Marketing Strategies from AdTrendsInc

Make Your Website Your #1 Salesperson

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:49:18 PDT

Your website is a lot like your vehicle, you need a tune-up from time to time to keep that vehicle running at its peak performance. Your website is also running 24/7 so there are a lot of things that can build up.

Over time websites can get bogged down with multiple files that build up in the back end and can slow the performance of a website. We sometimes also let our information on our website get stale and old. By making key changes to your website you can bring it up to date and make sure, most importantly, that the search engines are happy with your website.

The Ad Trends Website Tune-Up covers multiple areas that can drastically improve the performance of your site.

· Overall Performance- We look at key indicators that can effect the loading speed of your website and run tests to chart improvements. Images and other large files can be pinpointed and fixed to improve speed and function.

· Site Keyword Relevance- By looking at the major parts and pieces that the search engines look at to help determine the rank of your website we can find where a website may be lacking and find ways to improve the direction of Search Engine Optimzation.

· Search Engine Ranking- By looking at where a website ranks we can determine what moves and changes can be made to improve a website ranking and also improving the things that websites rely on to show the significance of your site.

· Outdated Content- This can be a leading factor on how a website can fail at getting the right message to customers. If your phone numbers, emails and product information are not correct you run the chance of losing business you never even knew you had the opportunity to get.

· Current Sitemap- We also look at your sitemap which is a file in your website that can tell the search engines when and where to index your website. Many websites exist without a sitemap and Google can have a harder time getting the information it needs to give you the best possible ranking.

Give your website the tune-up it deserves. Your website can be your #1 salesperson, you just have to give it the right attention.

SEO Client Relationships: Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Cromwell) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 07:34:56 PDT

Communication between client and service provider is a vital part in the success of any campaign, or indeed any business relationship at all. Due to the nature of SEO, many clients will have quite a lot of questions and these should be dealt with right at the early stages, before a campaign has even begun. It is really important that clients are made aware of the fact that it can take a long time to see results, especially for new domains. It is also highly advisable to discuss suitable measurements of a campaigns success, for example traffic numbers, search engine results and so on. These will all have to be tailored to the work in question and every job will have its own individual needs and challenges. This article aims to point out five common questions, and how you can deal with them effectively.

1. Why Don’t I Have More Traffic ?
Many clients simply don’t know what they can expect with regards to traffic numbers. This is no fault of their own, but sometimes they can be disappointed by the traffic they receive from seemingly good search engine positions. Traffic estimates should be based on search volume and it’s important to clearly explain the huge difference in click through rate between a number one position and a number four position.
2. Why Don’t I Appear for This Keyword?
When clients first engage in SEO activities, it must be clearly explained that in order to even begin to rank well for certain keywords, each page must effectively target its own keyword. If you try to focus a page on too many different keywords, it will dilute the message and leave the search engines confused as to what the page in question is talking about. Therefore, unless you have a large website, there is a limit to how many keywords you can expect to rank well for.
3. My Local Directory Listing Is Outranking Me, Why Is This?
This is particularly troublesome for new and small websites. Quite often when a search is carried out for a chosen keyword, not only will you see your website come up, you will also see your directory listings appear. Sometimes the directory listings will actually outrank you. This is due to the fact that the directory probably has a lot more authority than you, and work will have to be done to boost the importance of your website above that of your page on the said directory. You could also try changing your directory listing to reduce its competitiveness.
4. How Long Do I Have To Wait?
Probably the biggest question of all, how long will it take and how long will I have to pay you for? It’s vital to make this clear right from the start. You have to explain that it will take time for your work to bear results. Honesty really is the best policy here. I would recommend preparing a client for anywhere between at least six to twelve months with a thorough check of progress being carried out every three months.
5. How Will Doing More Help?
This is a big one, especially if you are not getting the results as quickly as you may have expected. You may be going back to client several months down the line and suggesting yet more site improvements or link building efforts. Marketing a website should be approached with a long term view. If results aren’t going so well it may mean you have to revisit some of the website structure and address any technical issues that may be causing issues. Explain the from the offset and you should avoid digging yourself into any unnecessary holes.

