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Archive for the ‘Online Marketing’ Category

The Importance of Calls to Action

Posted on by Michelle Garrigo

Your pay-per-click campaign and search engine optimization efforts have paid off; you’re finally getting lots of visitors to your website! Maybe your website design looks fantastic, but no one seems to be buying. What’s up with that?

Our question to you is…have you told them what to do? No seriously, have you? After your visitors have finished reading your “About” and “Product/Services” pages, what are they supposed to do? You have to tell them! This is where the importance of calls to action comes in.

A call to action gives clear instructions to visitors about what they need to do next. It should be simple and visible on every single page of your website. So, what is your call to action? Every website has different objectives because every business has specific goals they want to achieve through their website. It may be getting visitors to make a purchase online, sign up for an email newsletter subscription or book an online reservation.

However, not all calls to action need to lead to a sale. It may just as easily be having a visitor request more information. Check-out our October 17 Media calls to action:

As well, there is no rule that your call to action needs to be at the very bottom of your pages. You may want to have a call to action on the high right side of your page. This has become a trend in recent years and website visitors may be familiar with this placement. Here are some other tips you can follow:

  • Use active language such as “learn”, “place”, “add”, “submit” and “get”.
  • Encourage users to complete a call to action with an incentive. For example, offer a free trial.
  • Remove any risk that may be associated with visitors completing your call to action. Clearly state your privacy or return policy.

Thinking about reviewing your site to see if you’ve got your calls to action in the best places? We’ve got your answers! Feel free to give us a call or send us an email!

Toyota Canada uses social media to build-up their reputation

Posted on by Michelle Garrigo

Many organizations and companies work tirelessly to be recognized as a trusted brand. In this year’s “Canada’s Most Trusted Brands” report, Toyota’s rank is the biggest riser on the 2011 list. After falling 86 spots with a reputation score of 38 to number 95 in 2010, Toyota has climbed to rank 41 with a reputation score of 60.2.

How did Toyota accomplish this difficult task? They turned to their online presence and more importantly to social media! In a recent interview done by Marketing magazine, Toyota Canada’s managing director, Stephen Beatty gave the inside scoop on how social media, blogs and the company’s website played a crucial role to build Toyota’s reputation up again. Toyota knew their website was the central point of communication, where they provided details about their vehicles and videos on their systems, but what Toyota also quickly realized was their weak social media presence. Toyota noticed how their customers were talking about their experiences and defending the brand, but the company itself was missing from this interaction.

To encourage even more stories about what Toyota has meant in the lives of people and to be a part of their online community, Toyota re-launched their Facebook and Twitter with their “No. 1 Fan” contest. With 23,126 people currently liking their Facebook page and their success of building their online presence and brand through social media, Toyota definitely does not plan on stopping to communicate to its customer and others through this medium.

Social media activities can have a big impact on your company’s reputation and brand, Toyota Canada’s story proves it! If you need help establishing your social media presence, give us a call or send us an email! We are here to help!

Twitter launches their new Follow Button

Posted on by Michelle Garrigo

Twitter has launched their official new “Follow Button” for websites! With a single click users are now able to follow your Twitter account right from your personal homepage or website where the button is installed.

Previously, a web visitor would have to leave your site for Twitter.com to start following you, but not anymore! Users won’t have to go to your Twitter profile any longer. Instead you can keep them on your website where they belong! This new tool is a great way to increase new Twitter followers right from your own website. Visitors are still able to preview profiles before choosing to follow a Twitter account, they just have to click the username next to the button.

Twitter’s Brian Ellin explains, “For publishers and brands, adding the “Follow Button” to your website and using Twitter to stay connected with your audience is a powerful combination. People who follow your account are much more likely to retweet and engage with your Tweets, and to repeatedly visit your website.” Who doesn’t want that?

You are able to add this new Twitter Button by visiting Twitter’s Follow Button Configuration Page. Be sure the placement of your Facebook Button is user-friendly. If you need any help setting-up and customizing your Twitter Profile, you can give us a call or send us an email! We welcome all your questions!

Like me on Facebook!

Posted on by Katie Turvill

Like Me On Facebook, the ebook

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October 17 Media recently launched our very first E-book, Like me on Facebook! Written by partners, Tamara Brooks and Brenda Cadman, this book offers a do it yourself guide to creating and maintaining effective Facebook Pages for small businesses.

Facebook is becoming a popular outlet for companies to reach their customers so it is very important for businesses to fully understand what they are getting into before jumping straight into Facebook. And you thought we already had too many skills, now we are writing books too! :)

Ready to dive in? This guide is very simple to understand and details the step by step process behind building and marketing an effective Facebook Page. Not tech savvy? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered; the guide was written with everyone in mind, from computer rookies to experts.

The e-book is also useful for those of you who have already created your Facebook Page and now just don’t know what to do with it. There are so many different apps and tools that can be integrated into Facebook Pages these days that is important to know which ones are smart for your business, and how to use them properly.

Topics Include:

  • Introduction
  • Importing Your Twitter Feeds
  • Facebook Pages vs. Groups
  • Importing Your Blog Feeds
  • Setting Up an Account
  • Profile Photos
  • Creating a Custom Facebook URL
  • Status Updates
  • Adding Page Admins
  • Videos
  • Info Tab
  • Contests
  • Photos Tab
  • Facebook Places
  • Wall Photos
  • Facebook Deals
  • Photo Albums
  • Sponsored Stories
  • Discussions Tab
  • Polls
  • Reviews Tab
  • Custom Tabs
  • Events Tab
  • Promoting your Facebook Page

Where can you find this amazing book of knowledge? Well that’s simple; the first 5 people to comment on this post are going to receive a free (yup free) copy of the E-book. If you were not lucky enough to see this post in time, then not to worry as you can purchase your copy on our website.

Read the book and loved it? Let us know if it helped you or if you are looking for more personalized assistance with Facebook, give us a call and set up your social media consultation with our experts!

Get Connected With QR Codes

Posted on by Michelle Garrigo

Starbucks SRCH QR Code

A QR code (short for Quick Response) is a specific matrix barcode or a two-dimensional code that can hold thousands of alphanumeric characters of information. Often it features a URL that directs users to a site where they can learn more about the object or place. Dedicated QR barcode readers and mobile devices equipped with cameras can interpret these codes.

Popular in Japan and some European countries, QR codes are not new. This technology has been around since 1994, but it is becoming an increasing trend in North America. These codes can be found just about anywhere, such as on: product labels, billboards, buildings, newspapers, magazines, clothing and more.

Yesterday, Starbucks launched its “SRCH by Starbucks featuring Lady Gaga” campaign and they are definitely capitalizing on QR codes. Creating a QR code scavenger hunt for Lady Gaga-related prizes, fans can scan the codes on Starbucks banners and other material to receive digital clues and follow the hunt!

For Starbucks, the QR code initiative is to build stronger relationships with their most engaged customers. SRCH was also implemented to generate awareness and sales on the brand’s Frappuccino for the summer.

The future of QR codes is limitless! You can seamlessly incorporate it into your social media! Have you spotted Starbucks QR codes? Do you want a QR code to link to your website? Don’t forget to have a mobile friendly page.  If you need help with executing your QR codes, we are here to help!

October 17 Media specializes in website development, paid search advertising, social media and viral marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and email marketing.