MM List
Below are just a few services and products we think are really keen.
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istockphoto.com
This stock imagery site consistently has stunning photographs to choose from and offers a free image download each week (like the one above).
Blackle.com
To save energy, think about using Blackle.com next time you need to do a Google search. Since a white screen requires more power than a black screen, Blackle is actually the greener choice -- they currently boast a saving of 1,529,044.946 watt hours so far. Keep in mind that you will give up some features like the maps feature and image search, among others. (And no, the irony of this blurb being located next to the question about Google maps hasn't escaped us.)
Best Business Center
bestbusinesscenter.org
If you're wanting to make your business more sustainable and profitable, check out the Best Business Center. A partnership of city and regional government programs and energy utilities, the Best Business Center is a "one-stop shop" that streamlines access to financial incentives and technical assistance for greening business operations. Along with providing businesses with free evaluations of their operations in the areas of energy,
water, waste and recycling, purchasing, green building and
transportation, the Best Business Center also provides business counseling and networking opportunities.
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Upcoming Events
Green Drinks
Tuesday, Nov. 2
7 p.m.
Ecotrust Building
721 NW 9th Ave.
Good beer, good conversation and a chance to network with other environmentally friendly people.
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APNBA Vitality Grants Deadline
Friday, Nov. 13
Grants up to $5000 for non profits and business
district associations for projects that increase business district vitality.
Successfully Managing the Holiday Season Workshop
Thursday, Nov. 19
10am - 12pm
Mamapreneurs
www.mamapreneursinc.com
In this workshop you'll learn how to use a practical yet creative
approach to manage the stress that comes with changes during the
holidays.
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Greetings!
Welcome to the first issue of the Mixed Media e-newsletter. This e-newsletter will help you tackle the challenges of marketing your business or non-profit. In each issue, I'll offer tips and articles to provide guidance on how to promote your services or products. My goal is to make you look good and help you send the right message to attract and keep customers.
This issue includes an overview of marketing tools I'm fond of, the Question of the Month, upcoming events and a feature article that extols the reasons for offering an e-newsletter and helps you decide if your business needs one. In the next issue, I'll tell you how to plan and create one that is likely to promote your business effectively.
I invite you to ask me questions about specific marketing projects you're considering. Drop me a line at kristin@mixedmediapdx.com or call me at 503-754-2636.
regards,
:: kristin schuchman ::
mixed media marketing communications
kristin@mixedmediapdx.com
503-754-2636
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Question of the Month:
How do I get my business on Google Maps?
Getting your business listed on Google so that it shows up with a little map indicating the location of your business isn't difficult and has numerous advantages.
The first step is to click on this link and follow the necessary steps. Next, submit the listing for your business. After that, Google will want to verify your listing by phone or by mail. They'll give you a pin number and then call or mail you to verify that you are actually the person located at the listed address.
It may take a few days to appear with the map graphic, but is well worth the wait. Having a Google map pop up with your business name increases the likelihood that you will show up when people do a Google search for your business and lends credibility to your onlne reputation. It will also give your clients the opportunities to write reviews about your business and allow you to post photos and videos on Google to market your enterprise.
Next month, I'll show you how to get reviews on Google. Send your marketing and PR questions to kristin@mixedmediapdx.com.
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 E-newsletters: Win Clients and Influence People
A well-written, attractive e-newsletter can accomplish the following:
A. Tell clients about your services and products;
B. Remind customers of upcoming sales and new inventory;
C. Keep your business in the forefront of your clients' minds;
D. Make it easier for clients to refer you;
E. Drive traffic to your website;
F. Establish you as an authority in your specialization;
G. Convey information on trends in your business to stimulate more business;
H. Update clients on your activities, events, and sales; and
I. Reinforce a more personal, responsive relationship with clients.
That's quite a few things, wouldn't you agree? And, as you know, timing is everything. You can have the greatest website or retail space in the world, but if the people who see it aren't ready to buy from you yet, you won't close the sale. You need a means of continually selling yourself to an interested customer. That's why an e-newsletter is an ideal way to encourage people to re-visit you when they are ready (and build on your reputation in the meantime).
How do I acquire e-subscribers?
You can place an icon on your site encouraging them to sign up for your e-newsletter (see image above), and you've instantly increased the chance of transitioning a 'viewer' into a 'buyer.' If your business has a retail space or an office space in which you meet clients, you can also use an e-mail sign-up sheet to encourage people who visit your store or office to sign up for your e-newsletter.
How would I create an e-newsletter and what would I even write about?
I'm a big fan of Constant Contact, which starts at $15 per month if you have less than 500 subscribers and goes up from there. What's nice about Constant Contact is that it will tell you who is opening your e-newsletter, what e-mail addresses are invalid and which subscribers are perceiving your e-newsletter as spam. It's also easy to use and highly customizable, offering a range of templates that allow you impressive visual flexibility.
As for what you would write about, never underestimate your customers' interest in what you have to say. They're your customers because they defer to your knowledge of your industry. Let's say you sell humorous paraphernalia like "Barista Action Figures" or "Devil Ducks." You might think, what is there to say? I sell silly stuff that people give to each other to have a laugh. You may not think you have much to say, but believe it, your most avid customers want to hear what you have to say -- they think you're funny, they can't wait to see what new inventory you have, and they want to tell their friends all about your business (a.k.a. forward your e-newsletter to their friends, which is liable to result in sales for you).
Here's another example: you're a financial advisor. Even though it's what you do, you think most people think it's a snooze. Your challenge in selling your services is the same as it is in creating vibrant e-newsletter content: You need to prove to people that they need you. In short, show them the benefits and advantages you can bring to their lives. Update them on trends in the news that affect their retirement; tell them about the kinds of financial planning they should have at different stages of their lives; and tell them how expensive it can be for their children if they don't have long-term care insurance. The list goes on an on. MM
In the next issue, we'll tell you how to write and plan your e-newsletter. |
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Hope you liked the first issue of The Medium. Send your questions and ideas for the MM List and Upcoming Events to me at kristin@mixedmediapdx.com.
Sincerely,
:: kristin Schuchman ::
mixed media marketing communications
kristin@mixedmediapdx.com
503-754-2636
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