Newsflash....
Cal Net Technology Group Receives Microsoft Award
Article Summary:
Cal Net Technology Group Awarded Microsoft's Southern California Marketing Excellence Award — Cal Net Technology Group (www.CalNetTech.com), a Southern California-based I.T. consulting and computer support services company, has been awarded Microsoft's Southern California Marketing Excellence Award for their involvement in an exclusive technology roundtable session.
###
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Reaching Your Target Audience Through Video
Let's start off with a few facts from the Cynopsis Digital Newsletter:
Posting to Video Sharing Sites: YouTube is a smash hit and can make literally anyone famous. The video doesn't have to be of great quality; you can even shoot it with your phone. All you have to do is upload it to your account and then you can begin embedding it into your blog and sharing the link with other people. Be sure to tag the video with various keywords, that way random visitors to YouTube can stumble upon your video. You might even go viral!
Vlogging: Video logs are quickly becoming more and more popular. This sometimes starts by creating an account on YouTube or Vimeo (or both) and then embedding the videos into your blog posts. The advantage with vlogs is that you can add accompanying text in the post, which will also help with Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Vodcasting: Similar to a podcast, but with actual video not just audio. Vodcasts are typically done in a series or have a common theme and are released through either iTunes or can be subscribed to via RSS. You can do a how-to series or something fun, such as an "Around the Office" series.
Hold a Contest: You can always ask your customers to create videos for you by holding some sort of contest. Winners get a prize and you get to showcase the videos they made for you on your site. These have an increased chance of going viral because they're made by the average person rather than by the business itself.
Good luck and be creative! You'll be surprised how much fun you have with these.
- The number of American users frequenting online video destinations has climbed 339% since 2003
- Time spent on video sites has shot up almost 2,000 percent over the same period
- In the last year alone, unique viewers of online video grew 10%, the number of streams grew 41%, streams per user grew 27% and total minutes engaged with online video grew 71%
- In the last year alone, time spent on social networking sites has surged 73%
- In February, social network usage exceeded Web-based e-mail usage for the first time
Posting to Video Sharing Sites: YouTube is a smash hit and can make literally anyone famous. The video doesn't have to be of great quality; you can even shoot it with your phone. All you have to do is upload it to your account and then you can begin embedding it into your blog and sharing the link with other people. Be sure to tag the video with various keywords, that way random visitors to YouTube can stumble upon your video. You might even go viral!
Vlogging: Video logs are quickly becoming more and more popular. This sometimes starts by creating an account on YouTube or Vimeo (or both) and then embedding the videos into your blog posts. The advantage with vlogs is that you can add accompanying text in the post, which will also help with Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Vodcasting: Similar to a podcast, but with actual video not just audio. Vodcasts are typically done in a series or have a common theme and are released through either iTunes or can be subscribed to via RSS. You can do a how-to series or something fun, such as an "Around the Office" series.
Hold a Contest: You can always ask your customers to create videos for you by holding some sort of contest. Winners get a prize and you get to showcase the videos they made for you on your site. These have an increased chance of going viral because they're made by the average person rather than by the business itself.
Good luck and be creative! You'll be surprised how much fun you have with these.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
New Media Public Relations
New media hasn't simply changed the rules of marketing, but also of communications or public relations. Companies and businesses alike have always scrambled to buy not only their customers attention, but the media's attention as well. Well folks, things have changed. You don't need to buy anyone's attention anymore. And you definitely don't need to hold off on writing any press releases until something "news worthy" happens. You can spin practically anything into news. The following are a few things you should keep in mind when engaging in new media communications:
Bloggers Are Part of the Media
In fact, a lot of people trust bloggers more than they do traditional media outlets (i.e. newspaper, broadcast news). They do have a major influence. Therefore, it's just as important to pitch your press releases to these people as it is to actual publications.
Consumers Read Press Releases Too
By distributing your press releases through the web via various distribution services (i.e. PitchEngine, IdeaMarketers) or posting it on your company blog, your allowing for potentially anyone to pick up your article and post it on their blog or site. Therefore, you want to ensure that your press releases are written in a language that anyone, even the average consumer, can understand. You may also want to create a "Press Room" or "Media Room" and post your press release there, so that anyone interested in learning more about your company can do so.
