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Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Blogging: The Low Cost, High Return Business Marketing Tool, Part 4: Blog Buzz aka Word of Mouth Advertising
Halo 2, a popular video game for the Microsoft Xbox, created one of the most successful viral marketing campaigns ever with the creation of the “I Love Bees” pseudo-game. At the release of a final trailer for the game, shown in theaters around the world, flashed the Xbox logo on the screen with a web address for ilovebees.com. People who visited the site found mysterious messages and a countdown to an unknown future event—which eventually was found to be the launch of the game. The I Love Bees campaign created a buzz to the world via millions of curious people visiting the website and creating their own blogs and websites all connected with trying to solve the bee mystery. [1]
Click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Bumble Bee fine art photo - Sara Montour Photography, Antiqued Bee necklace - seph & shug handmade studio
Great Content for Business Bloggers
Bloggers are writers, publishers, opinion leaders, risk takers, and entrepreneurs. They have passion for their medium and believe in the content of what they write. Many people that read blogs think much like those who write them. [2]
The information on a blog should always be written with the reader in mind. If a blog is meant for business, make sure you know what will make good business content. Good quality writing adheres to the unique atmosphere that a blog creates, also known as the Blogosphere. The goal is for readers to bookmark or subscribe to your site and return again to read future entries. Information that is easily accessible to readers—both original writing and information collected from other sources--can increase the popularity of any blog. Credibility of information is important for gaining the trust of blog readers and can be accomplished by demonstrating the writer is an authority on the subjects, which are presented.
Consider the following tips for writing great blog entries:
Talk, don’t sell. Blogging is the environment of a no sales pitch attitude. Blog visitors want to read what other people care about and what they know. They will either trust the author or they won’t. Talking, not selling, to readers builds their trust.
Click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Trust giclee print - Martha Lever Lettering & Design, My Memory Often Plays Tricks On Me original collage - Stiletto Heights
Post often and stay interesting. Effective bloggers post their thoughts at least once per day. Posting often keeps your blog alive in the Internet search engines and keeping the subjects interesting ensures readers will return.
Write about issues you care about. The best blogs have passion and show authority. Expressing what you know and care about in a blog makes a much bigger impact than using a blog to sell a product.
Click the grid for a larger view
Blogging saves money but costs time. A well-written blog can reduce or eliminate the need for public relation and ad support in a business but creating a great blog requires an investment of time. Lack of time is the number one reason cited by people who start a blog and then quit writing. [3] Writing for 15 minutes per day is a fair amount of time to dedicate to a blog that can improve your business--without overwhelming your schedule or sacrificing great content.
This post is part four of a marketing series. Please visit my archives for parts one through eight.
The photos displayed in this post represent items sold by our talented fellow small business owners, in their online Etsy stores. Please click on the links under the photos to visit the artist shops for fine quality handmade items.
[1] Wright, Jeremy. Blog Marketing. First Edition. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2006.
[2] Bly, Robert W.. Blog Schmog. First Edition. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2006.
[3] Wright, Jeremy. Blog Marketing. First Edition. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2006.
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved. do not use my writing or photographs without my permission. contact me HERE for info and permissions...thanks!
Click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Bumble Bee fine art photo - Sara Montour Photography, Antiqued Bee necklace - seph & shug handmade studio
Great Content for Business Bloggers
Bloggers are writers, publishers, opinion leaders, risk takers, and entrepreneurs. They have passion for their medium and believe in the content of what they write. Many people that read blogs think much like those who write them. [2]
The information on a blog should always be written with the reader in mind. If a blog is meant for business, make sure you know what will make good business content. Good quality writing adheres to the unique atmosphere that a blog creates, also known as the Blogosphere. The goal is for readers to bookmark or subscribe to your site and return again to read future entries. Information that is easily accessible to readers—both original writing and information collected from other sources--can increase the popularity of any blog. Credibility of information is important for gaining the trust of blog readers and can be accomplished by demonstrating the writer is an authority on the subjects, which are presented.
Consider the following tips for writing great blog entries:
Talk, don’t sell. Blogging is the environment of a no sales pitch attitude. Blog visitors want to read what other people care about and what they know. They will either trust the author or they won’t. Talking, not selling, to readers builds their trust.
