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Tuesday, December 30, 2014
New Year's Internet Marketing Resolution: Make Sure Your Company Website is Mobile-Optimized
My work with a local website design company made me truly realize the importance of mobile-friendly business sites. The organizations that paid us to fully optimize their company sites for smartphones and tablets experienced 75% more traffic and conversions in 2015 than those that did not. In fact, it was not just their website traffic that saw a strong boost. Users began spending more time on these websites and visited far more pages within the site itself.
“Our online sales really began to take off once we began utilizing Internet marketing to get our message across,” said David Fohrenkamm, owner of a well-known local carpet installation company. “That was a few years ago, however. Our online traffic began diminishing recently. We received many complaints from our online customers that they could not access our website from their mobile devices. We remade the website and optimized it for mobile. To our surprise, we saw a sharp increase in traffic and sales.”
The mobile trend is so strong that social media platforms are beginning to alter their marketing efforts to support the mobile user. That is good to know considering the amount of mobile users on Facebook grew by more than 30 percent in 2014. With numbers like that, Facebook is quickly jumping on the mobile bandwagon. The company purchased platforms that are popular with mobile users such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
Google is boosting its mobile abilities as well. If you are a user of Google Adwords, for example, you may have noticed the increase in mobile-optimized ads.
If you are interested in Internet marketing, you no doubt have heard of the importance of mobile-friendly online platforms. Marketing professionals have been promoting the use of mobile optimization for years now. Hopefully this article reminds you of the true impact of mobile Internet marketing on the online success of small to large businesses in 2015.
Preston Kelly digital department grows
In response to the growing needs of its clients, marketing agency Preston Kelly’s digital department has promoted and added staff.
“Given the growing role that technology plays in our lives, it comes as no surprise that digital and social media elements are playing a critical role in our efforts to deliver real business results for our clients,” said Chuck Kelly, CEO of Preston Kelly. “Whether it’s a website that answers consumers questions about implantable devices or that educates consumers about how to use food waste disposers, the digital components of our integrated campaigns allow our work to be very targeted and measurable."
As Preston Kelly’s digital work has grown in scope and sophistication, so has its staff.
has been promoted from Account Manager/Digital Planner to Associate Digital Director. Her responsibilities include leading the digital team and digital strategy. Crevier joined Preston Kelly three years ago from Yamamoto as an Account Strategist. She authors effective interactive strategy recommendations and builds engaging digital experiences through research, strategy and user experience design. Her accomplishments include the revitalization of corporate and e-commerce sites for Ingenix/OptumInsight.
also has been promoted from Senior Digital Producer to Associate Digital Director. Her responsibilities include leading digital implementation. Kvidera joined Preston Kelly last year with experience from local agencies Zeus Jones, mono and Carmichael Lynch, among others. She manages other producers and fosters digital collaboration throughout the agency. Her accomplishments include the launch of consumer-facing website for Medtronic built to answer virtually any consumer question about Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) and provide doctors with a patient-friendly tool when they believe ICD is the best therapy.
has been promoted from Associate Community Manager to Associate Digital Producer. Since joining Preston Kelly three years ago as an intern, she has managed online communities and digital projects for many Preston Kelly clients, including Baker Tilly, HealthPartners, InSinkErator, MakeItOK, Medtronic, Minnesota Brewers Association, Nickelodeon Universe, Regions Hospital, Roundy's and virtuwell. Welle’s award-winning work for Preston Kelly clients includes an Internet Advertising Award for Makeitok.org (outstanding website) and a Silver Pin from AdFed for the Minnesota Brewer’s Association “Save the Growler” campaign (public service category).
has joined the team as Digital Coordinator. Her responsibilities include community management and social listening. Kelly has held a number of positions at Preston Kelly since joining the agency as an intern in 2010.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014
PadillaCRT announces 2014 Living Our Purpose award winners
PadillaCRT recently named the winners of its inaugural Living Our Purpose award, a recognition program that honors three of the communication firm’s employee-owners who are living with purpose inside and outside the company.
Peer nominations in three categories -- client service, culture and community – are open to all full-time and part-time employees. Each winner receives $1,000.
“PadillaCRT’s Living Our Purpose award is an employee recognition program that celebrates our associates who demonstrate an owner’s mentality, find creative and innovative solutions to challenges, and go above and beyond what is expected of them each day, ” said Lynn Casey, PadillaCRT CEO. “Emily, Pablo and Carrie each demonstrate these ideals in their individual contributions to the agency.”
