Engage MC

Ezine Supplier for OPENCities

2010-03-10T21:49:00.000Z

Engage MC are pleased to have been chosen by Belfast City Council to supply email marketing services for the OPENCities project.

OPENCities is a British Council project funded by URBACT and led by Belfast City Council in collaboration with 10 partners across Europe who recognise that the arrival of large numbers of new residents can create great opportunities for innovation and progress in social, economic and cultural development.

OPENCities aims to explore how cities can attract and retain migrant populations and what initiatives cities can employ to make themselves a popular choice with international workers.

Location, Location, Location!

2010-02-27T00:00:00.000Z

Google announced today that a "Nearby" filter is now available in the search options panel on the Google.com domain. Local search has always been important; every keyword analysis we have ever done has shown a high percentage of geographic references. This tool is particularly interesting as it works geographically and not just with keywords. Google says that it will shows you Nearby results according to your IP address or your preferred location, if you customized your location in search settings.

Ouch!

2010-02-26T10:53:00.003Z

Talk about kicking a company when it's down! The Toyota Lawnmower Recall Ad is fast becoming an online viral sensation and is a great example of opportunistic competitive advertising.

Audi have a history of poking fun at their competitors through advertising. Interestingly this ad was made before Toyota's recent problems. Its original purpose was to direct traffic to a website promotingtheir electric concept car, the E-Tron. Audi claim an unknown individual only recently added the reference to Toyota.

Say Cheese!

2010-01-20T23:27:00.001Z

We started the week with a smile as we welcomed Northern Ireland wedding photographer, Brian Morrison Weddings, as a new client. Brian is a very talented and respected photographer, with over ten years professional experience. Brian has an impressive portfolio which encompasses everything from product photography to portraits and has recently launched his stand alone wedding photography website to showcase some of his recent work. Wedding photography in Northern Ireland is a very competitive field so we're looking forward to the challenge!

www.brianmorrisonweddings.co.uk www.brianmorrison.co.uk/

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T01:16:00.001Z

Our New Year was off to a great start when we received the following words from another happy customer:

"I am so grateful to Madeleine and all the staff at Engagemc for their invaluable help in optimising my web site performance.

It was all explained to me in a down to earth, easy to understand way and I am confident now that my website is reaching as many people as it can.
Thanks a million"

Paul O'Boyle, Riverside Dental Practice, Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

We're proud of our modest, no spin approach, after all, our results speak for themselves! We're having a sale on SEO packages for new customers in January, so if you want your website to reach as many customers as it can, get in touch now!

Celbridge Dentist

2009-11-25T17:14:00.001Z

We are pleased to have completed some Search Engine Marketing for the Celbridge Dentist, Dr Paul O'Boyle and his Riverside Dental Practice. Paul runs a modern family friendly practice and is well known for his patience with nervous patients. The practice is situated on the Main Street in Celbridge, Co Kildare, ideal for patients in Kildare, Wicklow and west Dublin, who don't want to travel far for affordable dental care.

The practice also supply custom sports mouthguards, essential for all contact sports.

Better Homes NI

2009-10-27T12:17:00.002Z

Engage MC are pleased to provide Search Engine Optimisation services to Belfast home improvements company Better Homes NI. Better Homes NI are leading suppliers and installers of roofline and double glazing home improvement products including conservatories & sunrooms, doors, windows, soffits, gutters and facias.

www.betterhomesni.com

Progress - Belfast Met - Promoting Enterprise

2009-08-06T16:38:00.005+01:00

I was recently asked to talk to students on the PROGRESS course about Engage MC and my experience starting out in business. Run by Belfast Metropolitan College, the programme has been designed to help those people who have been out of the full-time job market for some time. It aims to encourage a ‘can do’ perspective, helps individuals consider self employment, or working in the small business sector. The programme will help develop a positive enterprise culture and assist employability.

The event was held in The Belfast Business Centre and supper was supplied by an ex Belfast Met student who has recently started her own catering company. I enjoyed meeting some of the students and wish them all well in their ventures.

For details of the programme contact
Rosemary Martin,
Project coordinator,
Tel: 028 9026 5041,
email: rmartin@belfastmet.ac.uk.

www.belfastmet.ac.uk

Local Business Search for SEO

2009-06-09T22:52:00.007+01:00

I've always been a big fan of Google's Local Business Listings. They're free, easy to set up, can connect you with people who want to do business locally and can give you a hand up the search engine results.

So how do they work? Well, very briefly, if someone searches for a business or service with a geographic location, Google will return relevant local business results above the regular natural or organic listings. This is a quick win in terms of optimisation for a local market as it can take weeks to reach the first page of Google naturally.

This image shows local business results for internet marketing near Belfast.

Viewers have the option of clicking through to the company's website or reading their complete profile.

Perhaps the most valuable feature of local search is the customer reviews. Research has shown that consumers appreciate this information being presented as they are searching for a product or supplier. If the reviews are positive it could make them contact you instead of a competitor (Don't nip off and add a fake review now - I'll tell you why in the next post).

