=============================================================
INDUSTRIALMARKETINGTALK
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A monthly newsletter for industrial marketing managers, from
Pro-Talk, publishers of:
Buildingtalk - Electronicstalk - Engineeringtalk
Laboratorytalk - Marketingservicestalk - Manufacturingtalk
Printingtalk - Processingtalk - Techniktalk
=============================================================
Pro-Talk - harnessing the power of the internet for business
=============================================================
Published from the UK
Issue 21: 27 July 2007
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Visit the Industrialmarketingtalk blog: http://dwarfurl.com/d1382
=============================================================
IN THIS ISSUE:
Jackie's message
[1] Hot deal for Industrialmarketingtalk readers
[2] The Long View: capturing contact data from potential customers
[3] Buildingtalk: going from strength to strength
[4] Calling all freelance writers...
[5] Talking Publicity: do I need a graphic designer?
[6] Teletrack project management system
[7] Processingtalk: "Exclusives"...a win-win at no charge to you
[8] Why doesn’t the Press call?
[9] Training and Jobs
[10] Competition: win something useful?
=============================================================
Hello!
I've been watching (and learning?) with interest how our PR colleagues
in insurance, utilities and the political arena have been handling
some of the negative press which is being reported in the 'aftermath'
of the dreadful floods here in the UK.
Some years back I was lucky enough to attend a Crisis Management
workshop run by Michael Regester (one of the UK's leading experts in
this field http://tinyurl.com/25qfrf ) and although I have never had
the opportunity (or misfortune?) to put into practice what I learnt
(apart from introducing a Crisis Management procedure into the
organisation I worked for at the time) I certainly feel I'm better
prepared. An organisation's reputation is easily damaged by careless
and unstructured actions by albeit well-meaning folk - but how many
companies are prepared for the unexpected?
It's an interesting topic, and if you'd like to comment/put forward
your views to this readership then follow this link to 'our' blog:
http://tinyurl.com/yursu6
This last week or two, postings have been coming in thick and fast
within a couple of newsgroups I'm subscribed on that old chestnut
colour separation charges (there really isn't enough room here to
start THAT debate - or is there?), as well as the lengths some
publishers of year books and directories will go to relieve us of our
precious budgets.
I'm indebted to MK Media Circle members for highlighting that the Euro
Business Guide is being touted via email, once again. For those of you
who have not received the email - it indicates that 'updating is free
of charge', a bit misleading to the uninitiated. Once you have signed
the document and returned it, "..you will be invoiced Euro 990 - the
validation time of the contract is three years.... and the
subscription will be automatically extended every year......" and this
is only 'clear' once you have read the very small print. You have been
warned.
As you know, I'm the first to admit I'm still learning about all
things internet. I found this article recently on IP addresses which
you may also find useful, it's courtesy of Sitepronews - "What You
Need to Know About IP Addresses" http://tinyurl.com/2rwm34 (this link
is to a printer-friendly version). In addition, if you'd like to know
your own IP address quickly (yes, I know it can be found on the
pc...somewhere), go to http://whatismyip.com/
Finally, a second chance to get *the* book on search engine
optimisation.
Our search engine optimisation guy Chris Rand mentioned
a good book on search engine optimisation a couple of issues ago, and
has since received a few requests from Industrialmarketingtalk readers
for the details again. He suspects it's because the book, "Aaron
Wall's SEO Book", has been recommended in some authoritative blogs as
*the* book on search engine optimisation. So if you want to read the
definitive text on how to set about improving your company's website
rank in the search engines, this is one downloadable book which is
well worth the US$79 price. Take a look at the sales page and decide
for yourself! http://tinyurl.com/26ue53
That's it for this month - as usual your feedback is valuable to us -
if you have any ideas on how we can make any of our sites, or
newsletters, more useful to you do get in touch (or post a
comment on the blog...)
Have a good month!
Jackie
mailto:jackie.west@pro-talk.com
=============================================================
[1] Hot deal for Industrialmarketingtalk readers
Yes, another one!
During 2006 the Pro-Talk network of news websites generated just under
100,000 live enquiries for those customers who subscribed to our world
famous Sales Lead Service.
If you've been thinking about trying this service, but don't want to
commit for twelve months then this offer will appeal to you - for £700
we'll give you a six months subscription AND include an entry in a
Extra all-advertising newsletter of your choice.
This hot summer deal is only available for a limited period, so you'll
have to move quickly...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Read more about this hot deal at: http://tinyurl.com/2uos33
=============================================================
[2] The Long View: capturing contact data from potential customers -
making the most of your traffic
One of the fundamental elements of any promotional campaign is
capturing contact data from potential customers.
A lot of companies I know seem to be quite happy to carry on with
their online advertising without incorporating any lead generation
tools. If they ignore these tools, they are not getting the true value
of any advertising service they use, which can result in poor
conversions...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Continue reading at: http://tinyurl.com/38qj2w
=============================================================
[3] Buildingtalk: going from strength to strength
Howard Chapman editor of Buildingtalk reports that this month he
published the 20,000th story on Buildingtalk. With a milestone week
(during July) with average visitor numbers at over 10,000 per day,
which actually equated to 70,729 for that week, thus annualising at a
rate of 3.68 million people!
Tony Rand, Pro-Talk Sales Manager and Advertising Manager for
Buildingtalk, has been doing some in-house surveys on the types of
enquiries Buildingtalk generates and what type of people request more
information after reading our news items....and it's very encouraging
for those of you who manufacture building products.
Tony's estimations are that up to 60% of all sales enquiries generated
during the last 12 months by Buildingtalk were from people that have
some sort of design input - architects, engineers, contractors,
surveyors, estate management and so on. Clearly these people are now
using Buildingtalk as a major product information resource, enabling
them to work out what products fit the bill.
So if you are a company that wants to target specifiers and get your
products down on the drawing or in the spec, or both, it may be time
to have a chat with Tony about raising your profile on the site.
Remember that if you don't advertise, or subscribe to the sales lead
service, you won't get a link on your stories. For a fairly small
investment you can give every reader the chance to make an enquiry or
click through to your website.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Visit Buildingtalk: http://www.buildingtalk.com
Interested in advertising opportunities on Buildingtalk?
Contact Tony Rand at mailto:tony.rand@pro-talk.com
or call +44 (0)1206 541687
=============================================================
[4] Calling all freelance writers...
Chris Rand writes:
I often get asked to recommend good freelance technical writers which
companies and PR consultancies can use for their press
releases, case studies, etc. I thought it might be useful to create an
online page where these people can list their services, so if you'd
like to help out a freelance technical writer you know, could you
forward this to them? Alternatively, if you're an independent
freelance writer, you'll want to add your details.
I hope, in turn, you might find the list useful yourself one day. Your
help is appreciated.
**Please note this is for independent freelance writers, not for
general PR agencies.**
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Here's the place to head for:
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/freelancewriters.html
=============================================================
[5] Talking Publicity: do I need a graphic designer?
You have access to the software so graphic design is easy... indulge
these thoughts a moment... the DIY superstores sell all the materials
needed to build a house... might as well nip out on a Saturday
morning, buy a few bricks and off you go... or… I can afford to buy a
piano therefore all I have to do is sit in front of it and I’m a
musician...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Continue reading at: http://tinyurl.com/38ksqh
More about Alan Godfrey, and his recently published book
http://dwarfurl.com/cc3ff
=============================================================
[6] Teletrack project management system
Teletrack manages to adapt to the needs of such a wide variety of
brand requirements, as it was three years in development before it
even saw the light of day, and it was specifically built to provide a
“one stop” fully hosted realtime reporting solution for the Field
Marketing and Market Research sectors...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Find out more at: http://tinyurl.com/32pqfj
=============================================================
[7] Processingtalk: "Exclusives"...a win-win at no charge to you
In a new, ongoing initiative for the Processingtalk, we're asking for
original articles which have been written especially for us, and which
appear nowhere else online. They could be technology backgrounders,
enhanced product descriptions, special case studies - it's up to you.
All we ask is that it's an original article which will not be released
anywhere else on the web in the near future.
In exchange, we'll highlight your article on the Processingtalk front
page, we'll flag it up in all our site indexes, and we'll *guarantee*
inclusion in the next editor's newsletter. Now THAT'S worth having.
Take a look at Processingtalk's front page to see what the guaranteed
inclusion there looks like...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Continue reading about Processingtalk Exclusives:
http://tinyurl.com/3cdgfv
Front page of Processingtalk: http://www.processingtalk.com
=============================================================
[8] Why doesn’t the Press call?
Tech support? Sure!
Sales? No problem!
Webmaster? All the time!
But no fast, easy way for a member of the media to contact someone who
would give them additional editorial information!
Sound familiar? Andy Marken tells us about his company's experience
when one project lead to another...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Continuing reading this article: http://tinyurl.com/2vqggv
=============================================================
[9] Training and Jobs
TRAINING:
Following the overwhelming success of their initial round of courses,
NMA Training has announced the expansion of their current portfolio to
encompass all areas of the latest developments in the digital world.
For more information on the courses available go to:
http://tinyurl.com/3xbzz8
JOBS:
* Sales & Marketing Support Engineer: Northern Home Counties
The role is a technical support function to help maximise the sales
and marketing activity in the Small Medium Business Team. Your role
will involve European travel to support channel development, marketing
effectiveness, pricing actions, product communications and
distribution support. http://tinyurl.com/3a2h7j
*Communications Director/ Manager: South East
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the role of Communications
Manager, who will have the opportunity to independently lead the
marketing communications programs with the aim of becoming industry
best of breed. This role will report directly to the Marketing
Director, and manage 1-2 direct reports as well as freelancers and
agencies. http://tinyurl.com/2wtw3o
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For even more jobs, go to:
http://dwarfurl.com/e5313
=============================================================
[10] COMPETITION - win something useful?
