Foursquare – A fun location to be

 

You’ve heard about it, and we want you to be in the know.

Founded in 2009, Foursquare is a location-based web and mobile application website developed primarily for use on mobile devices. Users “check-in” at venues using a mobile website application.

This means that users can check in to venues like restaurants, bars, parks, gyms and stores, among others, which allow you to keep track of your “friends” and lets your friends know what you are up to. This is just one of the social networking sites that allow users to interact with their environment.

Business and users are both benefiting from Foursquare. Many establishments are offering great discounts for being “mayor” or just for checking in. A good example was Radio Shack offering 10% off the purchase price when you checked in and if you were the mayor you got 20% off. The convenience store, 7-11, offered over 21,000 different prizes including a trip into space. This type of value-added service is causing major companies to rethink their interaction with customers.

Here’s a quick Foursquare "crash course!"

Points

Every Foursquare check-in earns you points. A few examples are:

1. You get 2 points for visiting a place more than once on one day

2. Being accompanied by a friend - 2 points

3. Locating a new place - 5 points

4. Check-in with the mayor - 3 points

Badges

Badges allow the customer to check-in to various venues. Accumulate enough check-ins and you will be awarded badges for special deals and discounts. Foursquare is reluctant to tell users how to open a badge, but click here to learn more. This is a competition and badges are just one of the rewards offered by Foursquare.

Mayor

Another perk is to become a Mayor of a particular establishment. You have to check-in to a venue on more days than anyone else in the past 60 days. Foursquare now alerts users about how many days before the user is given the Mayor title. Just like any other competition, things can get heated when battling it out for a mayorship.

Superuser Status

Superuser status is bestowed on those users who have contributed to the member community. There are three levels of superuser status and each level allows the user special privileges like creating aliases. Superuser status is sought after by avid Foursquare users.

This is a fun site and a productive one if you want to take advantage of the price breaks and special offers that participating companies bring to it. Keep this social network on your radar as another way to interact with customers and raise awareness.

Kaitlin Friedmann

Manager, Public Relations

kfriedmann@cmasolutions.com

CMA Helps Local Youth Go Back to School in Style

CMA staff members Meghan Higgins, Corie Eisenberg, Melanie Kotsonis, Diane Webster, Lynn McCullough and Kaitlin Friedmann.

CMA donated dozens of school supplies as part of The Boys & Girls Club of Trenton’s Back to School Drive.

From August 8 to August 26, CMA employees collected and donated a variety of school supplies such as binders, folders, glue sticks, pencils and markers, to help Trenton youth in grades K-12 go back to school in style.

"Providing these kids with new school supplies will help them be more confident on their first day of school," said Jeffrey Barnhart, President and CEO of CMA. "Our staff truly joined together to show their support for our community."

Using QR Codes to Promote Your Business

A Quick Response code or a QR code stores information in a seemingly random digital code. Scanned by a mobile phone, the code leads users to a website to find out more information on whatever a company is promoting.

Whether you are an avid user, or have been meaning to check it out at some point, the reality is this technology is growing in usage among businesses looking to further promote their products and services to their target audience. Check out the following ways you can market your business using QR codes.

1. Business Cards – Instead of bombarding your business card with all of your contact information, include only the essential information needed for prospects to contact you. Then use a QR code that will lead them to more information about your company and its products and services.

2. Invitations – To help drive current and prospective clients to a launch party for a new product or to celebrate a business milestone, create a QR code for your event marketing. The code will lead users to the event invite giving them the ability to easily RSVP for the event and help you track attendance. 

3. Press Releases – Use a QR code on your company press releases. This will help the media and interested readers learn more about your company and its products and services.

4. Social Media – Have your QR code direct users to a website where they can follow your business on Twitter, like your Facebook page or even join your LinkedIn Group. This will help build your company’s social media following and foster engagement. Once they participate, say thank you by sending them an email with a special discount or freebie. 

Interested in using QR codes to promote your business? Email us today.

Erin Higgins

Director of Marketing Services

ehiggins@cmasolutions.com

Summer Spells Success for CMA Client Events

The Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) and Rental and Staging Network (RSN) commended CMA on the innovative strategies and tactics used to stage two successful meetings. The TMSA Annual Conference held in early June at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California and RSN’s Leadership Symposium, held in early August at the Westin O’Hare in Chicago both exceeded client expectations thanks to the collaborative efforts of CMA’s internal teams.

CMA handled all aspects of the TMSA Conference including attendee registration, speaker arrangements, on-site management, food and beverage and site selection, as well as developing the annual Conference program and executing marketing materials. By promoting the Conference through public relations and e-mail communications, CMA generated interest in the event among members and throughout the transportation and logistics industries leading to a total of 175 attendees. CMA also tapped into members’ growing use and interest in social media and created a Twitter contest to keep attendees engaged. 

CMA was also instrumental in launching RSN’s first-ever Leadership Symposium. A network of geographically-diverse rental and staging companies with complete event capabilities, RSN turned to CMA to stage an event focused on business development education for RSN’s 16 member companies. CMA promoted the Symposium with public relations to raise awareness for the association within the audio/visual industry. 