We recommend that businesses create a company profile that will include a search engine friendly description, company logo, opening hours photos, company videos etc, anything that will differentiate you from your competitors and make you stand out.

Watch this video to learn how to add your business listing.

Free Online Marketing Mentoring!

2009-06-04T11:29:00.003+01:00

Would you like some free online marketing mentoring in June? I'm working towards Chartered Marketer status and part of the Chartered Institute of Marketing continuing professional development (CPD) programme allows us spend time mentoring a business.

I will look at your whole online presence, make recommendations for improving it and work with you to implement the changes needed. The only thing I need from you will be a letter as evidence of the work done.

If you have a website and are interested in Search Engine Optimisation, Email Marketing, Social Networking or any other aspect of online marketing, please email info@engagemc.com with your contact details and website address and I'll get in touch. I'll choose the business I think will benefit the most.

Sorry but web design / development companies are excluded from this offer.

Belfast Dentists Made Us Smile

2009-03-11T11:11:00.003Z

It's not every day the dentist calls us but we quickly relaxed when they asked us to work on their Search Engine Optimisation strategy. Braden Dental Care are leading Northern Ireland cosmetic dentists based in Belfast. Their patients regularly travel from all over Ireland for the latest pain free dental treatments (increasingly affordable due to the strong Euro and flexible payment options) and they recognise how a strong internet presence will help them grow their practice.

Getting professional search engine marketing advice can not only help you stay ahead of the competition but help you avoid 'black hat' techniques that may penalise your site. We're developing a long term strategy and reviewing their 'pay per click' campaign to improve ad quality score and reduce costs.

Visit Braden Dental Care

Hip Hip...

2009-02-12T15:30:00.000Z

Hooray! We're celebrating our second birthday this week!

We did actually get out the cake tins and make our own buns but they didn't look remotely as good as this. Thankfully our online marketing is better than our baking!

It has been a fantastic two years for Engage MC! We've met some amazing people along the way. We're still working regularly with our very first clients (and very happy to do so) and look forward to developing equally strong relationships with our new clients.

We've continued to grow personally and professionally too, working towards Chartered Marketer Status with the Chartered Institute of Marketing and undertaking Google Adword Professional exams.

But perhaps the most satisfying thing has been seeing the online marketing methods we believe so passionately in, working so well for our clients. Their websites are appearing in the first page of search engine results, they're getting more leads and making sales. They're taking control of their online presence and engaging their customers in conversation. They're delighted and so are we.

Retailers put Coleraine on the map!

2009-02-11T09:58:00.007Z

Last week we were invited to give an Online Marketing Workshop to some independent retailers in Coleraine. I enjoy taking workshops for small groups, they're usually more interactive and you can provide relevant advice to each business.

One of the topics we covered was Local Search. We've all heard how the Internet removed barriers to trade in the global market but some businesses rely on local trade. Thankfully the search engines recognise this and responded with Local Business Search. Google et al will usually have a basic listing for most business already. Business owners can claim their listing, add their description, opening hours, logo, specialisms and even coupons! You don't even need a website which means in localised searches you have a fighting chance of getting the business when previously you may have had none.

It was great to see Minx get straight down to work and put their business on the map!

Outdoor Scene Affiliate Programme

2009-01-21T20:11:00.002Z

We worked hard to launch the Outdoor Scene Affiliate programme with Affiliate Future at the end of December and are pleased to report it has had great start. Outdoor Scene is a highly quality outdoor clothing brand for all the family - a one stop shop if you like for all your boots, jackets and base layers. The brand is keenly priced at the best of times but the programme launched just in time for their Winter Ski Wear promotion and this along with great creatives has certainly helped. Affiliates have been keen to promote Outdoor Scene with a few having significant success(It's not unusual for maybe just 10% of your affiliates to be generating most of the sales) and we'd like to thank them all for joining.

www.outdoorscene.com

Equinox

2008-09-10T13:17:00.005+01:00

This week we delivered our Email Marketing software to Equinox, the contemporary living store in Howard Street, Belfast. We're happy to say they got straight into it and have already sent their first campaign to announce the launch of their wedding list service.

After consultation we developed a range of formatted branded templates for their wedding and exhibition teams. Simple list management and segmentation, real time campaign measurement and user friendly interfaces are just some of the features that make in-house email marketing a gift; yes, even for technophobes!

We are very pleased to welcome Equinox on board as a client and for giving us another excuse to go shopping!

www.equinoxshop.com

Belfast Business Centre Go Live

2008-09-09T12:01:00.000+01:00

As the Belfast Business Centre expanded their range of services so did their need for a new content managed website. This week, after days of planning, search engine optimisation, writing content and taking photographs, its gone live!

Almost every inch of the site can be updated by the team and they have taken time to add details of their serviced offices, virtual office services, meeting rooms and a wide range of support services which make running your business that bit easier. The new site has a gallery packed full of photographs and room layouts to help visitors see the flexibility of the space.

www.belfastbusinesscentre.com

Strategy Days Rock

2008-08-25T11:16:00.004+01:00

In Gibraltar anyway! I was thrilled be be invited by the MD, Con McGahon, to join CMG in preparation for Q3 and their autumn marketing drive.

