By: Justin Jackson, Donnelley Marketing
Making the most of one to one marketing efforts means including integrity in your decisions. Treat customers and prospects with integrity when you communicate with them. Treat your data with integrity when you cleanse and manipulate it. Treat your business with integrity when considering your vision and goals.
The first step in passing the I Test begins with address hygiene services, commonly referred to as address integrity services. The National Change of Address service is the most well known and most powerful service available. The NCOA database is built and managed by the United States Postal service. The USPS regulates matching logic when processing against the NCOA file. The NCOA file contains more than 155 million records within a rolling 48-month time frame. Updates are made to the NCOA file on a weekly basis.
One in five Americans will move each year, a staggering number when you consider the impact on 20% of your customer file. Not knowing where you customer resides has a dual impact. First, your piece isn't delivered where it is supposed to be, and you may miss out on an order, and second, your piece ends up in the hands of the new resident, who is left wondering why you are mailing them at all. Using the NCOA file will alleviate both concerns. The USPS has legislation in place to require all First Class and Standard mail to be processed through NCOA, a move update service like ACS, Address Correction Service, or be labeled as OCO, Or Current Occupant, within 95 days of the mail date. This rule will be in place by November 23rd of 2008.
The USPS has also required LACS, Locatable Address Correction Service, to be run in conjunction with NCOA processing. LACS translates the Rural Route addresses that exist on many current customer files, into standardized 911 Emergency addresses. LACS also updates street name changes and PO Box renumbering changes.
Utilizing these basic postal offerings can help many mailers with the basics. Both services impact delivery but also impacts matching within a merge purge or data append service. When it comes to integrity, the basics play a role. Make the I Test a part of every mailing.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Start Your Own Blog In 3 Easy Steps
Michael Fleischner, Marketing Scoop
Blogging is a great way to reach your audience, share your thoughts, and even help you with your Internet marketing. I’ve been blogging for nearly 3 years and continue to enjoy the benefits of not only communicating with an audience, but engaging in meaningful dialog. Starting a blog is easy to do and pays huge dividends.
There are a number of free services available that offer free blog services. Sites like Blogger and WordPress only require a brief registration and set up. Once you determine a theme for your blog and a template, you’re ready to begin posting. Posts are entries you make on your blog that are published instantly.
Some bloggers post comments to their blog each and every day, others once a week. Regardless of how frequently you post to your blog, content can be focused on a specific theme or random topics. The most popular blogs focus on a specific niche and provide valuable information, content, and commentary that encourage interaction with blog followers.
Sign up for a blog service. Begin development of your blog by signing up for Blogger or WordPress. Once you have an account, you can quickly set up your blog. Consider the goal of your blog and what type of commitment you are willing to make. Start small and be consistent.
Determine how you will monetize your blog. If you want to use your blog to generate revenue, there are a few techniques you can apply depending on which platform you’re using. One of the most popular methods of monetizing your blog is with the help of Google Adsense. This is a popular option and very easy to add to your blog. Not only does it generate a small amount of revenue for you on a weekly basis, but it also provides relevant links based on your posts.
Another great way to monetize your blog is through paid links. The concept of offering paid links is pretty straight forward. You create a section of you blog that lists recommended sites. In this list, you only place links that people have paid you to post. There are some tools you can use to automate this process. I simply add a link to a post that says, “How to post your link” with directions and a pass through to a Paypal page. You can set up a single time payment or subscription, allowing would be advertisers the opportunity to purchase a link on your blog monthly or for a longer period of time.
Many individuals are monetizing their blogs by using pay per post or other blogging network. Essentially, advertisers search for bloggers who are willing to write a post to promote their product and services or brand. You can sign up for one of these networks quite easily and be contacted when advertisers feel that your blog would be ideal for distributing a message. You write a blog post and get paid for doing so.
One thing to keep in mind is that the success of you blog is based on a number of factors. I believe that having a targeted blog that offers original content is ideal. You will build a large following. This is essential because most of the monetization methods are based on having enough traffic to make your blog appealing to advertisers as well as blog readers.
