My Marketing Solutions

May 2, 2012
by mms
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Every Door Direct Mail

You’ve seen it on TV, so what is it really all about?

Every Door Direct Mail creates a simplified process for small saturation mailings (1000 or more pieces) for local businesses to reach a mass target in a specific geographical area. It enables the small businesses to mail at a surprising 14.5 cents per piece without needing to have a mailing address. It’s saturation so you cannot target your audience rather it hits every address in your selected geography.

How you do it is fairly easy….

  1. Design the piece
  2. Print it
  3. Prepare it according to the PO specs
  4. Deliver it to the PO

Yeah, it’s easier said than done, right?

My Marketing Solutions will help you DESIGN your piece, PRINT it in full color PREPARE it for you and even DELIVER to the PO for you. We handle the whole project; you sit back and focus on more important business matters. And, for VERY affordable prices.

April 6, 2012
by mms
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USPS To Allow Branding, Logos On Mail

Commercial mailers could soon bear logos, trademarks and brand images. The U.S. Postal Service aims to revise its standards to allow marketing designs to appear in the permit imprint indicia area of mailers.

“This prime real estate area will allow companies to brand, advertise and market their products and services on the actual mail piece,” said Gary Reblin, the postal services’ vice president of domestic products.

“Market research shows that customers believe picture permits will enhance the perception of their mail.”

If the revision is approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the offering will take effect on June 24. First class letters and cards will cost one cent per piece, while standard letters will run two cents per piece.

“Picture Permit will provide our customers with advertising opportunities without impacting required indicia information on the mail piece,” said Reblin. “Allowing picture permits is just one of the many ways the Postal Service is working hard to make mail work better for our customers.”

The initiative comes as the Postal Service grapples with pressing financial problems – in significant part the result of a 22% reduction in mail volume from 2006 through 2011. That decrease has been fueled by the tech age, with people opting to e-mail, pay bills electronically and peruse shopping catalogs and news online.

April 3, 2012
by mms
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Direct mail marketing proves to drive results!

Self Mailers

It Can’t Be Avoided

In an age where more and more media formats are losing their ability to effectively deliver advertising, direct mail remains something that the consumer can’t elect to ignore.

Brand Impact

When done correctly, direct mail can accomplish two major marketing goals simultaneously. In addition to generating the response you need today, direct mail can help build your company’s brand and image over time.

Measurable Results

Unlike many other mass media formats, direct mail results are measurable. It’s primary objective is to generate a response and cause the recipient to take ACTION.

Letter Mail

Immediate Return on Investment

You don’t need to wait months to see your marketing investment pay off, direct mail generates an IMMEDIATE return on investment.

Cost Effective

With the ability to target a specific group of individuals or cost effectively cover an entire local market, direct mail offers the most efficient method for achieving your objectives.

March 27, 2012
by mms
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3 Simple Ways To Start an Effective Marketing Strategy

Talking Customers

1. Talk to your customers. They have a better sense of what makes you unique—the things that generate loyalty and referrals. Ask them what you do that they like, and you may be surprised by the responses. It may well be the little things that set you apart. Once you know what your unique differentiation is, then create your marketing strategy around that.

2. Build a network of strategic partners. Surround yourself with best-of-class providers of products and services that customers need. Recommend them to your customers and they’ll do the same for you.

3. Make a presence in the community. Events happen all the time around you that are full of potential customers. You should be out there introducing yourself, handing out business cards, flier or coupons. These can trigger a reminder to the potential customer when the timing is right for them to buy your services or product. And, people like to buy from people they know or have met.

February 21, 2012
by mms
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Did You Know?

Direct mail (Statements, letters, announcement brochures, post cards, catalogs)
The experience of a brand stays in the memory a lot longer with a physical piece of direct mail than it does with digital media (Neuroscience study conducted by Millward Brown, Bangor University and the United Kingdom’s Royal Mail, Deliver Magazine, April 2011)

February 8, 2012
by mms
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2012 Marketing Trends

The first thing to do is to have a plan! Nothing drastic, just a basic outline of what you want to accomplish.

PLAN YOUR MARKETING ….. WORK YOUR PLAN!!!

Check out our easy 5 Minute Marketing Plan Template

Some ideas you might be interested in implementing this year…..

Create a Mobile Web Strategy.
DID YOU KNOW that for the first time, tablet sales are higher than desktop computer sales. It’s predicted that in the next 3 years more people will access the web via a smart phone or tablet than traditional desktops. What this means to you is that you must optimize your website for viewing on these devices. QR Codes. Quick Response Codes aren’t something new, but that doesn’t mean you’ve tried them yet. It’s time to realize that using QR codes isn’t about slapping one on a marketing piece and waiting to see what happens. You need to use them strategically to grow your business. Make sure you create a landing page on your website for each QR code you have so visitors that took the time to scan have a specific call to action and you can measure results.

