Archive
You are currently browsing the archives for the eLetters category.
By Internet Marketing Experts
Each week, Dear Gracie answers questions from ProfNet Connect readers with advice from our network of more than 44,000 ProfNet experts. Has there been a question burning in your mind lately, something you’ve been wondering that none of your friends can answer? Please send it to grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com
Dear Gracie,
I’m interested in tips for branders/advertisers/marketers on how social media is different from traditional media. Are there any tactics we should use specifically for social media vs. traditional media? How do brands become memorable through social media? What makes a brand successful on social media?
Media Minded
For example, social media allows consumers to have access to the ratings and reviews of fellow shoppers, says Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Internet Marketing. A study by the e-tailing group and PowerReviews (found on MarketCharts.com) in September showed 6 out of 10 consumers base shopping decisions on the ratings and reviews of others, through social media sites and user-generated content.
Social media allows consumers to receive individual attention from a brand, says Oztalay.
Read more details of How Social Media Changed Branding at:
http://www.profnetconnect.com/gracelavigne/blog/2011/11/02/dear_gracie:_how_social_media_changed_branding
By Internet Marketing Experts
Scottsdale, Arizona June 24, 2011 – “Go German or Go Home” is the bold slogan of the upcoming 3-Day sales event hosted by North Scottsdale Volkswagen this weekend from Friday June 24th, through Sunday June 26th. Event participants will have the opportunity to browse the dealership’s wide selection of new and pre-owned Volkswagens being offered at special low pricing. It is a premium opportunity for Volkswagen lovers to find their favorite models at quality affordable pricing.
Volkswagen offers a complete line of unique vehicles known for their incredible reliability, control, and design. From the classic Beetle, to the popularly reliable Jetta, to the fully functional Routan, each Volkswagen automobile is quality engineered for performance and reliability. At the 3-Day Sales Event, Volkswagen customers will be able to see and drive their favorite models. They are also encouraged to take advantage of premium pricing and rate offers for affordable sales and lease specials.
Incredible lease specials starting as low as $239 per month for a 2011 Jetta or $260 per month for the new Tiguan S will be available for qualified buyers. Families will appreciate the incredible 0% financing options for up to 72 months on the 2011 Routan. Visitors are encouraged to come early in order to take advantage of the best selection and pricing available. The event kicks off Friday morning and runs through the weekend, so customers have three full days to save.
“At these incredible prices, our most popular models won’t last, so I encourage buyers to come early in order to take advantage of each great special,” says North Scottsdale Volkswagen general manager, Brook Margraves.
So whether you are looking for the powerful and sporty GTI or the reliable functionality of the German-engineered Touareg, you can find it all this weekend at North Scottsdale Volkswagen at great low prices you will love.
About North Scottsdale Volkswagen
Conveniently located at 7001 E. Chauncey Lane in North Scottsdale, they are just south of the 101 Freeway. Voted #1 in Customer Satisfaction by VW customers 4 years’ running, North Scottsdale Volkswagen offers the finest selection in new and pre-owned Volkswagen models. As an authorized Volkswagen dealer, they strive to provide exceptional sales, service, and parts for VW automobiles. They are also a proud member of the Penske Automotive family and offer world-class customer service and sales experience. To learn more about North Scottsdale Volkswagen’s latest inventory, pricing, specials, and events visit them online at www.VWNorthScottsdale.com.
Volkswagen North Scottsdale
7001 East Chauncey Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85054-6143
Tel: (480) 538-4700
By Internet Marketing Experts
Scottsdale, AZ, June 24, 2011 – Exotic car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to browse the entire inventory of pre-owned luxury vehicles at Scottsdale Ferrari being offered at special low pricing this weekend during the McDowell Motor Mile Used Car Sales Event. The sale event will run from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. Scottsdale Ferrari houses a unique array of Ferrari, Maserati, and Lotus vehicles for the discriminating buyer interested in the finest luxury and performance vehicles in Arizona.
Scottsdale Ferrari carries a premium selection of new and pre-owned luxury vehicles from the leading luxury car manufacturers in the world. Featuring incredible power, design, comfort, and safety ratings, each automobile is engineered to the highest performance standards. Whether you are looking for a car that tears it up on the track or one that offers the best in luxury design and comfort, there is something for everyone at Scottsdale Ferrari. Ferrari fans will have the opportunity to choose from a wide array of quality exotic automobiles including the Ferrari F430 Spider, Ferrari 438 Italia, and the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Premium used models from Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lotus, and Maserati will also be available at significantly discounted prices.