Click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Trust giclee print - Martha Lever Lettering & Design, My Memory Often Plays Tricks On Me original collage - Stiletto Heights
Post often and stay interesting. Effective bloggers post their thoughts at least once per day. Posting often keeps your blog alive in the Internet search engines and keeping the subjects interesting ensures readers will return.
Write about issues you care about. The best blogs have passion and show authority. Expressing what you know and care about in a blog makes a much bigger impact than using a blog to sell a product.
Click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Zoja Contemporary Dancer fine art photo - Kleno Photography, Chirp Ceramic clock - Lure Arts by Pam McFadyen
Blogging saves money but costs time. A well-written blog can reduce or eliminate the need for public relation and ad support in a business but creating a great blog requires an investment of time. Lack of time is the number one reason cited by people who start a blog and then quit writing. [3] Writing for 15 minutes per day is a fair amount of time to dedicate to a blog that can improve your business--without overwhelming your schedule or sacrificing great content.
This post is part four of a marketing series. Please visit my archives for parts one through eight.
The photos displayed in this post represent items sold by our talented fellow small business owners, in their online Etsy stores. Please click on the links under the photos to visit the artist shops for fine quality handmade items.
[1] Wright, Jeremy. Blog Marketing. First Edition. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2006.
[2] Bly, Robert W.. Blog Schmog. First Edition. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2006.
[3] Wright, Jeremy. Blog Marketing. First Edition. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2006.
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved. do not use my writing or photographs without my permission. contact me HERE for info and permissions...thanks!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Old People Movies
I have a bit of an old soul in me.
Top to Bottom:
I am thankful to have grown up with parents who had an affinity for classic movies. My mom, especially, liked the classics and we watched so many of the original Hollywood legends from the days when they still seemed to be flawless. There are very few actors today that I truly admire for the skill of their craft. I love the actors/actresses who can become so much in character that you truly believe they are their character. The quality of acting that doesn't leave room for the thought, "Oh, that's so-&-so", foremost in my mind throughout a film.
Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Glenn Close, Tom Hanks, Al Pacino...these are some that come to mind.
My mom, especially, liked the classics and we'd watch them so many times. A handful came to be known as our "Old People Movies", not so much because they were the type that older people would watch but because they often featured older actors in leading roles. Here are three clips from three of our all time favorites...all based on plays, two Old People movies, one fun 70's romantic comedy, and all three are wonderful.
Enjoy!
1977 - Neil Simon's, The Goodbye Girl starring Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason and Quinn Cummings. (Note: don't bother with the 2004 TV remake--it's not even close to the original.)
The ending song by David Gates (former lead singer of Bread) always makes me smile!
1987 - David Berry's, The Whales of August starring Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Vincent Price and Ann Sothern.
1981 - Ernest Thompson's, On Golden Pond starring Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, Doug McKeon, and Dabney Coleman. I recommend the unedited version (some mild cuss words that didn't offend me or detract from the story). The soundtrack by Dave Grusin is sublime especially the title theme.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Second Time Sophomore
In spring of 2007, at age 38, I lost my last JOB and my new husband of 4 months encouraged me to put down the want ads and pick up the school books in search of a CAREER.
Looking back at my work for the last five terms at community college, the thing that stands out most now is the increase in my confidence level to achieve my goals. I remember at the start I would approach each assignment with a fair amount of apprehension and then slowly make my way through the process. My fingers were figuratively crossed each time I finished a piece of work and submitted it for review. Afterwards I would find myself wishing there was more time to spend in the text, more questions to answer, and more time left to write and to share.
L to R: El Grande Cowl by Fringe, Leaf Earrings by Spotted Octopus Jewelry, Cranberry Crossover Cordoroy Tote by Camille Star
As I've progressed through each course I have learned to be more precise in what I want to convey. I've grown beyond surface statements, simple declarations with nothing to back them up, and learned to add detail and to better explain my ideas. I try to be very honest in both the written and visual work I produce and to ensure that what is in my head comes out on the page (or screen) in just the way I intend.
This Sunday is the first day of Fall. Next Monday is the first day of Fall term for me. A mixture of excitement and nervousness builds as I cross each day off my calendar and we inch toward the 22nd. I look forward to learning but I am nervous about meeting and interacting with new people.
