataion management can complement one another to take your business to a higher level.

Please visit http://www.brafton.com/industry-news/good-seo-can-help-reputation-management-$1305898.htm

Increasing Sales with Social Media

Marketing and sales go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other (unless you're the neighborhood lemonade stand, that is). But lets be real, marketing creates a demand for your product. Marketing gets your clients calling you. Find out how you can increase your sales using social media marketing powerhouses like Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger.

Visit http://www.examiner.com/x-13637-Kansas-City-Social-Media-Examiner~y2009m6d16-Increasing-sales-with-social-media

Ten Tips for Expanding Your Twitter Presence

This is a great article that can help you take full advantage of the "media bonanza" that is Twitter. Social media marketing is an efficient and inexpensive way to bring your business to a larger audience. Whether you're "tweeting" about your latest gig or a simple humorous comment, Twitter is without a doubt the most cutting-edge way to connect with your consumer.

Check it out at http://ohmygov.com/blogs/general_news/archive/2009/06/22/ten-tips-for-expanding-your-twitter-presence.aspx

Timing is Everything on the Web

When Trying to Engage People on the Web, Timing is Everything.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/22/allen-adamson-marketing-cmo-network-adamson.html

Shapes Salon & Day Spa

Recently presented with a 2009 Charlotte's Best of the Best Award, Shapes Salon & Day Spa is on its way to becoming the next big thing when it comes to getting a little rest and relaxation. Shapes offers services for men, women, as well as children; everyone deserves some pampering.

In the spirit of the tough economic times, Shapes boasts an extensive package that offers specials on hair, spa, and nail services. Also, Father's day is just around the corner. Need a last minute gift for Dad? Lucky for you, on June 21st, Shapes is running a special on select spa and nail services. Gift cards are available as well.

Don't be afraid to stop by. Heck, there is a 10% discount for any first-time customer. Whether its a massage or a simple haircut, at Shapes Salon & Day Spa there is something for you.

Check it out at www.ShapesDaySpa.com

Social Media – Is it a fad?

So just came across this post on twitter - http://www.ploked.com/social-media/social-media-is-it-a-fad.html, and it got me to thinking. Is social media a fad? I think not. It’s a new wave of communication that has yet to used to its fullest potential. We have just scratched the surface on how social media can be used, not only from a communications standpoint, but also from a marketing perspective as well. Brands can instantaneously engage with their end users via social media and this communication can give them insight into how to better meet the needs of those consumers. Brands can learn how consumers react to their products and services and even gauge what marketing campaigns are most effective based on consumer response. Brands like Domino’s and Comcast have used twitter to manage their “damage control.”

If you have considered dabbling in social media and don’t know where to start, or would like to explore how it can positively (and inexpensively) boost your marketing and SEO efforts, give Asterisk Creative a call. We can help you navigate the wild world of social media.

Opus Company launches new brand and website!

Asterisk Creative was tapped by Opus Company to create a new brand identity design to reflect the companies creative approach to hospitality solutions and hotel consulting. The logo is built in vector graphics.
The brand message and feel were continued throughout the website to create a user friendly experience. The website is hand built and coded to allow for future adaptation as the business grows. The site is built with a search engine optimization strategy in place and the site is cross browser compatible.

Discover the DiFabion Difference

Asterisk Creative has launched the redesigned DiFAbion Remodeling site. The site needed an updated look and feel that would create a dynamic user experience. The site features multiple photos galleries and contact form mechanisms. The site is also built to be cross browser compatible and with a Search Engine stragtegy. Please visit www.difabionremodeling.com.

Applied Vector

Vector graphics are very useful and have many applications.

In particular, the use of vector graphics is a great way to create a logo or identity mark. Vector graphics refer to geometric shapes, lines, and curves used to produce an image. By manipulating these vector objects, one can produce a symbol that effectively represents their company or business. That paired with the use of typography or the arrangement of type will ultimately construct a logo.

What's All The Tweeting About?

What's All The Tweeting About?
Twitter Offers A Unique Platform For Communication

Twitter is a "microblog". Think of it like a blog, only smaller... in fact you only have 140 characters (not words, characters) to communicate a message, so what you say has to be short, concise and of interest.

Twitter is simply a means to communicate with an audience of people who want to hear what you have to say. It's two way communication with your customers and prospects. And it's free!

Using Twitter is very easy - you sign up for a Twitter account and then start posting the 140 character messages, known as 'tweets', immediately. Once you've posted a tweet, it goes into your Twitter feed. Anybody who is following your tweets will then see your update within their own Twitter account - similar to how a blog's RSS feed communicates with RSS readers.

Of course, if your 'followers' are subscribed to hundreds of people, you may only have exposure on the main page of their account for just a few seconds, which is one of the reasons that people Twitter so much - so they can stay top of mind.

By default, Twitter feeds are set to public. This means that you can search for anybody who uses Twitter and see all of their past tweets.

So, what's all the fuss about this tool. And, how can you as marketer think about using it? Try these ideas:

· Extending the reach for those individuals or companies that already have a blogging strategy in place, and want to deepen or further ties. Good examples: Carnival Cruise Lines. The ScienceNewsBlog's weather tracking updates. Andy Carvin's PBS blog on education and technology.

