Search Engine Marketing Firms Should Educate Their Clients

For many website owners, the thought of having to advertise and promote their business, brand and website on the Internet, as well as in traditional forms of marketing; is overwhelming to say the least. It is for this reason, that many companies look to digital PR firms and search engine optimizers, for dependable marketing results.

Although this may seem like a viable alternative to a do-it-yourself campaign, there are a number of entrepreneurs who are still reluctant, to use digital PR services; or search engine marketing professionals. In fact, I am convinced that the biggest obstacle facing business owners; is their own apprehension. So, with that being said, what is the answer? It's simple. Internet marketing firms, must educate their clients.

Aside from the contractual duties that must be performed, digital PR and Internet marketing firms have an obligation; to educate their clients. Not strategies and technical jargon, but instead by sharing things like past experience, useful advice and current research data. Taking the time to educate clients about their competition, consumers and marketplace, will encourage a deeper understanding of the Internet and search engine marketing services provided, and in turn; associate real value in them.

Social Communities Offer Brand Building Opportunities

Established social communities like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, are becoming an increasingly popular hang-out, for consumers, businesses and brands. The introduction of Internet marketing and the speedy adoption of social media, has created an excellent opportunity for companies to communicate with consumers; and build their brand online.

Developing a company Facebook page for example, has become common practice and practically a necessity, for most businesses and brands. In a recent discussion with Ramadama Dingdong, the brand manager cautioned business owners that "Meeting and engaging motivated consumers, and even other brands, in large social communities like Facebook, Twitter or YouTube; is not an opportunity that should be missed." He continued to say that "Businesses that take their time to participate in the conversation around them, and make a meaningful contribution to the community, will be pleasantly surprised by the number of consumers who will approach; eager to learn more about their business and brand."

Regardless of whether you are using Facebook, YouTube and/or Twitter to build your brand, if the proper Internet marketing strategies are applied to an ongoing brand building campaign, you can effectively increase your marketplace exposure, generate consumer awareness and improve brand recognition. Furthermore, the relationships that you forge through this approach to social media marketing and brand management, are often long-term, deeply meaningful and highly supportive.

Take Your Social Media Marketing Personally

An open and pro-active approach to social media marketing, encourages businesses and brands to connect with their friends, followers and fans, by promoting a two way conversation; that inspires consumer participation. If businesses take this personalized approach to brand building with their social media resources, it will encourage deeper customer relationships, and promote long-lasting brand loyalty; and continued company support.

By personalizing your social media interactions with a genuinely human touch, it will provide an opportunity to build a brand, with the support of trusting and loyal consumers, who have confidence in your business. However, to be successful at this approach, businesses must consistently generate rich and meaningful content, that is written in first person; and uses a steady and conversational tone. Furthermore, particpants should use their proper name, and display appropriate photos so that other community members can closely relate, and become less apprehensive about building open relationships; with social media administrators.

If you inspire a personal, open and direct conversation with active Internet consumers, the information that is shared between you and the audience, will flow naturally into their network of family, peers and community. This unintrusive method of promotion, encourages the highly desirable viral benefits, of word of mouse marketing. In fact, each time a fan or follower comments on your Facebook page or status update, their interaction is shared with (an average of) one hundred and thirty; of their friends. This action increases positive business exposure to potential clients, and promotes brand reinforcement for existing customers.

Exact Match Domains Still Influencing Google Search Results

Since viewing a Webmaster video from Matt Cutts, in which he spoke about the influence of exact match domain names on Google search results, our staff has conducted and monitored a number of detailed SEO experiments; in an ongoing effort to prove or disprove the EMD theory.

Although branded domain names are popular with corporations and businesses, Internet and search marketing professionals may recommend a domain name that is heavily influenced by their detailed keyword, and keyword phrase selection. This is likely because, it appears that exact match domain names are favored in Google search results, repeatedly and consistently.

When we began to monitor the Google search results for an international SEO competition, our marketing and brand management staff observed results that confirmed, the popular EMD theory. In this case, the domain names that included the keyword ramadama dingdong, appeared to be favored over other domains in Google's results; when searching for "ramadama dingdong."

