6 Content Ideas Your Company Should be Posting on Social Media

If your company is new to the social media arena or even if you have had channels set up but weren’t sure what to post, we have some content ideas to help you fill your channels with excellent and engaging content.

One of the most important things to remember with social media is to consistently provide content, updates, and engage without always trying to sell something to your fans and followers. Here are 6 content ideas to keep your company top of mind and engaged with your customers.

• Company News: You may not think that your customers are interested in the newsworthy events that go on in your company, but they are. It is always a good idea to fill your social streams with content about your company’s news. It can be that you moved or opened a new location. Maybe you have a new hire or want to spotlight the employee of the month. Winning an award or even being nominated for one are all news bits that are perfect to share on all your social channels. All of this type of news helps show insight into your company and lets customers in.

• Local News: This works especially well for local businesses that are not solely internet based. Although some local news can even benefit internet-only companies. Posting about local events, things happening in your town, or things happening in your shopping mall or plaza will attract the attention of the fans and followers of the other businesses and the city or town. Tagging the other businesses and your city as well as neighboring cities is a great way to make new connections by getting extra exposure on their social networks as well as yours.

• Industry News: The news from your industry can also be big news for your social media followers. They might want your take on industry news or just want to come to you as a source for the industry. This establishes your company as an authority and is one of the best ways to remain top of mind with your customers and potential clientele.

• Offer Tips and Advice: Are you an authority on the things you sell or services you provide? Show your readers the great ideas you have, how to use your products, or tips to enhance the services you offer.

• Use Humour:  Even the most serious businesses can utilise humour in a tasteful way. Funny posts attract more people and make it easier for them to remember you.

• Images: Whenever possible, include images in your social media posts. People are very visual and a post with a picture in it attracts much more attention than just text alone. Always look for a relevant image to post with your content.

Reasons for Recognition

Thirteen great reasons why you should be recognizing and motivating your employees - we provide simple solutions for all your recognition requirements.

Recognition and Rewards Do Make a Difference

A successful recognition program can assist you in recognizing and rewarding the people that have made a difference in your organization and provide an ROI for your company. Studies have shown that the prime "job specific" motivator in the work place is recognition and that employees are drawn to activities which enhance their own self-esteem.

"Recognition is the key component of self-actualization". Maslow Herzberg 

Our Affinity programs are hassle-free and provide an excellent return on investment. Our unique symbolic approach combined with highly visible utilitarian or displayable items that are packaged for maximum impact, will provide you the positive and long-lasting impression you seek. 

• Recognition and rewards Motivate Employees 
• Appropriate recognition at the appropriate time is the best practice that ultimately improves the performance in any organization. A Gallup poll found that 82% of employees say that recognition or praise they receive at work motivates them to improve their performance. 
• Employees who feel valued and trusted are more productive 
• High performing employees will leave companies if they do not feel valued 
• Create a positive work environment 
• Motivate high performance 
• Reinforce desired behavior 
• Create a culture of recognition 
• Increase morale 
• Support organizational mission/values 
• Increase retention or decrease turnover 
• Encourage loyalty 
• Support a culture change

  

View our Affinity Awards program ~ Click HERE

How to Activate and Use Gmail’s New Unsend Button

Chances are anyone reading this has suffered the wrath of sending an email they didn’t mean to or shouldn’t have. Whether it was the dreaded “reply all” button accident, having second thoughts about a rant, or just recognising a simple type-o you wanted to fix, everyone has likely sent an email they immediately regretted. Now, Google has finally instituted a solution for you!

The unsend button feature that they previously only had in beta is now a full-fledged option available to every Gmail user. The setting delays the sending of the email and a button pops up that allows you to click “unsend” for anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds depending on how you adjust your settings. Here’s how:

Step One:

Settings Button

Click on the settings button at the top right of your Gmail screen. Choose settings from the drop down menu that appears.

Step Two:

Gmail Settings

Scroll down to the Undo Send section. Click the check box and then choose the amount of seconds you want the delay to be before sending, called the ‘send cancellation period’. The longest time frame is 30 seconds, shortest is 5 seconds. I would suggest just leaving it at 30 seconds.

Step Three:

Unsend Button

Scroll down and click the save button.

That’s it! It is that simple to save you a world of hurt! Keep in mind that this is not available for mobile yet. From now on after sending an email, you will see the following at the top of your Gmail screen:

Google says it will be available on mobile phone versions of Gmail soon. So still be extra careful when sending email from your phone. Also keep in mind that you only have those 30 seconds to click unsend. If you refresh the screen, close your Gmail, archive, or delete the email, that option goes away.