Press Releases Are Great for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
For those who don't know, SEO is just a fancy term for actually ranking on the first page of search engines. Press releases are one way of accomplishing this. Again, by distributing your article, posting it in your blog and/or "Press Room," you're planting seeds throughout the web that can then be picked up by search engines. The key is in writing press releases replete with keyword-rich copy. This doesn't mean repeating the same word every opportunity you get. But take a moment each time you're about to write a press release and consider what are the key phrases or words that are relevant to the release or your product/service that people might search for. Then strategically place them throughout the release in a way that makes sense and flows.
As important as it is to reach the media, the web and various social media platforms have now made it significantly easier to reach your buyers directly. This isn't to say that we no longer need the media, but that our methods in reaching people in general need to evolve.
Bloggers Are Part of the Media
In fact, a lot of people trust bloggers more than they do traditional media outlets (i.e. newspaper, broadcast news). They do have a major influence. Therefore, it's just as important to pitch your press releases to these people as it is to actual publications.
Consumers Read Press Releases Too
By distributing your press releases through the web via various distribution services (i.e. PitchEngine, IdeaMarketers) or posting it on your company blog, your allowing for potentially anyone to pick up your article and post it on their blog or site. Therefore, you want to ensure that your press releases are written in a language that anyone, even the average consumer, can understand. You may also want to create a "Press Room" or "Media Room" and post your press release there, so that anyone interested in learning more about your company can do so.
Press Releases Are Great for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
For those who don't know, SEO is just a fancy term for actually ranking on the first page of search engines. Press releases are one way of accomplishing this. Again, by distributing your article, posting it in your blog and/or "Press Room," you're planting seeds throughout the web that can then be picked up by search engines. The key is in writing press releases replete with keyword-rich copy. This doesn't mean repeating the same word every opportunity you get. But take a moment each time you're about to write a press release and consider what are the key phrases or words that are relevant to the release or your product/service that people might search for. Then strategically place them throughout the release in a way that makes sense and flows.
As important as it is to reach the media, the web and various social media platforms have now made it significantly easier to reach your buyers directly. This isn't to say that we no longer need the media, but that our methods in reaching people in general need to evolve.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Mutiny Pictures And Video Army Change The Direct Response Industry...For The Better!
Newsflash.....
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mutiny Pictures
And Video Army Form Alliance To Take Direct Response Marketing Online“With this partnership, clients will be able to infiltrate top rankings on search engines like Google, Yahoo!, Alta Vista, and Ask.com, as well as engage online communities on social networking sites such as You Tube, Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter,” remarked Michael Pierce, CEO of Mutiny Pictures. “Additionally, it gives our clients an opportunity to create short form Direct Response spots specifically for traditional TV shows being exhibited online.”
“In the new buying environment, a great majority of consumers are finding and purchasing products online. As consumers shift buying behavior, it is absolutely necessary that brands be visible online through mediums such as video, podcasts, and other forms of new media,” added Erik Craighead, Founder of Video Army.
Over the next several months, Mutiny Pictures and Video Army will launch campaigns for companies from the medical industry (Promescent) to the fitness industry (Kettlebell Revolution).
About Mutiny Pictures
Mutiny Pictures (www.MutinyPictures.net) is a turnkey production through post-production solution for film, television, commercials and title sequence needs. The company offers a unique pairing of experienced directors and high-end visual effects and post production. Clients include J. Walter Thompson, McCann Erickson, ABC, Sony BMG and Universal Music Group. Giant Steps, the company’s strategic partner visual effects arm which specializes in 2D & 3D work, has served clients including T-Mobile, GM, Lexus, BBDO, Team One, David and Goliath, and DDB.
About Video Army
Video Army LLC (www.VideoArmy.tv) specializes in video-focused strategic internet marketing services, establishing, optimizing and managing client’s online communities to strengthen the consumer-brand relationships. Clients include Gatorade, Hollywood Tans, Christie’s Great Estates, Audiolife and Livity International.
###
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Generating Buzz Using Web 2.0 and New Media
Let's face it: the rules have changed. The ball is no longer in your court. The consumer is in charge and it is your job to attract their attention. In other words, get the ball back in your court! But just how does one grab their audience's attention? The answer is: by generating buzz. This means getting your consumers to actually talk about you and spread your message/product/service via Word of Mouth (WOM).
WOM is the best thing that can happen to your business or company, but it has to happen almost naturally. Don't expect to pay a couple of people to go out into forums or social networks and talk about you. You will be surprised how quickly inauthentic WOM is identified and that is the last thing you want associated with your brand.