Once again this demonstrates, that if consumers are commonly searching for a brand by name, then a branded domain name is ideal. Otherwise, an exact match domain that is based on a search term, is strongly recommended until Google changes it's algorithm, to reflect a new position on the influence of EMDs; in it's own search results.

Build Your Brand on Three Principles

One of the most important aspects of introducing (or even re-introducing) your business, product or service to consumers, is identifying the principles of your organization; that connects you with customers. This can often be found, within the contents of your business's Mission Statement.

Although the company's Mission Statement, may contain a number of applicable terms to describe your business's strengths, focus your attention on the three (3) best words. For example: professional, dependable, knowledgeable. Take your time when determining your selections, because the words that you commit to, will combine to form the foundation of your organization's brand building message.

Once you are completely satisfied with your choices, these three words must consistently appear in all forms of your business's marketing and advertising, both online and offline. Furthermore, your efforts must relate a cohesive story about your business, that is based on the three principles you have identified, and connects you with new or existing customers. This approach to building your brand, will encourage apprehensive consumers to build a lasting relationship, with your business, products and service.

Guest post by the Swamp Ass, Ramadama Dingdong.

FB Legacy Inspires a New Fashion Movement- What's Your FB?

The brand that sparked a movement of fashion and music fusion is back, and they want to know; What's your FB?

The FB Legacy collection, is inspired by turn-of-the-century industrial workman wear. The brand provides complementary wardrobe staples, and represents the modern man; with core sportswear apparel. According to the clothing line’s founder Daymond John, FB Legacy is the "modern-day response to ever-changing fads.”

The "What's your FB?" campaign has been launched to demonstrate the difference between FB Legacy urban hip hop clothing and current Industry fads. Each vignette features an actor, athlete or artist who represents Mr. FB.

In one spot, called "Trendy vs. Slim Thug", Slim Thug stands opposite a guy dressed in a ridiculous outfit. The rapper clearly states that his style is not about baggy jeans, which he jokes were popular 10 years ago. Then, as he flashes his bank roll in front of the camera, he tells "Trendy" that he "wouldn't be able to fit it in them tight jeans." Slim Thug ends with the brand's tag line: "Trend is short. Style is forever, Baby. What's your FB?"

The highly anticipated FB Legacy collection, which will hit stores in the Fall of 2010, is an opportunity for the clothing line; to return to its deep rooted history.

“We are trying to educate the kids about the history of it...We’re a legendary brand. We were around for a long time” says Daymond John. In an article written for the globalgrind.com, author PiperMckei writes:

"...a sense of pride overcame me as I thought of the meaning of the brand, the friendship between four Queens natives that remains just as solid as it was at it's inception. We've seen a lot of brands sweep through Hip-Hop and Fashion, but none of them seemed to connect with the people like this one has. It's inspired artists to become brands, it encourages unity and pride amongst the masses and it has managed to persevere in an 'City of Iron'."

The new FB Legacy clothing collection, as defined by founder Daymond John; is a "sportswear for the modern man, that will compliment any wardrobe".

Sources say, the FB Legacy clothing line will launch on DrJays.com, in the Fall of 2010.

YMCA Adopts New Brand Strategy- Branding Y

For the first time in nearly half a century (43 years), YMCA of the USA is adopting a new branding strategy; which includes a change from the traditional logo as well.From now on, the more than 2600 YMCAs in the United States; will consistently be branded as “the Y.”

Earlier research performed by the YMCA, provided disturbing and eye-opening results. "Nearly 100 percent of Americans recognized the YMCA name, but very few understood what it stood for."

The Y's new marketing/branding strategy, is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the impact; the organization makes in their communities. As well, the organization intends to offer more programs/services, to more people; in the following three (3) areas: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

The new branding strategy, will simplify how the Y is able to communicate the programs and services; they continue to offer clients. The organization's new message is focused and clear: Every program/service offered by the Y, is designed to nurture the potential of children/teens, improve health and well-being, and motivate people to support their neighbors; and their community.