Twitter now allows header images and more branding opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Montague) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:10:43 PDT

Twitter has announced changes that allow you to further customize and brand your business's Twitter account.

New design features for profile pages allow users to upload a header image that will be visible on Twitter and, for the first time, on iPad, iPhone and Android devices. Additionally, the new design gives users more control over their background images, which can now be visible on both the left and right side. This can give marketers even more real estate for branding on Twitter.

Time to log in and update your profile on Twitter! Follow us @adtrendsinc!

If you need help maximizing your Twitter branding or social media reach, contact us today!

Does a cluttered desk really lead to a cluttered mind?

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:18:56 PDT

Neatniks will argue that a tidy and orderly work area is absolutely essential to doing effective work. Messier people, on the other hand, will argue that there is a “method to the madness” and that clutter does not necessarily translate to disorganization.

You may be comfortable with some papers or books piling up on your desk, but it is important to recognize when a chaotic workspace begins to hinder your work productivity.

Does it take you 20 minutes to locate the report you need for a colleague? Do you have a hard time focusing on the task at hand because of the mess around you? If so, it might be time for a little spring cleaning to clear your desk and your mind.

Work Productivity Through Organization

1. Start with the papers.

The flurry of papers that descends on your desk every day can be challenging at best, seemingly impossible at worst, to tame. Begin with this spring cleaning task because it is usually the most difficult, and everything else will be easy by comparison.

Divide your papers into piles according to category, then file them in a way that you will be able to find and access them easily. This can be as simple as clearly labeling file folders and keeping them in a rack on your desk or as intricate as color-coding and alphabetizing folders in a large filing cabinet—use whatever system works for you, just as long as every paper has a home. Ask for help from an organizationally gifted colleague if you are having trouble getting started. If you maintain this system, you will notice a positive change in your work productivity.

2. Find a place for everything.

Are you familiar with the saying, “A place for everything, and everything in its place”? Many times, a messy workspace is created when you simply don’t know where to put your possessions. Look closely at your desk and its drawers and identify the items that always seem to be in the way and have nowhere to go. Now think of a solution you can implement to improve your organization. For example, if you have a habit of pasting Post-It reminders all over your desk and then losing track of them, consider putting them up on a bulletin board instead. If you have a drawer full of loose paperclips, pens and highlighters, buy a segmented drawer organizer to make it easier to find what you need.

3. Get your hands on cleaning products.

When was the last time you actually wiped down your desktop or computer? A lot of dust and grime has probably accumulated since then, so finish your spring cleaning with a thorough dusting. Clean the desktop with a damp rag and a little spray cleaner; tackle the computer screen and keyboard with electronic wipes and a can of air duster.

Do you find that having a tidy workspace improves your work productivity? Do you have any plans to do a desk spring cleaning?

HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:20:05 PDT

CLICK HERE TO BROWSE:
HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

We offer a wide assortment of Greeting Cards for your business .
Please look at a sampling of our finest cards.

USB Car Charger

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:21:24 PDT

Click here for a great promotional product idea:
USB Car Charger

Help your clients recharge easily during their busy day.
Everyone has a cell phone, pda or music player that needs recharging.
Everyone drives their car.
Everyone wants a car charger.
Your clients and potential clients will see your logo everyday with your USB Car Charger.
Perfect give away to get your brand noticed.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:22:12 PDT

Stay dry this spring season with this week's featured product! Personalize this 42" umbrella and have your clients and employees help increase the recall value of your business.

Office Spring Cleaning- Dust Away The Winter Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:23:44 PDT

Don’t put off tackling your office clutter. Integrate spring-cleaning into your weekly routine. An organized and clean workspace can raise productivity, motivation and even change the way you are perceived in the office. Where to start can be an overwhelming, so use these tips to jumpstart your transformation today.

1. Put aside just 15 minutes a week. Choose a quiet/slow time to reduce the possibility for interruptions. I find the end of the day on Friday works great.

2. Most offices are not as paperless as they want to be. Determine if you are a “piler” or a “filer” and create a system for you. Keep only materials for active projects at your desk and items that are reference or only accessed occasionally off to the side. After projects are complete develop an archive procedure.