3 ½ marketing ideas for 2011

Although you may think the year is winding down, there’s still time to consider some marketing ideas. If you are going to attempt anything—try these.

1. Take advantage of social media.

Social media is a big challenge for small businesses. The difficulty is finding the time, with only a minority of firms saying they have a dedicated individual following up on the various social media sites on a regular basis.

What can you do to take advantage of this new media?

• Set aside time each day to manage your sites
• Communicate often with the members of your group
• Monitor your subscribers
• Listen to your members and respond quickly to their concerns
• Engage, engage, engage – ask questions, poll participants, make it interactive!

2. Produce a video that tells your story.

Placing videos online is not difficult; the key here is to have a well thought-out presentation. It is not simply re-purposing your commercials or ads. Sometimes videos go viral because of the unique way they present their content.

How can your video reach and resonate with the right people?

• Get input from your target audience.
• Write a script – structure is important.
• Don’t make it too long – keep it between 1-3 minutes.
• Publish it on your website and publish it to YouTube.
• Listen to feedback and make changes where possible.

3. Bridge the gap between in-person meetings and digital communications.

Forget about the debate over virtual vs. in-person meetings. You should be doing both. Concentrate on the way you present yourself and your company in the exhibit hall and on the Web through these steps:

• For tradeshows and conventions, booth designs still matter! Come up with the best design for your booth by working with your agency and staff to bring together the best ideas for the maximum foot-traffic.  
• Become part of the buzz. Hold a contest, offer creative giveaways and use social media to drive attendees to your booth.
• Offer seminars and speakers, when possible, that showcase your particular expertise—an in-person seminar can be offered as a webinar for those unable to attend.
• Don’t wait too long to follow up with contacts you’ve met face-to-face or you will lose your audience.

3 1/2. Call Creative Marketing Alliance.

CMA strategies focus your brand and sharpen your competitive edge. Give us a call and we’ll meet you half-way on the road to the business-building marketing and communications your company needs to succeed.

Put Some Dimension into Your Marketing

Breaking through the clutter is harder than ever. Coming up with a new and unique way to connect with top prospects or clients can be a challenge. Sometimes you need to think inside the box! Sending out a “boxed” 3D promotional item can help your company stand out from the crowd and give you a chance to present your unique selling proposition in a creative way. The investments for these types of campaigns can be high but so can the ROI if they are done right. Consider these tips to make the most out of 3D marketing.

Check your list. This type of program should be very targeted and executed with a clean list. Nothing spoils the impact of a wow marketing piece than having it sent to someone who no longer works for the campaign. Pick your top prospects and confirm all the information.

Get the message right. It’s great to have fun and come up with a unique 3D item but make sure your marketing message isn’t lost in the laughter. Ensure the item means something and include a personalized note or other materials if possible.

Make sure it’s the total package. Think about how the item will be delivered as part of the overall piece. Don’t miss the opportunity to brand the package reinforce your marketing message

Is it desk worthy? After all the hard work of putting this marketing piece together, you certainly don’t want to end up in the trash so consider what might get a piece of prime real estate in your prospects’ offices. Depending on your audience a fun/unique item might be the way to go or if they’re a more practical group something useful might make more sense. 

Put your name on it. Sometimes the most obvious detail is the one that’s missed! Whatever you do make sure the item has your contact information and logo so that your company is always front and center with your prospects.

Take a holistic approach. No matter how fantastic the piece you send is, it isn’t going to close the deal on its own. The tried and true multi-touch sales process works for a reason. Make sure you don’t wait too long to get on the phone and follow-up. Ultimately, it’s that personal connection that will bring home the sale.

Need help with your next “in the box” idea?  Give us a call.

Erin Higgins

Director of Marketing Services

ehiggins@cmasolutions.com

Maximize the Impact of your Website

When evaluating your current website, it is important to consider the tone and company values it relays. Old York Country Club, one of the finest golf courses in New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic, turned to CMA for a redesign of the club’s site to create a visually appealing and contemporary website, www.oldyorkcc.com, so the club’s online presence matched the distinction of its golf course’s reputation. Read more for tips you can use to update your website’s design. 

Keep in mind your company’s brand, positioning and philosophy are important when designing all marketing pieces. CMA kept this the focus of the website redesign project for Old York, adding elements and colors that are stately yet relaxed, underscoring both the grand sweep of the golf course and the many opportunities for leisure and social activities. Copy themes focused on a sense of belonging to a larger membership and social family as well as an impressive recreational facility. 

When evaluating your website, another point to consider is the way your company’s website will be viewed. CMA paid special consideration during the design and programming process to ensure that all elements are compliant with modern electronic devices such as the iPad and iPhone.

Updated photo galleries can keep websites fresh and show visitors your company’s personality and benefits. Old York Country Club’s website has been updated to include a grand and colorful photographic tour of the course and club facilities, and showcases the club’s abundant and distinctive recreational, social, dining and leisure amenities for the whole family. 

A password protected Members Only section is another great website element to consider when evaluating your current site. Included in Old York Country Club’s website, this feature helps members keep in touch through a searchable member directory and by serving as a resource for the latest news, upcoming golf and social events. 

Need help taking a fresh look at your website? Give us a call!