The Scottsdale Ferrari general manager gave the following comment about the event, “We are very excited to offer this sale for our customers. It is a rare opportunity to take advantage of special pricing on your favorite exotic cars from Ferrari, Maserati, and Lotus.”
The McDowell Motor Mile Used Car Sales Event kicks off on Friday morning and will run through the weekend. In addition to special pricing, there will be many special financing rates available to those who qualify. All trades are welcome and special appraisers will be on hand during the course of the event to help customers get the maximum value for their car. The event will run for three days only and visitors are encouraged to attend early while the selection is best.
About Scottsdale Ferrari
Scottsdale Ferrari is located on 68th Street and McDowell in Scottsdale, Arizona. Conveniently located outside Phoenix, they are Arizona’s factory-authorized Ferrari-Maserati dealer and specialize in sales, service and parts for premium exotic automobiles. As a Penske Automotive dealership, they pride themselves in offering exceptional service and sales assistance to give customers the best car buying experience possible. To learn more about their current inventory, pricing, service, and events please visit them online at www.ScottsdaleFerrari.com.
Scottsdale Ferrari
6825 East McDowell Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Tel: (888) 558-9436
By Internet Marketing Experts
Scottsdale, Arizona June 24, 2011 – Scottsdale Lexus will be participating in the 3-Day McDowell Motor Mile Used Car Sales Event this weekend from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. During the event, their entire inventory of pre-owned Lexus and luxury vehicles will be available at special discounted prices. Visitors will be able to see and test drive their favorite certified pre-owned Lexus models including the popular Lexus IS, LS, and RX.
The event begins Friday morning, June 24th and runs through Sunday evening June 26th. Significant discounts will be available on all pre-owned models in stock. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to take advantage of special financing and lease rate options. For those who qualify, rates as low as 1.9% APR will be available on all Lexus certified pre-owned vehicles for up to 48 months. New models may also be available starting as low as 2.9% APR for qualified buyers. The dealership is unable to quote specific pricing due to their substantial discounts, but visitors can inquire about pricing with any Scottsdale Lexus sales representative during the event. All trade-in vehicles will also be welcome during the event.
Lexus has been a proud industry leader in the luxury car market for decades. As winner of the JD Power Award for “Highest Customer Satisfaction for Dealer Service Among Luxury Brands,” they offer the finest in sales and service for luxury and sport performance vehicles. From the sporty IS coupe to the luxury LS, or utility-based LX, Lexus offers a wide array of luxury automobiles and SUVs.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity for our customers to own or lease their favorite Lexus vehicles at quality affordable pricing,” says Scottsdale Lexus’ general manager Tracy Moorman. He encourages participants to attend the event early to be able to take advantage of the best selection and pricing.
About Scottsdale Lexus
Scottsdale Lexus is located at 6905 E. McDowell Rd. in Scottsdale, Arizona just minutes from “Old Town” Scottsdale and its eclectic mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries. As an authorized Lexus dealer, they provide sales, service, and parts for new and pre-owned luxury vehicles. Winner of the “Elite of Lexus” Award 18 times, they pride themselves in providing an exceptional car buying and service experience for their customers. Scottsdale Lexus is also a Penske Automotive dealership dedicated to offering high-quality service and sales standards. To learn more about their new or pre-owned inventory, pricing, specials, and events, please visit them online at www.ScottsdaleLexus.com.
Scottsdale Lexus
6905 East McDowell Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257-3205
Tel: (480) 990-7000
By Internet Marketing Experts
Scottsdale, AZ June 24, 2011 – BMW North Scottsdale will be hosting the Get Your Summer On New Car Sales Event this weekend from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. Event participants will be able to browse a wide array of new BMW vehicles being offered at special low pricing all weekend long.
BMW North Scottsdale’s general manager, Bob Dombrowski commented on the event saying, “We know our customers are going to be very excited about this event. It is a great opportunity for BMW enthusiasts to take advantage of some incredible pricing on their favorite new models of the year.”
