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There's been a fundamental shift in the way people buy products and services. It affects small businesses and mega-brands alike. Sadly, just about everyone is missing it.

Keywords: advertising, economy, internet marketing, marketing, online marketing, recession  |   6 comments

My favorite commercial from Superbowl XLV - hands down. I don't think much of Chrysler, but their agency did a masterful job repositioning what's a negative opinion of Detroit into an emotionally charged commercial that will sell cars.

Keywords: advertising  |   1 comments

The most effective Super Bowl ad this year was, in my opinion Google's ad called "Parisian Love." It was so simple that anybody could have created it with their computer. Yet it told a clear story, demonstrated their product, and pulled at the heart strings of viewers. Well done Google, well done.

Keywords: advertising, google, television  |   0 comments

Planning to promote your company in a Super Bowl commercial? Better make sure your website is ready to handle your offer.

Keywords: advertising, online marketing, television  |   0 comments

Before starting our advertising & web design company, I worked in a small company that had a traditional "sales department." This group of sales people literally made phone calls all day long. Many were cold calls - and their rate of failure was very, very high. If the company wanted to increase its sales, it could make incremental increases by finding better sales tactics, OR it could hire another sales rep who -- if they worked hard enough -- would earn their keep while bringing in a little extra. I'm sorry, but I just wouldn't be able to do that. I don't like the idea of calling people who weren't expecting my call, and trying to sell them something they didn't ask to buy. That's why effective marketing is so important to grow a business. You still need to do sales, but the approach is different, and the success rate is much higher. I'll explain, but first let me prove my theory from first hand experience.

Keywords: advertising, marketing, online marketing, sales leads, seminar, web design  |   0 comments

I'm not sure what Apple marketers are trying to accomplish with one of their new Apple 3G commercials. The ability to copy and paste is not a benefit, or even a feature worth spending 30 seconds promoting on television.

Keywords: advertising, television  |   1 comments

Billy Mays was found dead in his Tampa, FL home Sunday morning, possibly connected to a blow to the head he received the night before onboard a US Airways flight. As a marketing professional, I am saddened by the loss. Mays was a man of character. He gave our profession a positive example, in a field that's often overshadowed by manipulative people who will say anything to make a quick buck.

Keywords: advertising, billy mays, direct response, television  |   0 comments

Our new postcard hit mailboxes this week - discussing how we can help businesses generate businesses in the recession without spending a fortune on advertising. The postcard is below. We also invited recipients to watch our free video on recession marketing strategies, available here.

Keywords: advertising, recession, spire promotions, video  |   0 comments

In a recession, consumers are less impulsive, so your business needs to find new ways to reach your customers. AdWords offers a simple way to do so that won't empty your wallet.

Keywords: advertising, adwords, budget, google, internet, marketing, ppc, promotion, recession  |   3 comments

Bottom line, if you are paying one or more monthly fees to have a listing on somebody else's website, please consider the three powerful alternatives explained here.

Keywords: advertising, adwords, online marketing, pay per click, ppc, search engine optimization  |   0 comments

If just one of the big 3 automakers would make it through this economic mess, it would be Ford, in my opinion. That said, I got a chuckle out of a Chevy Silverado commercial I saw today. It was targeted at Ford F-150.

Keywords: advertising, television  |   12 comments

I just finished a new postcard that will be released next week in response to the recession. The headline matches the blog title. The ad copy says the following...

Keywords: advertising, copy writing, copywriting, economy, recession  |   0 comments

We've been working with the inventor of a North Carolina-based golf swing trainer since we designed & launched his website last Spring.We started assisting with marketing strategy late this summer, and while we had some early challenges, a lot of good things are finally starting to come together. Here's what we're doing:

Keywords: advertising, adwords, landing page, online marketing, optimization, pay per click, ppc  |   0 comments

If you are a member of the Ashland or Mansfield Chamber of Commerce, you will be receiving our new postcard sometime this week...

Keywords: advertising, chamber of commerce, cms, content management system, local businesses, online marketing  |   0 comments