Congratulations to Peter Mann at Buzz Associates who correctly
answered last month's question "Who has replaced John Prescott as
deputy PM of the UK this week?" (Answer: No-one, as the post has been
abolished). Peter will receive a copy" Call to Action: Secret Formulas
to Improve Online Results" by Bryan Eisenberg, Jeffrey Eisenberg and
Lisa T. Davis.
Thanks to everyone who entered the competition - don't give up, have
another go - this month you've a chance to win "Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows" (hardback - adult edition) - I know! This book has
nothing to do with marketing or the internet - but, hey, what the
heck! If you haven't yet got around to buying your copy here's a
chance to win one for free!
"In this final, seventh instalment of the Harry Potter series, J.K.
Rowling unveils in spectacular fashion the answers to the many
questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly
woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking
pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books
will be read, reread and read again"
And the question:
"Who, at Pro-Talk, has more than a passing interest in search engine
optimisation, so much so that he's recommending a good book...?"
If you don't know the answer, it's in this newsletter....
Answers via email, by the 20 August, please.
Winner to be announced next issue.
=============================================================
Email competition entries to mailto:jackie.west@pro-talk.com
=============================================================
Next issue of Industrialmarketingtalk: 31 August 2007
Want to contribute? mailto:jackie.west@pro-talk.com
Deadlines for contributions: 20 August 2007
=============================================================
Have you seen our other newsletters?
=============================================================
Industrialmarketingtalk is one of a number of free email newsletters
for technical professionals. See what else we have to offer, and sign
up today, at http://dwarfurl.com/8cf99
Talking Publicity: do I need a graphic designer?
It depends!
OK, I accept that there’s probably a few budding builders and musically gifted out there to wreck the analogy... but I hope you see the point – software is just a tool, it has no creativity, nor does it give you skills.
By the time most designers hit the streets waving their degrees they have undergone at least 4 years of full time education and work placement – it’s not a qualification one can acquire by sending off the tops of cereal boxes.
For some material, such as factsheets which just give technical data this may not be a problem – but if you’re trying to communicate with potential clients you can seriously damage your company’s credibility.
Aren’t designers ‘difficult’ and as expensive as rocking horse....!?
No. It’s important to find a designer you feel comfortable with and who you feel understands your company’s business and what you are looking to achieve. If you chose a designer carefully and brief work correctly you’ll always be in control of the design and costs.
The best way to find a designer is by recommendation, so ask around suppliers and friends. Do a bit of research before calling them – check their websites to see samples of work and to get a feel for the type of company they are.
The prime function of a graphic designer is to create and manage your business’s visual appearance – avoid designers whose work expresses more about ‘them’ than how their clients look.
Ask designers, you feel may be suitable, to come in and present their portfolio of work.
The best designers will have good creativity combined with sound technical ability to deliver practical and effective design. A good way to judge creativity is to see if their portfolio demonstrates that their design solutions suit the intended target audiences, without just churning out predictable formulaic visuals – ask them to explain how the work they are showing you met the brief – if its all ‘gloss’ and no ‘thinking’ it’ll soon show!
Text from Nick Pledge at Santiger Media, Tel: 01797 361311 - also, extracts from Alan Godfrey’s book How to handle your company publicity – The Guide.
More about Alan Godfrey, and his recently published book: http://dwarfurl.com/cc3ff
July 2007
Introducing a new service from Processingtalk.....
Processingtalk: "Exclusives"...a win-win at no charge to you
- Get guaranteed inclusion of your article in the editor's newsletter
- Receive special highlighting of your article on the website
- Including a special highlight on the front page!
In a new, ongoing initiative for the publication, we're asking for
original articles which have been written especially for us, and which
appear nowhere else online. They could be technology backgrounders,
enhanced product descriptions, special case studies - it's up to you.
All we ask is that it's an original article which will not be released
anywhere else on the web in the near future.
In exchange, we'll highlight your article on our front page, we'll
flag it up in all our site indexes, and we'll *guarantee* inclusion in
the next editor's newsletter. Now THAT'S worth having. Take a look at
our front page to see what the guaranteed inclusion there looks like.
You'll get all that just for producing a unique article for us.
How to submit your "Exclusives"
Simply send them in to mailto:news@processingtalk.com as you would
with any normal press release, but add a note pointing out that the
article has been written specially and will not be released elsewhere.
That's it.
I look forward to receiving your submissions. Email me at the above
address if you have any questions!
Nick Denbow
Editor, Processingtalk
http://www.processingtalk.com
- Get guaranteed inclusion of your article in the editor's newsletter
- Receive special highlighting of your article on the website
- Including a special highlight on the front page!
In a new, ongoing initiative for the publication, we're asking for
original articles which have been written especially for us, and which
appear nowhere else online. They could be technology backgrounders,
enhanced product descriptions, special case studies - it's up to you.
All we ask is that it's an original article which will not be released
anywhere else on the web in the near future.
In exchange, we'll highlight your article on our front page, we'll
flag it up in all our site indexes, and we'll *guarantee* inclusion in
the next editor's newsletter. Now THAT'S worth having. Take a look at
our front page to see what the guaranteed inclusion there looks like.
You'll get all that just for producing a unique article for us.
How to submit your "Exclusives"
Simply send them in to mailto:news@processingtalk.com as you would
with any normal press release, but add a note pointing out that the
article has been written specially and will not be released elsewhere.
That's it.
I look forward to receiving your submissions. Email me at the above
address if you have any questions!
Nick Denbow
Editor, Processingtalk
http://www.processingtalk.com
Crisis Management - your experiences?
I've been watching (and learning?) with interest how our PR colleagues in the insurance, utilities and political arena have been handling some of the negative press which is being reported in the 'aftermath' of the dreadful floods here in the UK.
Some years back I was lucky enough to attend a Crisis Management workshop run by Michael Regester (one of the UK's leading experts in this field http://www.regesterlarkin.com/team/index.html ) and although I have never had the opportunity (or misfortune?) to put into practice what I learnt, apart from introducing a Crisis Management procedure into the organisation I worked for, I certainly feel I'm better prepared. Company reputations are easily damaged by careless and unstructured actions by albeit well-meaning folk - but how many companies are prepared for the unexpected?
It's an interesting topic, and if you'd like to comment, put forward your views to the readers of Industrialmarketingtalk post here!
Your views will be welcome - and shared next month in the newsletter.
Jackie West
July 2007
Some years back I was lucky enough to attend a Crisis Management workshop run by Michael Regester (one of the UK's leading experts in this field http://www.regesterlarkin.com/team/index.html ) and although I have never had the opportunity (or misfortune?) to put into practice what I learnt, apart from introducing a Crisis Management procedure into the organisation I worked for, I certainly feel I'm better prepared. Company reputations are easily damaged by careless and unstructured actions by albeit well-meaning folk - but how many companies are prepared for the unexpected?
It's an interesting topic, and if you'd like to comment, put forward your views to the readers of Industrialmarketingtalk post here!
Your views will be welcome - and shared next month in the newsletter.
Jackie West
July 2007
Why Doesn’t the Press Call?
We started enjoying the benefits of the Internet before it was the Internet. More than 15 years ago – when the National Science Foundation awarded the first four contracts to connect engineers and scientists around the country into an on-line community – we started to work with the fledgling CERFnet that was awarded the contract to establish the Western leg of the NSFnet.
Up until the any-to-any communications network went commercial it was almost a badge of courage and honor to struggle with the unfriendly network of networks. But you did because it was an amazing means of communications.
With the initiation of newer and more user-friendly interfaces as well as the introduction of the web communications got even better. Sending emails back and forth became faster and more reliable than sending letters through the USPS. It was even easier than using the telephone and playing phone tag for hours and days on end. Very quickly it became possible for you to tap into sites around the globe and research almost anything, anywhere, anytime.
While we resist surfing the web unless we have to, our daughter’s six-year-old has no problem cruising from site to site gathering information on our solar system and space travel.
The Data Rich Web
But recently we did have to conduct some on-line research for a client. As we came into the office on a Saturday when it was quiet so we could gather the information. We ultimately searched through more that 50 on-line press rooms we found news releases, white papers, literature, financial statements, product reviews and more.
The web delivered up a veritable gold mine of information.
Almost everything you would want to know…except!
At the first three sites we researched we couldn’t find an editorial contact.
Tech support? Sure.
Sales? No problem.
Webmaster? All the time.
But no fast, easy way for a member of the media to contact someone who would give them additional editorial information.
At ten sites we did locate the editorial contact information. We had to search for it but we found it. Sometimes it was hidden in the corporate information or financial report areas. At other times it was buried at the end of a stream of 10 or more releases.
Obviously these were mere flukes but our paranoid search for PR contacts was getting in the way of our client’s project so we returned to our original research project. But the “problem” bothered us so we returned to our office system on Sunday rather than do the yard work the wife wanted completed or watch the football game as we wanted to do.
Bent on proving the previous day’s findings were mere aberrations, we again went on line and used Google to find sites in five different product categories – video production, storage, streaming video, network management and network security. We randomly chose websites of large and small firms located in both the U.S. and abroad – 10 in each category.
The results?
* Seven sites had no PR contact information…anywhere.
* Five sites had PR contact information posted in the corporate information area, not in the press room.
* Eight sites contained IR contact information which we guess could be used in a pinch.
* Five sites required media people to register before they could access the press room area.
* Eight sites instructed members of the press who had questions to fill in the name, publication and email blanks and send their queries to the company. Then someone would get back to them probably only with an email.
* Seven sites listed a general public relations email contact address.
* Twenty sites listed the PR contact information on the first page of the pressroom with a specific person’s name. Sometimes only an email address was listed and at other times they included email and phone contact information.