BMW has a strong reputation for offering high-performance, luxury sport vehicles that offer the best in comfort, power, and control. Visitors are invited to browse the large inventory of BMW cars and SUVs that will be in stock throughout the weekend. With such a large variety of models, including sporty coupes, classic luxury sedans, and the largest selection of BMW SUVs in Arizona, there will be something available for everyone. Whether you are a fan of the 3-Series, the 5-Series, the 7-Series or luxury utility vehicles like the BMW X3,X5, or X6, this is a great opportunity to experience one for yourself.
The event not only features invoice pricing on new BMW vehicles, but also offers incredible trade-in and financing opportunities. Dombrowski states, “We will have special appraisers on hand all weekend to get customers maximum trade-in value.” All trade-ins will be welcomed by the dealership. Customers can also apply for special lease rates and financing options while at the event to qualify for their favorite new BMW. Special rates will be available on popular models including the 2011 BMW 328i which will be offered as low as $369 per month for a 27 month lease for qualified buyers.
The event will be hosted on site at BMW North Scottsdale starting Friday morning and running through Sunday evening. Anyone interested in viewing or driving a new 2011 BMW should stop by for their chance to take advantage of the large selection that will be available to shop.
About BMW North Scottsdale
BMW North Scottsdale is located at 1818 N. Scottsdale Rd in Phoenix, Arizona, just south of the 101 freeway. BMW North Scottsdale is a Penske Automotive dealership. They pride themselves on offering exceptional sales and service for new and pre-owned BMW vehicles to make the car buying experience fun and memorable. For more information on their location, vehicles, pricing and events visit www.BMWNorthScottsdale.com.
BMW North Scottsdale
18018 N Scottsdale Road
Phoenix, AZ 85054-6139
Tel: (800) 287-9465
By Internet Marketing Experts
Chandler, AZ, June 24, 2011 – Phoenix Valley Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see the latest Mercedes-Benz line-up at the World Famous 3-Day Sales Event hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Chandler this weekend. The event runs from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th and features a wide array of new and certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles offered at special pricing. Visitors are encouraged to stop by to view and test drive their favorite luxury vehicles from the sporty C-Class, M-Class, or classic E-Class, to the powerful S-Class and all new 2012 CLS-Class.
Known for its rich automotive heritage and dedication to designing world-class sport performance and luxury vehicles, Mercedes-Benz offers a wide selection of coupes, sedans, SUVs, and roadsters, all of which can be seen and driven at the 3-Day Sales Event. Chandler, Scottsdale, and Phoenix valley residents will be able to browse the latest Mercedes-Benz models including the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class released June 1, 2011. Featuring the new powerful twin-turbo V8 engine, aggressive sport styling, and luxury cabin, this innovative 4-door coupe is making waves in the automotive industry and offers a singular driving experience Arizona Mercedes-Benz fans will want to feel for themselves.
Hosted on-site at the Mercedes-Benz of Chandler dealership, the event starts at 9am Friday morning and runs through the weekend to Sunday evening. Customers can stop by Saturday from 11-2 or Sunday from 12-2 for free fresh-grilled hot dogs and drinks. In addition to affordable sales pricing, special lease rates will also be offered from Mercedes-Benz on specified models including the 2011 C300 and the 2011 GLK350. Visitors can also take advantage of great rewards and rate specials offered on many different vehicle purchases so they can fully enjoy the experience and benefits of owning a Mercedes-Benz.
About Mercedes-Benz of Chandler
Located in Chandler, Arizona, just off Ray Road, east of the I-10 freeway, Mercedes-Benz of Chandler is a Penske Automotive dealership and authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer offering sales, parts, and service for Mercedes-Benz and other vehicles. As a member of the Penske Automotive family, they are dedicated to providing world-class service and sales assistance for their customers. More information on their location, vehicles, pricing, and events can be found at www.mercedesbenzofchandler.com.
Mercedes-Benz of Chandler
7450 West Orchid Lane
Chandler, AZ 85226
Tel: (480) 421-4500
By Internet Marketing Experts
Students Walk Aawy with $18,000 in Scholarships
TROY, Michigan, June 1, 2011 – The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) awarded high school students who took a stand against underage drinking with $18,000 in scholarships at the annual Courageous Persuaders Awards Celebration, featuring a red carpet arrival and hosted by renowned Detroit television personality Huel Perkins, anchor at WJBK Fox2. The awards celebration was held on May 19th at the Troy Marriott in Troy, Mich.