This Sunday is the first day of Fall. Next Monday is the first day of Fall term for me. A mixture of excitement and nervousness builds as I cross each day off my calendar and we inch toward the 22nd. I look forward to learning but I am nervous about meeting and interacting with new people.
L to R: Tree Landscape Cuff by TigerLilyShop, Vintage Spectator Tassel Heels from Nerdybird Vintage, Grass by Pfeiffer Photos
I found this video clip today on YouTube (see below). It's not only a fun piece of cinematic memory and a happy song, it gave me a little boost in my spirit for these weeks to come.
Whatever you're undertaking that is new, and in this time of many folks feeling some uncertainties, I hope it brings you a smile!
My back-to-school picks are featured in the photos included in this post. These items are the quality handmade and vintage goods offered by our fellow small business owners on Etsy.com. Please click the links for more info and to view their shops--thanks so much!
"I Whistle a Happy Tune" by Rodgers & Hammerstein from The King & I - 20th Century Fox, video clip via YouTube.
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Little Daisy Chains Feature
I Googled our shop name this morning and found one of our photos on another blog--one I didn't even know about. Yay!
(Rental Skates by Tina, Pfeiffer Photos 2008)
Thank you to Beck at Little Daisy Chains for including our image with a link to our shop in her blog post!
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved.
Pfeiffer Photos on Etsy Handmade Network
We were featured on the Etsy Handmade Network newsletter! They have a weekly feature where members can submit ideas for using everyday items as display props at art and craft shows. Our contribution was the item we used at our last event, the REDD shoe rack brought to us by the fine folks at Ikea. We found it works wonderful for holding our photo prints on our event table without a bit of adjustment or embellishment.
REDD BEFORE:
REDD AFTER:
You never know what you can find around your house (or at a store) that might work for your display needs...keep your eyes open and check it out!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Blogging: The Low Cost, High Return Business Marketing Tool - Part 3: Case Studies of Successful Business Blogs
David Harlow, a lawyer and health care consultant in Boston, began writing his blog, HealthBlawg, to market his private practice after leaving a large firm. Two years later Mr. Harlow says he is happy with the results. His blog gets about 200-300 visits per day and has been utilized as a reference site for publications seeking commentary on issue in the health care field. He also stated that he has gained new clients because of his blog, has met many people and has been able to communicate with other bloggers in his field across the country.[1]
Click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Cherry Blossoms Lavender eye pillow - small city styles, Ripe White tea - ruaTea, Circles Yoga Mat Bag - small city styles, and Raspberry Minis Anna's Oatcakes - Down from the Mountain
Sarah E. Endline, chief executive of sweetriot, a producer of organic chocolates, started her company blog before the company launch in 2005. Endline wanted to have a place for customers to get a behind-the-scenes look at the business of making chocolate treats. Being personal with customers is a common reason cited for blogging, especially for companies that want to be known as mission-oriented or socially responsible. The sweetriot blog includes an entry written about their first cacao shipment from South America, greeting the truck on Labor Day weekend after it cleared the customs process at Kennedy International Airport, and the appreciation she felt toward the delivery driver who helped her sort through and inspect her product.[1]
click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Chocolate Chili Cashew Biscotti and Homemade Chocolate Marshmallows - whimsy & spice, Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies - Vegan Propamanda, Chocolate Chai Bread - Get In My Belly
A company blog guarantees that the blog author can tell their side of their story, in their own words. The best bloggers type fast and talk a lot. They are chatty people and are into relationships. Blogging provides small businesses global reach for a very low cost. Blogging is soft marketing and can work in place of an email newsletter and with better results. Companies that already have a website can add a blog and achieve higher rankings in search engines. Examples of the benefits of a company blog can include but are not limited to:
IMPLEMENTING IDEAS - One person can come up with a good idea but it can take 100 or more people to implement the idea--blogs can help provide resources for both.
INCREASING REVENUE - Great ideas that can come from the conversations and feedback between a blog author and blog readers can increase revenue and marketing power.
KNOW THE CUSTOMER – Blogs can link companies directly with their customers, help them to understand their market, and aid in discovering ways to deliver new products on time and on budget.
