4 Internet Marketing errors that could destroy potential sales

August 23, 2010
If you're making any one of these 4 Internet Marketing errors, you could be missing out on increased sales and conversions...

Error #1: Skipping keyword research. You already know that your website should be optimized with the most popular keywords. But you also need to optimize your site with key "phrases" and less popular keywords, as well.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Sharing is the new advertising!

August 23, 2010
Think about your last few posts on your Facebook or Twitter account or the last news story you've e-mailed to your friends. What were the reasons that you shared the information? Was it a funny video, an inspiring story, or an interesting news article? A revolutionary shift has taken place in the way we consume and share information.   ... read more.

What happens when you give your creative team lots of freedom?

July 26, 2010
On July 13, Old Spice went live on the airwaves (well, the Internet-waves) by creating over 80 short, funny video responses to social media users, all in real-time. It was the type of campaign that was unheard of until now, and it had created an unprecedented amount of brand buzz in a single day. How did they do it?   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Get inspired by the Greatest Advertisements in History!

July 26, 2010
To create a really awesome advertising message, look no further than some of the most successful campaigns in history. AdAge has done all the work for us in listing the top 100 best ad campaigns in history. But what determines which ads are the greatest?   ... read more.

New research shows 58% of us do this in the morning

July 26, 2010
According to a new study by ExactTarget, more than half of all U.S. online consumers begin our day interacting with companies via Email, compared to 20% who start the day on search engines and 11% on Facebook. This study noted key differences in our motivations for interacting with companies across email and social media.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to critique web design

June 24, 2010
When it comes to knowing whether or not the design of a website is good, you must know how to critique it. If your judgment tells you that the design is good, it could be that the design follows established design principals. If it looks bad, it might be because it was designed by a web programmer, not a designer. Or it could be that your personal tastes are interfering with the overall goal of the website.   ... read more.

4 Steps to avoid a marketing nightmare

June 24, 2010
Advertising has changed much in the past decade with the rise of the Internet, Web 2.0 and mobile technology. That also means that the amount of seminars, webinars, podcasts, and how-to web videos are saturating the marketplace. The problem is, people are starting to get the idea that the means of advertising is more important than the message itself. While the outlets for marketing and advertising have (arguably) improved, the importance of the message has somewhat fallen by the wayside.   ... read more.

What is the actual dollar value of a Facebook Fan?

May 21, 2010
Well, technically the question should now be, "What is the dollar value of one person who ‘likes' your brand's Facebook Page?" The answer, according to an article from AdWeek, could be worth up to $3.60! These findings are based on impressions generated in Facebook's news feed.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: 5 ways to market your business via mobile device

May 21, 2010
In just a few short years, the mobile device and smartphone market has boomed, following the introduction of Apple's iPhone and Google's Android operating system. Compound this with society's need for immediate gratification, and you've set the stage for reaching and attracting more customers. But if the thought of your customers connecting with your brand anytime and anywhere sounds a bit overwhelming, you'll be comforted to know that the options for reaching consumers on mobile devices are growing larger and less expensive. Where can you begin?   ... read more.

Snail mail is back, baby!

May 21, 2010
In this digital age, it's easy to overlook some of the traditional -- yet still effective -- forms of advertising and promotion, such as direct mail. Now that we're all accustomed to electronic communication, the value of something that you can physically hold in your hands can now have greater power.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Dealing with the generation gaps in the workplace

April 26, 2010
You've probably heard it before: for the first time in our history, we actually have FOUR different generations working side by side in our workforce today. They are: the Traditionalists (born around 1930's to 1945); Baby Boomers (1945 - 1965); Generation X (1965 - late 1970's); and Millennials (aka Generation Y, born between late 70's - early 90's). Why is it so important for businesses to recognize and understand these differing generational mindsets? In a word: cost.   ... read more.

Announcing a better way to send e-mail campaigns

April 26, 2010
WDC has just upgraded our E-mail Outreach program to give our clients more flexibility and options than ever before! You now have the opportunity to have more control of the creation, editing and payment of your e-mail campaigns. In addition, there is NO monthly fee! After the initial setup, you only pay whenever you send out a campaign. And, you can pay right online - no more dealing with invoices!   ... read more.

A logo's true value - Part Deux

March 30, 2010
Last month, we discussed what a good logo really means to your business. A logo should give your business distinction and a sense of credibility. But the next question to ask is, "How much should I spend on a logo design?"   ... read more.

Get your very own custom Facebook Fan Page!