The findings were depressing. Nearly 2/3 of the companies only wanted one-way communications with members of the media…outbound.
At Monday’s staff meeting we shared our findings with the rest of our team and asked that on their email signature blocks they make certain they list their office and cell phone numbers as well as their email addresses. Then they should visit their respective client websites and make certain that the editorial contact information – internal and external – was clearly shown on the first page of the pressroom as well as in other appropriate areas.
If it wasn’t we asked them to sit down with their clients and go to the website as a reporter, editor or producer on deadline might to find the contact information. We wanted our people to show the client how easy – or difficult – it was to find someone to talk with at the company or the agency.
All of the client sites had at least one or more names listed and an email address. A few even included addresses and phone numbers. On most of the sites you could locate the PR contact in a few seconds. A few – fortunately very few – had no contact information or it was buried deep in the site.
The exercise proved the point.
Almost immediately changes were made on the websites so that complete press contact information was easily located. The client and we wanted to be contacted when a member of the press had a question, wanted more information or was interested in obtaining product for review or to get a quote from management. Neither of us wanted to miss an opportunity or worse yet have the editor or reporter go to one of our competitors because the PR contact was easier to locate.
Almost immediately we noticed an increase in the number of emails and phone calls we were receiving from members of the media. It wasn’t an overwhelming increase but it was noticeable. What was more remarkable was how many members of the press and research analysts commented on the fact that the contact information was easy to find and easy to use.
Of course others on the internet found the contact information as well. The number of customers who wanted to “talk” with a real person when they had an installation or application question or problem also increased. But that was okay because if it was a product problem or issue we were able to direct the inquiry to senior people in marketing and customer support so they could get answers before little items got blown all out of proportion.
And the point is?
If this question even crossed your mind, you’ve got a problem.
Our job isn’t to simply send out news releases and expect members of the media to use them. In fact the release should be just the beginning of the conversation, assuming it is well written, news worthy and sent to the right person.
That’s the beginning of the PR process, not the end product.
More importantly, because of the 24x7 availability of the Internet and Web more and more members of the research and media communities are using these tools to flush out their reports, news items and articles.
It is rare that all of the information is included on the Web site and even if it is they usually want to talk to an authority in the company to obtain more information. If they can't easily find the PR contact information they will simply click through to the next source – your competition and another opportunity slipped through your fingers.
So the golden rule is that if you want the press to call, make it easy for them to call.
And don’t complain later when your company, your management and your products aren’t getting the full coverage they need and deserve.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thanks to Andy Marken for submitting this article.
Andy can be contacted direct at:
Andy Marken
President
Marken Communications
3375 Scott Blvd. #108
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 986-0100
Cell: (408) 390.0002
mailto:andy@markencom.com
Up until the any-to-any communications network went commercial it was almost a badge of courage and honor to struggle with the unfriendly network of networks. But you did because it was an amazing means of communications.
With the initiation of newer and more user-friendly interfaces as well as the introduction of the web communications got even better. Sending emails back and forth became faster and more reliable than sending letters through the USPS. It was even easier than using the telephone and playing phone tag for hours and days on end. Very quickly it became possible for you to tap into sites around the globe and research almost anything, anywhere, anytime.
While we resist surfing the web unless we have to, our daughter’s six-year-old has no problem cruising from site to site gathering information on our solar system and space travel.
The Data Rich Web
But recently we did have to conduct some on-line research for a client. As we came into the office on a Saturday when it was quiet so we could gather the information. We ultimately searched through more that 50 on-line press rooms we found news releases, white papers, literature, financial statements, product reviews and more.
The web delivered up a veritable gold mine of information.
Almost everything you would want to know…except!
At the first three sites we researched we couldn’t find an editorial contact.
Tech support? Sure.
Sales? No problem.
Webmaster? All the time.
But no fast, easy way for a member of the media to contact someone who would give them additional editorial information.
At ten sites we did locate the editorial contact information. We had to search for it but we found it. Sometimes it was hidden in the corporate information or financial report areas. At other times it was buried at the end of a stream of 10 or more releases.
Obviously these were mere flukes but our paranoid search for PR contacts was getting in the way of our client’s project so we returned to our original research project. But the “problem” bothered us so we returned to our office system on Sunday rather than do the yard work the wife wanted completed or watch the football game as we wanted to do.
Bent on proving the previous day’s findings were mere aberrations, we again went on line and used Google to find sites in five different product categories – video production, storage, streaming video, network management and network security. We randomly chose websites of large and small firms located in both the U.S. and abroad – 10 in each category.
The results?
* Seven sites had no PR contact information…anywhere.
* Five sites had PR contact information posted in the corporate information area, not in the press room.
* Eight sites contained IR contact information which we guess could be used in a pinch.
* Five sites required media people to register before they could access the press room area.
* Eight sites instructed members of the press who had questions to fill in the name, publication and email blanks and send their queries to the company. Then someone would get back to them probably only with an email.
* Seven sites listed a general public relations email contact address.
* Twenty sites listed the PR contact information on the first page of the pressroom with a specific person’s name. Sometimes only an email address was listed and at other times they included email and phone contact information.
The findings were depressing. Nearly 2/3 of the companies only wanted one-way communications with members of the media…outbound.
At Monday’s staff meeting we shared our findings with the rest of our team and asked that on their email signature blocks they make certain they list their office and cell phone numbers as well as their email addresses. Then they should visit their respective client websites and make certain that the editorial contact information – internal and external – was clearly shown on the first page of the pressroom as well as in other appropriate areas.
If it wasn’t we asked them to sit down with their clients and go to the website as a reporter, editor or producer on deadline might to find the contact information. We wanted our people to show the client how easy – or difficult – it was to find someone to talk with at the company or the agency.
All of the client sites had at least one or more names listed and an email address. A few even included addresses and phone numbers. On most of the sites you could locate the PR contact in a few seconds. A few – fortunately very few – had no contact information or it was buried deep in the site.
The exercise proved the point.
Almost immediately changes were made on the websites so that complete press contact information was easily located. The client and we wanted to be contacted when a member of the press had a question, wanted more information or was interested in obtaining product for review or to get a quote from management. Neither of us wanted to miss an opportunity or worse yet have the editor or reporter go to one of our competitors because the PR contact was easier to locate.
Almost immediately we noticed an increase in the number of emails and phone calls we were receiving from members of the media. It wasn’t an overwhelming increase but it was noticeable. What was more remarkable was how many members of the press and research analysts commented on the fact that the contact information was easy to find and easy to use.
Of course others on the internet found the contact information as well. The number of customers who wanted to “talk” with a real person when they had an installation or application question or problem also increased. But that was okay because if it was a product problem or issue we were able to direct the inquiry to senior people in marketing and customer support so they could get answers before little items got blown all out of proportion.
And the point is?
If this question even crossed your mind, you’ve got a problem.
Our job isn’t to simply send out news releases and expect members of the media to use them. In fact the release should be just the beginning of the conversation, assuming it is well written, news worthy and sent to the right person.
That’s the beginning of the PR process, not the end product.
More importantly, because of the 24x7 availability of the Internet and Web more and more members of the research and media communities are using these tools to flush out their reports, news items and articles.
It is rare that all of the information is included on the Web site and even if it is they usually want to talk to an authority in the company to obtain more information. If they can't easily find the PR contact information they will simply click through to the next source – your competition and another opportunity slipped through your fingers.
So the golden rule is that if you want the press to call, make it easy for them to call.
And don’t complain later when your company, your management and your products aren’t getting the full coverage they need and deserve.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thanks to Andy Marken for submitting this article.
Andy can be contacted direct at:
Andy Marken
President
Marken Communications
3375 Scott Blvd. #108
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 986-0100
Cell: (408) 390.0002
mailto:andy@markencom.com
Teletrack project management system
Teletrack manages to adapt to the needs of such a wide variety of brand requirements, as it was three years in development before it even saw the light of day, and it was specifically built to provide a “one stop” fully hosted realtime reporting solution for the Field Marketing and Market Research sectors.
Imagine hundreds of small, medium and large agencies all regularly plugging into very sophisticated and expensive IVR, SMS and Web data capture software, and then having the ability to record, build and deploy their own multiple survey campaigns with the results being returned to them all within seconds of field staff reporting, and you can visualise the full extent of a dream which is showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever.
In fact it is quite the reverse, as once an agency enters into an agreement with Teletrack, they are able to have as many technical upgrades or bespoke developments as they wish, and free of charge, which ensures that the system is in full development and relevant to all clients exact requirements and speed and sophistication of data capture.
Teletrack is growing year on year at the rate of 42% and is the only fully hosted project management system currently available today.
Another key facet of its success is that it is totally dedicated in providing its clients with Realtime Reporting, which means that they are in complete control of, and can view the full status of any campaign, anytime 24/7.
Agencies can see how many surveys are complete, partially complete or non-complete together with an aggregated summary of all the questions answered to date with automated graphs and pie charts to measure each response.
Realtime Reporting is about same day reporting and agencies are able to send summary and “Topline” reports to their clients at any time and, of course, there is a premium for this level of reporting. Realtime Reporting also means that an agency, usually in conjunction with its client, is able to add new questions at any stage of the campaign as it is in full control to assess this.
Notable successes that Teletrack has recently delivered in the FM Sector are a large-scale Internet PDA solution and call centre facility for the leading London agency Kreate, to enable them to move to the benefits of Realtime Reporting.
It has also continued its support and development of European Web and IVR data capture within CPM including its Asda and Contracts Divisions and, more recently within their Milan office in Italy.
Teletrack had its inaugural launch in Ireland, where there is a distinct absence of fully hosted Realtime Reporting services and, as a result, four test trials are now fully implemented and progressing well.
