Friday, November 30, 2007

Better Pizza.....Better Marketing




I am asked all the time "what brands do you admire the most" and at the top of my list is
PAPA JOHN'S. Below is another example of why they are at the top of my list.

Papa John's Pizza Goes Digital.
Papa John’s Pizza is offering its phone-shy customers a new alternative: ordering via text message, The Wall Street Journal reports today. Customers will be able to create an online account that holds up to four customized orders of pizza, drinks and extras—tagged as “FAV1,” “FAV2,” “FAV3,” and “FAV4”—that are pegged to a delivery address and payment info. When hunger strikes, patrons zap over a text message with the desired “FAV” and the order is placed. It’s an innovative step that might help boost the Louisville, Ky.-based company’s sales, and also will allow for more direct-to-consumer mobile marketing, including coupons and menu updates sent to users’ phones.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Let's increase your sales...TODAY!

6 quick examples that will start to increase your sales!

1. A strategy and a plan: Marketing must be planned, consistent and repetitive to be effective. Many entrepreneurs take a scatter-shot approach, trying one thing then another. Instead, develop a marketing plan and budget that you can execute.

2. Defined target market: Focusing in on a particular market segment — or niche — gives focus and direction to your marketing efforts. For instance, if you’re an accountant, there may be dozens of CPAs in your community. If you decided to target a specific niche market — let’s say dental clinics — you could join the local dental society, advertise in industry journals for dentists, exhibit at dental association trade shows.

3. Clear message: Let your prospects know exactly what you do and why you’re the right choice for them. Develop an elevator pitch or tagline that sums up your business in a short phrase or sentence. For instance, if you’re a real estate agent, it’s hard to distinguish yourself from the thousands of other Realtors. If, instead, you say, “I’m a real estate agent specializing in first-time home buyers,” that immediately identifies why you might be the best choice for a client.

4. Call to action: Let your target audience know what you want them to do. In your marketing materials, give them a specific directive. It can be something as simple as “See our Web site at www.PlanningShop.com” or make them an offer, “Purchase this week and get 20 percent off.”

5. Appropriate marketing vehicles: Think about the right way to reach your target audience. Do they read the morning newspaper? Are they members of the Chamber of Commerce or trade associations? Try to reach your target audience through a number of marketing and advertising vehicles that they interact with regularly.

6. Repeat exposures: People don’t process information the first time they see it. Make sure your marketing campaign — whether it’s networking with a trade association or advertising in the newspaper — is repeated over and over and over again.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Another Brand on Board


Cookie maker Pepperidge Farms has launched a new website, ArtoftheCookie.com, aimed at helping women amp up their social networks and connect with one another. Sally Horchow, co-author of "The Art of Friendship: 70 Simple Rules for Making Meaningful Connections," is the campaign's spokesperson, and the website includes video clips from a cross-country trip that features Horchow speaking with women around the country about making and maintaining friendships.


Just another company using Word of Mouth Marketing and Social networking to reach there clients. If your brand is not on the train...hurry up because it is leaving the station.


Re-Branding a VP

I wanted to share this great Branding article with you from this months Deliver Magazine. It talks about the amazing re-branding of former VP Al Gore. From politics to green; Al Gore has completely re-branded himself and has people talking and believing in him and his cause.


https://www.delivermagazine.com/the-magazine/2007/08/16/buildin̢۪-brands/

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Don't forget about the other 364 days


Black Friday= The term is used by retail stores referring to the Friday after Thanksgiving. Its the one shopping day that puts the retailers in the "Black" for the year.


Every year brave consumers will shop till they drop. The recent trend is to open the doors early (Kohls will open at 4 am) and stay open late. But opening early is the key, get them in early and offer special savings only between early hours. This strategy gets the consumer committed to coming early so they are not out all day. Does it work? The answer is yes, consumers will get up early to save an extra 25% or to get free things.


This hole "early morning door buster" sales event got me thinking. Why just on "Black Friday" why not have an event like this say once a month? Open early and close late one Saturday a month. Even a restaurant could get in on this action. Come early and receive free movie passes...25% of breakfast.....free..free...


Always have a call to action..Free is always good. The PR you would get from staying open till 2am to let consumers shop is outstanding. Bring in the local marching band..drum line...make it a party.


Remember its all about getting into the black and out of the red..don't wait until November to create a splash....their are 364 other days that are important also.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Keeping in Real


What are you measuring?

The Internet is so infinitely measurable, many marketers have focused on measuring the wrong things, metrics that are interesting but not helping a company achieve its goals.

Make sure what you are measuring has meaning.

Leadership book from one of the best ever


If you get a chance please read this book about the life of one of the athletes I really look up to. And the key thing is LEADERSHIP!


I highly reccomend it!


Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Quote of the day

"Nothing happens until somebody sells something" is being replaced by........
"Nothing happens until somebody Brands something"


-The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al Ries