The DADA is the primary sponsor and administrator of the Courageous Persuaders program, which is facilitated through the DADA Education Foundation. “This was truly an inspirational event,” said Bob Shuman, DADA Vice President, who represented the DADA at the event. “It provides hope that our next generation will not only make positive lifestyle choices, but will inspire others to do the same.”
The competition, now in its 11th year, encourages high school students to create 30-second television commercials warning middle school students about the dangers of drinking alcohol. The contest drew 898 participants who submitted 514 video entries, which included thousands of students from schools throughout the U.S.
Student scholarships and award winners:
- Grand Prize, $3,000 – “That’s Not Cool” by Catrina Stoner, Dundee High School, Dundee, Mich.
- First Place, $1,500 – “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink” by Casey Rozelle, Lenawee ISD Tech Center, Adrian, Mich.
- Second Place, $1,000 – “Alcohol Doesn’t Fit” by Candice Everett, Stephenson High School, Stephenson, Mich.
- Third Place, $500 – “Best Friends Forever” by Alexandra Eastman, Hailey Thrasher, Alex McPherson, Dearborn High School, Dearborn, Mich.
In addition, special sponsored awards were presented to the following:
- Lindsey Renee Cianciolo Family Memorial Scholarship $3,000 – two $1,500 Michigan based scholarship winners: “Life in Reverse” by Morgan Lawrence, Eisenhower High School, Shelby Twp., Mich., and “Put That Drink Down” by Chelsea Washington, Camryn Washington, Home School, Southfield, Mich.
- Two DADA Awards for $1,000 each – contributed by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association: “Don’t Drink” by Jonathan D’Ambrosio, Lake Orion High School, Lake Orion, Mich., and “1 in 3” by Evan Trout, Fishers High School, Fishers, Ind.
- New York festivals, $2,000 – chosen based on the commercial’s effectiveness to inform and inspire: “Cheers” by Della Paul, Utica High School, Utica, Mich.
- Adcraft Club of Detroit Award, $2,000 – presented to the commercial that conveyed factual information about the dangers of alcohol use in the most persuasive and creative manner: “Why Waste Your Life” by Reid Petro, Kalamazoo Christian High School, Kalamazoo, Mich.
- State Farm Insurance Award, $1,000 – chosen based on the commercial’s effectiveness on the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and automobile usage: “You Know It’s Wrong” by Allison Otley, Angelique and Kara Payette, Janae Engels, Sarah Naegeli, and Alicia Carter, Coleman High School, Coleman, Wis.
- College for Creative Studies Award, a $250 Award and a portfolio or reel review – “Just Say No” by Neil Muck, Lenawee ISD Tech Center, Adrian, Mich.
- Wall Street Journal Award, $2,000 – chosen by the Wall Street Journal staff from among the most persuasive commercials, as judged by middle school students: “You Never Know” by Sean Mouton, Utica High School, Utica, Mich.
- Wall Street Journal Courageous Leader Award – presented to a special teacher for his or her extraordinary contribution to the Courageous Persuaders program: Troy Smith of Vicksburg High School, Vicksburg, Mich.
Winners were selected after several rounds of judging. During the first round, a panel, from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association viewed the entries and identified the top 60 contenders. Those entries were then reviewed by students at middle schools who completed questionnaires. Results of the questionnaires determined the winners.
“It showed me how people look up to you and you should be a good influence,” said a middle school student who judged the winning Grand Prize Award. “It also has a good perspective, it reminds viewers that they are the role models.”
The Courageous Persuaders program was created in 2000 by former Oakland County District Judge Michael A. Martone and John Barczyk, a local McCann-Erickson advertising executive (retired). In 2007, the DADA became the primary sponsor and administrator of the Courageous Persuaders program through its DADA Education Foundation. This year’s entries continued to be strong, drawing from 38 states, demonstrating the continued interest in the program in all areas of the country.
In addition to the scholarship, the grand prize-winning student receives the opportunity to participate in a professional editing session to make the video broadcast ready. The commercial will be broadcast on television, and will be televised in branches of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office. Winning videos will be posted on www.courageouspersuaders.com. For additional information, please contact the Detroit Auto Dealers Association office at 248.643.0250.
About the DADA Education Foundation
The mission of the DADA Education Foundation is to promote excellence in education through quality programs and leadership. In addition to the Courageous Persuaders program, the Foundation also administers Automotive Education Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the NAIAS Poster Contest, and coordinates the Automotive Youth Educational Systems in Michigan, an industry-wide program to enhance a student’s auto technician education.
About Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA)
The DADA was founded in 1907 by 17 local car dealers, and has grown to more than 220 member car and truck dealers who donate their time and resources to a host of community activities. Currently, the DADA members collectively employ more than 16,500 people.
Many members participate in the NAIAS, LLC, which is responsible for the production of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The most significant charitable venture of the DADA is the annual NAIAS Charity Preview, which has raised more than $44 million for children’s charities in southeastern Michigan since 1976. To find out more about Detroit Auto Dealers Association, visit www.dada.org. To find out more about the North American International Auto Show, visit www.naias.com.
Contact: Sandy Herp, Tel: (248) 283-5138, sherp@dada.org
Source: The Detroit Auto Dealers Association
By Internet Marketing Experts
Michigan-based trade association for the state’s mobile technology industry launches new website as part of its inaugural campaign for state-wide membership
Detroit, Michigan – March 7, 2011 (MTAM) – Though it has remained under the radar, Michigan’s mobile technology industry has slowly but steadily been achieving growth over the last several years, in spite of the state’s recent economic challenges.
According to WirelessAdvisor.com, as of June 2010, over 4600 were employed within Michigan by the carriers providing wireless service in the state. Thousands more are employed in such areas as: mobile app and website development, mobile marketing, cell tower installation, and mobile technology management. Additionally, thousands more are responsible for implementing mobile technology programs within a wide variety of industries including ad agencies, health care, manufacturing, retail, consumer services, automotive, travel, education, state services, tourism and more. And the need for staff in the mobile industry continues to grow.
A local mobile expert, Keith Bourne of Appervasive states, “I recently spoke with a number of companies across southeast Michigan about their most urgent need for their businesses, the unanimous response was people to fill mobile-related positions in their companies. And these positions were not just in mobile development as you might expect, but instead they crossed the entire hiring spectrum including sales, marketing, accounting, and so on, in addition to development.” Sevan Kulwicki, a representative from Southfield-based tier one technology staffing supplier Epitec Group, indicates that their clients have an ever-growing need for staff with mobile technology knowledge. She states, “Our clients depend on us to be in the forefront with regard to our ability to provide staff with mobile capabilities; for project management, development, and many other areas. We’re always seeking ways to connect with members of the mobile technology industry.”
As the industry grows, so too does the need for a Michigan-based trade association focused on synergy and collaboration to insure continued growth of the industry and the career opportunities it provides – particularly within the State of Michigan – and to provide resources that enable that continued growth. To meet those needs, the Mobile Technology Association of Michigan (MTAM) has been formed as a non-profit trade association for Michigan’s mobile technology industry. Those interested in joining MTAM may register on the organization’s new website at http://www.GoMobileMichigan.org ; this URL will direct visitors to the organization’s PC website or mobile-optimized website depending on the device being used to access it.
MTAM’s stated mission is “To grow the mobile industry within the State of Michigan, thereby generating increased entrepreneurial and enterprise-level opportunities within the mobile technology space and creating sustainable jobs”. The plan is to achieve this mission thru such vehicles as:
1) training / re-training
2) jobs development
3) creating industry awareness among Michigan’s consumers and businesses
4) creating entrepreneurial opportunities and resources
5) networking
6) collaboration with statewide, national and international organizations and corporations
To facilitate its efforts to achieve the continued growth of the mobile technology industry, MTAM is now accepting applications for the following types of memberships:
1) Charter
2) Corporate
3) Small Business
4) Individual
5) Student
Each membership level receives all the General Membership Benefits, as well as those designated for their selected membership level; additional benefits to those listed are being negotiated with regional and national firms, and will be added on an on-going basis. Membership is open to students, individuals and firms working in, or interested in learning about or using, mobile/wireless technologies. If you want to learn how these technologies can be beneficial to your business, MTAM will be an essential factor to that education; if you’re in the industry, MTAM will provide a wide variety of valuable tools and resources to help you achieve growth.
Founded by Linda Daichendt, CEO of Southfield-based Strategic Growth Concepts and Co-founder of Mobile Monday Michigan, the MTAM Board of Directors also includes: Cynthia Grubbs, Small Business Liaison with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (Detroit/Lansing); Paul Czarnik, Chief Technology Officer at Compuware (Detroit); Keith Bourne, Founder of Appervasive and Co-founder of Mobile Monday Michigan (Ann Arbor); Jonathan Engelsma, Professor at Grand Valley State University and Director of GVSU’s Mobile Applications Lab (Grand Rapids); and Jason Joseph, Director Technology and Information Solutions, Spectrum Health (Grand Rapids). Several additional Board members are pending. The group’s General Counsel is Mike Watza of Kitch Drutchas et al (Detroit).