Teletrack also tendered for and won the contract to provide the Carbon Marketing brands, Osmosis, Union and Carbon with IVR, SMS, Web data capture and E-Learning, Northern agency Contact FM & Promotions and 2CV Market Research. Discussions are at an advanced stage with a major UK sampling campaign where issues including integration and compliance are essential to the Agency, and the complexity of the reporting within the system is able to fully comply with these requirements.
Teletrack can deliver a ROI immediately if an agency is thinking of, or currently developing its own in-house Web or IVR reporting products. The switch will provide an instant and substantial cost saving.
Many agencies also contact Teletrack with a specific large campaign in mind. Where this is the case the agency will immediately recover all costs associated with the campaign and enjoy a very healthy ROI.
Standing order and “Pay as you go” arrangements are also in place to assist agencies with their budgeting for this facility, which, again assists with an annual ROI.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With thanks to Alan Walker, Managing Director of Teletrack for submitting this article.
Teletrack Developments
Cambria House
Cambria Close
Canvey Island
Essex SS8 OJX
T: 01268 513212
F: 01268 513211
E: mailto:sales@teletrack.biz
Website: http://www.teletrack.biz
Contact Alan direct at mailto:alan.walker@teletrack.biz
Imagine hundreds of small, medium and large agencies all regularly plugging into very sophisticated and expensive IVR, SMS and Web data capture software, and then having the ability to record, build and deploy their own multiple survey campaigns with the results being returned to them all within seconds of field staff reporting, and you can visualise the full extent of a dream which is showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever.
In fact it is quite the reverse, as once an agency enters into an agreement with Teletrack, they are able to have as many technical upgrades or bespoke developments as they wish, and free of charge, which ensures that the system is in full development and relevant to all clients exact requirements and speed and sophistication of data capture.
Teletrack is growing year on year at the rate of 42% and is the only fully hosted project management system currently available today.
Another key facet of its success is that it is totally dedicated in providing its clients with Realtime Reporting, which means that they are in complete control of, and can view the full status of any campaign, anytime 24/7.
Agencies can see how many surveys are complete, partially complete or non-complete together with an aggregated summary of all the questions answered to date with automated graphs and pie charts to measure each response.
Realtime Reporting is about same day reporting and agencies are able to send summary and “Topline” reports to their clients at any time and, of course, there is a premium for this level of reporting. Realtime Reporting also means that an agency, usually in conjunction with its client, is able to add new questions at any stage of the campaign as it is in full control to assess this.
Notable successes that Teletrack has recently delivered in the FM Sector are a large-scale Internet PDA solution and call centre facility for the leading London agency Kreate, to enable them to move to the benefits of Realtime Reporting.
It has also continued its support and development of European Web and IVR data capture within CPM including its Asda and Contracts Divisions and, more recently within their Milan office in Italy.
Teletrack had its inaugural launch in Ireland, where there is a distinct absence of fully hosted Realtime Reporting services and, as a result, four test trials are now fully implemented and progressing well.
Teletrack also tendered for and won the contract to provide the Carbon Marketing brands, Osmosis, Union and Carbon with IVR, SMS, Web data capture and E-Learning, Northern agency Contact FM & Promotions and 2CV Market Research. Discussions are at an advanced stage with a major UK sampling campaign where issues including integration and compliance are essential to the Agency, and the complexity of the reporting within the system is able to fully comply with these requirements.
Teletrack can deliver a ROI immediately if an agency is thinking of, or currently developing its own in-house Web or IVR reporting products. The switch will provide an instant and substantial cost saving.
Many agencies also contact Teletrack with a specific large campaign in mind. Where this is the case the agency will immediately recover all costs associated with the campaign and enjoy a very healthy ROI.
Standing order and “Pay as you go” arrangements are also in place to assist agencies with their budgeting for this facility, which, again assists with an annual ROI.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With thanks to Alan Walker, Managing Director of Teletrack for submitting this article.
Teletrack Developments
Cambria House
Cambria Close
Canvey Island
Essex SS8 OJX
T: 01268 513212
F: 01268 513211
E: mailto:sales@teletrack.biz
Website: http://www.teletrack.biz
Contact Alan direct at mailto:alan.walker@teletrack.biz
The Long View: Capturing contact data from potential customers - making the most of your traffic
One of the fundamental elements of any promotional campaign is capturing contact data from potential customers.
A lot of companies I know seem to be quite happy to carry on with their online advertising, without incorporating any lead generation tools. If they ignore these tools, they are not getting the true value of any advertising service they use, which can result in poor conversions.
Remember, the attention span of someone visiting one of your web pages (or landing page) is only a few seconds. In that time, you not only have to offer something which is relevant and of value, but you also need to give them an alternative route to find more information with just one click.
So why not offer freebies on your own site, in the form of application notes, white papers, downloadable demos, or even basic reports. You simply set up a simple form on your site, show the offer and then display fields for the name and email address of the potential recipient. You can also expand this form to capture information on demographics or job title, but remember that you may lose more people by asking them for more information.
If you decide to go down the route of capturing data on your site, you must observe the data protection laws and list a basic privacy policy on your site. This can be a very simple document, but it must outline what you plan to do with their contact data. An example of a simple privacy document and form is shown on this page http://www.selling-advertising.com/privicy.php
On the subject of lead generation, some publishers may even be able to set something up for you on their own system. This means that you don't even have to do anything yourself and this can save you a great deal of time and money.
For example, one of the many services from Pro-Talk enables your potential customers to click on certain links which directs them to a request form. From here, they can fill in their contact details and this information is sent to you (the advertiser) instantly. This sales enquiry service has been a huge hit with hundreds of advertisers over the last few years and can form part of the Pro-Talk website advertising packages. These packages also include a banner advert and newsletter placements and Pro-Talk can even set up a sales enquiry form, which links from your banner and newsletter ads!
So, why not investigate how you can implement a data capturing incentive into your website. Then ask Pro-Talk how they can get your potential customers to visit your pages and to give you their details!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Andrew Long is a freelance ad-sales manager for Pro-Talk and operates a bespoke advertising consultancy service at http://dwarfurl.com/e4a66
A lot of companies I know seem to be quite happy to carry on with their online advertising, without incorporating any lead generation tools. If they ignore these tools, they are not getting the true value of any advertising service they use, which can result in poor conversions.
Remember, the attention span of someone visiting one of your web pages (or landing page) is only a few seconds. In that time, you not only have to offer something which is relevant and of value, but you also need to give them an alternative route to find more information with just one click.
So why not offer freebies on your own site, in the form of application notes, white papers, downloadable demos, or even basic reports. You simply set up a simple form on your site, show the offer and then display fields for the name and email address of the potential recipient. You can also expand this form to capture information on demographics or job title, but remember that you may lose more people by asking them for more information.
If you decide to go down the route of capturing data on your site, you must observe the data protection laws and list a basic privacy policy on your site. This can be a very simple document, but it must outline what you plan to do with their contact data. An example of a simple privacy document and form is shown on this page http://www.selling-advertising.com/privicy.php
On the subject of lead generation, some publishers may even be able to set something up for you on their own system. This means that you don't even have to do anything yourself and this can save you a great deal of time and money.
For example, one of the many services from Pro-Talk enables your potential customers to click on certain links which directs them to a request form. From here, they can fill in their contact details and this information is sent to you (the advertiser) instantly. This sales enquiry service has been a huge hit with hundreds of advertisers over the last few years and can form part of the Pro-Talk website advertising packages. These packages also include a banner advert and newsletter placements and Pro-Talk can even set up a sales enquiry form, which links from your banner and newsletter ads!
So, why not investigate how you can implement a data capturing incentive into your website. Then ask Pro-Talk how they can get your potential customers to visit your pages and to give you their details!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Andrew Long is a freelance ad-sales manager for Pro-Talk and operates a bespoke advertising consultancy service at http://dwarfurl.com/e4a66
Hot Summer Deal - Industrialmarketingtalk reader offer...
During 2006 the Pro-Talk network of news websites generated just under
100,000 live enquiries for those customers who subscribed to our world
famous Sales Lead Service!
Can you afford to miss this opportunity to give your sales force red
hot leads, virtually immediately - unlike those from traditional
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across ALL Pro-Talk sites.
* a free entry in an Extra email newsletter of your choice. These are
emailed to thousands of readers who have requested to receive this
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* monthly statistics update - know how many people have viewed your
press release, and how many have enquired (and we'll include a recap
of all leads sent to you during that month).
Call us on 0207 970 4941 to book your subscription, and we'll get
those visitors flowing in your direction immediately.
100,000 live enquiries for those customers who subscribed to our world
famous Sales Lead Service!
Can you afford to miss this opportunity to give your sales force red
hot leads, virtually immediately - unlike those from traditional
printed media where leads can take days to be processed and forwarded
to you?
For £700 we'll give you a six months subscription to the Sales Lead
Service AND include an entry in a Extra all-advertising newsletter of
your choice.
This hot summer deal is only available for a limited period, so you'll
have to move quickly.
This is what you'll receive:
* all enquiries emailed to you within the hour of us receiving the
request.
* a 'send me more information' button on all your press releases
across ALL Pro-Talk sites.
* a free entry in an Extra email newsletter of your choice. These are
emailed to thousands of readers who have requested to receive this
information.
* monthly statistics update - know how many people have viewed your
press release, and how many have enquired (and we'll include a recap
of all leads sent to you during that month).
Call us on 0207 970 4941 to book your subscription, and we'll get
those visitors flowing in your direction immediately.
Launch issue of Marketingservicestalk - 2 July 2007
Latest News from Marketingservicestalk - Issue 1
====================================================================
MARKETINGSERVICESTALK
The Independent Monthly Product Information Guide
for Marketing Professionals
====================================================================
Free subscription
Published monthly from the UK.
