Wendy's BlogWendy's Bloghttp://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2012-04-12T18:15:07ZSquarespaceSocial Graces Count...http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2012/4/12/social-graces-count.htmlWendy Ganson2012-04-12T18:05:37Z2012-04-12T18:05:37ZHave you jumped on the Social Media train yet? If so, it is very important to build an audience with the people that know you best. It is very smart (and polite) to build your following with the people that know you best. Think about the people that you do business with such as your customers and suppliers. Do a little searching to see who has a Facebook page, Twitter account or YouTube channel. They will be pleased to see you connecting with them. Don't forget to ask them to return the gesture and LIKE or follow you back.

Good luck!

LIKE our Facebook page: http://ow.ly/af0Sy

]]>Email Marketing Stats...Check these out!http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2012/4/10/email-marketing-statscheck-these-out.htmlWendy Ganson2012-04-10T19:36:12Z2012-04-10T19:36:12ZEmailStatCenter.com reports:

  • 36% of consumers say that email marketing has become more relevant in the last 12 months. - e-Dialog, "2011 EMAIL ATTITUDES REPORT: Email Relevance and the Proliferation of Mobile Email Use" (2011)

 

  • 66.7% of emails delivered during Q1 2011 were categorized as marketing messages, down from 74.4% the previous quarter. - Epsilon "Q1 2011 Email Trends and Benchmark" (2011)

 

  • 88% of B2C firms currently use e-mail marketing and another 10% planning to use before December 2011. - Forrester. "How US Marketers Use Email" (2011)

 

  • The majority of B2B firms (71%) use e-mail marketing, 16% don't plan to in the next 12 months. - Forrester. "How US Marketers Use Email" (2011)

 

  • Email is the preferred method of commercial communication by 74% of all online adults. - Merkle "View From the Digital Inbox 2011" (2011)

 

  • 63 % of mobile email users check the account a minimum of once per day. - Merkle "View From the Digital Inbox 2011" (2011)

 

  • In 2010, 43% of online population believe that email is 'fun', compared to 55% in 2008. - Merkle "View From the Digital Inbox 2011" (2011)
]]>What's Your Marketing Mix 2012? Email Marketing & Social Media?http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2011/12/15/whats-your-marketing-mix-2012-email-marketing-social-media.htmlWendy Ganson2011-12-15T19:40:21Z2011-12-15T19:40:21Z

]]>Social Media - It truly is making a HUGE impact!http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2011/8/29/social-media-it-truly-is-making-a-huge-impact.htmlWendy Ganson2011-08-29T19:53:55Z2011-08-29T19:53:55Z

]]>The Good News Continues for Email Marketers!http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/6/28/the-good-news-continues-for-email-marketers.htmlWendy Ganson2010-06-28T18:15:55Z2010-06-28T18:15:55ZGet this:  Every dollar spent on email marketing generates an average of $57.25 in revenue. Astonishing, right? That statistic comes from the Direct Marketing Association. So, yes, the good news continues for email marketers. 

Another tidbit: You only have 7 seconds to grab and hold your recipient's attention.

Successful email marketing messages must be short, powerful, relevant and to the point. 

So, be smart and keep it simple.  

 

]]>5 Sensible Email Marketing Tipshttp://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/4/15/5-sensible-email-marketing-tips.htmlWendy Ganson2010-04-15T16:32:37Z2010-04-15T16:32:37ZEvery day, I try to read my favorite email marketing blogs.  I also try to take the time to open up the newsletters that I've subscribed to and see what is new and exciting. 

I find it refreshing to read something that is basic, sensible and not new at all!

Take a minute and read this article on 5 Email Marketing Tips to help boost your campaign's success!

http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100415/FREE/100419950/1085/FREE#seenit

Enjoy!  Share your thoughts.. 

]]>Watch + Learn: James Haughey Speaks to ASM about 2010 outlook..http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/4/13/watch-learn-james-haughey-speaks-to-asm-about-2010-outlook.htmlWendy Ganson2010-04-13T13:38:26Z2010-04-13T13:38:26ZAssociated Subcontractors of Massachusetts had the privilege of James Haughey, Chief Economist at Reed Construction Data, speak about what is in store for 2010 and beyond.  Watch the presentation and download the Power Point pdf to share with others.

http://asm.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=78

Share your thoughts.