3. Breakdown the work of de-cluttering into manageable tasks. Even if it’s as simple as today I will tackle my pencil drawer, next week the drawer below that. Get rid of pens that don’t work, return excess supplies not being used to a central location, and avoid the build up of personal items: snacks, mittens, lotions…

4. Assess your space with an editing eye. Get rid of unhealthy plants, holiday decorations, dirty dishes, and only keep one or two personal artifacts that you find motivational.

5. Don’t overlook common spaces. Even 5 minutes Tidying the waiting area, copy room, or going through the office fridge is an invaluable investment in collective moral and productivity of the office.

By taking pride in your workspace appearance you will find it easier and more pleasant to complete your work. You are now positively representing the image of your company and this professionalism will get you noticed among your co-workers.

Check out this week's promotional product, the LADY BUG MINI VAC!

Article from: http://workspacetransformations.com/2012/02/17/spring-cleaning-for-the-workplace/

March Madness Builds Morale

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:26:57 PDT

Did you know that even if you don’t shoot hoops or follow collegiate basketball, the friendly competition that typically surrounds March Madness can be a morale-booster and bring out team spirit in the workplace.

According to Melissa Doster, Gwinnett OfficeTeam branch manager for Robert Half International, “Many employees are taking on heavier workloads, so non-monetary benefits such as March Madness activities have an especially important role right now in keeping workers motivated in their positions.”

1. The NCAA basketball tournament is an opportunity for workers to bond as they talk about scores and root for their favorite schools.

2. Employers can hold viewing parties during a brown bag lunch or potluck meal.
3. Sponsor informal competition by encouraging employees to wear their favorite team’s apparel or decorate their workspaces in celebration with awards for the best team spirit.
4. If you’re interested in holding March Madness activities in your office, run the concept by your manager or the committee/individual who normally organizes social activities.

5. According to an OfficeTeam survey conducted in 2011, 57 percent of managers said group events tied to the playoffs are okay in moderation.

6. The same survey reported that 11 percent of managers welcome group events.

7. However, 32 percent felt NCAA basketball tournament activities shouldn’t be allowed in the workplace.

8. Only 20 percent of employees said they are distracted from work by major sports competitions.

9. Interestingly, in a separate 2010 survey, 41 percent of managers felt the college basketball playoffs have a positive effect on employee morale.

10. In fact, 22 percent believed the festivities actually increase workers’ output.

Checkout this week's featured product: Basketball Stress Ball (pictured above):

200 for only $0.96 a piece... Boost office morale and reduce stress!
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter

Article from http://gbj.com/2012/03/13/march-madness-builds-morale/

NCAA BIG XII SPECIAL

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:41:22 PST

Insulated Acrylic Tumbler Glass W/ Straw

This tumbler is BPA Free. 16 Oz. translucent acrylic double wall insulated cup and matching straw. O-ring keeps straw in place. Twist top lid.

Have your clients watching their favorite team, while holding your cup!

72 for ONLY $3.99 each!!!!

(*price does not include set up, shipping, handeling or tax)

The Advantages to Having a Website for Your Company

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:48:09 PST

There are many advantages to having a professional business website for your company; with a well-designed website your business will be available to potential customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Potential customers who are already searching for your services and products can find your business through search engines and your website will allow customers to go online and research your products and services from the convenience and comfort of their own home.

Promote your physical location, improve customer service and update information easily: You can use your website to promote your brick and mortar presence by inviting visitors to stop by your location to talk with a professional. A professional website can be easily updated and can promote your business specials on a monthly, weekly, daily or even hourly basis. Another benefit of having a website can be seen in improved customer service. A feedback form on the website can be invaluable, giving customers a way to provide honest and timely feedback about their experiences with your business.

Add credibility to your business and keep up with the latest technology and innovation in the industry: Having an online presence adds credibility to your business and shows potential customers that you are serious about providing the best service and that you are current on the latest technology. Businesses that keep up with technology are known to also keep up with the latest innovations in the field, so customers will trust your business to bring them the best products and services on the market.