Client Service Award Winner –
An account supervisor based in the agency’s Washington, D.C. office, Valentine was recognized for her outstanding work with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
Culture Award Winner –
Olay, who leads PadillaCRT client Wines from Rioja (Spain), was honored for the instrumental role he played in helping create one office culture in the agency’s New York office after Minneapolis-based Padilla Speer Beardsley acquired Richmond-based CRT/tanaka in 2013 to form PadillaCRT.
Community Award Winner –
In addition to her work with PadillaCRT’s Creative group, Young also heads PadillaCRT Plugged-In, which coordinates opportunities in the agency’s offices across the country for employees to give back to their communities.
PadillaCRT is proud to be home to exceptional employee-owners who go above and beyond for its clients, communities and each other. For more information on PadillaCRT, please visit .
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
CCF launches new fitness campaign for YWCA of Minneapolis Find what moves you.
Minneapolis-based advertising agency Clarity Coverdale Fury has launched a new campaign for the YWCA of Minneapolis, centered on their dedication to helping everyone achieve their health and fitness goals, no matter who they are. The campaign, using the tagline “Find what moves you,” features real YWCA members in the ads, including local hip-hop artist and YWCA Uptown member, Dessa.
“Research shows our members love us, but too few people know about the three great fitness facilities we have. This campaign aims to change that,” said Jacqueline Lloyd Cunningham, marketing director for the YWCA of Minneapolis.
The comprehensive campaign, consisting of online, radio and out-of-home advertising will air in the metro area and runs through June 2015.
"The most unique aspect of the YWCA and its health and wellness program is its diversity of activities and equipment. There are very few gyms that provide such a range of workouts suitable for all kinds of people. Whether you're training for a triathlon or just trying to keep up with your grandkids, we wanted to highlight how easy it is to find an activity that moves you. That's the YWCA's unique selling point that really helped drive this campaign,” said Clarity Coverdale Fury Senior Copywriter, Elyse Ash.
To view the work and learn more about the campaign please click here.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Three New Hires at Spomg in Minneapolis
Spong recently added new hires Nick Hanson, Cassie D’Kae and Kirsten de St. Aubin to its Minneapolis office to serve client growth at the public relations and creative communications agency.
Hanson, who joined as a counselor, will work with account management and media relations teams for clients American Standard, Sherwin-Williams and Trane. Before joining Spong he was a senior account executive at Himle Rapp and Company where he worked on media relations and digital strategy for clients in a variety of industries including agriculture, health care and transportation. Previously he was a public affairs, media relations and social media specialist at Mayo Clinic where he promoted health care innovation, patient success and research to consumers worldwide.
He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in news editorial journalism and political science from St. Cloud State University.
D’Kae, who joined as a senior associate, will work with account management and social engagement teams for clients Arla Dofino, Bath & Body Works, Castello and H&R Block. Before joining Spong she was a senior account executive at Exponent PR, part of Colle+McVoy, where she provided account service, social media strategy and influencer relations management for clients.
D’Kae, who joined as a senior associate, will work with account management and social engagement teams for clients Arla Dofino, Bath & Body Works, Castello and H&R Block. Before joining Spong she was a senior account executive at Exponent PR, part of Colle+McVoy, where she provided account service, social media strategy and influencer relations management for clients.
Prior to working at Exponent PR, D’Kae was a social media coordinator at Event Architects Minneapolis where she created and managed the first-ever social media presence for Minnesota’s Living Green Expo, the Midwest's largest sustainable event.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing management with a minor in journalism from the University of St. Thomas.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing management with a minor in journalism from the University of St. Thomas.
As an associate, de St. Aubin will support several client teams, focusing on account management for clients Sherwin-Williams, MasterBrand and La-Z-Boy. Previously she was a communications and public relations coordinator at Prestige Resorts & Destinations where she worked with HubSpot to increase website traffic and build personalized content on the website. She presented her personalization strategy to the Minnesota Chapter of the American Marketing Association last May.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with a minor in sociology from the College of Saint Benedict.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with a minor in sociology from the College of Saint Benedict.
Tuesday, December 09, 2014
Friday, December 05, 2014
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
CCF launches new campaign for MNsure
Minneapolis-based advertising agency Clarity Coverdale Fury launched a new campaign this week for MNsure, the State of Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. The campaign is based on the theme “95% of Minnesotans now have health insurance. 100% need it.”