FEEDBACK - Relying on a small sample of customer feedback can hurt development of products and ideas. With blogging, you can ask your entire blog readership for their opinions. Insight to what a larger community of readers want can help you to deliver better products.
VISIBILITY - Blogs allow marketing visibility and help to reach the right people and make them aware of the right products and services at the right time.
MESSAGE – Blogs can help a business connect to individual customers with a specific message instead of marketing a generic message to a global mass of random buyers.
SPREAD THE WORD - Blogging, a component of viral marketing, can create word-of-mouth advertising about a product or service and introduce incentive programs and contests for customers to interact with the company and create relationships.
This post is part two of a marketing series. Please visit my archives for parts one through eight.
The photos displayed in this post represent items sold by our talented fellow small business owners, in their online Etsy stores. Please click on their links to browse their shops for quality handmade and edible goods.
[1] "Blogging - Low Cost, High Return Marketing: NY Times." [Weblog smallbiztechnology.com] 6, Jan 2008. The New York Times. 24.4. 2008.
[2] Alboher. Marci. "Blogging - Low Cost, High Return Marketing: NY Times," The New York Times 27, Dec 2007. The New York Times. 26.5. 2008
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved. do not use my writing or photographs without my permission. Contact me HERE for info and permissions...thanks!
Click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Cherry Blossoms Lavender eye pillow - small city styles, Ripe White tea - ruaTea, Circles Yoga Mat Bag - small city styles, and Raspberry Minis Anna's Oatcakes - Down from the Mountain
Sarah E. Endline, chief executive of sweetriot, a producer of organic chocolates, started her company blog before the company launch in 2005. Endline wanted to have a place for customers to get a behind-the-scenes look at the business of making chocolate treats. Being personal with customers is a common reason cited for blogging, especially for companies that want to be known as mission-oriented or socially responsible. The sweetriot blog includes an entry written about their first cacao shipment from South America, greeting the truck on Labor Day weekend after it cleared the customs process at Kennedy International Airport, and the appreciation she felt toward the delivery driver who helped her sort through and inspect her product.[1]
click the grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Chocolate Chili Cashew Biscotti and Homemade Chocolate Marshmallows - whimsy & spice, Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies - Vegan Propamanda, Chocolate Chai Bread - Get In My Belly
A company blog guarantees that the blog author can tell their side of their story, in their own words. The best bloggers type fast and talk a lot. They are chatty people and are into relationships. Blogging provides small businesses global reach for a very low cost. Blogging is soft marketing and can work in place of an email newsletter and with better results. Companies that already have a website can add a blog and achieve higher rankings in search engines. Examples of the benefits of a company blog can include but are not limited to:
IMPLEMENTING IDEAS - One person can come up with a good idea but it can take 100 or more people to implement the idea--blogs can help provide resources for both.
INCREASING REVENUE - Great ideas that can come from the conversations and feedback between a blog author and blog readers can increase revenue and marketing power.
KNOW THE CUSTOMER – Blogs can link companies directly with their customers, help them to understand their market, and aid in discovering ways to deliver new products on time and on budget.
FEEDBACK - Relying on a small sample of customer feedback can hurt development of products and ideas. With blogging, you can ask your entire blog readership for their opinions. Insight to what a larger community of readers want can help you to deliver better products.
VISIBILITY - Blogs allow marketing visibility and help to reach the right people and make them aware of the right products and services at the right time.
MESSAGE – Blogs can help a business connect to individual customers with a specific message instead of marketing a generic message to a global mass of random buyers.
SPREAD THE WORD - Blogging, a component of viral marketing, can create word-of-mouth advertising about a product or service and introduce incentive programs and contests for customers to interact with the company and create relationships.
This post is part two of a marketing series. Please visit my archives for parts one through eight.
The photos displayed in this post represent items sold by our talented fellow small business owners, in their online Etsy stores. Please click on their links to browse their shops for quality handmade and edible goods.