Blogging is a great way to reach your audience, share your thoughts, and even help you with your Internet marketing. I’ve been blogging for nearly 3 years and continue to enjoy the benefits of not only communicating with an audience, but engaging in meaningful dialog. Starting a blog is easy to do and pays huge dividends.
There are a number of free services available that offer free blog services. Sites like Blogger and WordPress only require a brief registration and set up. Once you determine a theme for your blog and a template, you’re ready to begin posting. Posts are entries you make on your blog that are published instantly.
Some bloggers post comments to their blog each and every day, others once a week. Regardless of how frequently you post to your blog, content can be focused on a specific theme or random topics. The most popular blogs focus on a specific niche and provide valuable information, content, and commentary that encourage interaction with blog followers.
Sign up for a blog service. Begin development of your blog by signing up for Blogger or WordPress. Once you have an account, you can quickly set up your blog. Consider the goal of your blog and what type of commitment you are willing to make. Start small and be consistent.
Determine how you will monetize your blog. If you want to use your blog to generate revenue, there are a few techniques you can apply depending on which platform you’re using. One of the most popular methods of monetizing your blog is with the help of Google Adsense. This is a popular option and very easy to add to your blog. Not only does it generate a small amount of revenue for you on a weekly basis, but it also provides relevant links based on your posts.
Another great way to monetize your blog is through paid links. The concept of offering paid links is pretty straight forward. You create a section of you blog that lists recommended sites. In this list, you only place links that people have paid you to post. There are some tools you can use to automate this process. I simply add a link to a post that says, “How to post your link” with directions and a pass through to a Paypal page. You can set up a single time payment or subscription, allowing would be advertisers the opportunity to purchase a link on your blog monthly or for a longer period of time.
Many individuals are monetizing their blogs by using pay per post or other blogging network. Essentially, advertisers search for bloggers who are willing to write a post to promote their product and services or brand. You can sign up for one of these networks quite easily and be contacted when advertisers feel that your blog would be ideal for distributing a message. You write a blog post and get paid for doing so.
One thing to keep in mind is that the success of you blog is based on a number of factors. I believe that having a targeted blog that offers original content is ideal. You will build a large following. This is essential because most of the monetization methods are based on having enough traffic to make your blog appealing to advertisers as well as blog readers.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
5 Powerful Steps to PodCast Marketing
By: JD Theis, The Content Writers
Every business owner I know wants to get into Podcast marketing and does not have a really solid understanding of what this technology has to offer. Many believe that it is just a MP3 file that is placed directly on the website, however, podcasts are strategically placed mp3 or audio type files on your site created with an rss feed. The rss feed is used to mass distribute the audio file to podcasting sites like iTunes, Yahoo Podcasts, Podcast Alley and tons more. It is a fairly simple technology that requires some amount of know-how, it can be a very effective tool for you to attract customers to your website.
The idea of podcasting is simple enough, and as a marketer, you will want to consider podcasting as another means of reaching your client base. Obviously, the more directions in which you attack the marketing problem, the better. Whether it is television, the radio, or the internet, you will need to be able to reach your target audience from several different outlets. Podcasting offers a new way of reaching the internet market. It is a way to reach your viewers without making them have to read through countless pages of web site material. As of today, podcasting has not fully realized its potential in the business world and most podcasts have been used for only personal purposes. It remains an untapped technology that many business owners may not have yet considered.
What I am referring to is Podcast Marketing. Through Podcast Marketing, the objective is to broadcast your audio file to as many listeners as you can possibly reach. Websites that use podcasting technology have taken off like a rocket over the last few years and they have now become so important that even presidential candidates are using their services to reach out to the internet viewer. Most of what you find on podcasting and various other open media sites are limited to personal downloads meant only for entertainment, and they have not reached their full potential as advertising venues. For example, many situational comedy shows now offer podcasts that can be played while viewing a live episode. This type of podcast is mainly used to enhance the experience of the viewer, and they are usually played for entertainment purposes only. To find a list of Podcast Marketing sites search online for podcast list.
