The Full Noise

Blenhiem Graphic Design and Website Designers

Marketing

So what is web 2.0 anyway?

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Web 2.0 is a term that is bandied around a lot these days.  It is a buzz word that is used to describe many services and applications.  But I still get lots of people asking me what it means, and there seem to be many more who don’t quite understand it or the ramifications.

This is the best video explanation I have found, of what web 2.0 is.   It is put together by Dr Michael Wesch, from Kansas State University.  It moves quick, but explains a lot in a short amount of time (4.33 mins run time)

Did you miss something?

The main point is web 2.0 allowed ANYBODY to add information. You no longer need to be a web developer, or a programmer…. YOU can add contribute to the internet. You can comment, add photo’s, videos, opinions, comments, have conversations with friends or someone you’ve never met.   I can video chat with my brother in Sweden while broadcasting a message to hundreds, or thousands of people (potentially even millions).

Can you see how powerful it can be? It is leveling the playing field and creating huge opportunities for the small guys. Your market just got bigger, you can reach a global audience from Blenheim, or Picton or even Linkwater.

All of this is why I am an internet Fanantic

Have you thanked your customers lately?

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Your most important customers are the ones you already have.  Businesses often spend thousands of dollars per year marketing and advertising to attract new customers while ignoring, or taking for granted their current customers.

Existing customers have already chosen to do business with you, the chances they will do again is high if you look after them.

Sending your current customers something as simple as a thank you card could be the best value marketing you could do.  Of course you could also give them a small gift or make them a VIP offer to encourage them back to see you.

I know one business that sends one handwritten thank you card to a different customer everyday.  It is a habit that pays dividends.

To employ this idea, you need to know who your customers are.  Do you have a list of customer contacts?  If you don’t, you should – start building one today!

Marketing lessons from the wine industry

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How do you stand out from all the wine labels
How do you stand out from all these wine labels

Here in Marlborough it is hard to escape the wine industry, it is a huge part of our regional economy.

I was in the supermarket the other day and run into a friend of mine who has a reasonably young wine label, and it got me thinking…

With supermarket shelves lined with hundreds of brands, how do you make your bottle of wine stand out and reach your customers?

One simple marketing strategy used for years by wineries, big and small, is offering free tastings of their product.   How often have you been asked if you would you like to try a glass of wine in the supermarket?

Here’s why this is a great way to market your brand of wine:

  1. They go to where the customers are – customers are already in the supermarket.  If they are going to buy a bottle of wine, who do they see?  If they like the wine, they can grab a bottle and buy it immediately.
  2. The customer is being offered something for free, no obligation.  Lets be honest, we all like free stuff.
  3. People are creatures of habit – A free tasting is an easy way to try something new.
  4. It takes away the customers fear of buying a bottle of wine and hating it.  They already know what it tastes like before parting with their hard earned cash.

I think it works even better for smaller players in the market.  It gives them a chance to put a face to the brand and start a conversation with the customers.  They can tell a story about their wine and relate it to the customer easier than a sales rep from a large company.

How can you use this idea in your business?

  • What can you offer potential customers for free? Remember, wineries only give away a small taste, not whole bottles of wine.  Can you offer a taste of your product or service?
  • Is there a place your products or services are frequently purchased or used?  Can you have a presence there to meet them?
  • What fears do customers have about purchasing your products or services?  Can you offer a try before you buy deal or a satisfaction guarantee?

photo credit: rick