Issue 1: 02 July 2007
====================================================================
648 product announcements and technical articles on our website
http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/ - all fully searchable
====================================================================
Use the full power of Google and interrogate Pro-Talk sites with
Pro-Talk Research: http://www.pro-talk.com/research
====================================================================
In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top new products selection
[1] Glenister unveils blueprint for future
[2] Bellwether report to monitor events spend
[3] What is brand affinity marketing?
[4] Book offers tips to transform marketing strategy
[5] How to run a successful incentive programme
[6] Big rises in store for online marketing budgets
[7] Guide solves publicity problems for UK businesses
[8] Promotional Marketing show broadens scope
[9] Motivation is all relative
[10] John Lewis takes stage at Incentive Show
* Other industry news
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
====================================================================
Richenda Wilson, Editor, writes:
Welcome to the first edition of the Marketingservicestalk newsletter,
which represents the month's top stories from Marketingservicestalk
and provides a snapshot of some of the key launches and developments
that have occurred in the past four weeks.
Above-the-line advertising has always been the glamorous part of the
marketing effort, but it is worth nothing without a host of support
services and other disciplines - many of them more effective and more
measurable.
UK online advertising is now worth GBP2 billion and rising fast. After
extensive lobbying, the Events Industry Alliance has won its battle to
persuade the IPA's Bellwether report into UK advertising spend to
treat the burgeoning events industry as a legitimate sector in its own
right (see story below). And more than three-quarters of respondents
to a survey by sourcing specialists Source-e could name a brand or
company featured on promotional merchandise on their desk. How many of
those people could name the last three commercials they watched on TV?
As British Promotional Merchandise Association Director-General Gordon
Glenister says in his exclusive interview with Marketingservicestalk
(below), brand owners need to move on from spending hundreds of
thousands of pounds on TV, tens of thousands on events, then saying:
oh look, we have got 50 quid left; shall we buy some pens? They need
to appreciate the value of promotional marketing and look for products
that really complement their own.
Marketingservicestalk aims to be the primary resource for marketers
looking for those products and services that help to maximise the
impact of their brands and really make their marketing efforts count:
whether its data-cleansing software for their direct marketing
mailers; advice on search engine optimisation; a vibrant new pack
design; a venue for a sales conference or that all-important
promotional calendar or mouse mat.
As committed members of the marketing community, readers of
Industrialmarketingtalk have been specially selected to receive this
first email newsletter from Marketingservicestalk.
I hope you find this issue of our monthly newsletter useful. In
addition to the new products, news and ideas featured here, there are
hundreds more on our website and dozens more being added daily, so do
take a look if you can.
In the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how we might make
the site or the newsletter better, email me directly.
Best wishes
Richenda Wilson, Editor
mailto:news@marketingservicestalk.com
====================================================================
OUR TOP NEW STORIES SELECTION
====================================================================
[1] GLENISTER UNVEILS BLUEPRINT FOR FUTURE
(BPMA, 29 Jun 2007)
BPMA Director-General Gordon Glenister talks exclusively to
Marketingservicestalk about what he wants the association - and the
industry - to achieve and how he plans to get them there. He has had
enough of promotional marketing being seen as the Arthur Daley of the
marketing world, or as a discipline that is so far below the line it's
barely visible. "I have a vision of change on a number of levels.
First I want to raise the profile of promotional marketing in a wider
context to make it a credible alternative for sales promotion
agencies".
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1694/
====================================================================
[2] BELLWETHER REPORT TO MONITOR EVENTS SPEND
(Events Industry Alliance, 26 Jun 2007)
The Events Industry Alliance has welcomed the decision of the
Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) to research event
spend in the quarterly Bellwether survey of marketing budgets. The IPA
has committed to look at the breakdown of the fluctuating 'All Other'
part of the survey, which represented 23% of the budget in Bellwether
Q1 2007 and over ten different activities. Bellwether Q4 2007 will
research the approximate size of all the individual components that
make up marketing activity, as an extension of the survey's annual
breakdown question.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1634/
====================================================================
[3] WHAT IS BRAND AFFINITY MARKETING?
(Touchdown Marketing, 29 Jun 2007)
Touchdown Marketing explains how to take advantage of the equity
locked in brands and customer bases by working in partnership with a
non-competitive brand that complements your own product. Traditional
forms of advertising and sales promotion have become diluted by the
proliferation of media and a consumer base that is increasingly
marketing savvy. The proportion of marketing budgets devoted to
affinity marketing grew from 13.9% in 2003 to 19.8% in 2006, and is
expected to grow further to 26.2% by the end of 2007.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1695/
====================================================================
[4] BOOK OFFERS TIPS TO TRANSFORM MARKETING STRATEGY
(DSP Solutions UK, 29 Jun 2007)
Robert Clay's new book and CD, Learn how to grow your business in just
two hours, offers strategic ideas on marketing that can transform
business and boost profits. It explains ways to set your business apart
from your competitors and help you understand what your customers
really buy.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1627/
====================================================================
[5] HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL INCENTIVE PROGRAMME
(Fresh Rewards, 29 Jun 2007)
Keith Herman, Managing Director of travel, lifestyle and leisure
incentives and rewards specialist Fresh Rewards, describes the key
elements to consider before embarking on a campaign, such as getting
under the skin of the brand and audience and getting the timing right.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1626/
====================================================================
[6] BIG RISES IN STORE FOR ONLINE MARKETING BUDGETS
(Centaur Exhibitions: Online Marketing Show, 19 Jun 2007)
A survey conducted by the Online Marketing show 2007 reveals dramatic
increases in online spend, with online marketing budgets predicted to
increase by 25% this year. One in five respondents now spends more
than half of their total marketing budgets online - almost double that
of the previous year. This is good news for agencies with 47% of
respondents indicating they plan to work with a digital agency in the
next 12 months.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1628/
====================================================================
[7] GUIDE SOLVES PUBLICITY PROBLEMS FOR UK BUSINESSES
(AGM Publicity, 29 Jun 2007)
'How To Handle Your Company Publicity' is a guide from Alan Godfrey
of AGM Publicity, packed with PR insights, with easy-to-follow
guidance to help any size company run DIY publicity operations.
Sections include press release writing, getting PR published and a
media guide as well as advertising, photography and graphics,
newsletters, direct mail, exhibitions and print.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1632/
====================================================================
[8] PROMOTIONAL MARKETING SHOW BROADENS SCOPE
(Promotional Marketing Exhibition, 26 Jun 2007)
Following the success of the 2007 Promotional Marketing Exhibition,
the show is to launch an industry forum, new initiatives, expanded
association support and an improved website for 2008.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1635/
====================================================================
[9] MOTIVATION IS ALL RELATIVE
(The Voucher Shop, 25 Jun 2007)
Employee motivation schemes are most effective when the reward is
aligned with the employee's home and family life, rather than having
to be grafted on, argues Julie Rosehill of the Voucher Shop. How
about, for instance, appealing to the employee's need or desire to
please their family by giving the chance to earn a reward that the
family can enjoy?
