January 27th, 2012
Long departed are the days of a technology sphere created, marketed, and driven by males. Sure, they still claim their fair share of the market, but the undeniable truth is this: women have become true tech warriors; the driving force behind a world of innovation and engagement. Aileen Lee, a partner at the venue-capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers puts it clearly when she says “Female users are the unsung heroines behind the most engaging, fastest growing and most valuable consumer internet and e-commerce companies. Especially when it comes to social and shopping, women rule the internet.”
Women are adopting mobile technology like smartphones quickly and driving trends like mobile video viewing and mobile payments. It makes sense. Consider purchasing power. It’s no secret that women control or have a say in 80% or more of all household purchases. Just how much does that amount to each year? Try a paltry $5 trillion, or half of the nation’s GDP. That’s an audience no marketer can afford to ignore.
Another common trait shared by women across the board? Engagement. Since the dawn of time, they’ve generally been stronger communicators; a trend felt no less in the tech world. They talk more and text more, 28% and 14% respectively, according to Nielson data. They also use more social features on their mobile devices, like SMS, MMS, and social networking. Women spend more time on fewer sites than men, and visit more social and community sites. This is especially significant when considering the popularity of immediate online and social discussion during real time events.
Media usage across the charts demonstrates that women are just as involved and influential in the technology sphere as their male counterparts. Mobile phones, laptops, tablets…women have integrated them into their daily lives, shaping the way we communicate, learn, and grow. For every tech savvy man, he’s got a female equivalent challenging him to keep up.
Tags: technology
Posted in Business, Buzzing About | No Comments »
January 6th, 2012
As the New Year begins, it seems that our purses, pockets and personal space have become increasingly infiltrated with the latest and greatest in tech gadgetry. A smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, an iPod, a handheld camera and a digital camera all fall into my rotation of regular use. And I can say the same for the pockets and purses of my family, friends, and colleagues. We’re loaded down Inspector Gadget-style, waiting like hungry lions for the latest news story, app, or social media update.
Which is why it looks like 2012’s focus will be on content, commerce, and advertising to consumers on whichever device they happen to be scanning. Interesting tidbit? Apple has finally lost its hold on the U.S. smartphone market, with Google’s Android software now running on nearly 50% of all smartphones in the country. And according to Advertising Age’s January 2, 2012 issue, “this year could also see regulators green-light Google’s $12.5 billion acquisition of handset-maker Motorola, which would take the online-ad giant even deeper into the phone market.” Also in the works? A deal between Microsoft and Nokia, which will create the third mobile platform to compete with the current industry titans.
But what about the trusty boob tube? There’s nothing quite like it, right? Not exactly. Networks and advertisers are onto the fact that we’re cheating on the TV set with our mobile devices, so they’ll of course find their places on the second screen to complement television shows and advertising. Another blur between mobile and TV? Verizon’s nearly $4 billion deal with cable companies such as Comcast, Time Warner and Cox. This will lead to comprehensive media bundles for consumers, who will likely start to see TV, phone and internet services all on one bill.
We’ve got the devices, so it only makes sense that the landscape of mobile technology will begin to shift in new and different directions. Watch for innovative advertising, big bundles, and a whole new playing field in the 2012 mobile realm!
*Information from Advertising Age, January 2nd, 2012
Posted in Business, Buzzing About, Life at Midwest Marketing | No Comments »
December 2nd, 2011
In today’s technology age, you know how important it is to engage your audience with material that is relevant, interesting, and customized to your business. The tricky part is not the goal, but deciding how you’re going to get there. Video is quickly becoming one of the most widely traveled avenues to facilitate interaction, engagement, and some good old fashioned fun.
It makes sense. As visual creatures, watching a video is simple, entertaining, and often times more informative than boring your audience with dry text. But what kind of video do you produce? There are several options available; one that we have found immensely useful comes in the form of a handheld camera.
