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Search Trends: Going local, going mobile
You're in a new city and looking for a bite to eat. No problem. Just take out your mobile phone and perform a search. With just a few touches of a keypad, you're well on your way to a great local eatery just minutes away. It's easy to take technology like this for granted, but life wasn't always this simple.
In the August issue of "Public Relations Tactics," author Scott Buresh highlights how local and mobile search have combined to form an unprecedented, dynamic marketing opportunity. Today, almost every phone is equipped with Web functionality, making it easy to browse from anywhere at anytime. The ability to have a local business show up in mobile search results allows for immediate user action and instant visibility for local establishments. So, how can you take advantage of this emerging market? "The challenge is to create a better than PC Web experience for mobile," said Weather.com's search marketing manager Derek Fulford. In order to create such an experience, Fulford explains that businesses will need to create a secondary website strictly for mobile phones. Consumers are always on the go, so creating quick, scannable content is key. The work doesn't end after site development. Marketers still need to make sure that their site will appear in search results for mobile phone users. According to Cindy Krum, CEO of Rank-Mobile, "Companies should be looking at basic local SEO techniques like optimizing business listings in various local search engines." Marketing for mobile/local search can be a powerful marketing tool if executed correctly. To recap: make sure your site is easily readable on mobile devices and optimized for local search. Form and function are essential to creating a user-friendly, searchable site. If you, or your business, are ready to take advantage of this exciting opportunity, contact the Vollrath Associates team. We will be happy to assist you in your mobile marketing endeavors!
Article adapted from "Search trends: going local, going mobile" by Scott Buresh for Public Relations Tactics.
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CMO Survey Reveals Marketer Optimism
Marketing budgets expected to grow 9.2%
Marketing executives are more optimistic about their current revenue prospects than they are about the state of the U.S. economy, according to the August 2010 CMO Survey conducted by the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and the American Marketing Association.
The most recent version of the study, which is conducted twice a year, was based on an online survey of 574 senior marketing executives fielded between July 27 and Aug. 18.
When asked about how optimistic they were about the U.S. economy compared with the previous quarter, only 32.5% said they were more optimistic. That was significantly down from February's survey, when 61.2% said they were more optimistic.
However, when asked how optimistic they were about their own company's revenue prospects compared with the previous quarter, 63.9% of marketing executives said they were more optimistic.
Other key findings:
-Sales were up 2.2%, and profits, up 1.8% at the companies surveyed
-Marketing budgets will increase an average of 9.2% over the next year
-Spending on Internet marketing is expected to be up an average of 13.6% over the next year
-Spending on brand building is projected to increase 8.3%, and CRM spending, by 8.3%
-Social media spending will grow from 9.9% of total marketing budgets to 17.7% in the next five years
Article adapted from "CMO Survey reveals marketer optimism" by Kate Maddox for the September issue of B-2-B online. |
Spook-tacular Trivia!
 -Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who celebrated the harvest around a bonfire, sharing ghost stories, singing, dancing and telling fortunes.
-The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. They began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human.
-Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday behind Christmas.
-It is believed that the Irish began the tradition of Trick or Treating. In preparation for All Hallow's Eve, Irish townsfolk visited neighbors, asking for contributions of food for a feast in the town.
-Halloween candy sales average about $2 billion annually in the U.S.
-Chocolate bars top the list as the most popular candy bar for trick-or-tretaers, with Snickers at #1. |
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Vollrath Associates Receives Recognition for Work on Milwaukee Rotary Club Bi-Annual Report
Hot off the presses, the 2010 Milwaukee Rotary Club Bi-Annual Report, tells the story of how the Rotary Club of Milwaukee (RCM) is making a difference in the community and around the world. That story is the result of months of hard work by two of Vollrath Associates' own, Rotarian Phil Vollrath and account executive Annie Almasi. RCM will be recognizing Phil during the month of October for his generous service contribution.
Vollrath Associates donated the writing and production support for the 2010 bi-annual report just as it did in 2008. Phil and Annie spent many hours interviewing, gathering, writing, editing and refining to crystalize Rotary's good works into one coherent story. Rotarians can read the report knowing that their dedication to service is making a real difference in the community.
Phil is a member of RCM's Marketing Communications committee and also serves as co-chair of the Military Service Support Committee.
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee highlights VA contributions in October newsletter
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Vollrath Associates
Welcomes Marquette Interns Julie Caan & Kristin Janowski
Julie Caan-
Hello to all friends and colleagues of Vollrath Associates! My name is Julie Caan and I am excited to join the VA team this fall as a public relations intern. Currently, I am a junior at Marquette University majoring in public relations with a minor in marketing. I am especially interested in media relations, marketing communications and events planning. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing team with an outstanding reputation and unique lineup of clients. I am looking forward to a semester filled with learning, new experiences and of course, fun!
Kristin Janowski-
Greetings to all friends of Vollrath Associates! My name is Kristin Janowski, and I am currently a senior at Marquette University with marketing and human resources majors and an advertising minor. I am very appreciative of this opportunity to work with the VA team, gaining experience at such a reputable firm. I am excited to learn more about their clients and business overall!
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The Marcus Corporation Celebrates 75th Anniversary with its "75 Days of Prizes" Sweepstakes
On Aug. 19, the Marcus Corporation kicked off its "75 Days of Prizes" sweepstakes. The contest gives back to customers and guests as it celebrates the corporation's memorable 75 years in business.  Each day, individuals can log on to www.marcus75.com for a chance to win exciting prizes from Marcus Theatres and Marcus Hotels and Resorts. Prizes include: a "Queen for the Day" spa package, an annual movie pass for two, an overnight stay at any Marcus hotel, special movie packages and more.
All daily prize winners are automatically registered for a chance to win one of two luxurious grand prizes. Grand prizes are a Funjet trip for two to Jamaica with an all inclusive stay at the RIU Montego Bay, and a trip for two to Hollywood with hotel accommodations at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn Hotel.
"75 Days of Prizes" will conclude Nov. 1. For a complete list of rules, regulations and prizes please visit www.marcus75.com
Vollrath Associates is proud to help The Marcus Corporation celebrate 75 years of growth and success. Together, we're making sure 75 will be a year to remember! |
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