An identity change is a major undertaking with enormous marketing implications for any business. Where do you start? How do you do it? And how do you avoid mistakes? Here are the steps of planning a name change and selecting a new name for your organization....
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The beginning of a new year is also an ideal time to make some resolutions to improve your marketing. Here are 9 resolutions that can help you produce better results from your marketing investment and develop a smarter marketing strategy in the coming year....
View MoreIs the Walgreens nude beach ad the worst ad on TV? Here's why this cringe-worthy campaign is a creative failure and how to avoid similar mistakes in your smart marketing strategy....
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Do marketers still need printed promotional materials in a tech-driven world? The answer is yes. Here are six reasons why print still packs a punch in a smart marketing strategy....
View MoreBrides are spending big money on weddings. According to the Wedding Report, the cost of an average wedding in the U.S. is $25,200. Market research firm IBISWorld estimates that the U.S. wedding industry has grown to $55 billion in annual sales. That’s a lot of cake, tulle, and flowers – and as the mother of the bride, I can tell you from personal experience that it’s also a fascinating example of what works (or doesn’t work) in sales and marketing. Here are six lessons for your smart marketing strategy that...
View MoreThe Super Bowl is marketing nirvana for advertisers. Not only is it the most-viewed TV program of the year, but viewers are almost as interested in the ads as the game. But how do you know if a Super Bowl ad will be a winner -- and a smart marketing strategy? Here's my annual guide for how to evaluate the marketing effectiveness of Super Bowl advertising....
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The term “media” used to have a simple definition in marketing: "Media" were the paid advertising channels marketers used to deliver promotional messages to prospects. But today’s definition of "media" is decidedly different. If fact, there are three kinds of media that belong in a marketing plan: Paid, owned, and earned media. Here’s what "media" means today and why paid, owned, and earned media should be part of your smart marketing strategy. New Elements of a "Media" Plan When I studied advertising at Ohio University, my textbook defined a media plan as “the overall...
View MoreMore than 6,500 people have read my blog post about Time Warner Cable's ad campaign with former NFL Coach Bill Cowher and dozens have commented. Here's what people saying about what may be the worst ad campaign on television -- and three lessons for your smart marketing strategy....
View MoreOnce cast aside as an old-school marketing tactic, email newsletters are making a comeback as a powerful channel for supporting content marketing and customer relationship management, especially for business-to-business marketers. In part two of a two-part blog post, here are 10 tips for creating a successful e-newsletter that your customers, prospects, and colleagues will welcome in their in-boxes. Treat your newsletter like a real publication. Develop an editorial plan and schedule. Outline several months’ worth of content. Appoint an editor who’s a skilled writer. Create a professionally designed header and an...
View MoreBuilding your company’s brand around your name can be a smart marketing strategy, especially for professional services companies. Here are six reasons why it’s smart to name your company after yourself, three ways it can be problematic, and some tips for branding success....
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