Video SEO Strategy and Creative Conflicts for Your Business

Posted on December 26, 2012 by admin

10229388_mVideo is a useful tool for marketing campaigns. But when your video SEO strategy and creative influences conflict, who wins? Nobody.

This is why it’s important to integrate the most valuable aspects of both creative and technical components of SEO. Using video SEO strategy goals, users need to be driven from inception to delivery. Doing so means you will have to not only define your business goals and the appropriate audience, promotional strategy and hosting but creating content that mixes business goals and demographics together.

The point is that video can provide some very real goals for SEO. It’s crucial to know what specific content is needed for the individual goals and what mistakes could be made. It makes sense to learn from companies previous mistakes when converging SEO and video.

Initial problems can start with the video and wind into posting videos. The overall objective is always to bring customers in and steer them toward your site, not popular video sites like YouTube or Vimeo. A great article found on The Daily SEO Blog really breaks down how to focus your video SEO strategy to get more page views and direct customers to products and services. Videos are a surprisingly easy method to converge views into regular customers.

The videos, especially if the creativity is there, can kills many birds with one stone. They can immediately create brand awareness and brand loyalty using their own channels. Don’t invest heavily in YouTube’s ability to promote your company. Instead, take advantage of their advertising opportunities to redirect those viewers back to you.

Posted in SEO, Video Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Merry Christmas: From the SJC Team

Posted on December 25, 2012 by admin

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As the craziness continues this time of year, today is the perfect day to slow down and remember the miracle that led to the celebration of Christmas day. It is this sacrifice for which we are never worthy and eternally grateful. From all of us here at Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions: Merry Christmas.

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Monday Morning Coffee with Chase Candy Co.

Posted on December 24, 2012 by admin

Yes, the Mini-Moment: Iconic 135-Year Old Candy Company Surprised by Facebook ChaseSuccess

Engaging customers today is all about the mini-moment. A special combination of cherries, chocolate and crushed peanuts – steeped in nostalgia – doesn’t hurt either.

The Chase Candy Co., founded more than 135 years ago in historic St. Joseph, Mo., has roots in the town where “Jesse James ended and the Pony Express began.” The company has built a foundation of both quality candy and a sense of nostalgia with products like Cherry Mash, memorable for its red and white label and hot pink cherry filling surrounded by chocolate and nuts.

Amidst its history and old-school appeal, Chase Candy Co. is also building brand strength with tools like Facebook campaigns and website renovations, successfully seeing sales spike around some of these posts. Company president, Barry Yantis, commented about the success of the company’s Facebook efforts in a recent St. Joseph News Press article, expressing his both surprise and delight at spikes in “likes” and positive comments.

Like other companies who’ve seen big spikes in activity from Facebook, Yantis explains that Chase Candy Co. is using the “mini-moment” concept to attract and engage its audience. Fans and comments jumped when viewers where presented photos of real Chase Candy Co. employees carefully preparing candy for shipment. They were also given the first names of those employees, and customers responded with gratitude also on a first-name basis.

Now that’s a sweet mini-moment, and one to learn from.

From California to New Jersey, fans of Cherry Mash and other Chase Candy Co. products are connecting on social media with the company in a personal way, and they’re also able to go to the company website to learn the shortest route between them and a kiosk for Chase Candy products. Here’s another lesson of which we can all be reminded:  Websites exist to answer customers’ questions. When you do that, customers are happy and they tend to buy more.

Another Chase Candy Co. goodie is the peanut cluster. But this is no average, benign peanut cluster. Yantis says they use a really good quality of peanut that’s been specially roasted. Here’s an angle with definite social media value. Also of high Facebook and video storytelling potential is former employee Normal Jones, who worked 50 years at the company and still stops in to check on things. He represents a sense of company pride and connectedness that many other Chase Candy Co. long-time employees share – and Yantis and his team seem to truly honor.

As 2013 approaches, take a moment to ponder your organization’s mini-moments and how your audience can rally around them. (We feel this moment is made even better if you’re nibbling on one of those legendary Cherry Mash candies).  Here’s to lessons learned from Chase Candy Co., and another 135 years of sweet success.

Posted in Marketing Strategy, Monday Morning Coffee, Social Media, Success Stories, Support Local | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Firms Over Freelancers: An Effective Business Solution

Posted on December 21, 2012 by admin

10361713_mMore often than not, two hands are better than none. Such is the case of choosing between a web design firm or a freelance web designer. Both are viable options in today’s marketplace but which one is the most reliable and affordable to your company? The subtle differences wouldn’t warrant choosing one over the other but there are several major differences that are definite deal breakers. For help in the process, we called upon this Burns Design article.