These videos are incredibly simple to shoot, edit, and upload. The handheld nature results in a raw, organic feel, while HD capability maintains the video’s quality. Plus, portability makes it easy to take along on a job site, trip, or in the office and ideal for capturing spur of the moment events. A quirky interview with staff members or an on-site project video would be well suited for a handheld camera.
What’s that, you say? You’ve got a nephew who could just as well shoot video for your business? You may think your relative will make a great video editor, or have every intention of shooting videos yourself. The truth is, shooting, editing, and uploading videos takes more time and skill than most realize. At Midwest Marketing, we have a full service digital and production department who will shoot and edit your video to deliver your desired message in a professional manner. We are trained in deciding what types of video and content work best in various situations, and can take care of video uploads and management so you don’t have to spend hours each week doing so.
By the year 2014, 77% of all Internet users will watch online videos. Oh, and then there’s that tiny tidbit about the 2 billion videos viewed each day on YouTube. Stay abreast of the technology curve, and make sure your business has an effective presence where it matters most with the help of Midwest Marketing.
Lights…Camera…Action!
Tags: advertising south dakota, midwest marketing rapid city south dakota, online video management, youtube videos
Posted in Business, Buzzing About | No Comments »
October 14th, 2011
It goes without saying that the best parts of our jobs are the clients. Hands down. They’re unique, exciting, and the reason we come to work each morning. They’re also the basis for many questions and curiosity. One client whom we get asked about frequently is the Rapid City Rush. As the official marketing agency of the professional hockey team, there are a number of services we provide in order to achieve their marketing goals. (And we’d be lying if we didn’t admit that we have just a little bit of fun along the way.)
In working with the Rush, there are a whole gamut of projects that must be completed to keep seats filled and fans eager to cheer them on. Our sales staff work diligently placing media buys for the season on various TV and radio stations, helping with special events and promotions. We have also created and continue to maintain their website, www.rapidcityrush.com, which means there are continuous updates and changes that must be made. Our graphic design department stays busy printing various materials and designing everything from season ticket books to website images to “lockers” on the Suite doors!
"Lockers" on the Suite doors!
Our Production Department is assigned with the task of creating fun and engaging advertisements for the Rush. This includes television and radio commercials, which are produced on a weekly basis. Also produced are the opening videos played in the Ice Arena on game nights, player introduction videos, and a handful of spoofs that are shown during games.
Our relationship with the Rush allows us to exercise our creativity, overcome challenges that may arise, and work with one of the most exciting sports teams in the Midwest. Sales Consultant Megan Foster says “I enjoy working with the Rush because they trust me to spend their advertising dollars and take my marketing opinions and recommendations to heart.” Indeed, the Rush is not only a team of outstanding hockey players, but a client that brings a sense of accomplishment to our days.
This 2011-2012 season, be sure to come out and support the Rapid City Rush Pro Hockey Team, proudly represented by their friends at Midwest Marketing!
Posted in Business, Buzzing About, Our clients | No Comments »
August 26th, 2011
We’ve all done it – had a poor experience somewhere, then gone on to vent to friends and family about that crabby waitress or overbearing salesperson. Word of mouth travels like lightning, spreading your good or bad reputation before you’ve even had a chance to acknowledge its existence. Now imagine word of mouth, multiplied by 100. The good, the bad, and everything in between catalogued on a little phenomenon called the Internet. Your customers are constantly talking about you…are you part of the conversation?
For skeptics of the power of online review sites, here are a few stats:
- 84% of Americans say online customer evaluations have an influence on purchasing decisions.
- 67% of US consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
- Consumers are 20% more likely to do business with a company that has a 5-star rating over a 4-star rating.
Your online reputation matters and it’s become increasingly clear that it can have a weighty impact on business, both positive and negative. But don’t fear – you can, and should, play a part in any online dialogue pertaining to your business. Not sure where to begin? There are many ways that the professionals at Midwest Marketing can help!
