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
0 comments

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
0 comments

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

November 18, 2011
by mms
0 comments

Trade Show

Tradeshows can often be chaotic and hectic. They can also be a great source to get your brand out in front of your prospects. It’s easy for your booth and your brand to get lost in the shuffle. It is important to attract prospects to your booth by engaging and enlightening them, as well as increasing your brand awareness at the event.

Events give you the opportunity to connect with prospects face to face and make the most of the interaction.

How can you do this?

• Understand the main objective of the tradeshow or conference
• Develop ways to differentiate your organization, attract attendees, and offer something of value.
• Design and execute booth graphics, signage, event advertising and all promotional materials so that you stand out from the rest.
• Send a pre-show mailer or email blast to attendees
• Make sure your give-a-ways are relevant, fun and get your brand in front of them
• Send a follow up personal note to those who stopped by your booth.
• Continue to reach out to those leads throughout the year.

My Marketing Solutions helps you get your marketing done!

Direct Mail / Signage / Promotional Products / Printed Material

August 19, 2011
by mms
0 comments

Are you frustrated with trying to develop and manage a successful direct mail program in today’s economy?

Over the last couple of years, it’s been crazy out there. Budgets have shrunk. Response has been unpredictable. Costs have risen. And yet you need to make sales. What can you do?

Now is the perfect time to get back to the basics and remind yourself of the following basics of direct marketing:

1. Market what your prospects/customers want
2.   Market solutions to problems
3.   Appeal to the emotional side first, then logical
4.   Use an offer with a time limit
5.   Offer a free gift of self interest to the prospect
6.   Show benefits over features
7.   Make it interactive. Get person involved.
8.   An envelope package is more intriguing than self mailers.
9. Make sure your content is valuable information
10. Make sure you’re actually DOING direct marketing

Every direct marketing message should include:

1.    An offer
2.    Valuable content and information to make a decision on the offer
3.    A mechanism for responding to the offer

With all this in mind, you are well on your way to a successful, Direct Marketing Program and My Marketing Solutions is here to help you all along the way!

August 16, 2011
by mms
6 Comments

Welcome to Our Blog!

My Marketing Solutions was founded out of the crisis of a down economy and the desire for companies to re-build themselves and be stronger visibly than ever. Whether you are an owner of small business or a Director of Marketing there is little time and minimal staff, if any, to execute your marketing initiatives.

Our mission is to help you spend less time on the project management and implementation of your marketing and more time on strategic corporate goals.

We accomplish this through our extensive network of experienced professionals in all facets of marketing—design, consulting, execution, program management–that are committed to exceeding your expectations. Having an a-la-carte solution gives our clients as much or as little assistance they may need to execute a program. We offer a full array of affordable and effective solutions to help you in just about every facet of your marketing.

Our solutions include:

Direct Marketing –

• Marketing Production Management
• Creative Services
• Print Production Solutions
• Mail & Fulfillment Solutions
• Video Production
• E-Mail Marketing
• Press Releases

Web Marketing –

• Website Design
• Search Engine Optimization
• Website Hosting & Maintenance Programs
• Mobile Marketing with QR Codes
• Video Production
• E-Commerce Storefronts
• E-Mail Marketing
• Company Stores

Promotional Products –

Over 300,000 products to brand your business! And our customized Company Stores allow the purchase or distribution of your branded items on line 24/7/365. Including On Demand apparel and low volume items so you don’t have to purchase inventory!

And, soon to come – My Marketing Express – your personal on-line print store.

Our Marketing Program Managers are ready to help! Contact us with your marketing headache and we will take care of it for you!