Check Out Other Gmail Settings

While you are in the settings, scroll through and check out all of the options available. There may be some conveniences that you didn’t know about and might also get some great use out of. You can adjust the page size, set your default country for using Google Voice calls, set up the conversation view style, set up a vacation message and customise your closing.

If the unsend button isn’t news to you, perhaps you have been using it since 2009 when Google implemented that as a test option in the labs section of Gmail’s settings. There are many other options available in the Labs Section of your Gmail account. You should check it out now and go back every month or two to see what’s new and what fun things you can make use of in there to make your emailing experience even better.

Here are some of the things I found in there today:

Canned Responses: This is great if you use Gmail for customer service, you can set up common responses to frequently asked questions here.
Authentication Icon for Verified Senders: This helps you identify authentic messages from known senders like eBay that are often mimicked by spammers.

Mark as Read Button
Pictures in Chat
Apps Search
Google Voice Player in Mail
Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Google Calendar Gadget
Google Maps Previews in Mail

Just to name a few of the long list. Feel free to play around with them and see what works for you. Don’t worry if you don’t like a setting, you can go back and uncheck it to disable it.
Will the unsend button option make you switch to Gmail if you aren’t already using it?

Posted in Internet Marketing

6 Content Ideas Your Company Should be Posting on Social Media

If your company is new to the social media arena or even if you have had channels set up but weren’t sure what to post, we have some content ideas to help you fill your channels with excellent and engaging content. One of the most important things to remember with social media is to consistently provide content, updates, and engage without always trying to sell something to your fans and followers. Here are 6 content ideas to keep your company top of mind and engaged with your customers.

Company News: You may not think that your customers are interested in the newsworthy events that go on in your company, but they are. It is always a good idea to fill your social streams with content about your company’s news. It can be that you moved or opened a new location. Maybe you have a new hire or want to spotlight the employee of the month. inning an award or even being nominated for one are all news bits that are perfect to share on all your social channels. All of this type of news helps show insight into your company and lets customers in.

Local News: This works especially well for local businesses that are not solely internet based. Although some local news can even benefit internet-only companies. Posting about local events, things happening in your town, or things happening in your shopping mall or plaza will attract the attention of the fans and followers of the other businesses and the city or town. Tagging the other businesses and your city as well as neighboring cities is a great way to make new connections by getting extra exposure on their social networks as well as yours.

Industry News: The news from your industry can also be big news for your social media followers. They might want your take on industry news or just want to come to you as a source for the industry. This establishes your company as an authority and is one of the best ways to remain top of mind with your customers and potential clientele. Offer Tips and Advice: Are you an authority on the things you sell or services you provide? Show your readers the great ideas you have, how to use your products, or tips to enhance the services you offer.

Use Humour: A few weeks ago we did an entire blog post on the benefits of using humour in your content. Even the most serious businesses can utilise humour in a tasteful way. Funny posts attract more people and make it easier for them to remember you. Images: Whenever possible, include images in your social media posts. People are very visual and a post with a picture in it attracts much more attention than just text alone. Always look for a relevant image to post with your content.

Images: Whenever possible, include images in your social media posts. People are very visual and a post with a picture in it attracts much more attention than just text alone. Always look for a relevant image to post with your content.

Posted in Internet Marketing, Marketing Advice

The Intrigue of 3D Printing

You’ve probably heard the 3D printing skeptics – hey, I’ve been one myself. We’ve been saying things like: “3D printing is years away. Plus, it takes days to print anything half decent. Oh, and by the way, you need an engineering degree to operate one of those contraptions anyway.”  Well, most of that was true – but times are changing, quickly. In fact, 3D printing technology is progressing much faster than was forecast. 

For example, this week Lowe’s became the third major U.S. brand (following Staples and UPS) to offer 3D printing services. Lowe’s, though, is unveiling a much easier to use kiosk, letting shoppers print home-improvement products in almost any material – from plastics to hard metals. Customers can also bring in items to have a printer replicate them. Lowe’s is providing the technology with the help of a California firm called Authentise.

“Until now, it’s been hard for the average consumer to benefit from this technology because of the cost and complexity,” said Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe’s Innovation Labs. “Our partnership with Authentise enabled us to rapidly develop 3D solutions in a way that is core to home improvement.”

