Does Your Phone Compliment You?

A few years ago, Apple redefined the parameters of advertising a product. Not only does a product need to be functional, but it also needs to be convenient, personal, and beautiful. Those are no longer added bonuses - they are defined as a necessity. After all, the products you use become part of your image; therefore, they should complement and compliment you. You don't want something perfectly functional that doesn't also look good sitting on your desk, do you?

Consumers no longer see a sign, make a phone call, and patronize a business that can serve their needs. In an oversimplified sense, this may still describe a small percentage of business activity. But years of thriving economic conditions have made changes to our perception of needs and wants. It's not unusual for consumers to browse shopping malls, online websites, and even Facebook with a subtle inclination to impulse buy. Looking for someone to tell them what they want (or better yet, what they need), consumers are open (and have become accustomed) to powerful marketing messages that suggest where that "extra" money should go. Apple was one of the first companies to capitalize on a changing consumer mindset, and gave it a boost to a new level when they rolled out all the "I"s. It's not a "youPad" or a "wePod." It's a fashionable, necessary accessory that links you to the top bracket of the consumer crowd. "iPhone" - do you? You must - it fits your needs. Whatever they are - it fits them. Functional? Of course, but that's not where the real value lies. Doesn't it look slick? You need one. You're slick, too. Everything about you should say "slick." Are you listening to me? You should. I'm slick. iPad.

Cue a new consumer reality. Suddenly needs and functionalities are on the same par as wants and extras. In fact, they sometimes fall behind. Don't waste your money on something that satisfies your needs. Spend it when you can have your cake, eat it, get the solid silver plate, and have your teeth (and your friend's teeth) cleaned afterward. Why settle for just cake? That doesn't do anything for you, does it? Peripheral advantages - that's what you really need. Cake is just cake. My cake will make you a star. Isn't that what is most important, after all?

It's a definitive shift in advertising structures and schemes. No longer can businesses expect that because they put up their shingle people will come running to buy their product or service. In fact, it can be detrimental to a business if this is the extent of their marketing. It's not about you providing a service or product - however good it is. It's about delivering it in a gold package, in a surprisingly good timeframe, with bells attached and ideally a self-softening ingredient that will automatically soothe the skin of the consumer when they open it. Value in your product? It's there - right under the big red bow.

Advertising - it's no longer just putting up a sign. It's not just the value of your product or service - it's how you deliver it. It's how you follow up with it. It's how well you center the consumer in your processes. Put an "I" in it, if you can.

Get Their Attention

It's an anomaly.

It's an anomaly.

Sometimes it's that simple - the success of a marketing tool can stem directly from making people think (or read) twice. Find unique ways to grab attention and generate interest in your product. Irregularity is one of the common denominators for many Facebook status updates, Tweets, and YouTube videos that go viral. The same holds true for television commercials, radio ads, and print media - each have their own strengths and opportunities to powerfully communicate a message.

The next time you intend to place an ad, don't stop at your company name, logo, contact information, and a nice picture. Use the space you've reserved in the most creative, eye-catching way possible. It won't cost any more to have a unique approach than it will to have a completely blank space. But you will see a difference in your return on investment.

Want some feedback on your advertising? Call (403.929.1380) or email me today - before you commit to another round of generic messages. Take action today and see a better bottom line tomorrow.

What Are You About?

Years ago, businesses began when someone brought a product to a viable market and essentially put an "Open" sign on their front door. While the basic premise is still the same, the world has gotten much larger. "Market day" is every day, all day; passersby are identified by hits and clicks, and your display window has evolved into a Facebook page, website, and Twitter profile. Your audience is as large as your searchability is optimized.

In yesteryears, people bought and sold with you because you were part of their village, tribe, or area. They knew you, your friends, your parents, probably your grandparents, and your lifetime reputation. You were well-established. In today's world, people still buy on reputation. In fact, it is just as important to have a history of well-written blog posts than it is to have an "Open" sign on the front door of your shop. Positioning yourself so Google can find you keeps your place in the line-up of vendors in a global marketplace; ensuring your profile is complete and up-to-date aids people in taking steps to research you and your business. The more people can legitimize who you are and what you do, the better off you will be.