Do you have a business profile set up on relevant review sites related to your industry? Does it contain the information that clients are searching for? Photos? Videos? Do you have a clear plan for obtaining positive reviews, and are you familiar with the laws that regulate this process? Are you compliant with review site regulations? Once reviews start pouring in, do you know how to handle the critical ones? These are all elements that the staff at Midwest Marketing can help you with.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” Don’t let one negative conversation wreak havoc on the reputation of your business. Be proactive, know your options, and stay ahead of the curve with online reputation management!
Posted in Business, Buzzing About | No Comments »
August 17th, 2011
We're watching you...
Things are about to get messy! The gals of Midwest Marketing are officially ditching their heels for hogs in a sight that may be less than pretty. Yes, you heard right. Come Tuesday, August 23rd, four of our lovely ladies are going to get down and dirty at the Central States Fair. While our jobs often entail air conditioned indoor activities in comfy desk chairs, we’re not afraid to get a little dirt under our nails, either. Pig wrestling champs beware; a new contender is in town this year!
The premise of the contest is simple (though we have the nagging feeling this may be one of those ‘easier said than done’ instances). Four teammates will climb into a pen filled with what appears to be approximately a foot of mud. Those four lucky gals will run, crawl, leap and lunge at a squirmy pig who wants nothing more than to avoid them like the plague. The goal is to detain the pig long enough to place it into a trough while the rest of us point, laugh, and work the video camera. Afterwards, we’re not sure…make your best attempt at collecting any sort of dignity that may be left amongst the muck and mud?
Will we be crowned reigning Pig Wrastlin’ Women? Who knows. What we do know is that the event will be much more entertaining if we’ve got a crowd there to support us. So find your bibs and your boots, and make your way to the Central States Fair on Tuesday, August 23rd for a hilarious, hog-filled evening!
Posted in Life at Midwest Marketing | No Comments »
July 22nd, 2011
With summer reaching its peak and the thermometer at a smoldering height of its own, it can only mean one thing – Sturgis Rally Week is upon us. Ah yes, that time of the year when our days are occupied by the burly rumble of hogs and our nights are filled with parties, music, and maybe that elusive celebrity encounter. Not a bad week, eh??
And to top it all off, Midwest Marketing remains devoted to assisting our clients to the fullest of our ability during this crazy time. Just like those Sturgis nights that somehow always end up in “overtime,” our printers will be working the same. During Rally Week, we are happy to offer 24-Hour Turnaround on print jobs. And as always, we are your go-to gals and guys for posters, flyers, business cards, banners, and anything else you can throw our way. For more detailed pricing information, give us a call at 716-5666.
Dig out your tube tops and chaps, because August 8th – 14th will be here faster than a Harley on I-90. Enjoy the smoldering pavement beneath your tires and a cool beverage in your hand, and as always, have a safe Sturgis Rally Week!
Posted in Business, Buzzing About, Life at Midwest Marketing | No Comments »
July 7th, 2011
Between uploading photos to Facebook and Flickr, crafting clever Tweets, browsing the latest YouTube sensation, staying current on LinkedIn and maybe even discreetly checking your MySpace account, it’s amazing anyone has time to bathe or prepare a decent meal these days.
Clear your schedule and stock up on Lean Cuisine, because the latest in social networking is on the horizon. It’s Google+, a new platform with a lofty emphasis on sharing, connecting, and instant uploads. But before you make exasperated declarations about reverting back to the days of land lines, have heart: a brief overview of the platform suggests a space that lends itself to functionality and some intriguing new features.
Google+ will enable its users to do a myriad of things, beginning with the creation of circles. The creators of Google+ believe that sharing content with an appropriate audience shouldn’t be a hassle. For instance, you could create separate circles for friends, family, and colleagues. That way your 92 year-old grandmother isn’t browsing through photos from last Saturday’s bar crawl. It’s one way that Google aims to simplify the sharing process. Next come Sparks. Sparks are videos and articles that the platform thinks you may be interested in based on your profile information. Then there are Hangouts, which appears to be a way to notify friends of your whereabouts to encourage the unplanned meet-up. On the mobile front, Google+ offers instant photo uploads and Huddle. Huddle turns several text message conversations into one group chat.