Before I get into the technical details of podcasting, I would like to note that there are several companies out there that are selling these services without the proper knowledge or expertise to really help you. They do not have a full understanding of how podcast marketing really works, or what it can offer to you, the client. This guide will help you in this regard. You will be able to see that we do have a breadth of knowledge concerning this service, and that our expertise is worthy of your attention. We want to ensure that you have to spend as little time as possible in researching podcasting. Simply review our guide and you will see that we can clearly help you.
The 5 steps of Powerful PodCast Marketing:
1. Always have a plan of attack. There are various formats used to create a pod cast and you need to understand exactly what format will benefit you the most. You can post an audio file of an Interview or Commercial to boost your product. In addition, you can just make a recording of yourself as you talk about your particular industry. In any case, make sure your recordings are informative and interesting to listen to. Also be sure to mention your domain name clearly in the podcast so your listeners will know exactly where to find the services that you offer.
2. Have a few of your friends or colleagues listen to your podcast and give you their feedback on their interest level, the clarity of the audio and other factors. Keep in mind that it doesn't have to be an absolutely perfect audio file. So long as your message is clear you will find success.
3. Make sure to have a valid rss / xml feed created on your site and upload your mp3 directly onto the site as well. Be sure to include a title and brief description of the recording to go along with your podcast. You can always go with wordpress and have a special podcasting plugin installed.
4. Test your audio file and make sure that it can be heard by other listeners. In addition, you will want to ensure that the rss / xml feed validates. Do a simple search online for podcast rss validator.
5. Finally submit your rss / xml feed to as many podcast directories as you possibly can. This may be a bit tedious and a time consuming process, but it will be worth it because the end results can be quite remarkable. In many cases, you will be required to choose a category and add some details, but the work should not be that difficult.
Now that your podcast is broadcasted, the marketing effect will really begin to kick in. This is a very effective and powerful way to market your product online. With the rapid advances in technology, it will only be a matter of time when you will be able to access these types of broadcasts on a television set. The more avenues with which you can market your products or services will only be a benefit to you. The recent advances in handheld device technology, iTunes, Hand Held phones, as well as many other devices will help ensure that podcasting will remain a staple for your core marketing needs. Why not give it a try? You have everything to gain for only a minor investment or your time.
About the Author
JD Theis - www.the-content-writers.com offers seo services and tools to get the most traffic results. He also offers seo services and tools to get the most traffic results.
Article Source: http://www.marketingarticlelibrary.com
Every business owner I know wants to get into Podcast marketing and does not have a really solid understanding of what this technology has to offer. Many believe that it is just a MP3 file that is placed directly on the website, however, podcasts are strategically placed mp3 or audio type files on your site created with an rss feed. The rss feed is used to mass distribute the audio file to podcasting sites like iTunes, Yahoo Podcasts, Podcast Alley and tons more. It is a fairly simple technology that requires some amount of know-how, it can be a very effective tool for you to attract customers to your website.
The idea of podcasting is simple enough, and as a marketer, you will want to consider podcasting as another means of reaching your client base. Obviously, the more directions in which you attack the marketing problem, the better. Whether it is television, the radio, or the internet, you will need to be able to reach your target audience from several different outlets. Podcasting offers a new way of reaching the internet market. It is a way to reach your viewers without making them have to read through countless pages of web site material. As of today, podcasting has not fully realized its potential in the business world and most podcasts have been used for only personal purposes. It remains an untapped technology that many business owners may not have yet considered.
What I am referring to is Podcast Marketing. Through Podcast Marketing, the objective is to broadcast your audio file to as many listeners as you can possibly reach. Websites that use podcasting technology have taken off like a rocket over the last few years and they have now become so important that even presidential candidates are using their services to reach out to the internet viewer. Most of what you find on podcasting and various other open media sites are limited to personal downloads meant only for entertainment, and they have not reached their full potential as advertising venues. For example, many situational comedy shows now offer podcasts that can be played while viewing a live episode. This type of podcast is mainly used to enhance the experience of the viewer, and they are usually played for entertainment purposes only. To find a list of Podcast Marketing sites search online for podcast list.
Before I get into the technical details of podcasting, I would like to note that there are several companies out there that are selling these services without the proper knowledge or expertise to really help you. They do not have a full understanding of how podcast marketing really works, or what it can offer to you, the client. This guide will help you in this regard. You will be able to see that we do have a breadth of knowledge concerning this service, and that our expertise is worthy of your attention. We want to ensure that you have to spend as little time as possible in researching podcasting. Simply review our guide and you will see that we can clearly help you.
The 5 steps of Powerful PodCast Marketing:
1. Always have a plan of attack. There are various formats used to create a pod cast and you need to understand exactly what format will benefit you the most. You can post an audio file of an Interview or Commercial to boost your product. In addition, you can just make a recording of yourself as you talk about your particular industry. In any case, make sure your recordings are informative and interesting to listen to. Also be sure to mention your domain name clearly in the podcast so your listeners will know exactly where to find the services that you offer.
2. Have a few of your friends or colleagues listen to your podcast and give you their feedback on their interest level, the clarity of the audio and other factors. Keep in mind that it doesn't have to be an absolutely perfect audio file. So long as your message is clear you will find success.
3. Make sure to have a valid rss / xml feed created on your site and upload your mp3 directly onto the site as well. Be sure to include a title and brief description of the recording to go along with your podcast. You can always go with wordpress and have a special podcasting plugin installed.
4. Test your audio file and make sure that it can be heard by other listeners. In addition, you will want to ensure that the rss / xml feed validates. Do a simple search online for podcast rss validator.
5. Finally submit your rss / xml feed to as many podcast directories as you possibly can. This may be a bit tedious and a time consuming process, but it will be worth it because the end results can be quite remarkable. In many cases, you will be required to choose a category and add some details, but the work should not be that difficult.
Now that your podcast is broadcasted, the marketing effect will really begin to kick in. This is a very effective and powerful way to market your product online. With the rapid advances in technology, it will only be a matter of time when you will be able to access these types of broadcasts on a television set. The more avenues with which you can market your products or services will only be a benefit to you. The recent advances in handheld device technology, iTunes, Hand Held phones, as well as many other devices will help ensure that podcasting will remain a staple for your core marketing needs. Why not give it a try? You have everything to gain for only a minor investment or your time.
About the Author
JD Theis - www.the-content-writers.com offers seo services and tools to get the most traffic results. He also offers seo services and tools to get the most traffic results.
Article Source: http://www.marketingarticlelibrary.com
Friday, December 4, 2009
How to Keep Your Company Branding Current (And Profitable!)
By: Phillip Davis, Tungsten Branding
The one constant in business is change. Nearly every product, service or solution gets replaced by something newer, better, and "different-er" than before. Take mobile texting for example. All three of my teenagers live on it, spelling out each cryptic message in a matter of nanoseconds. They prefer it to email, or worse yet, utilizing verbal communication technology (formerly known as "making a phone call"). But they are the new norm, the reality of the marketplace. They are adapting to new ways of connecting, new methods of networking. They are not doing it "wrong," or inefficiently. They are simply doing it differently. And that's what constitutes change.
A speaker at a business meeting I attended a few years back shared that 40 percent of the average business's revenue stream would be coming from an entirely new source in five years. That was an amazing statistic to me. Yet most businesses are operating based on old models and old ways of doing business.