With the rise of social media and various web 2.o applications, it has become increasingly easier to spread ideas WOM and generate buzz--potentially going "viral." The following are 3 simple and popular methods of getting people to start talking about you in a positive way:
1. Create a Blog
Essentially, a corporate blog is a means for you to establish yourself as a thought leader--someone who actually understands the industry and what the consumer wants. It is not a tool for you to brag about your product/service, but as a way of developing relationships with your audience and getting them to trust you and talk about you. Click here for an example of a corporate blog.
2. Create a Video or Webinar
This is becoming an increasingly popular method with the rise of such online video platforms as YouTube. A webinar that is filled with great tips and information is a great way to generate buzz. If people like your ideas then they will share your video, which will be associated with your brand and can potentially lead to sales or lifelong customers. The same can be said about videos, except they can be slightly trickier. The trick is to actually remain authentic, while creating a video that is in line with your message but doesn't come off as an advertisement or commercial. Click here for examples of a few marketing webinars.
3. Create a Free E-Book
People love getting free things; even if it's a simple PDF file filled with valuable information. It means they don't have to go to the bookstore and pay up to $20 or more for a book. Plus, people expect free information on the Internet. This means not even asking them for an email address. Just give them what they want with a few clicks. In doing so, you are sending the message that your company isn't simply out to milk your customers for what they're worth, but actually care about providing them with useful resources--and free ones at that! Click here for an example of an e-book.
All 3 of these are built on one simple idea: building trust by providing free information. However, the most important criteria in anything you do aimed towards generating buzz is authenticity.
WOM is the best thing that can happen to your business or company, but it has to happen almost naturally. Don't expect to pay a couple of people to go out into forums or social networks and talk about you. You will be surprised how quickly inauthentic WOM is identified and that is the last thing you want associated with your brand.
With the rise of social media and various web 2.o applications, it has become increasingly easier to spread ideas WOM and generate buzz--potentially going "viral." The following are 3 simple and popular methods of getting people to start talking about you in a positive way:
1. Create a Blog
Essentially, a corporate blog is a means for you to establish yourself as a thought leader--someone who actually understands the industry and what the consumer wants. It is not a tool for you to brag about your product/service, but as a way of developing relationships with your audience and getting them to trust you and talk about you. Click here for an example of a corporate blog.
2. Create a Video or Webinar
This is becoming an increasingly popular method with the rise of such online video platforms as YouTube. A webinar that is filled with great tips and information is a great way to generate buzz. If people like your ideas then they will share your video, which will be associated with your brand and can potentially lead to sales or lifelong customers. The same can be said about videos, except they can be slightly trickier. The trick is to actually remain authentic, while creating a video that is in line with your message but doesn't come off as an advertisement or commercial. Click here for examples of a few marketing webinars.
3. Create a Free E-Book
People love getting free things; even if it's a simple PDF file filled with valuable information. It means they don't have to go to the bookstore and pay up to $20 or more for a book. Plus, people expect free information on the Internet. This means not even asking them for an email address. Just give them what they want with a few clicks. In doing so, you are sending the message that your company isn't simply out to milk your customers for what they're worth, but actually care about providing them with useful resources--and free ones at that! Click here for an example of an e-book.
All 3 of these are built on one simple idea: building trust by providing free information. However, the most important criteria in anything you do aimed towards generating buzz is authenticity.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Project Runway Alum Vincent Libretti Will Launch Webisode Series....
Newsflash....
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mutiny Pictures and Fashion Designer Vincent Libretti Go Off-Runway with Branded Content Webisode Series
Los Angeles-based film company Mutiny Pictures will partner with fashion designer and Project Runway alum Vincent Libretti for groundbreaking branded entertainment series
Los Angeles, CA (April 2009)- Mutiny Pictures (http://www.mutinypictures.net/), a Los Angeles-based film company specializing in online branded entertainment and webisode production, has announced a partnership with Project Runway alum Vincent Libretti. The partnership places Libretti front and center giving him creative input and freedom on the content while Mutiny Pictures focuses on production and sponsorship opportunities with major brands.
“This project (working title “Project Vincent”) represents the perfect branded entertainment opportunity in a credible, new media style” remarked Michael Pierce, CEO & Founder of Mutiny Pictures. “Fashionistas and fans across the globe know the Vincent Libretti name, but not necessarily the full scope of his personality, passion points and ultimately what drives him. Project Vincent will showcase a variety of people and will include celebs as well as everyday people.”
Added Libretti: “The beauty of working with non-traditional mediums such as the internet is that it provides a more natural and less-contrived environment for branded entertainment. Audiences are going to see me, passionate and raw, without creative restrictions and connecting in a way that traditional broadcast TV doesn’t allow. I am looking forward to working with companies that share my passion for fashion and overall vision for the project.”