The multimedia campaign addresses common misperceptions about MNsure and the affordability of health insurance. As of May 2014, a record-high 95 percent of Minnesotans had health coverage. This campaign is targeted to the remaining 5 percent and focuses on overcoming the barriers preventing them from seeking insurance and connecting them with resources to get enrolled.
“Many people don’t think they can afford insurance or find the enrollment process too overwhelming. Others simply think they’ll never need insurance. The goal was to challenge each of these concerns head on,” said Rob Rankin, President of Clarity Coverdale Fury.
The campaign, launched this week, features three emotionally-charged TV spots that show the value of health insurance through real-life stories of people who are uninsured or recently insured. “We wanted our message to mirror the frustration uninsured individuals and parents may feel when they are forced to choose between getting medical care they need but can’t afford, versus trying to care for themselves the best they can,” said Jac Coverdale, Executive Creative Director.
In addition, print, online and out-of-home ads help break through financial barriers and attitudes of invincibility by highlighting affordability messaging plus the cost of not having insurance.
The campaign runs through the end of the open enrollment period (February 15) and includes radio, direct mail and collateral as well as support for MNsure’s grassroots outreach efforts. To view the work and learn more about the campaign, please click here.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Minnesota PRSA Holiday Party & Annual Meeting
Monday, December 8, 2014
Pinstripes (3849 Gallagher Dr, Edina, MN 55435)
5:30 p.m. Check In & Social
6:00 p.m. Program & Annual Meeting
6:30-8p.m. Bocce & Socializing
Join us for the annual Minnesota PRSA holiday party and annual meeting! A celebration and reflection on the past year, we’ll mingle with our peers, welcome in new chapter leadership, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and spread some holiday cheer. Bocce will be available.
Cost:
FREE for Minnesota PRSA and PRSSA members$15/non-PRSA members
(Not event pass eligible)
Friday, November 21, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
CCF launches new campaign for Metro Transit
Minneapolis-based advertising agency Clarity Coverdale Fury launched a new campaign this week for Metro Transit, letting commuters know that no matter where you start, getting from point A to B with Metro Transit is even “easier than you think.”
The new multimedia campaign targets Millennials and features oversized foam “A” and “B” characters, with a cast of improv comedians, waiting for and riding the Metro Transit bus. The effort shows riders who may have not considered or are unsure of public transportation that Metro Transit has the tools to make riding easier.
“There are parts of the process of taking public transportation that potential riders are unsure of,” said Clarity Coverdale Fury President, Rob Rankin. “With Metro Transit’s new mobile-friendly website and payment options like the Go-To card, riding the bus, light rail or Northstar train is really easier than you think.”
A TV spot, corresponding online video and online banner ads will begin airing this week in the Twin Cities market and will be followed by out-of-home and direct mail in the coming weeks, all of which will feature the “A” and “B” characters.
Metro Transit is also launching a for the campaign and plans to have the “A” and “B” characters at events.
“The A and B characters gave us a very animated, visual way to show how taking Metro Transit is really easy. Plus, they work great in both TV and out-of-home, so the campaign is very connected,” said Creative Director Jac Coverdale.
To see the work and learn more about the campaign, please click here.
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Record Business and New Client Offerings Fuel Growth at aimClear
aimClear, an internationally recognized digital marketing agency, has expanded its rich media capabilities with a new in-house video studio and production team. In addition, the agency has added two marketing professionals to its team of holistic search and social media marketers. The aimClear team expands to 27 professionals with the addition of Nate Kruse, , and .
“aimClear’s growth is a direct result of our drive to be at the forefront of digital marketing. Coupled with our development of a state-of-the-art video production facility and our third consecutive Inc. 500/5000 year, the result is a need for extremely talented people,” said Marty Weintraub, Founder and Evangelist of aimClear.
aimClear’s construction of a full floor studio space to produce social journalism content for its clients led to the addition of skilled videographer Nate Kruse. Kruse brings three years of video shooting and editing experience to his new role at aimClear as video production specialist. A previous news photographer at WDIO, the ABC affiliate in Duluth, Kruse’s primary roles included filming news stories, conducting interviews and editing footage for evening broadcasts.