[1] "Blogging - Low Cost, High Return Marketing: NY Times." [Weblog smallbiztechnology.com] 6, Jan 2008. The New York Times. 24.4. 2008
[2] Alboher. Marci. "Blogging - Low Cost, High Return Marketing: NY Times," The New York Times 27, Dec 2007. The New York Times. 26.5. 2008
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved. do not use my writing or photographs without my permission. Contact me HERE for info and permissions...thanks!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
In Memory of 9.11.01
I captured this image of the small candle I have lit today in memory of those who lost their lives, those who survived and for those who gave their service on 9.11.01. It is also for those who continue to give service and protect our freedom across the world. This photograph is our small tribute to say thank you.
If you would like to purchase a copy of this image it will be available in our Etsy shop as a special edition print in various sizes. The proceeds from any sale of this fine art photograph will be donated to Operation Family Fund.
Operation Family Fund receives no funding from the government, is supported solely by private and corporate donations and does not endorse any political party or candidate. They simply provide support and comfort to our service members,veterans and their families, regardless of political or religious affiliation. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or politics in accordance with our United States constitution and in honor of our troops and veterans worldwide who come from all walks of life to serve our country with honor, great personal sacrifice and courage.
NEVER FORGET
Never forget the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001.
Never forget what it means as Americans to persevere.
Never forget the freedoms we cherish.
Never forget our military families.
Never forget the children waiting for Mommy or Daddy to come home.
Never forget the parents who pray each day for their
son or daughter's safe homecoming.
Never forget all those who serve.
Never forget our veterans from all wars.
Never forget to fly your flag.
Never forget those who paid the ultimate price.
Never forget.
FREEDOM ENDURES.
A. Kellermann - Tampa Tribune, 9.11.03
The photos displayed in this post are copyright Pfeiffer Photos 2008. For information or to purchase please contact us via email or visit our Etsy shop...thank you.
Photo Ode to Water and Trees
Browsing through our own shop this morning I noticed how many photos we offer of water and trees. Nature is truly an inspiration. We are blessed to live in a city and state that are both rich in natural scenic wonders. The best stress relievers, the best no-cost gifts, these are those.
Top to bottom, left to right:
Please click the photo grid for a much larger view. Each title is also linked to the photo listing in our shop.
All photos presented in this collection sketch are from our Etsy shop. We offer our images as fine art prints in various sizes and as blank, all-occasion note cards; sold individually or in sets. For more information or to purchase please visit our shop or shoot us an email HERE.
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Blogging: The Low Cost, High Return Business Marketing Tool - Part 2: What is a Blog?
The term “blog” is short for “weblog”. A weblog is a website that uses a dated log format and links to other web sites along with commentary about those sites. Blogs are updated frequently and can be grouped by subjects, such as politics, news, personal (think: public online journal), or types of businesses and issues related to them.[1]
In 1998, blogs were a very new concept and most bloggers were familiar with one another and could link their websites together with code built into their pages. Web developers who hand-coded their websites both designed and wrote the content of most blogs. In 1999, free weblog-creation software programs, which were easier to use and did not require users to write HTML code, became available to the public online and blogging grew in popularity. In August 1999, the invention of Blogger was introduced online and was quickly embraced. The Blogger program provides templates and designs for any user to create a unique look just for their blog. By October 2000, 300 new blogs were created each day on Blogger, and 5,500 blog owners were registered. In November 2000, 10,000 blogs were reported active on Blogger, and by 2002; over 750,000 users were listed with Blogger.[2]
Click the photo grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Individuality 1 by Rosemary Pierce-Lackey, Organic Double-Chocolate Pecan Brownies by Vanilla Bean Organic Bake Shop, 2 Plus 1 Woods necklace by i.heart.mies, Gone Fishing cotton tote by Yunny)
In 1998, blogs were a very new concept and most bloggers were familiar with one another and could link their websites together with code built into their pages. Web developers who hand-coded their websites both designed and wrote the content of most blogs. In 1999, free weblog-creation software programs, which were easier to use and did not require users to write HTML code, became available to the public online and blogging grew in popularity. In August 1999, the invention of Blogger was introduced online and was quickly embraced. The Blogger program provides templates and designs for any user to create a unique look just for their blog. By October 2000, 300 new blogs were created each day on Blogger, and 5,500 blog owners were registered. In November 2000, 10,000 blogs were reported active on Blogger, and by 2002; over 750,000 users were listed with Blogger.[2]
Click the photo grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Individuality 1 by Rosemary Pierce-Lackey, Organic Double-Chocolate Pecan Brownies by Vanilla Bean Organic Bake Shop, 2 Plus 1 Woods necklace by i.heart.mies, Gone Fishing cotton tote by Yunny)
How can blogging benefit a business?