It was a very motivating day and I came away with lots of actions but it was also good to see at first hand the cultural and business environment in which CMG operate.

After work I was whisked away on a sight seeing tour and taken to dinner in a beautiful waterfront restaurant in the Ocean Plaza district.

I think we'll be researching more business development opportunities before my next visit! Thank you CMG for being wonderful hosts.

Retail Therapy

2008-08-13T10:31:00.001+01:00

Belfast City Council have developed an excellent initiative to help independent retailers in Belfast thrive. Designed to be practical and results focused the participants benefited from a business audit and mystery shop process. They also had access to a business mentor to help them develop an improvement plan and looking at long-term and day-to-day issues.

Engage MC were asked to deliver a work shop and provide specialist mentoring in Online Marketing. We really enjoyed meeting all the participants on the night and were pleased to see so many who were already trading online keen to develop their online channel. We would like to thank Time Associates for organising the event and wish everyone good luck going forward!

Patent Attorneys Belfast

2008-06-23T16:52:00.002+01:00

When Belfast based Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys Hanna-IP asked us to prepare and implement their search engine marketing strategy, they opened our eyes to the complex world of Intellectual Property (IP), Patents, Trademarks & Copyright and got us thinking about how Intellectual Property can be used to gain competitive advantage.

From a marketing perspective, the strategic use of IP can help businesses:

Expand into new markets using the patented technology they already own
Increase IP revenue streams by licensing their existing patents to third parties
Reduce R&D costs by using foreign competitors' successful patents that do not extend to the UK & Ireland
Protect their brand and their right to trade in new territories by registering their trade mark
Extend their design rights to new/alternative products
Identify design partners that may licence their successful design

From competitor analysis to design and copyright issues almost every business could benefit from an IP audit and having met Hanna IP we firmly believe that every marketing department should consider consulting a Patent & Trade Mark attorney when preparing their marketing plan.

Visit www.hannaip.com

SEO Tools

2008-04-27T00:45:00.003+01:00

This week we've been using this great sitemap generator www.xml-sitemaps.com. XML Sitemaps specialise in sitemap software that generates XML, HTML and TXT sitemaps. Submitting a sitemap to search engines doesn't automatically mean they will list your pages but helps them do a better job crawling your site. XML sitemaps have a free online generator and a HTMl version which you can use to help your visitors find content. It's a great SEO tool and very easy to use!

CMG Goes Live

2008-04-17T00:38:00.005+01:00

December saw Gibraltar based CMG, Claims Management Group, choose Engage MC to develop their brand and online marketing strategy. We're pleased to say the research and analysis is now complete, the marketing plan in place and the website launched.

We were happy to choose Radar Design as our partner for delivering the website. Warren and his team consistently deliver high quality design and development; they truly think of everything and we knew their ethos would complement CMG perfectly.

CMG provides innovative out sourced, off shore claims management solutions throughout the EU & EEA.

www.claimsmanagementgroup.eu

Marketing Your Business Online

2008-03-20T01:18:00.002Z

We are delivering a short presentation and Q&A session on Marketing Your Business Online at the next Belfast Entrepreneurs Network (BEN) evening on the 15th of May at the Lansdowne Hotel. We're looking forward to doing a bit of networking ourselves after what we hope will be a gentle grilling, and meeting more local businesses.

If you are attending and would like us to cover a particular subject send us an email and we will try to accommodate.

Queen's Annual Fund

2008-02-11T20:43:00.001Z

Engage MC are pleased to support the Queen's Annual Fund Caller Reward Scheme. The Caller Reward Scheme is a fundamental part of Annual Fund Telephone Fundraising Campaign and contributes to the great team spirit amongst the Student Callers.

The Queen's Annual Fund was introduced to raise unrestricted funds and 100% of the money supports key institutional priorities, including Scholarships, Small Projects that enhance the student experience and the University’s “Area of Greatest Need”.

We wanted to recognise the Students hard work and hope they have a great time!

Cruel Spam

2008-01-09T13:51:00.000Z

I got an email today asking me to "Confirm Your Winning". Normally I wouldn't even open an email like this, but as it is January and my last pay cheque a distant memory, the curiosity was too much to bear. Even my cynical, spam weary heart leapt at the news I had won eight hundred and fifty thousand euro. While paying off my mortgage and buying a boat (in my head), telling myself 'you never know' I checked the address here http://www.urgentmessage.org/. It's definitely spam and I'm crushed.

Why is spam so damn cruel?

Gibraltar

2007-12-15T14:23:00.001Z

Engage MC have just been commissioned to develop the brand and online marketing strategy for a niche insurance company in Gibraltar. This is a very exciting project and represents an important break though for Engage MC in this sector.

More information will be available prior to launch early in 2008!