With more than nine years of developing and design experience, Jesse Gangi joins aimClear as Web application developer. Gangi comes to the agency from FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT, where he helped with website, mobile application and advertising design, as well as graphic and video editing. He assisted in building the company’s new website and the first mobile application for television news in the region. Gangi’s range of talents will be an incredible asset to the web application and social journalism team.
Sara Eastvold brings nearly three years of diverse web technology experience to her web developer role at aimClear. Prior to aimClear, Eastvold developed cold fusion and e-commerce forms, and implemented site-wide functionality upgrades to the College of Saint Scholastica’s website as a student web developer. Her experience in website themes, landing pages, templates and SEO optimization make her a talented addition to the team. In her new role, Eastvold will provide website development support for the agency’s diverse range of clients.
Amber Krohn joins aimClear as an associate account manager. As a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Krohn brings 2.5 years of public relations and marketing experience. Prior to aimClear, Krohn worked as the communications coordinator for the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, where she led media relations, social media strategy, website maintenance and YouTube video creation. Krohn will support the public relations and social media efforts for the agency’s clients.
Haberman Adds Two New Creatives—Beth Kinney & Puja Shah
Beth Kinney and Puja Shah have joined Minneapolis agency Haberman, as copywriter and senior art director. Prior to Haberman, Kinney worked for agencies including Periscope, Campbell Mithun, OLSON and Kerker/Preston Kelly; while Shah was at OLSON, Fallon, Carmichael Lynch and Leo Burnett.
“I had heard of Haberman’s mission, and it was the first time I had heard of an agency wanting to do more than just good work,” said Shah. “While I’ve had the opportunity to work at several great agencies —I’m looking forward to using creativity to do more meaningful things. Haberman is just the place.”
“Both of these women have formidable resumes, with experience at some of the most distinguished agencies in the country,” said Brian Wachtler, president, Haberman. “We’re very proud and excited to have these strategic and award-winning creative talents joining our team — it speaks volumes about Haberman, our supergroup of storytellers and the amazing things we’re doing.”
Haberman is a creative connection and engagement agency with a clearly defined mission — to tell the stories of pioneers who are making a difference in the world. Storytelling unites our work — from strategic planning to creative execution — across all channels including branding, advertising, public relations, digital and interactive, social media and grassroots engagement. We specialize in helping pioneers in a variety of industries, including food, health and technology. As modern storytellers, Haberman helps organizations generate revenue, inspire engagement and drive positive social change. For more, visit www.modernstorytellers.com.
| Beth Kinney |
“There are many reasons I joined Haberman — the people, the creative opportunities, the close proximity to the Army Surplus Store,” said Kinney. “But more than anything, I was incredibly drawn to the positive energy and enthusiasm that flows through the agency. It’s a wonderful mix of smart, accountable and playful people, all of whom share a passion for doing excellent work.”
“I had heard of Haberman’s mission, and it was the first time I had heard of an agency wanting to do more than just good work,” said Shah. “While I’ve had the opportunity to work at several great agencies —I’m looking forward to using creativity to do more meaningful things. Haberman is just the place.”
| Puja Shah |
“Both of these women have formidable resumes, with experience at some of the most distinguished agencies in the country,” said Brian Wachtler, president, Haberman. “We’re very proud and excited to have these strategic and award-winning creative talents joining our team — it speaks volumes about Haberman, our supergroup of storytellers and the amazing things we’re doing.”
Haberman is a creative connection and engagement agency with a clearly defined mission — to tell the stories of pioneers who are making a difference in the world. Storytelling unites our work — from strategic planning to creative execution — across all channels including branding, advertising, public relations, digital and interactive, social media and grassroots engagement. We specialize in helping pioneers in a variety of industries, including food, health and technology. As modern storytellers, Haberman helps organizations generate revenue, inspire engagement and drive positive social change. For more, visit www.modernstorytellers.com.
Monday, November 03, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Friday, October 24, 2014
Why Skilled Writers Make Great Internet Marketing Professionals.
Well-written copy will enhance your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. First of all, the higher up your website shows up on the major search engines, the more visitors (traffic) you will get. The more traffic you get, the more sales you get (as long as you have a nice-looking website).
So how does copy influence your search engine results page (SERP) rankings? The more text you have on your website, the more information you are giving to search engines. In other words, adding copy means that you are covering more topics and that will improve your chance of ranking for more search terms. For example, If you are a home improvement professional, one paragraph on your website might help you rank high for “home improvement.” If you write more copy, however, you might add in more terms like “home renovations” or “home building” and you will rank for them as well.
