The Procrastinator Newsletter

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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...

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?

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?

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.

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."

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?

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.

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.

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: 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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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:

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:

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.

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:

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.

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...

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...

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?

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).

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!

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: 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.

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.

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.

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).

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:

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...

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:

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:

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.

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.

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:

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:

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...

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.

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.

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.

Let's talk landing pages

January 26, 2010

I received a great email this morning that was stressing the importance of matching the message/expectation from your email to the "landing pages" that your visitor is directed to. If you see a road sign that said "This Way to Point A," you'd expect to find Point A at the end of the road, right? The same goes for the relationship between your email and landing experience.

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: 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.

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.

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?"

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!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

Get your FREE copy of the Online Marketing Blueprint

September 22, 2010
The folks at Hubspot have made your life easier with a handy 26-page guide to successful Online Marketing. The Online Marketing Blueprint includes helpful step-by-step strategies and tips that can help you promote your business. In short, this free downloadable guide teaches you how to:

TIP OF THE MONTH: Don't forget to feed your website!

September 22, 2010
Remember those little digital pocket "pet" toys that kids used to play with in the mid 90's? The purpose of the device was to "feed" and "walk" your virtual pet at various times throughout the day or else your pet would - God forbid - die. Perhaps it was one way in which parents could prove to their kids that having a pet is a big responsibility. In comparison, a website is sort of like a "virtual pet." If you neglect it, your website could become gravely ill.

3 ways to create landing pages for winning e-mail campaigns

September 22, 2010
Even if your e-mail campaigns are super awesome and engaging, they still can only take you so far. If you don't have landing pages to support your campaigns or if your landing pages aren't helping to motivate subscribers, you'll lose them one by one. Below are 3 ways to create landing pages that help carry your e-mail messages further.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Create cool ads by spoofing annoying ones

October 26, 2010
Just like the funny Saturday Night Live commercial parodies, advertisers can take the same idea and use it in their own campaigns. This style of advertising is best known as "Parody Advertising." A parody advertisement can be one that appears to be a real ad for a fake product, but is somehow exposed to be a parody and the actual brand becomes understood.

What your company can learn from The Simpsons' failures

November 24, 2010
For the past ten years, I haven't been able to watch what used to be my favorite TV show, The Simpsons. Like other fans have expressed over the years, the show just isn't good anymore. The writing, the dialogue, the predictable yet over-the-top plots - it just doesn't have the same cleverness and zest that it once had in its early years. So, I decided to investigate why the show has gone downhill so rapidly starting around the '98 - '99 season. What I've discovered is that the show has made a few mistakes, just like any other business.

Your business must claim its place!

November 24, 2010
Spending marketing dollars on Internet Marketing has a greater ROI than traditional Outbound methods. But you also need to account for the amount of time you must put into making your business more searchable. Not only do you need to make sure your company is listed and up-to-date on Google Places (if you don't know about this by now, we recommend that you bone up), but now you need to make sure Facebook is finding your business.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Please consider your letters for the sake of your customers

November 24, 2010 | Posted by Carolyn Pikoulas
I've received a letter recently from my homeowner's insurance company and was rather shocked at how unprofessional it looked. The font used in the main body of the letter was (...wait for it...) Typewriter! I probably wouldn't have even read the letter if I wasn't a graphic designer trying to comprehend one's reasoning for using a font better suited for a time before computers and desktop printers. And I'm glad I did read it, because I would have missed some pertinent information. Which brings me to my point: when it comes to sending business letters to your customers, don't leave the font as an afterthought. Otherwise, they won't pay attention to anything you have to say.

What Neuroscience Can Teach Us About Marketing

January 25, 2011
New and exciting research is emerging in the field of neuroscience that gives us interesting insight into the world of marketing, in terms of the brain processes involved in different forms of media. What was discovered is an interesting effect when a consumer looks at direct mail as opposed to images on a screen.

Do You Really Need a Trademark?

