Advertising Agency Blog - Inspired 2 Design, LLC

Have you ever ordered something online? Have you ever ordered something online and had a great experience? Have you ever ordered something online and then wish you hadn’t?

Recently we placed a couple of online orders for items that are fairly unique. They’re not items you can run out to Target or Staples to pick up, so we went with the online approach. Unfortunately, our usual online sources didn’t stock these products either, so we went to some obscure websites and placed orders. Interestingly enough BOTH sites were using Google Adwords to market their website. My only question is WHY? If you have a business, and you don’t plan to EVER ship any of the items you advertise to the customers who order them, why in the world would you spend money to a) develop a website, and b) market that website via a PAY per Click service or any other marketing tool that actually costs money or time??

Far be it to me to vent about the TOTAL lack of response to Email after Email requesting shipping info, or even to expect someone (or something) to pick up the phone when it rings 42 times at your advertised business location. I guess from a marketing point of view, here’s the bottom line.

Advertising works. So, if you’re going to advertise, make sure you can deliver. Otherwise you’re just advertising how awful your company’s customer service is. And there’s no faster way to lose business. (I won’t even get into the Feedback Forums and Review sites out there). If you have a company and want to make money at your business, then advertise AND deliver. Bad news ALWAYS spreads faster than good news. Don’t pay to market poor service, and don’t shop at http://www.obrienhobbies.com/ or http://www.shop4tech.com.

Inspired 2 Design, LLC

1. Marketing plan
2. Niche/positioning
3. Name
4. Logo
5. Slogan
6. Stationery
7. Business card
8. Location
9. Signs
10. Window display
11. Word-of-mouth
12. Community involvement
13. Club/Association memberships
14. Events
15. Payment plan
16. Telephone etiquette
17. Toll free number
18. Marketing on hold
19. Free consultation
20. Free seminars
21. Free demonstrations
22. Free samples
23. Fusion marketing
24. Success stories
25. Service
26. Follow-up
27. Gifts and ad specials
28. Catalog
29. Yellow Pages ads
30. Article in a publication
31. Speaking engagement
32. Newsletter
33. Public relations
34. Referral program
35. Guarantee
36. Telemarketing
37. Gift certificates
38. Brochures
39. Networking
40. Contests/sweepstakes
41. Internet
42. Classified advertising
43. Newspaper ads
44. Magazine ads
45. Radio ads
46. TV ads
47. Direct mail
48. Postcards
49. Testimonials
50. Satisfied customers

Inspired 2 Design, LLC

Combinations drive success - just look at history: burger and fries, pencil and paper, hammer and nails, car and driver, vodka and orange juice, Abbott and Costello…you get the picture. Marketing success depends upon the combination of advertising tools used to reach an audience with a message, communicate what you want them to do, and convince them to do it.

Your marketing mix should be well-conceived and well-planned. It also needs to be worthy of your commitment. You will not be successful if you switch in and out of media, mailings, and messages. Careful planning and scheduling of each tool is key, tracking sales is critical, and periodic review is smart. Just one note, no one tool does it all. Even when it comes to numbers and tracking success. For example, someone sees your ad in the newspaper and considers your company. They visit your website, then they ask a friend who recommends you. When they purchase you ask (as you always should), “How did you hear about us?” Their response (typically) “From a friend.” You cannot possibly know that your other forms of marketing instigated the transaction and take the real credit for the sale.

Take a look at this mix:

• Word of Mouth (asking for and rewarding referrals)
• Internet (website, area events, links/resources, photos, SEO, SEM, Email newsletters, blog)
• Events (sponsoring on site, hosting a booth or participating off site)
• Networking (via local Chamber of Commerce groups)
• Print media (postcards and flyers)
• Publication ads (local newspaper and magazine)
• Direct mail (co-joined)
• Yellow Pages
• Press Releases (monthly)
• Promotional products (magnets)
• Other industry specific associations

This illustrates a good plan. To date, the marketing efforts is paying off big in word of mouth and internet response. Many of the other tools are new additions and just beginning to bring in customers. The key is consistency and commitment. Each and every advertisement being used by this client consistently reflects the brand image of their company. And the best part is that this mix is very affordable. Some of these tools are even … FREE !

Take a good long look at your current marketing and ask yourself:

1. Do I have a plan?
2. Am I committed to my plan?
3. When was the last time I evaluated the effectiveness of my marketing?
4. When was the last time I updated my plan to focus on the effective tools?
5. Do I need help?
6. Why haven’t I called Inspired 2 Design?
7. Did I know that Inspired 2 Design offers a FREE consultation?

Go ahead, make the call, 770-781-3452.

Inspired 2 Design, LLC