Now, as much as I like home improvement (my wife is laughing), I like marketing much more. If 3D printers can suddenly be rigged to create fancy sconces and doorknobs, imagine what kind of promotional items they can produce. From bobbleheads to balls, from drinkware to desk accessories – the possibilities would be endless. And sector number one to target would be the live events market. If customized items could be made in minutes at a concert, a fair, or a ballgame, brands would be foolish to not embrace that kind of real-time and keepsake advertising. 

Certainly, it would make sense for larger industry companies to explore partnering with 3D printing startups. If printers could eventually reduce the reliance on China, the cost savings would be tremendous. Smaller firms, though, should be invested in this conversation, too. Distributors that are losing out to e-commerce firms could level the playing field a bit, especially in terms of turnaround time.

There are those in the industry who worry that 3D printing will upset traditional models and ultimately cut into margins. I won’t dispute that notion. My logic, however, is this: Rather than trying to stop the freight train, hop on board. Embrace entrepreneurial spirit instead of standing by unwritten rules. Tech companies seem to be on the cusp of making 3D printers incredible tools. Don’t be the business owner who got into the game too late.

Published in Promogram Tuesday May 5, 2015 By Dave Vagnoni

Marketing to Boomers

Are you paying attention to them?

Boomers (Baby Boomers are those individuals born between 1946 and 1964), are the largest generation in North America. They represent well over 35% of the nations population. Additionally, boomers are responsible for spending half of the country’s consumer spending.

There are a lot of misconceptions about boomers. The traditional view of this demographic is that they spend less, have rigid brand preferences and take little interest in new products and technology but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, boomers are outspending other generations at a rapid pace of $400 billion each year in North America and they are the largest buyers of new technology. If you are a provider of consumer goods and services, you may want to take notice of this booming generation.

Demystifying boomers

Inaccurate assumptions about boomers have caused this group to be dubbed the most neglected wealthy demographic in the history of marketing. If you are looking to tap into this valuable audience, here are some things to consider:

Boomers are online: Boomers represent one-third of the country’s Internet users. In fact, last year they spent 27 hours online per week. Boomers are on the Web gathering information, shopping, gaming, engaging in social media and finding coupons or discounts. Consider reaching boomers by emailing coupons or posting discounts to social media. Or, try testing online ads with Google® AdWords. You can target your ads to reach those in a specific age group or life stage.

Boomers are active: Many boomers are working well into their 70’s, and not because they have to; because they want to. When marketing to boomers, it’s important to speak their language. They don’t want to be referred to as senior citizens or elderly.

To speak their language, think active, balanced life, optimal health, wise and mature. When designing communications, steer clear of imagery that portrays this group as sedentary; instead, show mature consumers doing meaningful things such as playing with children or engaging in outdoor activities.

Further, appeal to their interests by holding a Facebook® contest asking them to post a picture of themselves engaged in a favorite hobby or activity to enter.  Depending on the time of year, award winners with items such as a Fishing Bag, golf umbrella polo shirt or gardening tool kit, winter car care kit.... you get the idea. And don't forget... if you are calling on a Boomer, bring along some swag for them. They'll appreciate it and it will go a long way!

FINE TUNING YOUR MARKETING REGIMEN

While this article has a retail slant, it's marketing thrust still speaks to all business formats.  Original blog courtesy of the RedCappi Team.

      
Summertime marketing campaigns are in full-effect now that the 4th of July holiday has passed. Small businesses can use some simple and creative tactics of their own to better optimize their summer selling and to execute relevance and interest in the eyes of their target audiences.

Here are 5 helpful tricks to consider for successful summer marketing.

1. Send Out Summer Swag

Seriously, who wouldn't love a FREE pool tote, indestructible cool shades or an oversized beach towel? With the spike in temperature comes beach-bound weekends, pool-side barbecues and wine & cheese nights under the stars... so it's always a smart little trick to entice your audience with free summer swag.

And of course, slap on your brand name or logo and voila! You're summer giveaway product just metamorphosed into a moving ad campaign and a go-to reminder of your brand.

VICTORIA SECRET: PINK TUMBLER GIVEAWAY

Victoria Secret over the last several years has mastered this fine art of tempting swag giveaways, that really drive the average sale upwards of $75. They usually promise a free giveaway product, ranging from umbrellas in winter, summer beach totes and back-to-school duffle bags. Their latest campaign offers a pink Victoria Secret cooler tumbler with any PINK product purchase.