Sound pretty cool? You bet. We’ll have to sit tight though, because at this point Google+ has only been rolled out to a handful of individuals. Those people are able to send out 15 invites to friends, and so on. It’s Google’s way of working out the kinks before the platform takes off with the masses.
What do you think? Will you jump on the Google+ bandwagon once it rolls around? Or are you content keeping with the 750 million users who are already conveniently located on Facebook? Tell us in the comments.
Posted in Buzzing About, Social Media | No Comments »
June 17th, 2011
Ah, France. It’s given us so much…French Fries. French Toast. Brigitte Bardot. Surely they must appreciate some of our finer exports. What’s that you say? No? They’ve actually been trying to ban common English words from being uttered in their country? Well, then it probably comes as no shock that in recent weeks, they’ve announced a ban on the use of Facebook and Twitter on radio and television programs.
Citing a decree issued by the French government on March 27, 2002, the promotion of commercial enterprises on news programs is forbidden. This means news anchors are no longer allowed to ask viewers to follow them on the social media sites, or include news feeds or comments on air.
According to France’s Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel, however, the government is simply upholding its laws. CSA spokeswoman Christine Kelly says “Why give preference to Facebook, which is worth billions of dollars, when there are many other social networks that are struggling for recognition? This would be a distortion of competition. If we allow Facebook and Twitter to be cited on air, it’s opening a Pandora’s Box — other social networks will complain to us saying, ‘why not us?’”
Now, I in no way mean to berate the French. In fact, some of my relatives hail from the land of berets, cheese, and Napoleon. But I get the feeling that the utterance of the words “Facebook” and “Twitter” are somehow pushing the Anglicism threshold. Well France, stay true to your fromage, and we’ll keep our Zuckerberg baby. D’accord!
What do you think of France’s ban of Facebook and Twitter in the media?
Posted in Buzzing About, Social Media | No Comments »
May 27th, 2011
The time is upon us once again. Time for photos and cake, gifts and gowns. No, we’re not talking about wedding season here…we’re talking about graduation! The Black Hills are bustling with graduates who are finally seeing the benefits of their hard work, if only on a rectangular piece of paper for now. As they cross the stage, visions of the vast horizon before them are sure to appear…that, and plummeting like a ragdoll down those tedious steps.
And because all of us at Midwest Marketing have been in the gowns and down the stairs (we promise, they’re not that steep), we’d like to offer a few tidbits of knowledge. We understand the emotions that come along with such an incredible achievement: feelings of happiness and pride, mixed with a little apprehension about the future. To put some of those nerves to rest, a few words of wisdom from the Midwest Marketing staff:
No matter where that twisting, turning path may lead you, work hard and stay focused. Dedication will always pay off. Do what you love, or do something else. Life is absolutely too short to waste on something that doesn’t inspire you to leap out of bed every morning.
For those heading off to the world of collegiate studies, it’s been suggested to stay in college as long as you can!! Ok, so you might be ready to move on after seven or eight years, but you never fully appreciate the experience until it has come and gone. Hoping to avoid that infamous Freshman 15? DON’T keep snacks in your dorm room…Cooler Ranch Doritos may seem like a splendid idea at 1:00 in the morning, but when you can’t hoist your jeans past your knees, you’ll regret it. And save, save, SAVE all the money you can this summer! You (and your parents) will greatly appreciate it when March rolls around and your checking account resembles the profits of a lemonade stand.
Lastly, know that it’s not what you don’t know that kills you, it’s what you do know but don’t do that kills you. Now give yourself a slap on the back and take a few minutes to appreciate just how far you’ve come. Graduation marks the turning of a page; the dawning of a new day. Go chase all those big dreams, and when you’re contemplating sleeping through that 9 AM art history class, remember what a very wise person once said: “Yes, the lectures are optional. So is graduation.”
Posted in Buzzing About, Life at Midwest Marketing | No Comments »