March 30, 2010
Facebook has become the leader in social media. In fact just recently, Facebook has topped Google as the most visited U.S. website. This indicates a shift in the way people are searching for content on the web. To help capture this audience, Wilmington Design can now create custom Facebook Fan pages as part of our services.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to handle criticism in the workplace

March 30, 2010
No matter what industry you're in, we all face criticism in the workplace from time to time. Sometimes it can damage our egos, so we fail to really listen to constructive criticism and take it to heart. Good criticism is supposed to help you recognize your shortcomings, so that you can improve upon them.   ... read more.

What is a logo's true value?

February 23, 2010
A logo is a visual expression of your company. It helps build brand identity and meet your business goals. But the question every company must ask itself: "How much is a well-designed logo really worth to my business?" To answer this, you must understand your logic on whether you feel that branding is merely an expense or an investment in your company's future.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Battling Procrastination, Round 2

February 23, 2010
Have you been noticing lately that The Procrastinator has been arriving in your inbox later and later each month? Well, you can blame it on the fact that I am - hate to admit - a procrastinator. Last year I wrote an article about how to deal with procrastination, and since a new year has dawned on us, it's time once again to carry on the fight.   ... read more.

Let's talk landing pages

TIP OF THE MONTH: Increase transparency to increase traffic

January 26, 2010
According to a report by the Nielsen Company, 90% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know. Even more interesting: a whopping 70% of consumers trust opinions posted online from users they don't know. What this tells us is that consumers are no longer just buying products - they're selling them, too.   ... read more.

6 cold, hard facts about starting your own business

January 25, 2010
With today's technology, there's no telling how many new businesses will sprout up each year. Those with the most creativity and resources will most likely be the ones to cash in. Despite the vast possibilities in this marketplace, there are a few realities you need to know before starting a business.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to decorate your office for Christmas...using only office supplies.

December 8, 2009
It's a recession, and your office probably doesn't have a budget for extravagant Christmas decorations this year. Don't fret! We have a bunch of cost-saving decorations you can make right at your desk.   ... read more.

New Employee Interview: Matthew Craig

December 8, 2009
Name one place in the world you want to visit before you die.
Antarctica. Seriously. Since I was a little kid, I've always wanted to cross Antarctica by foot.

How many lines of code are there on the website you're currently working on?
So far...about 2,500.

Should toilet paper be installed so that you pull from the top or the bottom of the roll?
Answer...

Top 5 marketing articles of 2009

December 6, 2009
In the past year, we've written over 30 Procrastinator articles that we hope have helped, taught and inspired our readers. Here are 5 articles that were the most popular:   ... read more.

Cool virtual to-do lists

November 18, 2009
I'm the type of person who needs to write things down, or else I'll forget. In fact, I have several scrap papers on my desk and in my purse at the moment. But with so many new gadgets and free apps out there, we now have the advantage of choosing from hundreds of virtual to-do list, so that we can all have clean, organized lives. Here's a short list of some apps that you might find useful:   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to choose between a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group

November 18, 2009
There's some confusion as to whether a business should start a Facebook Page or a Facebook Group. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so here are some facts to know before you jump in:   ... read more.

OPINION ZONE : Awesome ads, but are they effective?

November 18, 2009
I'm a sucker for really creative advertisements. The more creative or interesting, the more likely I'll pay attention. Nothing bugs me more than generic, poorly-made, boring TV commercials that try to sell things I don't need. But lately I've been noticing a few ads, here and there, that are--for a lack of a better word --awesome.   ... read more.

Interruptive Marketing? Just hit the MUTE button

October 29, 2009
Here's how I watch TV: I click the "guide" button on the remote, scroll through the channels to see what I want to watch and stop on one channel. Then, I click "guide" again to find a secondary show to switch to while my first-choice show is on a commercial break. Sometimes I have a 3rd "backup" show to watch if the secondary show is also on a commercial break. So, if I'm the average consumer in the 25-35 year-old age bracket, then I'm probably not the only one who goes out of their way to avoid advertisements.   ... read more.