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1651/
====================================================================
[10] JOHN LEWIS TAKES STAGE AT INCENTIVE SHOW
(John Lewis Solutions for business, 29 Jun 2007)
The largest department store retailer in the UK has signed up to
exhibit at the National Incentive Show, taking place on 25-27
September 2007 at the NEC, Birmingham. John Lewis will be showcasing
its Solutions for Business service as part of John Lewis Direct. With
the aim to make corporate gift solutions easy and exciting, the
selection has not only expanded but is also available all year round.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1630/
====================================================================
This week's industry news
====================================================================
DESIGN AGENCY WINS CATALOGUE BUSINESS
(mda:creative, 22 Jun 2007)
The specialist catalogue design and production division of
Stockport-based Mda:creative has won a major contract from Findel -
the home shopping, mail order and educational supplies company.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1636/
PED PEPPER SPLASHES OUT ON NEW PRINTING KIT
(Red Pepper Print, 22 Jun 2007)
One of the latest names to emerge on the North-West print scene has
invested in over GBP100,000 worth of new equipment from suppliers that
include Agfa and Canon.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1639/
ASDA'S DARE MAGAZINE SCOOPS CIPR PRIZE
(Summersault Communications, 27 Jun 2007)
Customer and employee publisher Summersault Communications has won the
Newsletter, Newspaper or Magazine category at the Chartered Institute
of Public Relations President's Grand Prix Awards
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1640/
LOEWY REVAMPS RFU MAIL-ORDER CAMPAIGN
(Loewy, 20 Jun 2007)
Loewy has upped the pace of its mail order campaign for the RFU with a
brand new look and a clever delivery strategy that aim to deliver high
conversion rates with a varied audience.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1642/
LIVERPOOL ARENA KICKS OFF REVOLUTION CAMPAIGN
(Balance, 20 Jun 2007)
Balance: The Brand Architects has created an outdoor advertising
campaign for Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) Liverpool to boost
brand awareness in the run-up to its launch in January 2008.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1643/
KERRYGOLD TAKES MARKETING ONTO THE STREETS
(The Marketing Store, 18 Jun 2007)
Irish butter brand Kerrygold has been working with global brand
activation agency The Marketing Store on a national roadshow, which
will run throughout the summer.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1644/
BLOGGERS TO SHARE COSMETIC TREATMENT EXPERIENCE
(Markettiers4dc, 29 Jun 2007)
Lifestyle website handbag.com is to create and host a blog site
whereby a regular visitor will undergo Restylane treatments and
document their experience.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1645/
MORTGAGE BRAIN TRIES REAL-TIME ONLINE CAMPAIGN
(Twentysix (London and Leeds), 22 Jun 2007)
A ground-breaking real-time concept that fuses human and digital sales
and marketing techniques has won twentysix Leeds the pitch to promote
Mortgage Brain's Premier Edition to its B2B audience.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1646/
DESIGNER CLOTHES SITE STARTS ONLINE CAMPAIGN
(The Search Works, 20 Jun 2007)
The Search Works is to provide Net-a-porter.com, the world's premier
luxury online fashion retailer, with a fully managed search engine
marketing (SEM) solution.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1647/
HEINEKEN SIGNS BRAND AMBASSADORS FOR RWC
(Fast Track, 27 Jun 2007)
Heineken UK has signed two top international rugby stars to be
Heineken ambassadors as part of the company's media activities
surrounding its official sponsorship of the Rugby World Cup 2007.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1648/
BBQ SUPPLIER OUTSOURCES CUSTOMER CALL CENTRE
(Aspect Marketing Services, 19 Jun 2007)
Aspect Marketing Services has been appointed by high-end BBQ suppliers
Outback to handle all inbound enquiry calls throughout the busy summer
BBQ months.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1649/
NINTENDO SERVES UP WII EXPERIENTIAL CAMPAIGN
(Arc Worldwide, 29 Jun 2007)
Nintendo has caught tennis fever with a Wimbledon-themed experiential
campaign to promote its Wii console through integrated agency Arc
Worldwide.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1650/
====================================================================
New Technical Articles and Case Studies
====================================================================
HOW PERMISSION-BASED MARKETING BOOSTS PROFITS
(Sign-Up.to, 21 Jun 2007)
For any business good marketing is an essential ingredient of success
but many small businesses waste money on inefficient methods or do not
allocate sufficient budget for campaigns.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1652/
BUILDING FIRM FOUNDATIONS FOR EMAIL LISTS
(Shortburst, 05 Jun 2007)
Nick Pauley, managing director of Shortburst, gives guidance on
building a comprehensive email list to improve your email marketing
efforts.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1653/
MEASURING AND COUNTERING CLICK FRAUD
(speed-trap, 06 Jun 2007)
Speed-trap explains the best ways to avoid click fraud, the process of
an individual clicking on search or affiliate adverts on the web with
fraudulent intent.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1655/
CELERITY CONSOLIDATES HOLIDAY FIRM CUSTOMER DATA
(Celerity, 13 Jun 2007)
TUI UK, the UK's leading holiday company, has appointed data
management specialist Celerity to create a single customer view across
its brand portfolio, which includes Thomson and Portland.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1656/
EMERGENCY INSURER DELVES INTO WEB ANALYTICS
(Site Intelligence, 18 Jun 2007)
Homeserve, has chosen Site Intelligence's Visitor Behaviour
Information System for web analytics and online business intelligence
to allow it to analyse its online customer behaviour.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1658/
ARCHIVE ONE AIDS MORTGAGE COMPANY
(C2C Systems, 07 Jun 2007)
Market Street Mortgage, a retail originator of residential mortgage
loans, has implemented Archive One to minimise the time and expense
required to retrieve its archived email messages.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1659/
MAILCENTRAL BOOSTS BUSINESS FOR JOB SEARCH SITE
(Atomic Design, 07 Jun 2007)
A recruitment firm has increased the hit rate to its website, rapidly
grown its database and increased new business by using the MailCentral
e-marketing solution from Atomic Design.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1660/
ETHICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL ISSUES PAPERLESS TICKETS
(tixmob.com, 27 Jun 2007)
Two Thousand Trees, the festival for ethical music fans, will minimise
its impact on the environment by delivering tickets to fans via
tixmob, the mobile ticketing service
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1661/
FOLK ROCKER TRIES MOBILE WITH TEXT 2 BROWSE
(Dialogue Communications, 11 Jun 2007)
Funk folk rocker Julia Harris is one of the first artists in the UK to
take her marketing campaigns straight to mobile, with the support of
interactive mobile specialist Dialogue Communications.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1662/
IRIS TO MOBILISE CANNONS HEALTH CLUBS
(Incentivated, 11 Jun 2007)
Mobile marketing agency Incentivated has been appointed by Cannons
Health Clubs to provide mobile and email marketing to increase
membership and support its member relationship programme.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1663/
MANCHESTER BS UNVEILS MAESTRO DEBIT CARD
(Nomad, 06 Jun 2007)
The Manchester Building Society has launched a Maestro debit card to
extend its comprehensive portfolio of investment and mortgage
products, helped by the Nomad Payments outsourced service.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1664/
3M IMPLEMENTS ITS OWN DIGITAL SIGNAGE
(3M United Kingdom, 19 Jun 2007)
3M's Digital Signage solutions have replaced conventional notice
boards at four of the company's own manufacturing and distribution
facilities, improving site productivity.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1665/
====================================================================
Other featured new product news
====================================================================
GROOVYCHOCOLATE ADDS SUMMER FRUITS VARIANT
(GroovyChocolate, 20 Jun 2007)
In the new range, real fruit pieces are wrapped in chocolate then
packed into a stylish, pocket-sized printed pillow pack that can be
printed in up to four colours with logo and message.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1629/
FRESH REWARDS PROMOTES FREE SWIMMING LESSONS
(Fresh Rewards, 28 Jun 2007)
Fresh Rewards has entered a partnership with Swimtime UK, the
independent provider of swimming lessons, to create a Free Swimming
Lesson offer, an ideal incentive for child-related products
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1666/
GIFT BASKET COMPANY LAUNCHES ORGANIC RANGE
(FanciFull Gift Baskets, 08 Jun 2007)
FanciFull Gift Baskets has produced a line of natural and organic food
and wine baskets, aimed at firms wanting to say 'thank you' to clients
and employees in a distinctive healthy way.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1633/
PEARCY'S ADDS COOKIE BOXES TO GIFT RANGE
(Pearcy's, 12 Jun 2007)
Gift ideas company Pearcys.co.uk has added cookie and brownie hat
boxes to its range of original hand-made gifts.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1631/
EIA SLASHES PRICE OF DVD/E-LEARNING PRODUCTS
(Events Industry Alliance, 26 Jun 2007)
The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) has decided to make a dramatic cut
in the price of its 'how to exhibit' DVD/e-learning products to make
them accessible to a wider audience.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1669/
EUROPE'S LARGEST REVIEW SITE OPENS IN UK
(Kudos Integrated, 29 Jun 2007)
Hamburg-based Qype.com, a recommendation portal, is the latest
addition to the UK's growing 'u' review culture.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1672/
LAST CHANCE TO ENTER NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS
(The National Business Awards, 18 Jun 2007)
The entry deadline for the 2007 National Business Awards is fast
approaching and organisations have only until noon on Wednesday 25
July 2007 to make their submissions.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1670/
MONKRAT PLUG-IN OFFERS SMES WEB SALES PORTAL
(Monkrat, 28 Jun 2007)
A new website plug-in is set to revolutionise the global download
market by giving businesses a user-friendly internet sales portal and
document distribution system within minutes.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1673/
TECH EVENT GUIDE OFFERS SEARCHABLE DATABASE
(Napier Partnership, 29 Jun 2007)
A new listing of European and North American Technology Events offers
a searchable online database of shows and conferences plus company
seminars and training days
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1677/
GROLIER UPDATES UK AND EIRE MAILING LISTS
(Independent Direct Marketing, 07 Jun 2007)
The Grolier database is one of the most responsive lists on the rental
market used by a multitude of advertisers and is available now in an
updated version.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1696/
ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER USES CAPSCAN DATA VALIDATION
(Capscan, 19 Jun 2007)
Electricity 4 Business (E4B), the business electricity supplier to UK
SMEs, is using Capscan OnDemand for Salesforce.com to validate
addresses entered into the database.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1667/
MOTIVACTION UPDATES MEETING AND EVENTS CATALOGUE
(The MotivAction Group, 04 Jun 2007)
Motivation agency MotivAction has followed up the success of its
events catalogue 'Conference and Events Direct' with the release of a
new 336-page edition.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1697/
WATERFRONT BRASSERIE IMPROVES ITS OFFERING
(Wyboston Lakes, 14 Jun 2007)
The Waterfront Brasserie at Wyboston Lakes has introduced new menus
and wines and improved its layout to better cater for the needs of
customers visiting the conference centre.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1698/
ICQ DELIVERS PERSONAL COMMS PLATFORM FOR TV FIRMS
(ICQ, 11 Jun 2007)
Instant messaging pioneer ICQ has launched Active Viewing, a
next-generation personal communications platform for TV broadcasters,
cable and satellite TV channels and IPTV operators.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1699/
SALESFLOW ADDS DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT TO OFFER
(Sawfish Software, 05 Jun 2007)
Sawfish Software has developed a document management system within its
SalesFlow Business Process Management software so relevant documents
can be linked to each sales enquiry.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1700/
BRITISH SPORT DELIVERS NEW CHAMPIONSHIP
(Fast Track, 21 Jun 2007)
The British University Championships is a brand new major sporting
festival that will bring together 6,500 university students at the
UK's biggest annual multi-sport event.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1701/
IN-STORE VISITORS ENJOY VIEW OF SKYLINE
(HL Display (UK), 19 Jun 2007)
HL Display, the provider of merchandising solutions and in-store
communications, unveiled its Skyline modular system for overhead, wall
and window displays at this year's In-Store show.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1702/
DMA ISSUES EMAIL BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES
(Direct Marketing Association, 27 Jun 2007)
Responding to the changing shape of the email marketing industry and
to ward off potential legislation, the DMA Email Marketing Council has
updated its best practice guidelines.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1703/
====================================================================
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About the Marketingservicestalk Newsletter
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The Marketingservicestalk Newsletter is published by Pro-Talk Ltd. To
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No charges are made or accepted for inclusion.