]]>Is Social Media Getting in the Way of Email Marketing Effectiveness?http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/4/13/is-social-media-getting-in-the-way-of-email-marketing-effect.htmlWendy Ganson2010-04-13T12:59:29Z2010-04-13T12:59:29ZNow more than ever, we have multiple options as to how we can get our message out to our prospects and customers.  What is the best vehicle?  Do you stick with traditional email marketing?  Do you ditch the email marketing and focus on social media?  Well, according to MarketingSherpa, email still prevails.  Check out the results of the study: Social Not a Threat to Email 

]]>SMART SMALL BUSINESS IDEA: 2 BUSINESSES & 1 MARKETING PLANhttp://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2010/1/14/smart-small-business-idea-2-businesses-1-marketing-plan.htmlWendy Ganson2010-01-14T15:56:55Z2010-01-14T15:56:55ZLast week I came across an article that resonated with me.  The article talks about a creative way for small businesses to market their services in today's economic environment.  Specifically, joining forces with another business and build a joint marketing plan.  I like it!

As with any plan, though, it requires a good amount of thought.  The two companies should offer complimentary not competitive products and/or services.  As an example:  A residential home builder and a window supplier.  Or, a clothing designer and a boutique merchant.

Consider finding a marketing partner that has the exact same target market as you.  Your customers fit the same demographic profile.  By merging your contact lists, your reach automatically increases and you are hitting the right market.  It allows you and your partner to share costs, too!

Developing joint promotions can also be an option. Think about creatively packaging a desirable offering that benefits you and your marketing partner.  What a great way to bring in new business!

To read the entire article, follow me on Twitter! WendyGanson

 

   

]]>GET LOUD IN A QUIET MARKET!http://www.imaginemarketinggroup.com/wendys-blog/2009/12/8/get-loud-in-a-quiet-market.htmlWendy Ganson2009-12-08T16:18:56Z2009-12-08T16:18:56Z
What Is Your Plan for 2010? 
from Wendy Ganson 
Wendy CC Headshot  
GET LOUD IN A QUIET MARKET!
 
Think about it, many companies have cut back on their marketing efforts.  The result: INVISIBILITY! POOF!
 
What better time than now to gain great VISIBILITY?  Your 2010 plan should focus on building a marketing strategy where you spend your budget wisely and capture the spotlight.
 
Consider making a splash NOW while many of your competitors remain out of sight. They are likely waiting for the uptick to kick in...
 
If you want your sales to increase, YOUR business must be visible.  GET LOUD! Take advantage of the QUIET MARKET. 
 
Establish a budget (no matter how small), create a plan and stick to it!
 
Here are some tips for you to consider:
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MAKE A PLAN THAT WORKS FOR TODAY'S MARKET CONDITIONS:
 
Take the time to spruce up your image!
 
YOUR WEBSITE IS A SMART PLACE TO START!  If your website does not represent your company, it needs a tune-up.  Think of it as your brochure.  It is your opportunity to make a great first impression. Learn how your site works. Is it optimized? Add new pictures, links and copy.  Evaluate your web statistics and see what they are telling you.
 
START A NEWSLETTER!  It is a powerful way to keep in touch with your customers.  Deliver content that is informative and educational.  Make sure the information is worthwhile.  What a terrific way to remind people of your expertise!    
 
GET OUT THERE AND NETWORK! Make yourself visible.  Attend as many networking events as you can.  Think of yourself as an effective marketing tool!  Be sure to have your company's story ready to share.  Work it!
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WHO'S THE BOSS?
 
Many times, marketing does not get the attention it deserves in a small business environment.  The marketing hat is often worn by many or by no one at all.
 
PUT ONE PERSON IN CHARGE OF MARKETING.  Who will take ownership of your marketing plan?  Who will make sure the strategy is on course and on budget? Who is measuring results? Being VISIBLE requires a plan and accountability. Your company will be INVISIBLE unless someone owns the stategy and tasks to get it done.
 
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NEED HELP?  JUST ASK!
AT IMAGINE MARKETING GROUP, IT IS WHAT WE DO BEST!
 
 
KNOW WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP. It will save you time and money in the long run!
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We want to help you GET LOUD in 2010!
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The best use of any employee's time is to have them focus on what they do best.  Don't let your marketing person get bogged down with projects that are over their head or beyond their expertise.
DON'T MISS OUR POPULAR TRAINING CLASSES:
 
SALES TRAINING
What:  2- Day Power Packed Sales Training 
When:  December 18 & 19 / 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
 
SEARCH MARKETING TRAINING
What:  Boston SEO Workshop
When: April 21, 2010 / 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM  (SAVE $150 if you register by 12/31/09)
Have Questions?
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