Seeking nonprofit serving needy single moms and kids
If you’re a non-profit serving single moms and kids and your organization could use pro bono marketing assistance, I’d like to hear from you.
Just recently I was contacted about helping a non-profit in Washington state with an online marketing campaign. The project was to be through TapRoot, an organization that awards pro bono service grants to non profits. Shortly after I was contacted I learned staffing for the project had been completed. Since that opportunity closed, I’d like to develop another one by extending the invitation to any U.S. based non-profit organization in need of pro bono marketing services.
While I’d prefer to volunteer with a needy non-prof right here at home (Seattle or in Washington state), I know this past year has been extremely tough for non-profit organizations all over the U.S.
So, if you’re a non-prof that is short on marketing staff and marketing dollars to cover fund-raising activities, let me know if I can help.
I am willing to donate 40 hours between Dec 14, 2009 and February 14, 2010. Your campaign can be for . . .
- Marketing copy (online or print)
- Marketing content strategy
- Marketing campaign strategy
Please be a U.S. based non-profit organization and offer services to single moms and children in need. I will select the organization based on the most need and whose goals can be accomplished within the time line above. The organization I select should also be able to have the work performed off site.
If you’d like to discuss your campaign or get more details, contact me here.
Serious inquiries only, please.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sonya
50 Websites that influence buyer decisions
What are the best websites for conducting research? The most important websites for placing ads, facilitating dialogue with customers or identifying core influencers? Where might you spend your time and money to get the best return possible?
Below is a list of the top 50 websites for professionals compiled by Website Magazine (November 2009).
| 1. Google.com 2. Yahoo.com 3. Facebook.com 4. YouTube.com 5. MySpace.com 6. eBay.com 7. Bing.com 8. AOL.com 9. WordPress.com 10. Ask.com 11. Blogger.com 12. Twitter.com 13. Adobe.com 14. Photobucket.com 15. Answers.com 16. LinkedIn.com 17. Digg.com 18. EzineArticles.com 19. Metacafe.com 20. Ning.com 21. Yelp.com 22. Tagged.com 23. Alibaba.com 24. Scribd.com 25. PayPal.com |
26. RapidShare.com 27. Bebo.com 28. Squidoo.com 29. BizRate.com 30. Shopping.com 31. SourceForge.com 32. Hi5.com 33. DomainTools.com 34. Skype.com 35. GoDaddy.com 36. BlogCatalog.com 37. Local.com 38. ArticlesBase.com 39. PriceGrabber.com 40. SimplyHired.com 41. Mahalo.com 42. StumbleUpon.com 43. Meetup.com 44. Ustream.tv 45. Technorati.com 46. MediaFire.com 47. FindArticles.com 48. Mozilla.org 49. SnagAJob.com 50. Blinkx.com |
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1. Google.com 11. Blogger.com |
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26. RapidShare.com
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Flex your green without going broke
Being green is fashionable. Being green is marketable. But most important being green protects our planet.
If you’re been putting off going green, why is that?
Using your own mug each time you order a coffee beverage or switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs are simple steps to sustainability.
Other easy and low-cost green business practices are:
- Installing recycling bins
- Installing power strips to turn off all equipment not in use
- Buying organic and fair trade coffee
- Sending electronic invoices–I love The Invoice Machine! I also create custom invoices for free in PayPal.
- Purchasing all natural, non-toxic cleaning supplies–tip: add one cup of water to a bottle of vinegar plus 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil and you have a powerful, safe (and green!) disinfectant.
- Using recyclable paper
- Using biodegradable dog poop bags
- Biking, walking or taking public transportation
Each of the above has become a way of life in my home and in my home office. And because there are so many environmentally friendly options, you can find eco-friendly products without going out of your way.
Remember, I mentioned being green is marketable. More and more people make it a point to buy from companies who show green awareness. So, greening up has the potential to create huge business growth.
If you have a green business practice talk it up in your marketing communications. You can even reposition your business around being earth- friendly and market to a new niche. These green business case studies can fuel your ideas. Find out about green marketing here. And, for some terrific green living tips that you can use at home and work visit Michael Bloch’s website–you won’t be disappointed!
Do your shoes give you VIP status?
Sonya’s got new running shoes! They arrived yesterday. Inside the box was a 70% off sales post card. The URL on the card was designated to a web page where there was just running items and accessories that were deeply discounted. Now I can buy more stuff, right?
Inside my package came something else…a mini-brochure that stated all the benefits of my new VIP status–including a VIP phone number!
Think I’m going to shop with this retailer again? You bet your buttons I am. Think I’m going to refer this store to my other running buddies? Double that bet.
I know most of us can’t afford to offer 70% off specials. But something we all can do is think about ways to make our customers feel important and appreciated. I’m willing to bet you come up with some crafty ideas.
To your marketing power!
Sonya
EASY email marketing tips
The way I see it, if you’re in business and you care about developing relationships with your customers you should do email marketing.
That said, I know a lot of small businesses who don’t. I teach several marketing courses and there typically are several businesses who won’t go there. Some of the reasons include: Why should I do it? How can I build my email list? What kind of things do I put in my email message? When do I send emails to and how often do I send them?
All this means is I’ve got more work to do. While I’m not going a personal crusade to make every small business owner an email marketer, I do hope to provide insight and online tools to anyone struggling to integrate email marketing into their marketing program.
That said, here are a few starter tips.
First one…Take advantage of transactional emails. What are transactional emails? These can be autoresponders or any email you send after a customer has made a purchase or inquiry. They’re customer service oriented but you can give them a marketing slant easily. For instance if you’re introducing a new product that’s complimentary to the one your customer purchased, then you can mention the offer in your transactional email. Tip: Use transactional emails as a way to get customers to join your email subscriber list. Check out these Welcome Emails from top retailers.
Second, instead of sending out the same email to everyone on your list, segment your email messaging according to things like customer product interest and price points. It also helps to send emails according to the stage that corresponds to where the customer fits in the buying process. You can get this information from a web analytic tool or any CRM (customer relationship management) tool.
Finally, personalize your email content. This is more than just using the recipients first name. It entails knowing your customers needs and wants. For instance, if your email subscribers frequently inquire about what’s included in your home computer repair, then crafting a detailed email about what your service includes. Doing this moves you closer to a sale.
Be on the lookout for more email marketing tips on content development and strategy.
Keep that marketing stride,
Sonya
Should your small business do email marketing?
Richard, a student in my Smart Marketing class asked if it made sense for his small business to do email marketing. My response: you bet. Here’s why.
Email is convenient.
Consumers rely on email to communicate and to receive and share information. If you don’t use email as a marketing channel, you lessen your opportunity to create additional customer touch points.
Email marketing is affordable.
There is no cost for paper and no cost for postage. All you need is the internet, an email address and your imagination.
Emails can go viral and increase your market reach.
When your email gets forwarded you broaden your opportunity to reach a wider audience. Many email service providers make email forwarding simple by including a forwarding feature somewhere within the body of the email communication. But if your email service provider doesn’t offer this option, you can blatantly ask your email recipients to forward the message on to friends and colleagues who might find the information useful.
For example, if you have a bicycle repair shop and you want to increase business, you could include a statement such as “$30 bike tune up each Saturday in May. Help keep friends and family who cycle safe. Forward them this message”.
Email is fast.
No trips to the post office, no trips to the printer and no playing voice mail tag. The immediacy of email makes it possible for you to provide instant fulfillment. For example, your email recipients can download ebooks, whitepapers, tickets, coupons, videos, and many other kinds of digital items.
Email marketing has something to offer every small business. Next post I’ll share tips on how you can make your email campaigns more effective.
To your marketing power!
Sonya