In addition to decent ideas, great product, visibility and a well-trained people you need good marketing, great customer relations, support, and other factors to succeed. Until blogging, the most common wisdom was that press coverage was the most credible way to reinforce the company image, product and reputation. Press coverage can be expensive and often receives negative or inaccurate feedback.
Click the photo grid for a larger view
l 2 r: Gold Bangle Bracelet by Metals Girl, Mid Century Slipper Chair from Lunar Lounge Design, Gray & Ochre screen print notes by Michelle Brusegaard, 50's Glam Flapper Dress from Cherry Pick Vintage
Any company that has something to say that will add value to what their core product is should look at blogging as a new marketing tool. Blogging provides direct access for businesspeople to get their message directly to their target audience and to receive their feedback.
This post is part two of a series. Please continue the journey with us in the next installment!
The photos displayed in this post represent items sold by our talented fellow small business owners, in their online Etsy stores. Please click on their links to browse their shops for quality handmade and vintage goods.
[1] "Ask Yahoo!." Ask Yahoo!. 15, December 2002. Yahoo! Inc.. 26 May 2008
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved. do not use my writing or photographs without my permission. contact me HERE for info and permissions...thanks!
Friday, September 5, 2008
POE Street Team - Sketch 1
Please click on the photo box to enjoy a much larger view!
All of the photos displayed in this sketch were created by the fabulous artists of the POE Street Team. For more info on these and many more fine art photography please visit Etsy.com and remember to use the word: "POE"--thanks so much!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Blogging: The Low Cost, High Return Business Marketing Tool - Part 1: The Power of Communication
“What we’ve got here is…failure to communicate.” ~Captain, Cool Hand Luke
Today’s consumers crave human contact. We’re tired of voicemail with its menus full of options that don’t offer us solutions. The deluge of professionally prepared information that is intended more for influence our decisions more than to provide us with answers to our questions or speak to our concerns. Mechanical voices try to assure us that our calls are important but the humans that record the voices don’t answer those calls.
Click the grid for a larger view
The humans we are able to reach are often barely able to speak our native language and they read responses off of a script. Buyers distrust corporations because of a lack of connection. Headlines tell us tales of corporate abuse, ethical scandal and illegal conduct. Companies are seen as monoliths without souls, run by slick lawyers and crooked accountants calling the shots and keeping their drone-like employees in line. Many people have a negative view of marketing. A suspicion has built that there is no human behind the refined language of a press release or advertisement. Consumers have built up their mental filters, purchase technology such as TiVo, and use spam filters to evade marketing messages.
Click the grid for a larger view
(l 2 r: Code Green tee, Binary Winter, Robot Notecards, Creative Apples)
Into this atmosphere of distrust comes the culture of blogging. Blogging brings interaction, it’s informal, it allows for typos, grammatical error, and the occasional forbidden word. Real people write Blogs and they allow discussions to begin with real customers who want to talk back. Blogs permit participants to move from one topic into another and back again. Bloggers feel free to interrupt one another to ask questions, make suggestions and challenge arguments.
.
Today’s consumers crave human contact. We’re tired of voicemail with its menus full of options that don’t offer us solutions. The deluge of professionally prepared information that is intended more for influence our decisions more than to provide us with answers to our questions or speak to our concerns. Mechanical voices try to assure us that our calls are important but the humans that record the voices don’t answer those calls.
Click the grid for a larger view
(l 2 r: Incomplete - fine art photo, AliciaBockPhotography, You Don't Say original painting, Hilarie Galleries)
The humans we are able to reach are often barely able to speak our native language and they read responses off of a script. Buyers distrust corporations because of a lack of connection. Headlines tell us tales of corporate abuse, ethical scandal and illegal conduct. Companies are seen as monoliths without souls, run by slick lawyers and crooked accountants calling the shots and keeping their drone-like employees in line. Many people have a negative view of marketing. A suspicion has built that there is no human behind the refined language of a press release or advertisement. Consumers have built up their mental filters, purchase technology such as TiVo, and use spam filters to evade marketing messages.