The organization is currently operating out of Southfield, but seeking permanent offices in downtown Detroit from which it will work to facilitate industry growth throughout Michigan.
MTAM’s new website was provided by High-Level Marketing of Farmington Hills, and the mobile-optimized version was provided by Keego Harbor-based, Fourstream USA.
About The Mobile Technology Association of Michigan (MTAM)
The Mobile Technology Association of Michigan (MTAM) is a Michigan-based trade association for the mobile industry. Our mission is to grow the industry within the state, thereby generating increased entrepreneurial and enterprise-level opportunities within the mobile technology industry.
Our primary function: to foster cooperation between the various factions of the mobile industry and its professional associations globally, the State of Michigan, the investment community, the education community, and technology users to facilitate in-state growth of the industry.
MTAM sponsors Michigan-based growth of the Mobile Monday organization; performs research for members and other interested parties; facilitates idea sharing, entrepreneurial programs, training programs and jobs creation; acts as a liaison with the mobile community inside/outside of Michigan; and serves as a resource for all things related to the Mobile / Wireless industry. The group’s website can be found at http://www.GoMobileMichigan.org .
Organization: Mobile Technology Association of Michigan
Address: 21908 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48075
Metro: Detroit, Michigan
Contact: Linda Daichendt
E-Mail: info@GoMobileMichigan.org
Tel: (248) 470-3257
Fax: (248) 350-9465
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/company/mobile-technology-association-of-michigan
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/MobileTechAssn
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MobileTechnologyAssociationOfMichigan
By Internet Marketing Experts
Bill Hagen’s Out The Window Advertising revises the traditional media agency website with updated visuals and flash animation.
Flagstaff, Arizona– March 7, 2011 (OUT THE WINDOW ADVERTISING) – Out The Window Advertising (http://www.reachoutthewindow.com), a full service Arizona-based advertising agency has updated their agency website with new creative design and flash animation to provide businesses with a new experience. The agency also recognizes the importance of continual changes to a business website and can benefit its client’s websites.
Out The Window Advertising (http://www.reachoutthewindow.com) was ranked the 5th largest ad agency in Arizona by the Phoenix Business Journal. The team at Out The Window excels in the planning, development, placement, and creative execution of Television, Radio, Print, Direct Mail, e-commerce, social media and customer retention campaigns for over 90 clients nationwide.
Out The Window Advertising’s impressive client portfolio includes automotive dealerships. Bill Hagen, President, commented “Supporting our client’s with the most current technologies in website development and integrating fresh creative design, is a key component of our agency’s capabilities”.
The agency has a track record of success since 1997 and expanding to three offices including Flagstaff, Arizonia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California. Bill Hagen added, “We have been a part of the team at companies all across the United States. We understand how they operate their businesses, and we now serve as an integral part of their respective organizations. They count on us to offer sage advice, and to minimize the expenses and risks associated with all advertising activities”.
About Out The Window Advertising
Out The Window Advertising was recently ranked the 5th largest ad agency in Arizona by the Phoenix Business Journal. The team at Out The Window excels in the planning, development, placement, and creative execution of Television, Radio, Print, Direct Mail, e-commerce, social media and customer retention campaigns for over 90 clients nationwide. For a true “one-stop shop,” Out The Window Advertising offers the use of their “In-House” production facility for all client projects. For more information about Out The Window Advertising, please visit http://www.reachoutthewindow.com.
Contact: Bill Hagen, 1016 West University Ave. Ste 205, Flagstaff, AZ 86001,
Tel: 928.774.5250, bill@reachoutthewindow.com
By Internet Marketing Experts
No doubt by now you would have heard of the black hat search engine optimization (SEO) tactics JC Penny’s pursued in order to be ranked well for various search terms particularly in planning for the 2010 holiday season. The news was uncovered by the New York Times in quite a bit of detail.
Their investigation found thousands of unrelated web sites in the retail industry were linking JCPenny.com. The process was done by linking very specific keywords and based on the detail of these links someone planned this process. While JC Penny’s SEO company was apparently fired for this incident, I find it difficult to believe that someone at JC Penny would not have known about this strategy.