When you hire a web design firm there is a natural sense of security that comes along with brick and mortar. Seeing an office and employees somehow gives the job accountability. There are tangible people capable of handling your project and available afterward if there is a problem. While it’s not always the case, freelance designers can subconsciously put off the flaky vibe. One person is much more difficult to track down than a business and storefront.

Besides reassurance, web design firms can have more resources which means better products for reasonable fees. Unlike their freelance web designer counterpart, firms tend to have a larger client base. This means steady revenue streams that can be allocated to the latest software and platforms. This also equates to a better website for a lower price. Freelance designers tend to not take on too much. They usually take pride in what they do and produce a quality produce but not high quantity product.

But they have to make a living. The lower volume of traffic coming through the door means freelancers will have to charge more per project. Web design firms take on numerous projects because their staff can handle it. This allows them to base a price on that alone. And what about work after the initial website is created? There’s always going to be tweaking, new information and regular maintenance? A web design firm will obviously cater to those needs and have the man power to follow through with those specific tasks. A freelancer may not have the time to tidy up a completed site and may even be difficult to reach following a completed assignment.

Choosing between a web design firm and a freelance designer is more than just a personal preference; it is a serious business decision, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Need a little help in the process? Give SJC a call and we’ll help you weed through the details.

Posted in Content Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Website | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Wildfire Marketing

Posted on December 20, 2012 by admin

How many times has a friend or family member shared a funny, viral YouTube video with you? It’s amazing how such content spreads like wildfire isn’t it? Millions of views usually gets the creators of the amateur video a spot on NBC’s Today Show…Jay Leno and likely the new viral video segment on ABC’s World News Tonight. If videos can go viral, why not other content? At SJC Copywriting we’re monitoring the advancements of mobile social media….if you want in on the firestorm we suggest you give us a call.

Posted in Content Marketing, Copywriting, Mobile Content Marketing, SEO, Social Media, Video Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

More Than 200 Families Still Need Help With Christmas

Posted on December 19, 2012 by admin

AFL-CIO-Community-Services-St.-Joseph-MO1Christmas is around the corner and there are still more than 200 families in St. Joseph that need our help. This year there were 917 families seeking assistance, that is the largest number since  1996. The holidays can be a stressful time of year for so many people who are trying to provide for one or more children, or are simply alone during this time.

AFL-CIO Community Services is a great place to reach out and spread some cheer through their Adopt-A-Family program. Who knows how many lives you could brighten? Each family is different and so are their needs. Some are senior citizens living alone and others are made up of young parents with hungry mouths to feed.

The process of adopting a family is relatively easy and those in the giving spirit can adopt more than one family or individual. You can go through the lists and find that perfect family that truly touches your heart and is asking for the gifts you can offer them. The information sheets will include information on each member of the family, their age, sizes and gift ideas. Many of the items aren’t what you would expect and are often times the basic necessities you and I take for granted. But have a little fun, you can buy a fun gift for each child if you’d like.

While the majority of gifters prefer to meet the family and give them their presents, some choose to remain anonymous. Those donors can leave their gifts no later than Dec. 19 at the AFL-CIO offices at 1203 N. Sixth St. The staff will contact the family and deliver their gifts to them.

If adopting an entire family isn’t feasible but you still feel in heart the need to give, all donations are welcome. And what would Christmas be without a traditional meal. The AFL-CIO also accepts donations for the holiday meal. Monetary donations, new toys or household items can always be dropped off at the agency anytime between now and Dec. 21.

Posted in Consistent Customer Communications, Support Local | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

8 Ways to Improve Email Marketing

Posted on December 18, 2012 by admin

11079362_mAll too often, marketers under utilize some of their best available resources. With the social media hype, email often gets pushed to the side. But don’t forget that email lists consist of fans who are already interested in what you have to say.

There are always ways to improve email marketing communications, but the effectiveness of this channel should not be underestimated. If you don’t currently have a link on your website allowing followers to sign up for emails, get one. Here are 8 simple steps taken from a blog at discmakers.com which can dramatically improve email marketing success.