OPINION ZONE: Top 5 local networking groups

October 29, 2009
If you're new to the Wilmington area or thinking about starting a business, networking groups are a great way to meet new contacts, socialize and -- if you're lucky - eat some free food. Before there were only a few groups to choose from, like the Chamber of Commerce or BNI groups which have annual fees. You could always try hitting the Happy Hours around town, but you never know what kind of shenanigans you'll run into, and you probably aren't meeting the right contacts. In the current economic climate, there are now many networking groups available to fit any budget or time schedule. Here is a short list of my favorites:   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: 3 reasons visitors don't come back to your website, and what you can do about it

October 29, 2009
So, you got your website up and running, and the analytics say that you're getting new visitors every day. Great! But what the analytics might also be showing is that those unique visitors are never coming back to your site. This is not a good sign because it takes about 7 brand impressions for a visitor to become a customer. How can you get your visitor to come back to your site more than once? To give you a hint, here are three popular excuses that visitors make for not returning to a site again:   ... read more.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE: Keith Riggs (a.k.a. Photos McGee)

Talking-baby commercials: love ‘em or leave ‘em?
I really like the E-Trade Baby commercials, the one with the clown in the background was creepy and funny at the same time.

What kind of camera do you like to use the most?
Canon 400D, 50mm lens 1.4. But I really want the Canon 5DII or 7D.

If you were car, what model would you be?
Answer...

5 things a good web designer would never tell you

September 22, 2009
Sometimes it's hard to tell whether you're dealing with a good web person who designs for your company or a bad one who designs for your money. We've discovered a great little video lecture by Paul Boag, a well-known British web designer, that helps teach the average business person what to watch out for if they hear the following things from a web designer:   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: 5 surefire ways to improve design

September 21, 2009
If you've ever felt nervous to talk to a designer about your opinions, you're not alone. Although everyone in the world is surrounded by design (in art, advertisements, TV commercials, architecture, even nature), the truth of the matter is: not everyone has an eye for good design. That's why for centuries, the world has relied on designers to help communicate messages. Here are some tips on creating a better working relationship with your design team (which will inevitably lead to better design).   ... read more.

Jack & Suzy Welch get down to business

August 24, 2009
I've recently come across an interesting series of videos called "It's everybody's business with Jack and Suzy Welch." Jack Welch (who you may know as the former CEO of GE for 20 years and has been called "Manager of the Century" by Fortune Magazine) and his wife Suzy (best-selling author, commentator and business journalist) have teamed up with Microsoft for an unscripted video Web series where high-profile companies are given the chance to address their challenges.   ... read more.

OPINION ZONE: How Bing could beat Google in a cage fight.

August 24, 2009
Ok, our web programmer will probably mock me for writing this article, but I wanted to find out just how in the world Microsoft thinks it could compete against Google with its new search engine, Bing. First, let me say that Bing is in no way a Google-killer. And I don't think Microsoft is egotistical enough to think it can overtake Google's users.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Can't Write? Hire someone who can.

August 24,2009
Remember when you were in high school and you dreaded doing homework that required writing? And you would end up paying some nerd to write it for you, so that you would get an ‘A'? Well, times haven't changed, now that you're in the real world. The only difference is that you're not writing for your teacher anymore. You're writing to convince people to hire you and give you money.   ... read more.

EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW :: Bill Hunter (a.k.a. El Capitán)

Name one random fact about yourself.

My first experience as an entrepreneur - I started a 4 page neighborhood newspaper when I was 10 years old - called the Drewery Observer. We wrote the articles (on a type writer with whiteout), produced ads (drew with a pen), published (on a copy machine) and sold copies (door to door for .10 cents).

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to set up an e-mail account for your new, Wilmington Design-created website.

Having an e-mail address with your own website’s domain name is great (i.e. you@yourwebsite.com). It looks more official and helps your business appear more professional. If you’re not familiar with how to setup your own e-mail account, then you need to read this article!   ... read more.

OPINION ZONE: 7 awesome marketing campaigns that make us jealous.

June 22, 2009
One of the biggest questions advertisers must ask themselves is how they can create an impact with an ad campaign. How do you get the average consumer to notice your product or service? For one thing, believing that your consumers are just average won't help to create something memorable. The following campaigns are some examples of advertisers who found a way to stand out from the crowd and generate buzz. (Although, it helps when you have a nice-sized budget).   ... read more.

How a tortilla restaurant uses Pop-Tarts to gain customers

June 22, 2009
I like Pop-Tarts. In fact, I've eaten one everyday for breakfast for the past 2 weeks. They keep coming out with awesome new flavors, too, like Cinnamon Roll (which, by the way, beats my former favorite -- Brown Sugar). So, when I read about a tortilla restaurant using Pop-Tarts to get customers in their door, I thought, "Count me in!" Unfortunately, they aren't local. But I have to ask, what would make people go out of their way to get a Pop-Tart at a Mexican restaurant?   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Monitor your social media for FREE

June 22, 2009
If you're using your Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn, and blog accounts on a regular basis, you've probably got your competition beat. But, how can you tell if you're doing a good job at keeping up with all of your accounts? Try some of these free monitoring tools to see how your brand stacks up, stay up-to-date with the latest search trends, and even find articles and ideas on what you should write about on your next blog post...   ... read more.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE: Cameron Lockey (a.k.a. Doctor Sniffles)

Anything interesting on TV lately?
Started watching Lost...there goes the next three months of my life (catching up).

If you could have any hot cup of coffee right now, what would it be?
Starbucks Cafe Mocha

Name your favorite place to get cool T-shirts.
Answer...

A relationship with your consumer: 2 hilarious viral videos

Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who thinks they know everything about you? This is exactly the type of relationship that turns off consumers when interacting with advertisers.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Make your Social Marketing life easy with these free tools

If you're looking for a good way to be organized and efficient with your Social Marketing endeavors, look no further than these 3 easy-to-use FREE tools:   ... read more.

OPINION ZONE: Failing to leverage your marketing dollars? Bad idea.

April 14, 2009
The Super Bowl is long gone. But the question remains: what was the most memorable thing about the game (besides Troy Polamalu's beautiful, flowing mane)? If a commercial such as Cash4Gold, E-Trade, or Kellogg's Frosted Flakes comes to mind, you're not alone. These companies did a great job of leveraging and integrating their campaigns to make a lasting impression on their audience.   ... read more.

5 Must-See Marketing & Design Videos

April 14, 2009
Instead of reading another boring article, why not watch a few videos, while learning some great tips at the same time? Here's a list of 5 informative videos about marketing and design that you may find helpful:   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: 5 Easy Steps to start a company Facebook Page

April 14, 2009
If you're wondering whether or not to start a Facebook page for your company, consider this: there are over 200 million Facebook users and 50% of them are over the age of 25. In order to get the most out of your company's page, here are 5 simple steps to follow:   ... read more.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE: Carolyn Pikoulas (a.k.a. Ninja Warrior)

Name a recent advertisement that made you laugh.
McDonald's TV commercial, "What we're made of" with images of carrots, oranges, tomatoes, and steak (which I noticed was recently changed to ground beef).

Name a local restaurant you've dined at recently.
Answer...

Fun with Google Maps

March 2009
The best part about Google Maps is that you never have to ask strangers to send you on a wild goose chase ever again. It has become the ultimate guide for those who want directions, locations of nearby businesses, or even to view a neighborhood at street level. Now, Google has added a new application you can add to your iGoogle page, Google Latitude - a tool that lets users find out where their friends are around the world and what they're doing at this moment.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to make effective E-mail Newsletters

March 2009
E-mail newsletters are a great way to maintain a relationship with your customer. They can produce leads, keep your brand healthy, and can also "nurture" prospects who aren't quite ready to buy. They position your company as an industry expert and are far more cost-effective than printed mail. But how do you know if your newsletters are successful? Do they produce sales or keep your company in your customers' minds? Or does your audience view it as spam? Writing a successful newsletter is not an easy task, so here are a few tips on making the most of your newsletter campaign.   ... read more.

Creativity: what it is and how to get it

February 2009
When I started writing this article, I wanted to use my creative skills and sketch a funny cartoon to accompany it. But, coming up with an idea was harder than I thought. I'm not a cartoonist, and I've always wondered how the folks who write cartoons, stand-up comedy, and sitcoms come up with something new and funny every week. Since I'm probably not the only one who's curious, I decided to write a little bit about channeling your inner creativity.   ... read more.

OPINION ZONE: Your website is as old as your dog

February 2009
Dogs age at an average rate of 7 times faster than humans. If we apply that same equation to your website, you may find that your site should "go on to a better place." It's very easy for a viewer to tell if a website is in need of a serious update -- the navigation is hard to follow, the design is plain and boring, the news section has articles dated from 5 years ago, or the functionality is clunky. Having a website requires a lot of time, thought, and resources in the initial development and execution, but creating one is only half the battle.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to deal with procrastination

February 2009
We're all guilty of procrastination in one way or another--whether it's losing weight, doing household chores or writing an article about "procrastination." We avoid tasks that we just can't seem to find the motivation. This is the 6th issue of The Procrastinator, and we're finally talking about the subject "procrastination." Looks like we're guilty, too. In this article, we'll explore some tips on defeating this costly dilemma...   ... read more.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE: Rebecca Reich (a.k.a. Wonder Woman)

What's something you can't live without (other than the obvious)?
My computer! Is that considered obvious?

