Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts

Monday, July 11, 2016

DATA + CREATIVE = HOME RUN


In our last blog we talked about reading data and how to interpret it for our marketing efforts. Using our partner “Swings-N-Things” as an example, we used data to set up our advertising efforts. We went over how to read and analyze the different data sets, organized information to create a better look at how we should go about strategy, and made practical sense of obscure numbers to lead us to a plan of action. It gave us a healthy start, but now it’s time for the right side of the marketing brain to be the clean-up hitter. We’ve got everything set, bases loaded; now it’s time to hit that homerun! With the right balance of creative know-how, you can’t miss.

Okay, before we get ahead of ourselves let’s talk about the ways that you can use creative power so that you don’t end up striking out.

Storytelling – Chances are, if you’re doing it correctly, that your targeted users are going to see your ad more than just once. Most of the time when you see ads online you see the same redundant ads, don’t be like those people. Your marketing mix should complement itself rather than perpetuate itself.  Your different channels should use an array of messaging while adhering to the same theme This helps your ads tell a cohesive story with your business as the star. Now, it doesn’t have to be Goldie Locks and Three Bears but it does need to be something the users can digest. Maybe that’s explaining the benefits of your company through different ads or promotions, or maybe that means enforcing yourself as an industry leader by recapping your businesses’ long running history of success. Using the same ad over and over again lulls your audience to sleep and definitely doesn’t set you up for that home run you’re looking for.

Graphics- Visual representation is huge! That’s what draws users’ eyes in and pulls them into your message. So how do your graphics look in your ad? Are they grainy pictures that were shot on your flip phone from 2009? You should be using up-to-date images that are correctly scaled and sized to fit perfectly on that mobile screen it’ll be displayed on. Social media can be quite tricky these days with various dimensions needed for different platforms, but luckily we have the internet. You also want to make sure that your graphics are in-line with your brand image. Using your branded colors and images/logos give it that extra push to reinforce who you are and why they should do business with you specifically. It shouldn’t be a guessing game.

Emotion –The strongest creative ads connect with its target on an emotional level.  When we can visualize ourselves in a situation, it helps to create a perceived benefit. When we look at Swings-N-Things, getting the most elicit response out of parents and driving action takes specific fic things that they can connect with. So instead of having something that reads: “Come into Swings-N-Things this weekend, we’re open.” It’s best to capture the attention by truly connecting with the users.  For ads targeted to mothers you can say something that connects a mother, her child and family. “Bring the kids into Swings-N-Things this weekend, fun for the whole family.”  Or for ads targeted to father you could say: “It’s time for batting practice! Bring the kids into our batting cages at Swings N Things. Open from 10 am to 8 pm this summer.” Can you tell the difference? The latter copy striker that connection that we’re looking for.

Use data gets the bases loaded but creative allows you to hit a grand slam. At WDD we use both analytical part of our brain and the creative to deliver the best results for our clients.  Visit us at wddonline.com/agency to meet our starting lineup.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Tis the Season... For Not Sharing

Well, more than just Christmas actually. A new study found that 71% of users will actually self-censor their own posts — they'll start composing or sharing, then cancel the action. In many cases, they find something that to them may seem useful, but then dismiss it within the context of "but will my friends?"

When crafting posts that aim to appeal to more than just your core audience, consider whether the content is something that you feel people will want to share and pass on. Is it just informational? Consider making it into a catchy graphic. Is the verbiage dry? Think about adding some humor.

And that's today's quick tip!

-Jeff

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Parting is Such Sweet Unfollow



Call me obsessive, but I'm always curious when someone unfriends me on Facebook or unfollows me on Twitter. What did I say? "WHY DON'T THEY LIKE ME?!" I scream.

Ok... maybe not quite so dramatic.

Yet every week I get an email from TweepsMap showing who started following me and perhaps more importantly, who stopped. (At least the service is nice about it — the button to view is labeled "Who showed poor judgment?")

So to satisfy my own curiosity, I review the list and find that nine times out of ten, the "unfollowers" typically fell into two categories:

Friday, December 5, 2014

Is Your Engagement Off?

Not your marriage, hopefully! No, I'm talking about something even more drastic — social media engagement.

Are your Facebook posts collecting dust? Your tweets vaporizing into a black hole? Besides spending a small fortune for sponsored posts (which only guarantees more impressions, not necessarily engagement) your other major strategy should be to ensure your communication is fun and imaginative.

Creativity sparks creativity — by inspiring your followers to share, you're now reaching their friends. When they're inspired, they'll share with their friends, and so on. Behold, the amazing power of social media!

I saw an example this morning from Peter Shankman, an acclaimed speaker and social media celebrity in his own right. He simply asked on his own page, "Describe your week using only Facebook stickers. No words. Go."

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Let's Be Social This Thanksgiving

Before you post that Happy Thanksgiving message to your thousands of followers, think about what you're saying:

Don't write as if you're addressing a group of nameless faces; write as if you're talking to your friends.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Are You Ready for Black Friday?

Unless you're one of the people who camp in the cold outside malls and shopping plazas for days awaiting Friday's amazing deals, the post-holiday holiday is really a win-win for both consumers and retailers. Savvy shoppers can find super shopportunities, while smart marketers can rake in the revenue.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Are you ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

E-commerce is also a huge component — so if you're selling online, are you ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?