Click the grid for a larger view
(l 2 r: Code Green tee, Binary Winter, Robot Notecards, Creative Apples)
Into this atmosphere of distrust comes the culture of blogging. Blogging brings interaction, it’s informal, it allows for typos, grammatical error, and the occasional forbidden word. Real people write Blogs and they allow discussions to begin with real customers who want to talk back. Blogs permit participants to move from one topic into another and back again. Bloggers feel free to interrupt one another to ask questions, make suggestions and challenge arguments.
A recent American Express survey found that only 5 percent of businesses with fewer than 100 employees have blogs.[1]
This post is part one of a series. In spring of 2008 I completed a marketing class as a requirement for my degree program. My final project was a 20-page research paper and I chose the subject, "Use of blogs as a marketing tool". This series will contain pieces from that paper. My hope is simply to inspire those, like us, with small and micro businesses, in their blogging (and marketing) endeavors.So why should you care about this information? Simply put, because it could affect your business in a very positive way!
This post is part of a marketing series. Please see my archives for parts two through eight.
The photos displayed in this post represent items sold by our talented fellow small business owners, in their online Etsy shops. Please visit their shops to view other terrific handmade items.
[1] Alboher, Marci. "Small Business: Blogging's a Low-Cost, High Return Marketing Tool." [Weblog newyorktimes.com] 27, Dec 2007. The New York Times. 26 May 2008Cartoon courtesey of toothpaste for dinner, copyright 3.07.
copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved. do not use my writing or photographs without my permission. Contact me HERE for info and permissions...thanks!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
POE Street Team - Practicing the art of stopping time
We just joined this group of fine art photographers (more than 400 members and growing every day!) last week and we're so glad that we did! The common threads among us are our cameras, our love of photography and our small business shops on Etsy.com.
(in order from top left corner, left to right)
Treelight - DarrylGlade
Lakeview New Orleans - briannolan
Day Break on Jeckyll - fotojo
The Floor of Heaven - ConstellationPhoto
Morning Mist - JulieMagersSoulen
Cape St. George Lighthouse - danieldempster
Lakeview New Orleans - briannolan
Day Break on Jeckyll - fotojo
The Floor of Heaven - ConstellationPhoto
Morning Mist - JulieMagersSoulen
Cape St. George Lighthouse - danieldempster
With a wide variety of backgrounds, use of techniques and subject matter anyone can find something to fall in love with from the shops of these talented people from all around the globe!
(from left to right)
Eiffel Tower Print 1 - thrivestyle
waiting for xmas - nagajna
Late Afternoon on a Gondola in Venice, Italy - photosbykpricola
waiting for xmas - nagajna
Late Afternoon on a Gondola in Venice, Italy - photosbykpricola
(from left to right)
Please visit the Photographers of Etsy (POE) Street Team blog for more info and find POE photography shops on Etsy.com and remember to use the keyword: "POE"!
(from left to right)
The Cupcakes - lesophie
Taste of Summer no. 4 - ZenZprint
A Pea in a Pod - saranorris
(from left to right)
(in order, left to right, top to bottom)
Curved Fronted Building – whittamore
Sheet Metal – curioush
Cracked Flat Iron – houseofsixcats
Black and White Art – ANiemanPhotography
Monterey Canning Co. – mystiqueisland
Elevation – artinmind
Garage – honeytree
Union Station Black and White – wildcatphotography
Southern Buildings – AriaImages
Savannah Barber Shop – poofny
Bldg. 6 Barn Door – brownrose
Portland Sign – pfeifferphotos
Sheet Metal – curioush
Cracked Flat Iron – houseofsixcats
Black and White Art – ANiemanPhotography
Monterey Canning Co. – mystiqueisland
Elevation – artinmind
Garage – honeytree
Union Station Black and White – wildcatphotography
Southern Buildings – AriaImages
Savannah Barber Shop – poofny
Bldg. 6 Barn Door – brownrose
Portland Sign – pfeifferphotos
The photos displayed in this post represent items sold by our talented fellow small business owners, in their online Etsy shops. Please click on their links to view other terrific handmade items...and thanks very much!
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