What was the last restaurant or bar you've been to?
India Mahal Resturant

How do you relieve stress?
answer...

TIP OF THE MONTH: Graphic Design 101

January 2009
Since the dawn of civilization, people have communicated through visual imagery. In fact, the first languages were formed through the use of symbols and pictures. Did you know that the letter "A" can be traced back as far as the ancient Phoenicians?   ... read more.

Money for nothin and clicks for free: Why content is so important on your website

January 2009
The old days of traditional marketing will never be the same in this digital age. Most consumers find businesses themselves, instead of the other way around, and are constantly finding new ways to tune out unwanted advertising messages (via Tivo, spam filters, Do Not Call registries). More and more are turning to the internet to find what they really want through forums, blogs and searches. That's why your website must be at the top of your marketing efforts, so that it'll appear within Google's "Golden Triangle."   ... read more.

Are you a Twitter?: Traditional vs. Social Marketing

December 2008
If you haven't heard yet -- Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users' daily updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length. It is just one of the many online social marketing tools available on the web to help businesses drive traffic to their websites. Along with relevant content within your website and blog, social networking sites may also help with your Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It's all about getting your company in front of your customers.   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to be cool...in advertising.

December 2008
Advertisements are a lot like high school cliques -- there are the nerds (who are clever, but not high on the "good-looking" scale); the jocks (who are loud, but with nothing important to say); the goody-two-shoes (who are very busy joining multiple clubs, but not getting any attention); and the "cool" kids (witty, good-looking, and able to stand out from the crowd). Achieving "cool" status in advertising can be elusive, but if we can learn how to become one of the "cool" kids, maybe we can apply that knowledge to create a super cool ad campaign.   ... read more.

OPINION ZONE: Does your logo need an update?

December 2008
It seems like 2008 has been the year of the "Rebrands". Companies like Walmart, BestBuy and Pepsi have updated their corporate logos in an attempt to refresh their image to their customers. But is this really necessary? Are the costs it takes to change signage, collateral, packaging, and products worth it?   ... read more.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE: Gregg Moore (a.k.a. Mac Daddy)

Name your all-time favorite movie.
Smokey and the Bandit

Where do you get your hair cut?
Depends on the coupon I get in the mail.

How do you relieve stress?
Kick back with my dogs and drink some Kool-aid!

If you were stuck on a deserted island and had to choose one animal to live with, what would it be and why?

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to write an e-mail the right way

November 2008
Getting your tone right in an e-mail is tricky. It's easy to unintentionally sound pushy, demanding or angry when you're trying to sound enthusiastic and informative. Sentences could be misinterpreted or have double meanings. Here are some rules that will help avoid an uncomfortable situation...   ... read more.

You said it, Kermit.

November 2008
It's not easy being green--or better yet: it's not easy deciding whether or not to start a "green" marketing campaign. How profitable is going "green," really?   ... read more.

Copy should be killer, not filler.

October 2008
What is copy? Copy is what we advertisers call the end product that is achieved through the process known as copywriting. For those who may be unfamiliar, copywriting is the art of writing in a persuasive manner for the purposes of marketing. In short, copy sells.   ... read more.

OPINION ZONE: Mac & cheese decadent?

October 2008
Is "decadent" really the right word to describe bacon mac & cheese? Yes, according to Pizza Hut. In their new hidden camera ad spots for their "Tuscani" pasta, that's apparently one diner's reaction to the meal. Whether she was actually describing the bacon mac & cheese dish or something else-we'll never know, since commercials can cut and edit how they see fit. But to describe what sounds like a meal fit for a 6-year-old as "decadent" makes me wonder where or what this person normally eats?   ... read more.

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to resize digital photos with Outlook

October 2008
Before we start, it’s important to know why your photos need to be resized. Say you have 50 high-quality photos on your camera or computer, and you’re planning to use them all for a web gallery. In order for the end-user to be able to download the images at a decent speed, the pictures will need to be compressed, or downsized. So, how do you scale-down multiple photos at once without Photoshop?   ... read more.

Economy Shmonomy: Dont stop marketing

October 2008
In an economy that seems like the only safe investments are Ramen Noodles and Aspirin, companies are tightening their belts on spending and making cuts anywhere possible. Unfortunately, marketing is one of the first areas to be let go. This is concerning, because a large body of evidence indicates that cutting marketing budgets has instant and long-term negative effects on your brand.   ... read more.