  1. Make it easy for interested parties to subscribe to your emails or enewsletter. The link to join should be prominently displayed at the top of each page to attract attention.
  2. Use a hook that will entice visitors to provide their email. Free giveaways and discounts usually work well for this purpose and can help bolster interest.
  3. Follow through on what you promise. Include confirmation of the free offer on the sign-up verification page. If those signing up don’t receive the offer as promised, the effort to improve email marketing will backfire.
  4. Extend an invitation to join the email list to all parties emailing you through your website.
  5. In the process of networking, don’t forget to solicit sign-ups. Having prominent businesses or groups on your fan list may be enough to encourage others to join.
  6. Include a forwarding link in each email so that content (and your brand) can be quickly disseminated to others.
  7. Improve email marketing effectiveness by providing a call-to-action section in each communication which directs fans regarding what to do next such as “Like” your Facebook page.
  8. Subscribe to your own list to monitor user experience. It’s important not to bombard or annoy fans with information, and this is a good way to ensure that’s not happening.

 

The content experts at Susan J. Campbell have the know-how to improve email marketing communications across various industries, and we have the track record to prove it. Call or click today to learn more about this and other valuable services we offer.

 

Posted in Email Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Monday Morning Coffee with SJC Copywriting Solutions

Posted on December 17, 2012 by admin

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As the year is winding down, do you ever stop to take a minute and reflect on the successes of 2012? If yours is like most businesses, you’ve enjoyed some wins and losses, you’ve made changes and you’ve kept many things the same. In the copywriting solutions space, we have noted some growth and leveraged key opportunities. We’ve also noticed the changes in the market when political winds blow. In an election year, we can really feel the effects on the bottom line.

When the market feels the pressure of change, companies tend to hold off on spending. There is an assumption that customers will continue to shop and prefer a specific brand or provider just because they have done business with them in the past. As a result, one of the first areas of spending to be cut is marketing or advertising. What is often described as a luxury, however, should really be treated as a necessity.

In times of economic turmoil, your customers still have money to spend. If you aren’t taking the time to remind them that you exist, and that the value of the services or products you offer is superior compared with that of your competitors, you may soon find your offerings are falling into the luxury category and the lower priced competitor becomes more attractive. Instead of remaining in the conversation with copywriting solutions with key messages, you’re letting your customers and your competitors decide where the market should go.

Instead, consider what copywriting solutions can do when the market outlook is grim. Did you know you can keep your blog and social media active on a weekly basis for less than the cost of running an ad in the newspaper or filming a commercial for the local station? You can also enjoy great reach, one-on-one and one-to-many interactions with very little cost, measuring the value of these interactions along the way.

Keep in mind that your customers are no longer simply searching the paper or the television to find out the information they want on a product they want or need. They’re looking online, through apps, websites, videos and more. If you want them to find your brand and your information, you have to be in the game. Copywriting solutions allow you to do that.

As we look back on 2012, we’re grateful for the new customers we have gained, those who have given us the opportunity to tell their story. We not only get to learn about new initiatives, we get to build new relationships. Our passion really lies in copywriting solutions as our talents allow us to create opportunities for those who trust us to do so. That is nothing short of an honor.

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Collecting Stuff: Part of Hot Trends in Social Media

Posted on December 14, 2012 by admin

11742001_mCollecting stuff – it’s hot. Perhaps it’s shows like “Hoarding: Buried Alive,”or “Antiques Roadshow,” or the return of toys to the shelves this holiday season that were popular decades ago. Maybe it’s something more primitive that rests within us to have a lot of something, or several somethings.

The trend toward collecting objects has certainly grown stronger and is now among trends in social media, as discussed in a recent Marketing Profs article. It’s one thing to use analytical tools to see how many people received or responded to a social media post, but one of the noteworthy trends in social media is for users to enhance and show-off the set of organizations or people they have an online connection to. Some seek to surpass others in terms of friends or Twitter followers; others seek to enlarge their own collection just for their own enjoyment.

Can this trend in social media toward building up collections impact your content strategy? You bet your Rubber Duckie collection it can:

1. Get more involved in Pinterest to ride the tide of the collection craze. Create Pinboards that invite your audience to show off the ways they use and enjoy your product – a collection of experiences, if you will.

2. Boost up your YouTube video channel by adding new videos to your collection about your brand. Make sure they are tagged with keywords.

3. Use Facebook to show off the historical or “vintage” aspects of your product or service. Capture users’ interest with any old-school photos or brand taglines you may have.

4. Compliment your social media users who have high levels of experience with your brand or product. They can stand out for being premium collectors of moments or connections with you.

Being ready to act on trends in social media means first having strategic keywords identified and a plan in place to utilize those keywords in effective, systematic ways. Contact Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions today to be ready in 2013 for whatever trends social media may have in store.

Posted in Brand, Content Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Pinterest Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Video Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What is Your New Year’s Resolution?

Posted on December 13, 2012 by admin

As we say good-bye to 2012, will your new year’s resolution include an update to your marketing strategy? If so, you know where to turn. www.susanjcampbell.com

Posted in Content Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Video Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment