Hey Columbus Moms, Momstyle is Becoming It's Own Social Networking Site!

Soon to be driven by the Dispatch Broadcast Group, Momstyle will be created with resources from the print publication and online special edition combined with the added spice of a social network just for moms, in one convenient place.

They are currently looking for moms to sign up to be a discussion leader. It’s easy and free and it’s a great way to market your own unique brand.

Simple visit the site landing page and include your contact information and why you want to be part of Columbus Momstyle.

Nickelodeon Turns 30 and Gets a Facelift

MTV-owned children's cable network Nickelodeon turns 30 years young. With the milestone comes a new brand image. The logo is set in rounded lowercase type, the focal point being a stylized dot on the lowercase ‘i’—possibly resembling the outline of a child.

Sister channel Teen Nick gets a modern, updated look as well.

Being a mom of two Nick children I asked for their opinion of the new logo. Their answers might surprise Nickelodeon.

Eleven-year-old son: "I think the old logo is more exciting for kids. I like the splatter because it looks alive. The new logo is too boring and lacks detail. Being lower case it doesn't stand out on the poster examples. I do like the Teen Nick look a lot though."

Fourteen-year-old daughter: "The old logo is more kid friendly and represented who Nick is much better. The new logo is too plain, boring and not as much fun. Does that mean they are doing away with sliming? The Teen Nick logo is better than the new Nickelodeon. At least Teen Nick shows personality."

This made me wonder if Nickelodeon put the new look in front of a demographic focus group. Maybe, but my kids definitely had a strong negative reaction to the new brand image.

For more information on the new Nickelodeon image and to see how the new logo is being used on posters visit the idsgn website.

Non-Profits Why Not Enlist A Social Media Army?

Social media can be a non-profit organizations dream. A relatively new, basically free venue to create awareness, cultivate relationships, and enlist a social media army.

That's right, enlist a social media army. The beauty of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and other social media platforms is that you can spread your message, connect with individuals and create calls to action.

So why not increase your awareness. Instead of voicing your message all alone, why not enlist some of your volunteers who are using social media and ask them to help you create awareness. It could work similar to this old Faberge Shampoo commercial.

This could be a great way to update your speaker's bureau. Using the Internet is a great way to reach a brand new target market.

Before enlisting your army, make sure you select volunteers you know well and have a good relationship with. In order to control the message and keep brand consistency create a daily key message and send to your army. They can then tweet your message, add it to their Facebook page or to any other social media platform they use. Be sure to add your organizations web site in your message to give the recipient a place to find more information.

Lenten Marketing?

Today marks the first day of Lent.  An important season in the Catholic faith.  During the season of Lent Catholics prepare for Easter and one way they do that is to eat more fish.

So is it coincidence that yesterday I received a marketing postcard from BoneFish Grill, or a smart target marketing tactic?  Are they using Lent as a marketing angle?  Wendy's does.  If you've noticed, Wendy's only has fish sandwiches around the Lent/Spring season and they use advertising dollars to make everyone aware they do.

Maybe some market research revealed to BoneFish Grill that I was Catholic, but nonetheless it made me want to eat there.  I have made a mental note to make reservations for the restaurant one of these Fridays within the next 40 days.  

Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, here I come.

Capital Style Hits Newsstands Today

The newest magazine to hit the Columbus area comes from The Dispatch Printing Company and is available today.  Capital Style targets women and is filled with the three "f's" (well, at least it sounds like three "f's")  fashion, features and philanthropy.

The quarterly publication's focus is very local and it's feel is sophisticated and stylish.  It will be delivered free to over 53,000 central Ohio women who fit the target demographic and can be purchased for subscription price of $15.00 per year, or per issue at a cost of $3.99.

I am excited for this magazine for many reasons with the biggest one being it's focus on philanthropy.  It will feature a community calendar and information on over 250 local charities. Another great resource for columbus imPRessions to pitch some wonderful stories and events for our many nonprofit clients.

For more information on Capital Style visit their web site here.

Email Marketing: Effective & Inexpensive (can be, anyway)

columbus imPRessions often brags about our effective "multi-media" approach to PR & Marketing, and there really is more to this than the fancy lingo.  It's a well-thought out outreach plan targeting different audiences through a combination of traditional media (newspapers, etc), blogs, social networking, marketing pieces, mailings, and e-mail.   We always seem to have success with email campaigns, but have found that there are several secrets to success.  They may seem like obvious guidelines, but they can honestly make or break an email campaign.  

Okay, some will no longer be "secrets" to success.... 

• Short and simple:  Do not include too much info in an e-newsletter.  People receive a lot of emails, so the key is to grab attention and supply readers with an easy call to action (without sounding too gimmicky).
• Not too often:  We recommend keeping it to 1 or 2 emails a month.  Otherwise you will end up blocked, and potential customers will be annoyed by you.  
• Keep collecting emails and segment them.  This will allow you to send targeted emails to corporations, teens, moms, brides, non-profits, etc.    

An email campaign is a great tool, but requires time and energy.  

La Jeune Mariee Bridal Boutique Sample Sale - Mark Your Calendar

We just sent out a mailer to central Ohio soon to be brides notifying them of our client's, La Jeune Mariee Bridal Boutique, Winter Sample Sale.  You are invited too.

Mark your calendar for January 9th and 10th 2009.  Appointments are needed.

Click here for more details

Money Tight? Feed the Pig.

It's an expensive time of the year on top of a tough economic time.  Feeling frustrated and not sure what to do.  Feed the Pig can help!

We found a great site sponsored by the AICPA (America Institute of Certified Public Accountants) that gives you great tips on saving money, provides financial resources, financial discussions and podcasts.  They even have a site to help tweens with money questions.

"Spokespig" Benjamin guides you through the site making it interactive.  You can also find your inner under saver and learn how you can slightly change your habits and save money.  Add the application to your Facebook (like we did) and keep track of your saving commitment through social networking.

Want a daily reminder text keyword "feed" to 83484 for free reminders to feed the pig.

Sponsored by the Ad Council this campaign is targeted to Americans 25-34 so they can take control of their finances by reducing debt and increasing savings.

Great resource at a time when it's really needed.  Go ahead, check out the site and feed the pig.

For Those About to Rock . . . Go To Walmart

Wal-mart has the exclusive rights to sell AC/DC's new album, Black Ice.  They did the same exclusive promotion with the Eagles, and Journey.  Bands that were good "back in my day" (now I sound like my parents) seem to be making a come back, and a successful one at that, with Wal-Mart.   

Wonder why?  Are they magic?

Probably not magic.  

• Maybe it's because with the exclusive promotion customers receive a price much lower than the standard new release price.
• Maybe it's because the bands see it as a good business decision and Wal-mart sees it as a smart business model - lucrative for both parties.
• Maybe it's because the Wal-mart brand and the Classic Rock bands share the same target audience.  
• Maybe it's because even though the bands are going with one exclusive retailer they are getting more marketing and promotion with Wal-mart than they would through a record label.

Whatever the reason it's proving to be a good formula.  Bands of my day are being revived and with the chart-topping results I can only bet more will be signing up with Wal-mart soon.

Face on the Frito-Lay Bags

This weekend when grocery shopping I grabbed a bag of Doritos and placed it in my shopping cart. It wasn't until I placed the bag on the checkout counter that I noticed the face on the bag.  At first I thought it was another type of milk carton ad for missing children but when I looked closer I noticed it was a cause marketing partnership between Frito Lays and DoSomething.org.

Dorito bags will feature 17 "do good" stories of people under 25 years old who did something charitable to make a positive difference.  This type of marketing will engage the consumer with their brand at least that is what they are hoping.

It works.  Partnering with DoSomething.org is a wonderful organization.  They empower teenagers and help them come up with ways to make a positive difference.  Teenagers love Doritos.  What a great way to push product and create awareness for a great cause.  A win-win cause marketing partnership.

Grandview Theatre to Open early January

Renovations, decoration, and plans are being made for the Grandview Theatre (formerly Drexel Grandview) to open and film fans are thrilled!  Residents are also excited about the location re-opening (the image on the right perfectly the nostalgic and charming structure), but concerned about it's longevity.  Marketing is key, as foreign and independent films are a very specific niche. Audience research and awareness are essential for success.  How do you reach the young artsy market?  How can new customers be engaged?  What is unique about Grandview Theatre and how do you capitalize on it?  Will mainstream movies be shown?  Classics?  Who is the largest competition and where do it's clients live?  How do you involved the tight-knit Grandview community? ....  And that is just a start.

Bob Evans Moving toward the Youngins

Check out today's article in the Dispatch biz section discussing an Ohio University PR class project, in which social networking is being used to reach the younger demographic.  The students are working to create an online presence for Bob Evans, which traditionally caters to the older folks.   We can't wait to see the page when it's launched in January.   My grandpa is excited too... He said he finally found a use for the "inter web!"

The article goes on to discuss how tools like facebook and myspace allow companies to hear from and interact with customers, lead the conversations, and get on board to reach this online audience.  Very interesting stuff!  

P.S. Check out the name of the OU PR group.  Great minds really do think alike.  

Harrisons on Third or Hamptons on King?

Branding alert!  Beep boop bop bop.  That is the siren for unclear, easily confused brands.  It's similar to my nerd impression, but this is specifically for marketing nerds.  We have posted about these two new(ish) restaurants in town, Hamptons on King and Harrison's on Third, but never really discussed the problem here.  Obviously the names are similar, but they also happen to be within a few blocks of each other, and appeal to the same market.  But here's the kicker:  Hamptons on King used to be located where Harrison's on Third now is (previously called B. Hamptons).  AND Hamptons on King is now located where Estrada's was.   So, there are name changes, closings and openings all in one!  That will give you a hangover just reading about it!  

Anyway, it doesn't really take a marketing nerd to figure out that it's no good for business when the two names are indistinguishable.  Especially when there could be slurred speech involved.

Thoughts fellow bloggers and Columbus happy hour patrons?

We Smell A Nittany Lion

This weekend is the biggest, BIG Ten match-up thus far - OSU and Penn State.  All the makings of a great game - both team undefeated in the conference and a night game.  Even though the game is being played in Columbus, there might be an overpowering smell of Nittany Lions.

Why?  Because a company called Masik makes Collegiate Fragrances and one of their scents is of Penn State University. The only Big Ten school to have a scent so far.  

Masik is the only company of its kind to make distinctive fragrances reflecting each schools unique and distinguished characteristics.  Creating a product like this will surely connect with consumers that our passionate about their Alma mater.

When creating a school fragrance they consider school colors, mascot spirit, landmarks, campus trees and flowers, and traditions.

OSU doesn't have a fragrance yet. But if they did what do you think it would smell like?  We'd love to hear your comments.

Want OSU to have a fragrance?  Email Masik at newuniversity@masik.com.  If they license the product a percentage of each bottle sold would go to the university scholarship and athletic fund.

Terminal Brand Promotion

Not terminal as in the end, terminal as in airport.

A growing trend in media brand promotion is media retail stores in airport terminals.  CNBC has two retail locations in Port Columbus - one in Concourse A and one in Concourse B.  Other media outlets are joining CNBC, like The New York Times, USA Today, Fox News Channel and CNN.

People traveling through airports usually have a higher income and want immediate information.  The media has found a unique way to target these individuals giving them what they want.  In return, the media is also getting what they want - expanding the brand, heightening awareness and creating additional revenue.

Store set-ups vary, but the brand is clear and consistent throughout.  The CNBC stores provide stock quotes at CNBC.com.  Fox and CNN broadcast their cable network 24/7 on a number of monitors throughout the store.  USA Today has the color coded similar to their paper.  

Next time your in an airport stop by, check one out and let us know what you think.

Sunday Paper Could Get A Little Lighter

All of you who love to get the Sunday paper to see the circular ads and find out what is going to be on sale for the week might end up feeling a little disappointed.

This week retailers JC Penny and Kohl's announced they are evaluating their newspaper insert circulation strategy.  With advertising budgets tighter than ever retailers are looking to cheaper on-line programs and more measurable, targeted direct mail strategies.  Print insertion will begin to decline which could make the Sunday paper a bit lighter.

However, Walmart, who is sporting a new logo and is focusing their messaging on value, is spending more on circular advertising than last year.  They seem to be successful.

Maybe it's more about the messaging than the circular.  In tough economic times people want to know their money is going toward a good value.  The moral of today's post - messaging is key!

columbus imPRessions knows the importance of strategic messaging.  Contact us if you'd like help crafting key messages for your business or organization.

Doggyspace - seriously

Yes, I am serious, it's social networking for dogs. While some may think this is ridiculous, (non dog- lovers), we think it is wizardry. Pet owners love to show off photos, talk about their dogs, act like their dogs have 'friends', and what not. The intelligent dog that came up with this concept knew that selling web banners and advertisements would be easy since he would be capturing dog owners who would do practically anything for their pooch. Petsmart and SPCA are a few brands you see at first glance among the tons of ADORABLE wittle guys!

Luring the Millennial Generation

The Millennial Generation (ages 14-29) have passed the Boomers as the group with the most buying power. These 64 million strong are eager to try what's new and trendy, and though price-conscious, they covet status brands and are hooked on technology.

Because of this, companies are changing their ways of manufacturing and marketing clothing. Quick-turning trends are needed keeping retailers on their toes. Partnering with a popular celebrity like Miley Cyrus, Blake Lively or Hayden Panettiere is necessary. Iconic companies must refresh their licensing and collaborate with designers popular to young women.

Retailers are also thinking out of the box by using perks such as concert tickets, free song downloads or the option to give digital cupcakes to a friend on Facebook. They are making their web sites more interactive with options to write reviews on merchandise, sample the newest music not yet heard, or offer exclusive on-line products seen in shows like "Gossip Girl".

Innovation is key to appeal to this fast moving group so we're sure new and exciting ways to market are on the horizon.

A Critique: Ohio Credit Union League Campaign

The Ohio Credit Union League's awareness campaign ("The difference, YOU) is a clear attempt to reach out to a younger audience.  The fun, simple website is professional but not boring and does not overload the viewer with information.  Just "who we are and why you should care" - a great place to introduce a college student or busy professional to the world of credit unions, but not bore them to death with financial jargon.  The commercials follow the same style- with Bob the Credit Union guy, a smiley dude you can trust, telling everyone he runs into about how Ohio's Credit Unions are all about the members (you).  I think the message will be well received by the intended audience, especially with a simultaneous PR push on the local level.  You have to be pretty creative to make the topic of Credit Unions fun and interesting!   

Peace Out Jingle Houses!

An article in Adweek discusses how popular and up & coming musicians are shutting out jingle houses with so many advertisers paying for new and popular music. The title "Jingle Houses Compete Against Coldplay" caught my attention, as Coldplay is my favorite band. (Sidenote: they are performing right now on the Today Show as I write). I think the Apple's itunes "Viva La Vida" advertisement is a clear example of a successful marketing partnership but mostly because it makes sense. Apple and Coldplay share a common young adult audience who are interested in music and technology. On the other hand, I could see the rejection that could happen when a talented artist takes a licensing deal for something like constipation medication (clearly for the $).

The article also mentions how advertisements are able to expose new artists in a way they never would have reached before. I strongly support this, as my itunes library has expanded due to this phenomena. My personal example of discovering a new fave while watching tv: last year's zune commercial featuring Rogue Wave. Thank you zune advertising firm! I am so glad I caught this commercial, with my laptop in front of me ready to download this amazing track. I am guessing that is exactly what they had hoped would happen.

Any thoughts from the public... sellouts? great strategy for exposure? favorite bands discovered on tv?