So the question I have for you this month is exactly that . . . "What is your new revenue stream?" What is it that you can build, develop, create or extend that would keep your company and your products relevant to the market? For clues, look at what you already do well and ask yourself if there's a better way to deliver those same benefits. Encyclopedias did not go out of fashion because information was no longer needed. They became obsolete because of the way they delivered the information. The same holds true for everything from cassette tapes to typewriters. Those who hold tightly to the current way they deliver products and services will most likely miss the innovations that emerge in how they are delivered. We will always need energy in order to move from point A to point B, but will it necessarily be in the form of gasoline? Or will it shift to wind and solar? Or garbage, grain, water and manure?
If you're wondering what this has to do with branding, quite simply, it has everything to do with it! Your brand is the core benefit, your key promise, one that you consistently deliver to your customer. The good news is that they still want that benefit, but the method in which they want it is subject to change. Are you aware of that shift? If so, how are you responding? How can you extend your current brand so that it remains the consistent provider of your core benefit?
These are the important questions that can lead to substantial company growth in the long haul. Adapt and you will continue to thrive. The world needs your services or you wouldn't have a current business -- just look for new ways to provide these services. Viewing change in this light is often less threatening, and more rewarding, than living in constant resistance to what is evolving around us. So discover new ways to expand and serve your customers' needs by extending your brand's promise. You'll find it's often a change for the better.
Phil Davis is President of Tungsten Branding. Phil’s life goal of “creating environments where people thrive” reflects his desire to assist in personal, professional and business growth. Phil founded and ran a full service ad agency for over 17 years and now works full time as a business naming and branding consultant. Phil resides with wife Michelle and four energetic offspring outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Contact the Author: Phillip Davis, Branding
Phil@PureTungsten.com
http://puretungsten.com/
The one constant in business is change. Nearly every product, service or solution gets replaced by something newer, better, and "different-er" than before. Take mobile texting for example. All three of my teenagers live on it, spelling out each cryptic message in a matter of nanoseconds. They prefer it to email, or worse yet, utilizing verbal communication technology (formerly known as "making a phone call"). But they are the new norm, the reality of the marketplace. They are adapting to new ways of connecting, new methods of networking. They are not doing it "wrong," or inefficiently. They are simply doing it differently. And that's what constitutes change.
A speaker at a business meeting I attended a few years back shared that 40 percent of the average business's revenue stream would be coming from an entirely new source in five years. That was an amazing statistic to me. Yet most businesses are operating based on old models and old ways of doing business.
So the question I have for you this month is exactly that . . . "What is your new revenue stream?" What is it that you can build, develop, create or extend that would keep your company and your products relevant to the market? For clues, look at what you already do well and ask yourself if there's a better way to deliver those same benefits. Encyclopedias did not go out of fashion because information was no longer needed. They became obsolete because of the way they delivered the information. The same holds true for everything from cassette tapes to typewriters. Those who hold tightly to the current way they deliver products and services will most likely miss the innovations that emerge in how they are delivered. We will always need energy in order to move from point A to point B, but will it necessarily be in the form of gasoline? Or will it shift to wind and solar? Or garbage, grain, water and manure?
If you're wondering what this has to do with branding, quite simply, it has everything to do with it! Your brand is the core benefit, your key promise, one that you consistently deliver to your customer. The good news is that they still want that benefit, but the method in which they want it is subject to change. Are you aware of that shift? If so, how are you responding? How can you extend your current brand so that it remains the consistent provider of your core benefit?
These are the important questions that can lead to substantial company growth in the long haul. Adapt and you will continue to thrive. The world needs your services or you wouldn't have a current business -- just look for new ways to provide these services. Viewing change in this light is often less threatening, and more rewarding, than living in constant resistance to what is evolving around us. So discover new ways to expand and serve your customers' needs by extending your brand's promise. You'll find it's often a change for the better.
Phil Davis is President of Tungsten Branding. Phil’s life goal of “creating environments where people thrive” reflects his desire to assist in personal, professional and business growth. Phil founded and ran a full service ad agency for over 17 years and now works full time as a business naming and branding consultant. Phil resides with wife Michelle and four energetic offspring outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Contact the Author: Phillip Davis, Branding
Phil@PureTungsten.com
http://puretungsten.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