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MARKETINGSERVICESTALK
The Independent Monthly Product Information Guide
for Marketing Professionals
====================================================================
Free subscription
Published monthly from the UK.
Issue 1: 02 July 2007
====================================================================
648 product announcements and technical articles on our website
http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/ - all fully searchable
====================================================================
Use the full power of Google and interrogate Pro-Talk sites with
Pro-Talk Research: http://www.pro-talk.com/research
====================================================================
In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top new products selection
[1] Glenister unveils blueprint for future
[2] Bellwether report to monitor events spend
[3] What is brand affinity marketing?
[4] Book offers tips to transform marketing strategy
[5] How to run a successful incentive programme
[6] Big rises in store for online marketing budgets
[7] Guide solves publicity problems for UK businesses
[8] Promotional Marketing show broadens scope
[9] Motivation is all relative
[10] John Lewis takes stage at Incentive Show
* Other industry news
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
====================================================================
Richenda Wilson, Editor, writes:
Welcome to the first edition of the Marketingservicestalk newsletter,
which represents the month's top stories from Marketingservicestalk
and provides a snapshot of some of the key launches and developments
that have occurred in the past four weeks.
Above-the-line advertising has always been the glamorous part of the
marketing effort, but it is worth nothing without a host of support
services and other disciplines - many of them more effective and more
measurable.
UK online advertising is now worth GBP2 billion and rising fast. After
extensive lobbying, the Events Industry Alliance has won its battle to
persuade the IPA's Bellwether report into UK advertising spend to
treat the burgeoning events industry as a legitimate sector in its own
right (see story below). And more than three-quarters of respondents
to a survey by sourcing specialists Source-e could name a brand or
company featured on promotional merchandise on their desk. How many of
those people could name the last three commercials they watched on TV?
As British Promotional Merchandise Association Director-General Gordon
Glenister says in his exclusive interview with Marketingservicestalk
(below), brand owners need to move on from spending hundreds of
thousands of pounds on TV, tens of thousands on events, then saying:
oh look, we have got 50 quid left; shall we buy some pens? They need
to appreciate the value of promotional marketing and look for products
that really complement their own.
Marketingservicestalk aims to be the primary resource for marketers
looking for those products and services that help to maximise the
impact of their brands and really make their marketing efforts count:
whether its data-cleansing software for their direct marketing
mailers; advice on search engine optimisation; a vibrant new pack
design; a venue for a sales conference or that all-important
promotional calendar or mouse mat.
As committed members of the marketing community, readers of
Industrialmarketingtalk have been specially selected to receive this
first email newsletter from Marketingservicestalk.
I hope you find this issue of our monthly newsletter useful. In
addition to the new products, news and ideas featured here, there are
hundreds more on our website and dozens more being added daily, so do
take a look if you can.
In the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how we might make
the site or the newsletter better, email me directly.
Best wishes
Richenda Wilson, Editor
mailto:news@marketingservicestalk.com
====================================================================
OUR TOP NEW STORIES SELECTION
====================================================================
[1] GLENISTER UNVEILS BLUEPRINT FOR FUTURE
(BPMA, 29 Jun 2007)
BPMA Director-General Gordon Glenister talks exclusively to
Marketingservicestalk about what he wants the association - and the
industry - to achieve and how he plans to get them there. He has had
enough of promotional marketing being seen as the Arthur Daley of the
marketing world, or as a discipline that is so far below the line it's
barely visible. "I have a vision of change on a number of levels.
First I want to raise the profile of promotional marketing in a wider
context to make it a credible alternative for sales promotion
agencies".
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1694/
====================================================================
[2] BELLWETHER REPORT TO MONITOR EVENTS SPEND
(Events Industry Alliance, 26 Jun 2007)
The Events Industry Alliance has welcomed the decision of the
Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) to research event
spend in the quarterly Bellwether survey of marketing budgets. The IPA
has committed to look at the breakdown of the fluctuating 'All Other'
part of the survey, which represented 23% of the budget in Bellwether
Q1 2007 and over ten different activities. Bellwether Q4 2007 will
research the approximate size of all the individual components that
make up marketing activity, as an extension of the survey's annual
breakdown question.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1634/
====================================================================
[3] WHAT IS BRAND AFFINITY MARKETING?
(Touchdown Marketing, 29 Jun 2007)
Touchdown Marketing explains how to take advantage of the equity
locked in brands and customer bases by working in partnership with a
non-competitive brand that complements your own product. Traditional
forms of advertising and sales promotion have become diluted by the
proliferation of media and a consumer base that is increasingly
marketing savvy. The proportion of marketing budgets devoted to
affinity marketing grew from 13.9% in 2003 to 19.8% in 2006, and is
expected to grow further to 26.2% by the end of 2007.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1695/
====================================================================
[4] BOOK OFFERS TIPS TO TRANSFORM MARKETING STRATEGY
(DSP Solutions UK, 29 Jun 2007)
Robert Clay's new book and CD, Learn how to grow your business in just
two hours, offers strategic ideas on marketing that can transform
business and boost profits. It explains ways to set your business apart
from your competitors and help you understand what your customers
really buy.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1627/
====================================================================
[5] HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL INCENTIVE PROGRAMME
(Fresh Rewards, 29 Jun 2007)
Keith Herman, Managing Director of travel, lifestyle and leisure
incentives and rewards specialist Fresh Rewards, describes the key
elements to consider before embarking on a campaign, such as getting
under the skin of the brand and audience and getting the timing right.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1626/
====================================================================
[6] BIG RISES IN STORE FOR ONLINE MARKETING BUDGETS
(Centaur Exhibitions: Online Marketing Show, 19 Jun 2007)
A survey conducted by the Online Marketing show 2007 reveals dramatic
increases in online spend, with online marketing budgets predicted to
increase by 25% this year. One in five respondents now spends more
than half of their total marketing budgets online - almost double that
of the previous year. This is good news for agencies with 47% of
respondents indicating they plan to work with a digital agency in the
next 12 months.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1628/
====================================================================
[7] GUIDE SOLVES PUBLICITY PROBLEMS FOR UK BUSINESSES
(AGM Publicity, 29 Jun 2007)
'How To Handle Your Company Publicity' is a guide from Alan Godfrey
of AGM Publicity, packed with PR insights, with easy-to-follow
guidance to help any size company run DIY publicity operations.
Sections include press release writing, getting PR published and a
media guide as well as advertising, photography and graphics,
newsletters, direct mail, exhibitions and print.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1632/
====================================================================
[8] PROMOTIONAL MARKETING SHOW BROADENS SCOPE
(Promotional Marketing Exhibition, 26 Jun 2007)
Following the success of the 2007 Promotional Marketing Exhibition,
the show is to launch an industry forum, new initiatives, expanded
association support and an improved website for 2008.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1635/
====================================================================
[9] MOTIVATION IS ALL RELATIVE
(The Voucher Shop, 25 Jun 2007)
Employee motivation schemes are most effective when the reward is
aligned with the employee's home and family life, rather than having
to be grafted on, argues Julie Rosehill of the Voucher Shop. How
about, for instance, appealing to the employee's need or desire to
please their family by giving the chance to earn a reward that the
family can enjoy?