Let’s start from the beginning and take a look at linking strategies post Google going public in 2004 and serious algorithm changes that took place in 2005 and beyond. There are a number of data points that Google monitors about a website and the individual web pages within the website. Ultimately it is about a web page, not a web site, therefore, any page can become ranked and any page can become an entry point for a visitor. This would then require you to re-think the call to action if your home page is no longer the entry point.
This first begins with how relevant a web page is relative to the search. This would include your Title tag, the meta Description of a page, and the visible text. The three parts have to work together in order to show a certain level of keyword density on a topic. You will notice I did not say anything about meta keywords as those have become less important over the years since companies can hide what they are really about in the meta keywords versus what they are displaying to the rest of the world.
The next major point would be about the web pages importance. This is determined through the number of web pages linking to your website or web pages. The more links the better. At least that was the original thought until website owners decided to buy links cheaply without doing any work. These links have several sub-components including if the site that is linking to you is relevant to your topic and if that web page itself has any importance.
The process of trying to cheat yourself into the top of a Google search is considered “black hat” optimization or SEO. Google has different ways of monitoring this process and is generally successful in locating the problem situations. Although, JC Penny’s situation was not caught until much later. Websites caught in this act are de-listed from Google and need to clean-up their act in order to get back into Google.
The short-term benefits of black hat SEO do not make any sense to the longevity of a business. It is better to focus your attention on developing real links from reputable websites and communities mostly using Content Marketing with articles, news releases, documents (e.g. Powerpoints), Videos, and Social Media. Aside from the obvious benefits of Content Marketing being a credible linking strategy, the benefits for brand reputation, brand credibility and brand awareness include:
• Traffic from Search Engines
• Traffic from Non-Search Engines
• Owning more search results using 3rd Party website where your content is distributed
Linking strategies are labor intensive and take time. This process also requires three types of linking that include:
• Direct Linking to website home page
• Direct Linking using targeted keywords
• Cross Linking distributed content
• Deep Linking inside of your web pages
This is one reason where Pay Per Click advertising using Adwords becomes beneficial in order to generate short term results while the organic results are being executed through content marketing.
While we can continue to talk about JC Penny’s debacle using cheap black hat optimization tricks that has back fired, as well as, linking strategies, let’s focus a little on the New York Times article itself.
You will notice I am not linking to that article in this writing. Frankly, I refuse to! I do not wish to add a link giving that article any further importance on the web because within the article it is linking directly to all the black hat optimization websites. I am sure I could write an article strictly on the ethical linking policies required by major publications, however, we’ll see if we can get the point across in fewer words.
As an owner of a web marketing agency I took the time to read the entire article meticulously to understand what was written. Mind you I have over 17 years Internet experience with two successful companies and my knowledge is quite deep.
What I am surprised at, considering the writer’s newly gained knowledge about linking strategies, is why would the New York Times setup active links to the companies providing such horrible service from this article (meaning coming from nytimes.com domain) and give them any value, benefit, and support?
In this case:
• Page 1 all the links in the last paragraph to black hat optimization link building farms
• Page 2 link to SearchDex who was fired by JC Penny
• Page 3 links to TNX, cookingutensils and Cocaman.ch who are engaged in these black hat linking building schemes
Why would the New York Times support these companies with links to their websites? Are they planning on helping them further with their business by helping their ranking position? Afterall, NYTimes.com, as a domain, has a lot of power and links to websites from NYTimes.com will only help the destination website.
What ethical policies are in place at the New York Times when it comes to linking to a website?
Of course I submitted this question to the New York Times and am currently waiting on a reply, which will be posted here should it ever arrive.
The Internet is a living breathing marketing tool that has no end point. You cannot perform a certain amount of work and expect the work to provide you millions of dollars next week nor will the one time work or expenditure give you longevity. As a business you have to plan on continued web efforts using all facets of web marketing, which is a multi-directional strategy.
Afterall, something that came up in a client meeting recently, “We will stop your optimization efforts when the search engines stop changing algorithms and technologies!” Yeah, that will be the day.
Certainly your time resources are limited and our team can assist with a deep understanding of organic marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), local business marketing, proper adword management, social media and many other Internet marketing strategies. Local Business Listing Optimization Services are provided by SmartFinds Internet Marketing, a Internet Marketing agency.
