The Red Corner

Uppercut helps secure victory for City Council candidate Marilyn Librers

noreply@blogger.com (Zack) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:42:00 +0000

All of us at Uppercut Marketing would like to congratulate our new Morgan Hill City Councilwoman-elect Marilyn Librers!

Marilyn retained Uppercut Marketing to be a special campaign consultant, leaning on the agency for campaign communications, marketing strategy and support.

We were happy to have helped Marilyn secure her victory, and look forward to helping her during her term.

For more information on Marilyn Libers, visit www.votemarilyn.com

10 Tips for Improved Search Engine Rankings

noreply@blogger.com (Zack) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:51:00 +0000

10 Tips for Improved Search Engine Rankings

Each day, the “big three” of search engines (Google, Yahoo and MSN) process millions of searches from consumers looking to purchase products or services. A high search ranking is critical to driving a high number of traffic to your Web site and the first step in ultimately converting visitors into customers.

We have put together a document with 10 do-it-yourself steps for achieving better rankings. We hope that you find them useful.

Download the PDF

Social Is Fastest Growing Emerging Medium

noreply@blogger.com (Zack) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:03:00 +0000

According to Online Media Daily, social media is growing at a fast clip, outpacing traditional media. Social media ad spending is predicted to rise 37.4% in 2009 and 60.8% in 2008.

Social media includes "Web 2.0" sites like Blogger, YouTube, Myspace, Facebook and Twitter. They allow companies to create strong social bonds with their customers.

If you have been holiding off on utilizing social media in your marketing campaigns, now may be the time to act.

Give us a call if you'd like to learn more.

-- Original article --
In spite of word that marketing budgets are tightening, emerging media marketing is expected to grow 31.1% according to recent predictions from Interpublic's Magna Global. Alternatively, Universal McCann, another Interpublic unit, predicted just 4.0% growth for traditional media spending. Social media, which includes social networks and applications, was declared the fastest growing of the emerging media platforms, and Magna predicts that social media ad spending will rise 37.4% in 2009 and 60.8% in 2008. Read entire article

Sushi and Service

noreply@blogger.com (Zack) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:09:00 +0000

I had two very different dining experiences over the last couple of nights that got me thinking of service and marketing. One, at a Chili's-style restaurant chain, and the other at a small, independent sushi joint. The food was good at both places, but the service couldn't have been more different.

Our service at the chain restaurant was atrocious, especially for a slow Tuesday night. Our server was flustered and forgetful, we had to ask for just about everything, and the other employees seemed upset when we asked them for help. I think the most annoying aspect of the evening was watching three employees sit at a table of friends, in uniform, while we waited for silverware. Check, please...

In comparison, the service at the sushi place was nothing short of perfection. The server was pleasant, helpful and not intrusive. She even let us order an item that was not on the menu and didn't bat an eye. The beer kept flowing and we ended up ordering more rolls that we probably should have!

While we were too busy having a good time, the server was upselling us on appetizers, beer and side dishes. She got us for all that we were worth and her good service ensured that we will be back.

The question of the day: Are you capitalizing on every opportunity to sell to your customers? Are you providing for a memorable experience or just leaving your customers "waiting for silverware"? What are your employees doing while your customers are looking?

As a marketer, it amazes me that some companies spend so much on marketing and advertising just to blow it once they get a chance to engage the customer. They would be better off, and would reap greater rewards, investing in staff training.

Protect your brand. Protect your word of mouth. Always strive for consistent, high-quality service.

Have a service story to share?

Recession survival tips

noreply@blogger.com (Zack) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:32:00 +0000

Very few people will argue with the fact that the US is headed into, or is already in, a full-blown recession. If your customers aren't tightening their belts yet, they will be very soon. During these difficult times, consumers are more careful with their choices and tend to identify and eliminate unnecessary spending.

Stop selling products, start selling VALUE

To survive this economic darwinism, you must prove your value to your customers. Your product or service must become more of a "need" than a "want".

A good example: Successful Karate studios don't market their business as "a place where kids learn to punch and kick". Rather, they advertise the positive results of Karate on kids' lives; including improved grades, attentiveness and social skills. If they didn't sell value, Karate would be one of the first items scratched off the list when parents cut back on household spending.

Even in the luxury item or restaurant business, you can foster people's need to pamper themselves.

Ask not what your customers can do for you...

This is also a perfect time to increase the quality of your service. When times get tough, we can no longer afford to be average. To quote marketing guru Seth Godin, "If it's not remarkable, it's invisible."

Be remarkable. Provide service beyond expectations.

Also, be sure that everyone who interacts with your customers has the training and tools to deliver exceptional service. Remember, it takes seven times more effort to earn a new customer than to keep an existing one.

Ideas: Do a customer survey, send hand-written letters to your best customers, call old prospects, host an outdoor event or launch a customer of the month program.

Keep your foot on the marketing pedal

Finally, do not be afraid to invest in marketing. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes a company can make is cutting back on their marketing and advertising. With less messages reaching the consumer, you now have the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with your customers and drive new business.

Do something original... get people talking!!!

Ideas: Introduce new products, change your menu, update your Web site, launch an email marketing program, host an outdoor event, write an article and submit it to the local paper.

Want to know more? Just ask!

Have a tip to share with your fellow business owners? Feel free to leave a comment.

Best of luck!

New Site Launch - Weddings By Whitney

noreply@blogger.com (Zack) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:27:00 +0000

We just launched a new Web site for Weddings By Whitney, a local wedding officiant. Check it out at weddingsbywhitney.com.

We wish Whitney the best of luck as we head in to Wedding season.

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Zack) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:49:00 +0000

Welcome to the Red Corner, a marketing blog by Uppercut Marketing. I will be posting marketing-related news, thoughts and musings. I hope that you will find the info useful and/or entertaining. Marketing is constantly evolving and often misunderstood, yet it is one of the most critical elements of your business.

Feel free to leave comments or ask questions. We're always here to help.