January 25, 2011
Many small business owners believe Trademarks should be left for big corporations. Trademarking can be a long, arduous task (not to mention expensive) and may not be worthwhile for many small businesses. But there are a few specific benefits -- even for small businesses -- that should be considered.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Your Marketing Plan Needs Mobility

January 25, 2011
At this point, no business is immune to the effects of mobile marketing. If your business can be found on Google, it can be found on any Internet-capable mobile device. Even small businesses must understand their rightful place in marketing for mobility. Just knowing the following statistics may help you decide how your business should spend its marketing dollars...

TIP OF THE MONTH: Your business should get to know Google Offers

February 11, 2011
After this year's Super Bowl, all business owners should be familiar with Groupon (especially from their amazingly insensitive commercial that seemed to exploit the plight of Tibetan people. In case you haven't seen it, click HERE. Come on - it's just poor taste). Now the company really has some competition coming from Google, and local businesses should get in on the action.

3 Reasons Why Website Planning Saves You Money

February 11, 2011
Before you can get a business off the ground you need a clear and concise plan to get things started, whether it's getting investors in place or solving logistic problems. That same amount of effort must go into planning your business's website. This article discusses why neglecting a planning stage for your website can be detrimental and explores some ways to help you stay on the right path.

Get to know Google Hotpot

March 14, 2011
Remember that Seinfeld episode when Kenny Bania tells Jerry why going to a different restaurant has its pros and cons? "This would be good, but it would be the same. But if we go some place else, it would be different, but it might not be as good. It's a gamble." This was back in the days when consumers didn't have recommendation websites available like Yelp, Citysearch, Urbanspoon and Trip Advisor. But now the problem is: users don't necessarily know the other users creating those ratings, so each recommendation has to be taken with a grain of salt. Until now...

TIP OF THE MONTH: Follow Apple's Lead to Design Great e-Newsletters

March 14, 2011
If you're an Apple lover like us, you know that when a new Apple e-mail campaign hits your inbox, it won't go unnoticed. Ever wonder why their messages are so successful? It's because Apple knows the right formula for designing an e-mail that leads viewers where they want them to go. Here's a great diagram that breaks it down for you...

5 Ways to Turn Your Blog's Skimmers into Readers

March 14, 2011
You've been told that having an attention-grabbing headline is the key to get users to click on your blog post. But, if your first paragraph doesn't live up to the expectations of your awesome headline, users will leave your post faster than you can say, "made you look." A good article gives your business the chance to connect with potential customers, and the introduction is a crucial part in persuading them to read.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Watch Episode #07051 of the Colbert Report. Or else.

April 15, 2011
I was watching the Colbert Report recently, as the man himself -- Steven Colbert -- talked about a certain company's devious plan of using women's insecurities to make money. In short, the company created another body issue for women to feel insecure about: their armpits. Then, the company sold the solution to that problem: a new deodorant. What a genius marketing plan! - Inventing a new problem in the minds of your target market and at the same time, delivering the solution.

QR Codes - Popular, But Are They Effective?

April 15, 2011
You've probably been noticing lately that those weird black and white boxes are appearing in more and more places (on advertising media, in store windows and on product shelves). QR codes have finally made its way to US consumers, after having been widely popular in Japan. But how do you know if your target audience is using or even cares about QR codes?

What Businesses Can Learn From Watching Mad Men

May 19, 2011
Let's be honest, if you were a client of the fictional ad agency, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, you'd probably run for the hills. The characters are pretty blunt - if not entirely rude - with their clients in a way that probably wouldn't fly today. Set in the 1960's, Mad Men has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a big-time advertising agency in New York City. The show gives its audience a glimpse into the advertising world, and even though it has changed over the decades, businesses can still glean some good advice about the agency-client relationship (just replace all the booze and cigarettes with coffee and foosball).

TIP OF THE MONTH: How to Handle Online Reviews About Your Business

May 19, 2011
There are many online review sites, and every business (especially Business-To-Consumer ones) needs to be aware of what the public is saying about them. Google, Yahoo!, Superpages, Yelp, and many more sites are available for consumers to help them decide whether or not to spend their money at a particular business. While it's tough for a small business to keep up with them all, it's essential to check these sites from time to time.

6 Tips on Choosing a Business Name

May 19, 2011
Coming up with a unique company name can be one of the hardest aspects of starting a new business. It takes some imagination and creativity. True, there have been hugely successful companies with humdrum names and many unsuccessful companies with amazing names. This article gives you some tips on choosing a name and helps to answer the question: How much effort should I put into naming my company?