· Retailers announcing sales and deals. Good example: Deals on Dells. Blue-light specials at Amazon.

· Increasing the ability for frequent updates to blogs or web sites or news. Examples: The NY Times, CNN, BBC, Adrants, and those of us here at MarketingProfs.

· Building consensus or a community of supporters. President Obama's successful campaign can be tied directly to his use of Twitter and Obama News Updates.

· Building buzz. Example: Sneak previews for followers.

· Updating breaking news at conferences or events. Share your experience with your followers presents you as a thought leader.

· Updating your network to shape your own personal branding: What's going in your life and your business.

So, is this hype or the next thing? Probably somewhere in between. Social media continues it's evolution and Twitter represents the latest platform breaking down the walls of communication as we've know it.

Sources: Marketing Profs, Web Profits

The New Shape of Shapes Salon & Day Spa

Asterisk Creative has teamed with Shapes Salon & Day Spa to create a website that is both visually appealing and user friendly. The site allows for monthly specials, on-line gift cards, and booking. Take a moment to visit the site at www.shapesdayspa.com.

The website is just the first step in the new evolution in Shapes. They will be using a variety of interactive media to stay in touch with their clients. So, be on the look out for specials on services and products.

Shapes Salon & Day Spa is a premiere full service day spa with three locations to serve their guests.

Common Market

The AC team is very excited to welcome our new neighbor, Common Market, to the South End. Stop by and check them out. They have an awesome selection of beer and wine. It is a great place to grab lunch or to just chill out after work!
http://www.commonmarketclt.com/

Hire Resolution

Asterisk Creative teamed with Hire Resolution to create a website that conveys their fresh approach to finding the right fit when hiring new employees. We created a vibrant site that drives home their innovative approach.

Check it out at www.hireresolution.com

Asterisk Creative Cafe

The Asterisk Cafe is open for business. We understand that we feed ourselves everyday and we need to do the same thing for our businesses. Remember this!

Marketing is the food for your business... So, order up one of our tasty originals or a side item to kick start your business!

User Friendly Websites & SEO

The design principle at Asterisk Creative has always been to design and build user friendly websites. We approach each project with a results driven strategy and search engine strategy.

Take a moment to read this article to further understand how important a well designed sites means to your site conversion rates and SEO.

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=103636

On-Line Marketing in 2009

There are so many great advances in technology that have created new visual mediums to create brand awareness and to capture greater market share

A recent headline from eMarketer trumpeted Marketers Eye Online Video in 2009. The stats below show what marketers are focusing on.



Video gets the attention of about two-thirds of marketers. This is pretty significant. But more than 4 out of 10 are also eyeing social media.

All of these offer great opporunity to market your company, but you have to start with a solid, well designed, and user friendly site. The idea is to drive traffic to your site and to convert users into sales.

Marketing in a Down Economy

Marketing in any economy is a challenge for business owners. Marketing in a down economy presents new challenges because you have to do more with less. But in every economic slow down there are always companies that actually excel and prosper. They are strategically able to seize market share, reach new customers, and streamline their marketing operations. These companies have planned and prepared to tackle the challenges by turning the challenges into opportunities. By reapproaching how you spend your marketing dollars and finding more effective tools your can stretch your marketing dollar.

One area to invest your marketing budget in is your website. Your website is the first impression most of your customers have of your company. This is an area that can not be neglected and needs to be maximized. Your website is a marketing tool that works for you even when your business is closed.

This leads into the second area to invest in, Search Engine Optimization... If your customers can not find you then your business will cease to exist. You need to have a website that is properly optimized for the web and you need to drive traffic to that website.

Please feel free to contact Asterisk Creative today for more information and for a complimentary consultation...

Asterisk Cafe

Check out the first installment of the Asterisk Cafe: www.asteriskcreative.com/cafe

Are you ready to be WAY PAST CRAZY?

Brain Pooley, the idea man behind Way Past Crazy, came to Asterisk Creative to develop the website for the on-line artists community. The site allows artists of all types to collaborate, communicate, and engage. The site is made for the artists and those that just like art... Check it out today to see what is going on at www.waypastcrazy.com!

Everything Roses

Today Asterisk Creative did a photo shoot for Rose Chauffeured Transportation. We shot all over Charlotte's uptown at locations like the Bank of America Stadium, Time Warner Cable Arena, and the convention center. Here's just a sample of what we got. Keep an eye out for Rose's materials for additional photos.

Discovering Southend

I had a great time designing and creating the website for Discover Southend (www.discover-southend.com). I took a day walking around Southend with my camera, taking pictures of everything. There were some places that I've never really seen as I drive by. The website itself is a great database driven site that lists all the businesses in the Historic Southend and any specials they may have.

Welcome to the Asterisk Creative blog

I would like to welcome everyone to the official Asterisk Creative website blog. On this blog, Asterisk Creative team members will update what is happening with current projects, the industry, the media... just about anything design or marketing related. So please check back often.