What have you done to make sure people know who you are and what you are about? Is anyone talking about you in their social media circles? Is your business easy to find on the internet? When was the last time you filled an order from halfway around the world?

Are They Listening to You?

Rumor has it that social media is gaining in the "white noise" label. Instead of providing followers, likers, clickers, and engagers with inspiring, upbeat, exhilarating content and satisfaction, it's starting to become the doleful, sad-eyed, here-we-go-again obligation. With so many people engaged so often and so much in social media websites, we all feel like we need to show up. Unfortunately, this party isn't fun for everyone anymore.

As a business, this means you've got to step up your game plan. It's time to explore strategies that won't land your messages in the totally-tuned-out stream. It all comes back to giving your listeners value. Here's some tips to get your marketing campaign back on the right track:

1. Know your audience. This is nothing new. Business 101 that you should have taken and mastered years ago. Know the likes, dislikes, habits, affections and longings of your target market. Do what it takes to find out what they want, when they want it, and how they want it.

2. Know your social media sites, and what people use them for. Do you really  need a presence on Twitter, Facebook, Stumbleupon, Evernote, Pinterest, Digg, Flickr, and every other "sharing" site out there? There's something to be said about getting your name and brand known. There's also something to be said about ineffective investment of time and money, as well as knowing how best to reach your target market. Do your homework and find out which road is the best road for the street signs you want to put up.

3. Give your audience value. Now that you've got their attention, give them something worthwhile. There are thousands of blogs, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and even good old email newsletters to be had out there. Why does someone want to tune in to you? Because it's worth their time to hear what you have to say. Keep it interesting and worthwhile, and they'll even come back for more.

4. Be real. Telling everyone that you have the greatest product in the world is no longer the way to have them believe that and buy from you. You have to prove yourself. Which means being honest, real, and trustworthy in all the interactions you have with clients and customers. They need to believe in you. This is the reason you don't hire someone to run your personal social media profiles. It has to be you. If you need a profile for your company, create one that is seperate and easily identifiable as being a company profile. But don't expect that to be nearly as successful as your personal profile. Nobody wants to talk to the gatekeeper - they want the real story from the horse's mouth. Give it to them. Take the time to let people know the person behind the product.

5. Use strategy. Again, this is nothing new. But lots of businesses seem to think that having a social media presence is enough. It's not. You're only part of the white noise if all you do is exist on Facebook and occasionally Tweet something that you think is interesting. Social media is, after all, a "social" thing. The idea is engagement - getting in on conversations, joining groups, and becoming a voice. Find your target market and engage them. Join relevant groups and lead relevant conversations. When someone is interested, know how to help them find out more about you and your product. Have a plan in place and a strategy in mind.

Summer Strategies

I've spent a lot of time in the past couple of weeks with various people, companies, and organizations that have dusted off the barbecue and welcomed everyone to share the good food, good company and good times. Events like these, especially with a sponsored charity to which the proceeds of the feast will go, are a great way to make an impact on the community and open your doors to the public. The weather in our fair city hasn't been ideal over the last little while, but let's face it: rain or shine, a good burger (or sausage) will bring out a smile. Especially one made from good old Alberta beef.

Have you considered ways that your business can have more impact on the community, and thereby up your profile in the public eye? Why not sponsor a streetside event that will draw crowds to the smell of great-tasting food? Have you updated your window display to cater to the fresh feel of a hot summer day, and followed it up with a little something that every person who walks through your door can take back out with them? Will your business be featured in the downtown events that will celebrate the upcoming national holiday and Whoop-Up Days? Will your float have something to offer spectators as it tours the streets during the parade? How many billboards have your unique name, brand and effective marketing message on them; and, are these strategically located to focus on your target market?

Summer is a time of rest and relaxation for a lot of people. Will your business be the one handing them a drink as they lounge in a poolside chair? Help make this summer the best summer yet for your community - offer them the best your business has to offer, and show it to them in value and rewards that they don't always have to pay for.