“Besides letting ‘Vincent be Vincent’ on the show, our distribution channels give brands the ability to place their product within Project Vincent as well as have ads exhibited in a traditional spot format that millions of people can view online,” note Pierce. Unlike a TIVO system, the spots can’t be skipped, which gives sponsors flexibility in how they want their product featured. Project Vincent is going to capitalize on the reach of the internet as a true advertising channel.”
The webisode series is set to begin filming early Summer 2009 with a Fall 2009 release date.
*Interviews with Vincent Libretti and Michael Pierce, Mutiny Pictures, available upon request.
About Mutiny Pictures
Mutiny Pictures (http://www.mutinypictures.net/) is a turnkey production through post-production solution for film, television, commercials and title sequence needs. The company offers a unique pairing of experienced directors and high-end visual effects and post production. Clients include J. Walter Thompson, McCann Erickson, ABC, Sony BMG and Universal Music Group. Giant Steps, the company’s strategic partner visual effects arm, specializes in 2D & 3D work has served clients including T-Mobile, GM, Lexus, BBDO, Team One, David and Goliath, and DDB.
About Vincent Libretti
Exceptionally credited from his recent stint on Bravo's hit series Project Runway, Vincent Libretti is a designer set apart by charisma, apparent in each one of his innovative designs. Prior to Project Runway, Libretti worked with fashion icons such as Halston and Tracy Mills. Libretti has also been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, VH1, MSN & EW and is featured in the upcoming Sasha Baron Cohen film “Bruno”.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mutiny Pictures and Fashion Designer Vincent Libretti Go Off-Runway with Branded Content Webisode Series
Los Angeles-based film company Mutiny Pictures will partner with fashion designer and Project Runway alum Vincent Libretti for groundbreaking branded entertainment series
Los Angeles, CA (April 2009)- Mutiny Pictures (http://www.mutinypictures.net/), a Los Angeles-based film company specializing in online branded entertainment and webisode production, has announced a partnership with Project Runway alum Vincent Libretti. The partnership places Libretti front and center giving him creative input and freedom on the content while Mutiny Pictures focuses on production and sponsorship opportunities with major brands.
“This project (working title “Project Vincent”) represents the perfect branded entertainment opportunity in a credible, new media style” remarked Michael Pierce, CEO & Founder of Mutiny Pictures. “Fashionistas and fans across the globe know the Vincent Libretti name, but not necessarily the full scope of his personality, passion points and ultimately what drives him. Project Vincent will showcase a variety of people and will include celebs as well as everyday people.”
Added Libretti: “The beauty of working with non-traditional mediums such as the internet is that it provides a more natural and less-contrived environment for branded entertainment. Audiences are going to see me, passionate and raw, without creative restrictions and connecting in a way that traditional broadcast TV doesn’t allow. I am looking forward to working with companies that share my passion for fashion and overall vision for the project.”
“Besides letting ‘Vincent be Vincent’ on the show, our distribution channels give brands the ability to place their product within Project Vincent as well as have ads exhibited in a traditional spot format that millions of people can view online,” note Pierce. Unlike a TIVO system, the spots can’t be skipped, which gives sponsors flexibility in how they want their product featured. Project Vincent is going to capitalize on the reach of the internet as a true advertising channel.”
The webisode series is set to begin filming early Summer 2009 with a Fall 2009 release date.
*Interviews with Vincent Libretti and Michael Pierce, Mutiny Pictures, available upon request.
About Mutiny Pictures
Mutiny Pictures (http://www.mutinypictures.net/) is a turnkey production through post-production solution for film, television, commercials and title sequence needs. The company offers a unique pairing of experienced directors and high-end visual effects and post production. Clients include J. Walter Thompson, McCann Erickson, ABC, Sony BMG and Universal Music Group. Giant Steps, the company’s strategic partner visual effects arm, specializes in 2D & 3D work has served clients including T-Mobile, GM, Lexus, BBDO, Team One, David and Goliath, and DDB.
About Vincent Libretti
Exceptionally credited from his recent stint on Bravo's hit series Project Runway, Vincent Libretti is a designer set apart by charisma, apparent in each one of his innovative designs. Prior to Project Runway, Libretti worked with fashion icons such as Halston and Tracy Mills. Libretti has also been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, VH1, MSN & EW and is featured in the upcoming Sasha Baron Cohen film “Bruno”.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