Knowing that most young girls who love the casual line of PINK products will adore a PINK tumbler poolside or at their desk, it's a smart giveaway to gently secure a sale.

2. Switch Up Your Marketing Techniques

It's easy for small businesses to get comfortable with their marketing routine and same avenues of promoting their business. Often times, even their content becomes stagnant and essentially glossed over by audiences for having somewhat of a 'bore' factor.

Switching up your marketing methodology to try new channels of communication, as well as sometimes different content, varying offers and promotions might just be what the doctor ordered for successful summer marketing.

If your business usually relies on sending coupons, try to host a local summer event inviting your audience to you for a more hands on experience, or vice versa. If your business is only growing primarily due to word of mouth, try using social media networking or email offers to see how they might work for you.

KIDS AHOY: NEW ACTIVITIES CAMPAIGN

A small local business in Los Angeles, Kids Ahoy, a kid's indoor playgym, has demonstrated just what switching up marketing techniques can bring to the table. No longer are the days of mere two for one deals or a coupon for a month's membership off. Kids on summer break demand more and Kids Ahoy understands their market precisely.

Their latest email promotion introduced a summer morning breakfast with Elsa from Frozen, among the other perks with admission, ranging from crafts to face painting, etc. Their offers to appeal to their subscribership and are anything but boring emails to parents' inboxes.

3. Bring Something Back for Summer

Sometimes, businesses think of summer as a time to purge the old and bring in new, fresh, clean, bright, energetic, taste-bud awakening, stimulating new items. Of course, this method is tried and true and while it makes sense, sometimes the opposite might work just as effectively- bring back the OLD!

Where an item in the past, a product or a menu item was popular, displayed high demand and drove sales, it might have the same power to devise the same effect  in the summer time. Try bringing it back for a limited time in the summer. Bringing something old back for a limited time can do one of two things.

First, it lets your audience know that this was popular and successful in the months before, which creates an organic curiosity to it and nature affinity. Second, by limiting it to the summer season adds a sense of urgency and heightened need to 'get it while its still available.'

MCDONALDS: MONOPOLY GAME

Every so often, McDonald's brings back the McDonald's Monopoly game, most recently in sticker form, as a sweepstakes sales promotion. They first started the sweepstakes game in the late 80's, and have brought it back a number of times, sometimes displaying a different name, like Monopoly Best Chance Game or Monopoly: Pick Your Prize!, but always resting on the same game principles.

The franchise truly understands the inner workings of sweepstakes and how they draw customers into their restaurant locations across the world. It's a classic example of bringing something back for summer.

4. Special Summer Hours

Consider adjusting your business hours to accommodate the times people are actually out and about. Given the summer scalding heat, air conditioners are pumping in full force until later in the evening when it often cools down.

So you might want to consider extending your hours to accommodate those special summer night owls. And vice versa also applies, where if you know its a summer long weekend and your audience is probably out of town, you might want to wait until the weekend passes and they are back in their offices at home before sending your next lines of communication.

MENCHIES: ICE CREAM HAPPY HOUR

Menchie's, a popular frozen yogurt chain, has started offering somewhat of a happy hour promotion after 9PM until midnight for all you can pour ice cream at a flat fee of $5. Whereas, typically, the cost of ice crea per person would be weighed and measured in ounces, this essentially offers a price break for late night patrons, making the most out of otherwise lost time with the store being closed.

5. Summer Clearance Sale

The most commonly used summertime marketing idea for all businesses alike is the classic summer clearance. It is worth taking a moment to remind you about why.

A summer clearance speaks to target audiences because even at a single first glance, they already know they are gaining something of value- a discount on your product that they already would probably otherwise want. It's a built-in trust mechanism that drives this simple tactic that you see being used across the channels.

OLD NAVY: CLEARANCE ALERT: 1000's of STYLES FOR $5 OR LESS

A well recognized American clothing retailer GAP, operates several notable divisions, including Banana Republic, Piperlime, Athleta and Old Navy. Each one of these divisions has mastered the art of summer marketing, with their timely sales and creative super promotions that absolutely grab your attention in the inbox.

The latest Old Navy campaign is a certain summer charmer, with its bright bold colors and block letters "SUMMER CLEARANCE- THOUSANDS OF ITEMS $5 AND UNDER." Without even clicking further, its already a given that you'll be getting a great deal on anything you order."

So there's really no reason to wait on fine tuning your summer marketing regimen.

Happy Summer!