Back to the Roots.... No prospect is more valuable than someone who is already buying from you!

It has been said that there is nothing new under the sun, just the same things with a new face. I can agree with that statement- at least in terms of marketing.

Companies put so much effort and energy into their marketing campaigns, trying to come up with the next "it" trend, and figuring out how to get their message into the hands of ideal prospective customers. Postcards, email campaigns, text messages, social media sites, with so many channels open to communicate through, finding the best medium and combining that with the most powerful offer can not only be daunting, but down right impossible.

My theory is this: there is no need to reinvent the wheel with every campaign! While consumers are saavy as ever, people still want what they have always wanted, a great product, for a reasonable price, from a trusted provider (here's the key) who appreciates their business and the money they spend there. It is so easy to forget about customer appreciation- but it an essential part of the equation in terms of marketing.

People talk, and a happy customer is more and more likely to refer a friend or family member if your business is something that is on their mind. Reaching out to those that are already your customer not only reminds them of your presence (or their intention to go in an make a purchase) but it also shows that you as a retailer (or service provider) recognize them as a customer and are willing to make an effort to maintain the business relationship that you have already built. Marketing to people that are already your customers is invaluable, because the hard part is already over- you have their business, now just keep it!

But how do you expect to grow a business with out reaching out to new prospects? Here is where you can put your customers to work for you! Offer them incentives to share your special offers and promotions. Offer incentives for referrals, or buy one get one free promos. There are a million ways to get your customers talking about you. And the plus side is, the customers that are gained by word of mouth marketing already have an emotional tie to your brand, because someone they trust sent them there.

So when it comes to new marketing initiatives, go back to the roots! Think word of mouth.

Interested in using social media to encourage your customers to refer their friends? Synergy VX has it covered. Contact us for more information.

"You're on the List!" The power of listing

Anyone who has waited in line at a club (Or even seen a movie with someone waiting in line at a club) will tell you, about the importance of being "On the List." For some reason, being recognized amongst the masses as someone who must be included among the elite allowed to participate in whatever event merits such a line out the door. While including your clients and prospects on an VIP event list is probably not the most applicable concept to modern marketing strategy, listing on twitter is a super simple way to get noticed, with out being pushy or asking for anything of your prospects.

Similar to the groups feature on facebook, twitter lists allows you to categorize those you are following (family members, or personal friends, for example). The genius of the list feature however, is that it is not a static collection of usernames, but it constantly updates tweets and activity from listed users. Therefore, a list is a valuable tool not only compiling noteworthy "tweeters" but it also is a place to get a snapshot of what those users are saying by viewing said list.

So how is this applicable to getting YOU and your message noticed on twitter? All it takes is a little strategy. Going back to the metaphor of the VIP list, you want your lists to flatter those included. For example, a chef or restaurant looking to network on twitter could make a list "30 best restaurants in the County."  Now all of the restaurants included have been notified, and have seen seen the page of the user that listed them... make sense? Start simple at first. Make a list of Clients (give it a more appealing title, using the chef example, favorite taster's, you get the idea ), Co-workers, and those you want to know (title this group something flattering- favorite places, top chefs, elite in the field, etc)  and see how quickly you catch on!

Now... to the back of the line. I don't see your name here.

Creating YOUR Image, Online

When most people think of social media networking, they think of the hours of entertainment their own facebook or twitter account provides while they peruse photos and read about current events through tweets and status updates. But there is a different side to social media, and while it might be a bit slower to emerge on the scene, social media has exploded as the new, cost effective, instant, track-able, and viral marketing tactic. While it all seems like fun and games, businesses and professionals alike can not afford not to get on board the social media bandwagon.

".....But, how?" is the question I am often posed with. Creating the pages requires little technical saavy, an email account is usually all you need, and most of the top sites will walk you through the brief set up process. The question usually does not pertain to the technical component, but more how to best present ones image in an appealing, creative way that will not get lost among the masses of profiles and blogs.  In an attempt at a quick answer, here are a few things to consider as you navigate the process of building your online profile. 

1. What is your objective for the site? 
• Whether your goal is to drive people to an online store or blog, keep customers aware of current events/ sales, build brand awareness, (or for personal use, networking, secure clients, get a better job) makes sure you know your goals and prioritize them prior to setting up the page. Space is often limited and it will help you to narrow down what is really important to say
2. Who are you? What are your specialties, what can you provide others can not? 
• Answer all of those questions in as close to one sentence as you can get. This is the hardest part, but easily the most important. Be concise. This is the hook you will use to draw views in so they search for more about you.  There is no need to cram a ton of information in here, just enough to entice. Never forget the importance of sounding confident, it is OK to brag a little here. 
3. Heres the kicker-  Community and Content
• These two go hand in hand. It is useless to have thousands of contacts that don't know you or have no use for your services, and it is just as bad to have very few contacts who know you well. As with direct mail or any direct marketing for that matter, you need to make sure that you are getting your message into the hands of your target demographic. 

• Browse through the countless sites (here is a great list of them by category) pick the most relevant. There are of course, the Generic sites which most any demographic, facebook, twitter, linkedin, and blogger are my favorites. Once you've picked your platforms ( using more than one creates a more dynamic image, even if you are only consistent about one or two) Start connecting! 

• Start with people you know, coworkers clients, customers, customers, colleges, even family members to help get you started. 
• Now, spread the word about your new page! Advertise that you are out there (think emails, in store mentions, special offers exclusively through social media sites), and you will be surprised how quickly it catches on. 
• The real secret to social media success, in simple: once you have created the pages, USE THEM! Even if it is as simple as on status update a day... it keeps you active and makes sure that people are seeing your site. 
• Never underestimate the power of a picture. Attach them to important updates and you'll catch some eyes. 
• It is OK to be bare for a while. It takes a few weeks/ or months for the page to fill up. Content comes organically as you connect to friends and subscribers. 
• Here is a list of great ways to generate contents for a blog, but I think they are relevant for a social media page as well.