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1651/
====================================================================
[10] JOHN LEWIS TAKES STAGE AT INCENTIVE SHOW
(John Lewis Solutions for business, 29 Jun 2007)
The largest department store retailer in the UK has signed up to
exhibit at the National Incentive Show, taking place on 25-27
September 2007 at the NEC, Birmingham. John Lewis will be showcasing
its Solutions for Business service as part of John Lewis Direct. With
the aim to make corporate gift solutions easy and exciting, the
selection has not only expanded but is also available all year round.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1630/
====================================================================
This week's industry news
====================================================================
DESIGN AGENCY WINS CATALOGUE BUSINESS
(mda:creative, 22 Jun 2007)
The specialist catalogue design and production division of
Stockport-based Mda:creative has won a major contract from Findel -
the home shopping, mail order and educational supplies company.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1636/
PED PEPPER SPLASHES OUT ON NEW PRINTING KIT
(Red Pepper Print, 22 Jun 2007)
One of the latest names to emerge on the North-West print scene has
invested in over GBP100,000 worth of new equipment from suppliers that
include Agfa and Canon.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1639/
ASDA'S DARE MAGAZINE SCOOPS CIPR PRIZE
(Summersault Communications, 27 Jun 2007)
Customer and employee publisher Summersault Communications has won the
Newsletter, Newspaper or Magazine category at the Chartered Institute
of Public Relations President's Grand Prix Awards
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1640/
LOEWY REVAMPS RFU MAIL-ORDER CAMPAIGN
(Loewy, 20 Jun 2007)
Loewy has upped the pace of its mail order campaign for the RFU with a
brand new look and a clever delivery strategy that aim to deliver high
conversion rates with a varied audience.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1642/
LIVERPOOL ARENA KICKS OFF REVOLUTION CAMPAIGN
(Balance, 20 Jun 2007)
Balance: The Brand Architects has created an outdoor advertising
campaign for Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) Liverpool to boost
brand awareness in the run-up to its launch in January 2008.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1643/
KERRYGOLD TAKES MARKETING ONTO THE STREETS
(The Marketing Store, 18 Jun 2007)
Irish butter brand Kerrygold has been working with global brand
activation agency The Marketing Store on a national roadshow, which
will run throughout the summer.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1644/
BLOGGERS TO SHARE COSMETIC TREATMENT EXPERIENCE
(Markettiers4dc, 29 Jun 2007)
Lifestyle website handbag.com is to create and host a blog site
whereby a regular visitor will undergo Restylane treatments and
document their experience.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1645/
MORTGAGE BRAIN TRIES REAL-TIME ONLINE CAMPAIGN
(Twentysix (London and Leeds), 22 Jun 2007)
A ground-breaking real-time concept that fuses human and digital sales
and marketing techniques has won twentysix Leeds the pitch to promote
Mortgage Brain's Premier Edition to its B2B audience.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1646/
DESIGNER CLOTHES SITE STARTS ONLINE CAMPAIGN
(The Search Works, 20 Jun 2007)
The Search Works is to provide Net-a-porter.com, the world's premier
luxury online fashion retailer, with a fully managed search engine
marketing (SEM) solution.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1647/
HEINEKEN SIGNS BRAND AMBASSADORS FOR RWC
(Fast Track, 27 Jun 2007)
Heineken UK has signed two top international rugby stars to be
Heineken ambassadors as part of the company's media activities
surrounding its official sponsorship of the Rugby World Cup 2007.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1648/
BBQ SUPPLIER OUTSOURCES CUSTOMER CALL CENTRE
(Aspect Marketing Services, 19 Jun 2007)
Aspect Marketing Services has been appointed by high-end BBQ suppliers
Outback to handle all inbound enquiry calls throughout the busy summer
BBQ months.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1649/
NINTENDO SERVES UP WII EXPERIENTIAL CAMPAIGN
(Arc Worldwide, 29 Jun 2007)
Nintendo has caught tennis fever with a Wimbledon-themed experiential
campaign to promote its Wii console through integrated agency Arc
Worldwide.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1650/
====================================================================
New Technical Articles and Case Studies
====================================================================
HOW PERMISSION-BASED MARKETING BOOSTS PROFITS
(Sign-Up.to, 21 Jun 2007)
For any business good marketing is an essential ingredient of success
but many small businesses waste money on inefficient methods or do not
allocate sufficient budget for campaigns.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1652/
BUILDING FIRM FOUNDATIONS FOR EMAIL LISTS
(Shortburst, 05 Jun 2007)
Nick Pauley, managing director of Shortburst, gives guidance on
building a comprehensive email list to improve your email marketing
efforts.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1653/
MEASURING AND COUNTERING CLICK FRAUD
(speed-trap, 06 Jun 2007)
Speed-trap explains the best ways to avoid click fraud, the process of
an individual clicking on search or affiliate adverts on the web with
fraudulent intent.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1655/
CELERITY CONSOLIDATES HOLIDAY FIRM CUSTOMER DATA
(Celerity, 13 Jun 2007)
TUI UK, the UK's leading holiday company, has appointed data
management specialist Celerity to create a single customer view across
its brand portfolio, which includes Thomson and Portland.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1656/
EMERGENCY INSURER DELVES INTO WEB ANALYTICS
(Site Intelligence, 18 Jun 2007)
Homeserve, has chosen Site Intelligence's Visitor Behaviour
Information System for web analytics and online business intelligence
to allow it to analyse its online customer behaviour.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1658/
ARCHIVE ONE AIDS MORTGAGE COMPANY
(C2C Systems, 07 Jun 2007)
Market Street Mortgage, a retail originator of residential mortgage
loans, has implemented Archive One to minimise the time and expense
required to retrieve its archived email messages.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1659/
MAILCENTRAL BOOSTS BUSINESS FOR JOB SEARCH SITE
(Atomic Design, 07 Jun 2007)
A recruitment firm has increased the hit rate to its website, rapidly
grown its database and increased new business by using the MailCentral
e-marketing solution from Atomic Design.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1660/
ETHICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL ISSUES PAPERLESS TICKETS
(tixmob.com, 27 Jun 2007)
Two Thousand Trees, the festival for ethical music fans, will minimise
its impact on the environment by delivering tickets to fans via
tixmob, the mobile ticketing service
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1661/
FOLK ROCKER TRIES MOBILE WITH TEXT 2 BROWSE
(Dialogue Communications, 11 Jun 2007)
Funk folk rocker Julia Harris is one of the first artists in the UK to
take her marketing campaigns straight to mobile, with the support of
interactive mobile specialist Dialogue Communications.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1662/
IRIS TO MOBILISE CANNONS HEALTH CLUBS
(Incentivated, 11 Jun 2007)
Mobile marketing agency Incentivated has been appointed by Cannons
Health Clubs to provide mobile and email marketing to increase
membership and support its member relationship programme.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1663/
MANCHESTER BS UNVEILS MAESTRO DEBIT CARD
(Nomad, 06 Jun 2007)
The Manchester Building Society has launched a Maestro debit card to
extend its comprehensive portfolio of investment and mortgage
products, helped by the Nomad Payments outsourced service.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1664/
3M IMPLEMENTS ITS OWN DIGITAL SIGNAGE
(3M United Kingdom, 19 Jun 2007)
3M's Digital Signage solutions have replaced conventional notice
boards at four of the company's own manufacturing and distribution
facilities, improving site productivity.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1665/
====================================================================
Other featured new product news
====================================================================
GROOVYCHOCOLATE ADDS SUMMER FRUITS VARIANT
(GroovyChocolate, 20 Jun 2007)
In the new range, real fruit pieces are wrapped in chocolate then
packed into a stylish, pocket-sized printed pillow pack that can be
printed in up to four colours with logo and message.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1629/
FRESH REWARDS PROMOTES FREE SWIMMING LESSONS
(Fresh Rewards, 28 Jun 2007)
Fresh Rewards has entered a partnership with Swimtime UK, the
independent provider of swimming lessons, to create a Free Swimming
Lesson offer, an ideal incentive for child-related products
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1666/
GIFT BASKET COMPANY LAUNCHES ORGANIC RANGE
(FanciFull Gift Baskets, 08 Jun 2007)
FanciFull Gift Baskets has produced a line of natural and organic food
and wine baskets, aimed at firms wanting to say 'thank you' to clients
and employees in a distinctive healthy way.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1633/
PEARCY'S ADDS COOKIE BOXES TO GIFT RANGE
(Pearcy's, 12 Jun 2007)
Gift ideas company Pearcys.co.uk has added cookie and brownie hat
boxes to its range of original hand-made gifts.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1631/
EIA SLASHES PRICE OF DVD/E-LEARNING PRODUCTS
(Events Industry Alliance, 26 Jun 2007)
The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) has decided to make a dramatic cut
in the price of its 'how to exhibit' DVD/e-learning products to make
them accessible to a wider audience.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1669/
EUROPE'S LARGEST REVIEW SITE OPENS IN UK
(Kudos Integrated, 29 Jun 2007)
Hamburg-based Qype.com, a recommendation portal, is the latest
addition to the UK's growing 'u' review culture.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1672/
LAST CHANCE TO ENTER NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS
(The National Business Awards, 18 Jun 2007)
The entry deadline for the 2007 National Business Awards is fast
approaching and organisations have only until noon on Wednesday 25
July 2007 to make their submissions.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1670/
MONKRAT PLUG-IN OFFERS SMES WEB SALES PORTAL
(Monkrat, 28 Jun 2007)
A new website plug-in is set to revolutionise the global download
market by giving businesses a user-friendly internet sales portal and
document distribution system within minutes.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1673/
TECH EVENT GUIDE OFFERS SEARCHABLE DATABASE
(Napier Partnership, 29 Jun 2007)
A new listing of European and North American Technology Events offers
a searchable online database of shows and conferences plus company
seminars and training days
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1677/
GROLIER UPDATES UK AND EIRE MAILING LISTS
(Independent Direct Marketing, 07 Jun 2007)
The Grolier database is one of the most responsive lists on the rental
market used by a multitude of advertisers and is available now in an
updated version.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1696/
ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER USES CAPSCAN DATA VALIDATION
(Capscan, 19 Jun 2007)
Electricity 4 Business (E4B), the business electricity supplier to UK
SMEs, is using Capscan OnDemand for Salesforce.com to validate
addresses entered into the database.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1667/
MOTIVACTION UPDATES MEETING AND EVENTS CATALOGUE
(The MotivAction Group, 04 Jun 2007)
Motivation agency MotivAction has followed up the success of its
events catalogue 'Conference and Events Direct' with the release of a
new 336-page edition.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1697/
WATERFRONT BRASSERIE IMPROVES ITS OFFERING
(Wyboston Lakes, 14 Jun 2007)
The Waterfront Brasserie at Wyboston Lakes has introduced new menus
and wines and improved its layout to better cater for the needs of
customers visiting the conference centre.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1698/
ICQ DELIVERS PERSONAL COMMS PLATFORM FOR TV FIRMS
(ICQ, 11 Jun 2007)
Instant messaging pioneer ICQ has launched Active Viewing, a
next-generation personal communications platform for TV broadcasters,
cable and satellite TV channels and IPTV operators.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1699/
SALESFLOW ADDS DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT TO OFFER
(Sawfish Software, 05 Jun 2007)
Sawfish Software has developed a document management system within its
SalesFlow Business Process Management software so relevant documents
can be linked to each sales enquiry.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1700/
BRITISH SPORT DELIVERS NEW CHAMPIONSHIP
(Fast Track, 21 Jun 2007)
The British University Championships is a brand new major sporting
festival that will bring together 6,500 university students at the
UK's biggest annual multi-sport event.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1701/
IN-STORE VISITORS ENJOY VIEW OF SKYLINE
(HL Display (UK), 19 Jun 2007)
HL Display, the provider of merchandising solutions and in-store
communications, unveiled its Skyline modular system for overhead, wall
and window displays at this year's In-Store show.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1702/
DMA ISSUES EMAIL BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES
(Direct Marketing Association, 27 Jun 2007)
Responding to the changing shape of the email marketing industry and
to ward off potential legislation, the DMA Email Marketing Council has
updated its best practice guidelines.
* Read more: http://www.marketingservicestalk.com/more/1703/
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