Tip: Google does not focus on keywords like it used to. That is why you should disperse your copy to separate linked pages instead of placing it all on one. The best practice is to make several pages, each with a slightly different topic that relates to the main topic of your website. You can then link to these pages from your home page. For example – using the situation above – your home improvement website might talk about kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling and basement remodeling. Each of these topics should be written about on their own page linked to from the home page.
Abundant text (as long as it is relevant) has a better chance of sparking the interest of users online. If they find your writing compelling, they might link to your page. Getting links is a major factor when it comes to improving your SEO strategy. More relevant links will help you climb up the search engine rankings.
Quality text can help you build relationships online. More copy will help to attain more readers. Some of these readers might enjoy your copy so much that they will help you promote it through their personal social media pages or even on their website. If they are a popular personality online, they can expose your brand to thousands of users.
More copy will generate trust from your potential clients or customers. To put it simply: if you are able to write an abundant amount of text on a subject, then you probably know a lot about that subject. If your website does not provide much information on the service(s) you offer, then you do not appear like you are an expert. On the other hand, if you have more copy, not only will you look like an authority on the subject, you will appear enthusiastic. This will attract your website’s visitors and there will be a much better chance that they will become customers.
If you work in Internet marketing or you are seeking a job in the industry, improve your writing skills. Why? It is because writers – especially copywriters – are incredibly useful for a company that plans to improve its online success.
Monday, October 20, 2014
PadillaCRT Announces Agency Promotions
PadillaCRT last week announced five employees promoted to senior vice president and vice president.
Scott Davila was promoted from vice president to senior vice president. Davila draws on more than 17 years of public relations and marketing experience to lead PadillaCRT’s Business-to-Business/Technology team. He also is a key member of the agency’s Branding Team. He works in the agency’s Richmond, Va., office.
Natalie Smith was named to senior vice president. Smith, who previously served as vice president, has led assignments for several key national clients and was instrumental in acquiring and growing one of the largest clients in the agency’s Corporate Practice. Based in the Richmond, Va., office, she contributes significantly to the agency’s corporate responsibility and employee engagement capabilities, advising large public companies and other organizations in these important areas.
Janet Stacey was promoted from vice president to senior vice president. Stacey, an accomplished marketing and business development professional, has taken on significant leadership roles in healthcare, technology and the medical device industries. Based in the agency’s Minneapolis headquarters, Stacey leads PadillaCRT’s Health Practice.
Tina Charpentier, who previously served as a senior director, was promoted to vice president in the firm. Charpentier, who also works in the agency’s Minneapolis office, is a leader in PadillaCRT’s Agriculture/Environmental Sciences Practice. She has been a valuable resource and leader for the team, providing strategic counsel and leading execution of programs for key clients, including BASF.
Matt Sullivan, also based in Minneapolis, moved up from senior director to vice president. Working on the agency’s Investor Relations Team, Matt has been with PadillaCRT for 16 years, starting as an assistant account executive. Sullivan has become a standout investor relations counselor, providing ongoing support to public companies, advising executives on disclosure communications and helping companies with initial public offerings.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Gage Hires Mark Brown as Management Supervisor
Gage, a Minneapolis-based engagement marketing agency, announced today it has hired Mark Brown as management supervisor. Brown will be responsible for global relationship management relating to Gage’s key marketing deliverables for Microsoft.
Brown brings rich experience in marketing for global brands like Clorox and Silicon Valley’s online pioneer Excite.com. He also has international agency experience managing global relationships in the mobile payments space and media buying and planning. Brown came to Gage with six years of experience as the senior group brand manager for the Xbox division at Microsoft. He was most recently a marketing consultant for Juice Branding Company and head of brand marketing for United Online.
Brown earned his bachelor’s at the University of Virginia in international relations and his MBA in marketing at the University of North Carolina. Outside of work, Mark writes fiction as a hobby and wrote for literary publications.
“Gage is extremely fortunate to work with the world’s most respected brands in bringing innovative, digital marketing campaigns to market for over 20 years,” said Mark Kurtz, vice president of new media and CGO, Gage. “Mark’s experience in leading global brands like Clorox and Microsoft Xbox combined with his international perspective are attributes our clients require to keep up and adapt with the rapid pace of marketing success.”
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