April 23rd, 2009

Is A T-Shirt Enough!?!

‘What’s the right draw, the right quantity, the right prize?’ Difficult decisions in planning is one of the most complicated parts of a promotion, however it’s often an afterthought in many promotions. People don’t enter promotions to win just a T-shirt, think about who your customers are and what excites them about your brand. Historically cash, trips, and cars were the most popular prizes in the promotional world. But they are getting slowly edged out by experiential and practical prizes.

For example, if you’re a sports company and can leverage athlete relationships, a trip to meet a famous athlete would be the best choice for your prize. It’s also important to not overload your prize structure with giving away too much. Continue Reading…

April 9th, 2009

The DO’s and DO NOT’s when creating an advergame

As with all promotions, there are do’s and do not’s that companies should follow. When it comes to advergames……..

1) Don’t make it look like an ad - over marketing your message in the game will drive participants away.
2) Do offer virtual options to share the game with others.
3) Don’t place “roadblocks” in front of a game. Pitch a message at the end - you’ll get a better response. Continue Reading…

March 23rd, 2009

Damn you Ed McMahon! Some thoughts on winner trust and passed-upon prizes

Pssst! Hey you: want a 52″ LCD TV? we’ve got three of them that we’re aching to give away. How about an iPod Nano? Color printer? Weekend trip to a Division 1 College Game (complete with tailgate experience)? There’s a closetful of prizes that we cannot give away simply because people won’t respond to our winner notifications - whether it comes by phone, snail-mail or email. Continue Reading…

March 3rd, 2009

Promotions Drive Results

Promotions Drive Results

Did you know that running a promotion can help sell your product. Promotions allow a Sponsor to receive valuable information from consumers in exchange for a chance to win. It’s a win-win for everyone…

Continue Reading…

February 13th, 2009

A Chocolate-Lover’s Dream

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Godiva has created a chocolate paradise suite in Manhattan on the 21st floor of the Bryant Park Hotel. Renowned interior designer Jonathan Adler lent his skills Continue Reading…

January 26th, 2009

New Technology: NeoReader

In the grand tradition of UPC codes, ScanBuy/ScanLife & the NeoReader application from NeoMedia Technologies are attempting to barcode the world. Their mission: to allow companies and individuals to place small barcodes on their marketing materials that are readable by over 70 phone models including an upcoming application for the iPhone. Continue Reading…

January 15th, 2009

Why New Media Is Killing the Newspaper Business

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When was the last time you read a printed newspaper?  If today, you are in the minority.  In fact, newspaper readership is dropping faster than a lead balloon.  Gordon Crovitz, Former Publisher of The Wall Street Journal, said during a May 2008 Media conference, “readership is currently linked to age”.  In other words, 70% of 80 year olds, 50% of 50 year olds, 25% of 25 year olds read a paper daily.  The most staggering part of that equation is the younger you are, the less likely you are reading papers – not a good sign for the publishers.  In fact, the Washington Post recently reported its first loss in 37 years. Continue Reading…

January 15th, 2009

Sony to Pay $1 Million to Settle COPPA Case

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There’s a big price to pay if you do not comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”)……

Sony BMG Music Entertainment will pay $1 million to help settle Federal Trade Commission(”FTC”) charges that it violated COPPA by allegedly collecting, maintaining and disclosing personal information from thousands of children under the age of 13 without their parents’ consent. Continue Reading…

January 15th, 2009

What’s in a name?

A brand or company’s identity could be anything from a name, phrase or slogan to a logo or image. I know, to you marketing folks this is nothing new.  But to many, it is big news.  Due to the potential consequences, it’s always a good refresher topic. Continue Reading…