Send Out Postcards and Thank You Notes
PRINT ISN’T DEAD!!! Direct mail is still an effective way to retain existing customers and attract new ones. With the overwhelming amount of emails that are sent, be different and send out a printed piece they can touch and see. It’s much more personal especially if you customize the piece specifically to them. Direct Mail is a great way to keep your company in the minds of your potential customers.

Add In Social Media to your Marketing

Start a Blog
What a better way to increase your Search Engine Optimization for your website than to create a Blog? Having a blog on your website is a great way of building your brand and positioning yourself as an expert in what you do. Posting, even just once a week or once a month, shows that your website isn’t stagnant and that it’s constantly being updated. Plus search engines will find you for the specific area of expertise; and that means your potential customers will as well.

Use Facebook
Facebook is a tool for connecting people with those around them. It allows your business to expand your on-line presence and directly engage with customers and prospects.
You should use Facebook to:
• Get found by people who are searching for your products or services
• Connect and engage with current and potential customers
• Create a community around your business
• Promote other content you create, including webinars, blog articles, or other resources
• Generate leads for your business

Add a video
Video is one of the most effective ways to market your company. It will increase traffic to your site, improve conversion rates AND on email blasts get a much higher click-through rate! Ultimately the videos will add more exposure and ultimately increased sales opportunities.

Download our easy 5 Minute Marketing Plan Template here

February 3, 2012
by mms
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TOP MARKETING VIDEO IDEAS FOR YOUR WEBSITE

TOP MARKETING VIDEO IDEAS FOR YOUR WEBSITE

  1. Testimonials
  2. Product Demos
  3. About the Team (management)
  4. How-to-videos
  5. Tips and Problem Solving
  6. Event, Conference or Webinar Feedback
  7. Questions and Answers about your product/service

Website videos should be 1 minute or less in length.
Find creating a video intimidating? Let us do it for you…we make it easy and affordable.

February 2, 2012
by mms
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The Top 10 Most Effective Promotional Products

1. Promotional Apparel

Logo exposure is extremely high, as people wear promotional apparel at work, to the gym, and everywhere on the weekends.

2. Back Packs and Tote Bags

Promotional bags are welcomed by recipients because they are useful products. The most popular types include promotional tote bags, promotional drawstring backpacks, and promotional computer bags.

3. Writing Instruments

At some point or another, people are going to need a pen, so why not give them one with your logo?

4. Desk Accessories

Exhibitors know that promotional desk accessories, like paper clip dispensers, post-it notes, and even stress balls will be used by recipients and their brand will be seen by anyone who passes by their desk.

5. Drinkware

Travel mugs, water bottles and tumblers are always effective giveaways.

6. Notebooks & Portfolios

Along with a writing instrument, people are always looking for something to keep their notes in and be organized. A great way to keep your name in front of them every single day.

7. Magnets

Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes (the most popular being business card magnets or calendars), promotional magnets clearly display contact information, and since they are typically displayed on a file refrigerator or file cabinet it’s always in plain view.

8. Computer/Electronic Accessories

USB flash drives, mouse pads, iPad and cell phone holders are highly in demand as items that will be used and appreciated.

9. Sporting Goods

Golf Balls, Tees, foam balls, Stadium cushions, Blankets and Frisbees all are popular items that will be used over and over again!

10. Automotive and Tool Accessories

Ice scrapers come in handy during the cold winter months, and everyone can appreciate receiving a promotional auto safety kit, flashlight or toolkit.

Shop around and see what interests you at www.My-Promo-Store.com or give us a call and we will find exactly what works best for you!

January 24, 2012
by mms
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Postage Rate Increase 2012

As you may have heard, effective January 22, 2012 the United States Postal Service will be increasing their rates.

Below please find a summary of these USPS postage rate changes.

Postage Rate Increase

Service New Rate Previous Rate
First Class Letters 1 oz $0.45 $0.44
Prsrt 1st Class Ltr 1 oz Basic $0.404 $0.39
First Class Flats 1 oz $0.90 $0.88
Prsrt 1st Class Flats 1 oz Basic $0.73 $0.725
First Class LPackages 1 oz $1.95 $1.71
Postcards 1st Class 1 oz $0.32 $0.29
Prsrt Postcards 1st Class 1 oz $0.255 $0.235
Standard Letter Basic $0.278 $0.273
Standard Flat Basic $0.504 $0.492
Non Profit Letter Basic $0.166 $0.168
Non Profit Flat Basic $0.356 $0.355
Priority Mail Flat Rate Env. $5.15 $4.95
Click here for additional pricing