Mobile Friendly Sites?

The BPI Media Group team met with a top customer today to discuss updating their website, adding dynamic videos, streamlining the ecommerce portion of their site, maximizing the use of keywords for SEO and exploring the idea of creating a mobile-friendly version of their website. Sounds like a lot, huh? Well, honestly, it is, but it is all very manageable with BPI's knowledgeable webmaster/designer Brandon at the helm. His expertise brings so much value to the table that we are lucky to have him on our team!

As an expansion of our printing, mailing and fulfillment capabilities, BPI also works with our customers to solve their web-based solutions. These solutions range from setting up landing pages for campaigns, designing websites, incorporating SEO into your new or existing website or setting up an online portal where members of your team can order all types of collateral.

As a growing part of our business, we are thrilled to offer such a wide variety of services to better help with your marketing and communication needs-be it on or offline. Feel free to drop me a note if you'd like to set up a time to chat more about how we can help with the various mediums in which your company communicates! We at BPI feel they are all important, so we want to focus on all channels with every customer and prospect.

Until next time...Elizabeth

Get Connected

Over the past 2-3 months, I have been doing more networking than I've ever done in my life. I was pretty skeptical of all the events and functions and how they could help me grow sales and help my business. I couldn't have been more wrong!

After I got over my initial case of nerves to stand up and introduce myself and BPI Media Group in front of a room full of strangers (i.e., prospects!!), it has become second nature to share who I am and what BPI can do. These networking events have opened doors for me to have more meetings, more quotes and more opportunities that I would not have had otherwise.

It isn't just the "live and in person" networking that is helping either. It is social media networking. LinkedIn and Twitter have expanded my professional network and helped me have a means to reach out to some of these prospects. Having a good online presence through your website and/or your social media accounts is just an extension of me, so it is critical that our website be clear and concise and my social media accounts be up to date and informative.

Are your company and sales team using networking, both traditional and social media, to make new connections and grow sales? Consider having an open house or hosting an event yourself to generate some buzz and activity. Promotional items and giveaways are great leave behinds and reminders of your company. If you need some guidance in how to get your website social media savvy and set up accounts on social media, drop me a note. I would love to help you with this, so you can get connected and stay ahead of the game. If you need a little proof in numbers on the power of social media, check out today's Sales Playbook post. WOW!

Until next time...Elizabeth

The Magic Number Nine

While working out at 9 Rounds this morning, it occurred to me that this circuit workout is very much like sales and marketing. Just like a single exercise only works one part of the body (such as arms or legs), a single marketing message doesn't work on all customers and prospects. Staying in shape is hard work, but with a smart plan, reaching customers and prospects doesn't have to make you break a sweat.

Some say it takes 9 touches to get an action from a customer or prospect. Here are a few touches you may want to consider adding to your marketing mix. I know we at BPI Media Group are including these:

1. Personalizing your direct mail (Click here for stats on the growth of this trend.)

2. Including a landing page to track and gather more data from respondents.

3. Pairing an email with direct mail.

4. Versioning your message based on segments of your market or list.

5. Sending out a "lumpy" mailer instead of a flat.

6. Adding a QR code to your mailer, catalog or in-store display.

7. Highlighting your call to action (donate, register, purchase, etc).

8. Updating your website or improving your SEO, so when customers or prospects visit your site, it is an easily-navigated and pleasant experience.

9. Trying augmented reality or NFC if it makes sense with your product or service.

Just like mixing up my workout each time with nine different exercises (jumping rope, crunches, punches, kicks, push ups, etc), I am working on getting in better shape. Now, I'll apply these nine suggestions above when reaching out to prospects and existing customers to see if I can get in a more "fit" sales condition. Let me know how this works for you!

Until next time...Elizabeth

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