Don't Let the Medium Determine the Message

June 24, 2011
Have you ever heard the phrase, "The medium is the message"? It was first coined by Marshall McLuhan, a pioneer in the study of media theory. The phrase generally means that the type of medium (i.e. Radio, TV, Outdoor Advertisement, telephone, the Internet, etc.) embeds itself within the advertising message, which influences how its audience perceives that message.

The Value of One Facebook Fan Vs. One Website Visitor

June 24, 2011
The ROI of social media for businesses is not an easy thing to define. But, according to Hitwise, one website visitor is worth about 1/20th the value of one Facebook fan. Their data suggests that a single Facebook fan can be worth 20 additional visits to your website over the course of a year.

Learn How to be a Social Media Wizard from the Masters (a.k.a. Team Coco)

June 24, 2011
Any business can learn how to boost consumer awareness just by following the example set by the Conan O'Brien "franchise." Since leaving NBC last year, Conan and his Team Coco brand have dominated the web, fueled by his diehard fans as well as his inundation in social media. Using a variety of social media tools during his hiatus from late-night TV, he had formed a massive band of loyal followers. When he finally hit the stage this past November on the cable station, TBS, he was already ahead of the game. Here's how he did it

Facebook + Skype: What That Means for Your Business

July, 25, 2011
It's always better to put a face with a name, right? Video calling - either online or via mobile phone - can offer a more personal way of communicating. Although video calling has been around (in one form or another) for some time, two of the biggest online companies have teamed up to offer an integrated approach. Earlier this month, Facebook announced a deal with Skype, which would allow users to video chat right on Facebook. This could be a great benefit for some businesses.

TIP OF THE MONTH: 3 Things to Know about Google+

July 25, 2011
I know what you're thinking: "Great. Another social networking thing I have to worry about?" Google+ is basically Google's version of Facebook, which they say is better: "Today, the connections between people increasingly happen online. Yet the subtlety and substance of real-world interactions are lost in the rigidness of our online tools. In this basic, human way, online sharing is awkward. Even broken. And we aim to fix it." Here are 3 things you should know:

25 of the Best Marketing Quotations Ever! (Don't Quote Me On That.)

July 25, 2011
Prepare yourself for becoming inspired by great quotes from the best in the business of marketing...

David Ogilvy:
1. "What really decides consumers to buy or not to buy is the content of your advertising, not its form."

A Glossary of 17 Terms for Better E-mail Marketing

August 25, 2011
Even though e-mail marketing has been around now for more than a decade, there's still much confusion when it comes to understanding key elements that determine your campaign's success or failure. We're here to help you with a glossary of 17 terms you should know, so you can better track your campaign's performance.

Does the CAN-SPAM Act mean you "can spam" people?

August 25, 2011
The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003, a law that sets the rules for commercial email, was created to give recipients the right to stop receiving unwanted and unsolicited e-mail messages, and spells out tough penalties for violators. Here's what every company who sends e-mail newsletters should know...

10 Handy Apps to Improve Workflow & Quality of Life

August 25, 2011
We've compiled a list of 3 apps that help your business run smoothly and 7 apps that help your everyday life run effortlessly. Most of these apps are little to no cost. Check them out!

3 Simple Ways to Unleash Super Productivity

September 16, 2011
To understand productivity well, you must first ask yourself this: what is the purpose of business? If you said, "to make money," you're absolutely...wrong. Peter Drucker, a well-known management consultant and business philosopher, says that money is simply the result from selling an outstanding product or service. And in order to sell, you must have the right customers who want and need what you're selling. So, really the purpose of business is to have customers.

Want Your Website to be in the Spotlight? Start Sharing It!

September 16, 2011
It has been discovered that websites which feature ‘Like This' and ‘Tweet It' buttons receive 7 times the exposure on social media platforms than those who do not. That's according to SEO company, BrightEdge, in a recent analysis. The analysis also shows that almost half (46.4%) of the largest 10,000 sites on the Web still don't display any kind of social sharing links or buttons, meaning they could be missing out on lots of web traffic potential.

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