The Best Time to Send Emails

Here’s a link to great infographic by Pure360 on the best times to send email blasts.

http://emailmarketing.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83452a5d869e2015434cf6844970c-pi

Note the best time for B2B offers is 5-7pm when folks are working late.   We’ll be testing this theory over the next few months and will post results here on this blog.

Google Places Takes On New Interface, Becomes Google+ Local

A few months ago, Google subtly transferred all Google Places profiles into Google+ Local business pages, integrating business listings with Google’s newest social networking platform. The transformation of Google Places to Google+ Local comes as an attempt to make local search a more social process. If you have a Google+ profile, Google will give preference to search results that include reviews and photos added by people in your circles.

Aside from the new social aspect of Google+ Local, these business pages remain a fundamentally important tactic in online marketing efforts. If you still have not dealt with this change, the time to do so is now.

While all of your business information should have seamlessly transferred from your old Places listing to the new Google+ Local platform, some issues occasionally arise. Everyone should take the time to search for their business’ profile and make sure all of the information is up-to-date, that the map shows the correct location of your business, and that all reviews have been transferred correctly.

The new Google+ Local page layout offers the ability to customize your page with more photos and videos, which can be prominently displayed at the top of the page. The old 5-star rating system has also been revamped, as a new 30-point Zagat rating scale has been implemented in its place.

Each time Google makes an unexpected change affecting its interface or usability, there are sure to be strong feelings on the matter, both positive and negative. Whatever your stance on these latest changes to Google Places, we strongly recommend that you spend a few minutes optimizing your new profile to ensure that your business is visible and attractive to local searchers. As the local search environment becomes increasingly social, Google+ Local will be a key component to your local marketing efforts. The few minutes it may take to ensure your page is in order may prove to be the difference in winning the business of local customers over your competitors.

To learn more about the latest in SEO best practices, consult a Michigan marketing firm. Visit our blog, or contact Clarity Quest today at 877-887-7611. Request a quote.

3 Benefits of Geolocation for Marketers

Marketers are constantly trying to figure out the best ways to target the right customers, at the right time, in the right location. With geolocation software, marketers can be assured that their marketing communications efforts are reaching the subset of consumers that is most likely to turn into paying customers. With geolocation software, marketers can:

Target consumers in relevant locations – By knowing the physical location of potential customers, marketers can more effectively reach out to local consumers. This assures that marketing messages are more strategically targeted to those who are in a position to make a purchase.Show different content to different people – If, for example, your business operates in multiple cities, geolocation software can assist your marketing efforts by displaying the appropriate messaging to people in each location. This helps to decrease the amount of wasted advertising shown to those outside your service areas.Even reach mobile users effectively – Due to slow connection speeds and data usage limitations, about 80% of mobile web users opt to connect their device to WiFi, meaning geolocation can accurately target mobile web traffic as well.

In addition to geolocation being a beneficial tool for marketers, consumers should also be excited about this developing technology. For consumers, geolocation means an increase in relevant advertisements and a reduction of spam, all while maintaining personal privacy.

When It Comes to Messaging – Plan First, Write Later

All too often companies, especially technology companies, dive right into writing copy for websites, collateral and press releases.  This very tactical approach often leads to numerous re-writes and inconsistent positioning because different writers emphasize different points, themes and value propositions.

I strongly recommend having a technology marketing agency create messaging for your company and all products and services.  The messaging document should contain:

25, 50 and 100-word overview statementsFull description (3-5 paragraphs)Role-based message based on the titles in companies you are targetingA press release boilerplate5-6 value propositions (we call them messaging pillars)Content for your website’s homepage & main landing pageMedia talking points

With the elements above, you’ll have a great foundation on which to base all marketing communication efforts.

ArborMetrix Trade Show Booth

ArborMetrix is a healthcare analytics and software firm in Ann Arbor Michigan specializing in measurement of hospital and specialty-based care.

Attending their first trade show ever, ArborMetrix approached Clarity Quest to design podium and banner stand graphics. We combined healthcare and data analytics visuals to create an engaging and informative backdrop for their booth space.