Marketing communications designed to build business
Industrial Marketing Muse
Yes We Can! Industrial Social Media Marketing
Written by Kerry O'Malley Wednesday, 10 March 2010 23:03
Are you someone who would like to be more involved in social media from a business perspective, but not quite sure where to start? Do you have profiles on a couple of sites with minimal information (and no picture) that you haven't returned to since you opened an account? If so, you have plenty of company! Do a Google search on "social media" and you'll probably walk away from the computer blurry eyed and more confused than ever about how this form of communication can be applied to your business.
I'm on a journey to become an expert in industrial social media marketing. I believe that just as e-mail and Web sites were once considered optional in the industrial sector, so too is social media at this point in its development. One day, we'll find it impossible to exist in the world of business without multiple social media networks. There are plenty of social media consultants out there right now; but I've yet to come across one specializing in working with manufacturing or industrial service companies. So come along with me as we explore the world of social media marketing and figure out how it applies to our businesses!
Does Your Web Site Need a SEO Redesign?
Written by Kerry O'Malley Wednesday, 24 February 2010 17:36
A new web site may look fantastic, but if the designer hasn't taken into account the principles of Search Engine Optimization (SEO,) it's not going to be effective. If you have an older web site, it may do the job of telling people about your company, but if the pages load slowly and the content hasn't been updated in years, it's ineffective as well. In either case, you definitely need to consider a redesign. Both web sites will receive a much lower volume of traffic than they COULD receive.
The newer site may get traffic for those looking specifically for that site, but anyone using a keyword search for your product or services won't find you. The older site with out of date content loses out because the search engines think the site is dormant or dead, due to the lack of fresh content. The only way to increase traffic to your web site (which translates to potential new business) is to build SEO into the web site. For a newer design, this can be done more simply, through a conversion process. For an older site, a complete redesign is probably in order. For most industrial companies who are not selling product through their web site, this is a relatively painless and affordable process that can really pay off in new business inquiries.
Here are some web site issues that should signal it's time for a redesign.
Marketects Does it All!
Written by Kerry O'Malley Sunday, 07 February 2010 21:42
Last week a client of several years called and asked me, "Do you design banner ads for web sites?" I answered, "absolutely!" After we got off the phone, I started thinking about the fact that I had obviously not done a very good job of marketing Marketects' services - at least not to this particular client!
It brings up a very good point. We get so involved in the day to day running of our businesses; we assume that all our customers know as much about our company as we do. The truth is, they probably don't! Part of our job as marketers is to educate our customers and prospects. We have to tell them, tell them, and tell them again, what it is we do and why they should do business with us. With that in mind, following is a list of services Marketects can provide.
Achieve Greater Success with E-mail Marketing
Written by Kerry O'Malley Friday, 22 January 2010 21:22
E-mail ads and e-newsletters are becoming a more reliable source of information to many of your potential industrial customers. They're the next evolution in "convenience" supplier sourcing and information gathering. When information is delivered directly to someone's Inbox, how much more convenient can it get?
According to a recent Industrial Economic Outlook Survey, 56% of engineering, technical, manufacturing and industrial professionals subscribe to four or more e-newsletters, and 46% read e-newsletters either daily or several times a week. With a captive audience like that, more industrial companies should take advantage of cost-effective e-mail marketing opportunities.
Of course, to be read, the e-mail ad or newsletter needs to grab the reader's attention instantly. People are busy; if they don't see something of interest pretty quick, they'll probably hit the delete button. To be most effective, thoughtfully consider each of the four components of any e-mail ad or e-newsletter: headline, copy, links and images. If you take the time to make each of these components the best they can be, your efforts will be more successful.
3 Seconds to Make an Impact: Does Your Trade Show Display Measure Up?
Written by Kerry O'Malley Saturday, 16 January 2010 20:58
The most effective trade show displays deliver a punch of visual impact that makes a strong first impression and communicates your key messages in a matter of seconds. You only have a small window of time to attract prospects to your booth in order to maximize sales opportunities. There are lots of things you can do to KEEP someone at your booth once they've stopped; however, getting them to stop is job one!
The next time you exhibit at a show, have several people from your company walk down the aisle your display is on with a completely detached, unbiased attitude. Ask for their input to evaluate your display's "curb appeal." You can also simply do this yourself but if you have any emotional attachment to the existing display, you'll probably get a more honest appraisal from other people! Whether you're evaluating a 20' x 20' island, a 10' pop-up, a tabletop, or a retractable banner, here are some questions you should ask.
Read more: 3 Seconds to Make an Impact: Does Your Trade Show Display Measure Up?
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Hi, I'm Kerry O'Malley - the Industrial Marketing Muse (and your own personal Marketect, should you so choose!) I have over 27 years of experience developing marketing communications for engineered industrial products and services sold to industry. For the past 10 years, I've done that as a consultant through my company, Marketects.
I love the idea of advertising (and good writing) being catalysts that move people to action. I'm jazzed by the challenge of creating concepts for communications campaigns that work. I'm intrigued by the possibilities that exist on the Internet for the industrial marketer, and I'm always thinking about how to translate those opportunities to my clients. I've never practiced marketing in the retail, mass consumer arena, but I see a lot of that kind of marketing that inspires me and translates over well to the industrial world. I hope I can inspire YOU!