Stay ahead of the competition and expand your customer base: A website enables you to stay ahead of and keep up with your competition. If your competition is online, they will be finding all of the customers searching for products and services in your industry. Without a website you are missing out on all that business. A professionally designed website also allows you to expand your business into new markets far beyond the local customer base that you used to reach with print ads or the yellow pages.

Enjoy a more cost effective and versatile approach than traditional marketing: Using the web provides a large cost advantage over other types of marketing. Online you have unlimited space and an unlimited number of web pages to promote your business and each product or service that you offer. In print, you may only have a few sentences or a brochure that grows quickly out-of-date. The web is versatile and you can customize different web pages for different types of customers, products or services.

Increase your profits today: Creating a professional website for your business is a powerful investment in your company’s future. It can dramatically increase the number of customers who find your products and services by expanding your customer base from local to international. A website will allow you to reach more customers, to respond quickly to market changes and to provide the best customer service.

We have worked on websites for small handyman businesses to international franchises, and everything in between. You can trust us to provide you with the professional and affordable website that will be an asset to your company, not an expense.

For more web design examples and a quote for your website, contact us today:

Toll Free: 1.877.707.0882

Email: sales@adtrendsinc.com

Article from: http://www.newriverleads.com/advice/having-a-website-advantages

Top 10 Benefits of Corporate Apparel

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:15:59 PST

1. Develops ongoing company identity.
2. Self promotion of your company and professionalism.
3. Corporate apparel is a form of advertising at affordable prices.
4. Establishes an automatic business dress code.
5. Improves employee morale through a more casual work environment.
6. Creates greater employee/employer loyalty.
7. Blurs the psychological barriers between the staff which promotes better communication.
8. Solves the endless employee dilemma of "What shall I wear to work today?"
9. Custom imprinted apparel can be used for safety programs and sales incentives.
10. Custom embroidered corporate apparel provides an image of quality.

Create room for corporate apparel in your marketing budget. It is an easy way to regularly outfit your staff, brand your company, and create the image of quality and professionalism.

Call toll free today to learn more
1.877.707.0882
sales@adtrendsinc.com
Click here to visit our apparel page

Saving You Money, And Keeping You Cool

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:23:05 PDT

2011 Chiefs Schedules Are In!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:25:43 PDT

Top 20 Specials - Tote Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:48:51 PDT

Things To Consider When Choosing A Domain Name

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:26:40 PDT

Brainstorm your top 5 keywords - choose keywords that are relevant to your business
Choose a unique name - don't confuse your audience with another site
Choose .com addresses first - .com sites receive more traffic than .net or .org sites
Choose a name that is easy to type - this will ensure that your site will be found easier and faster
Choose a name that is easy to remember - you want people to talk about your site, and in doing so, pass the name along to others
Keep it short - long domain names are harder to type out, and people are bound to leave out a letter or two in the process
Don't make people guess what you do - choose a name that is relevant to your business
Avoid copyright infringement - make sure you're not breaking any copyright rules in your domain name
Avoid hyphens and numbers - this will make your domain hard to remember, and also hard to verbalize

Top 20 Specials - Vinyl Banners

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:16:29 PDT

Top 20 Specials - Nike Golf Shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:09:28 PDT

Is Your Site Getting The Traffic You Hoped For?

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:07:55 PDT

One of the most important tasks of any site owner is getting traffic to their site. A high percentage of site traffic means people are looking for a company like yours specifically, and if they can't find you then your site has become irrelevant to the internet.

If you feel like your site has become irrelevant, here are a few things you can do to bring those rankings back up to speed:

SEO - Search Engine Optimization takes some time to do, but in the end you'll reap the benefits greatly if done right. SEO includes adding relevant keywords to your site, specific titles to each page, and a content specific description to every page on your site. Sitemaps and search engine submissions are also very helpful in this process and necessary if you want the keywords to be searched on a more regular basis.
Use Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn - These social networking sites have proven to be extremely important in the advertising world. In fact, some people don't even have an actual website, but solely use these networks to promote their businesses. (Although I wouldn't recommend it.) After you set up these accounts, always remember to put links on your site to these accounts and vice versa.
Frequent Site Updates - Audiences like to see fresh content when returning to your site. If you haven't already, add a blog to your site and update it monthly, weekly or even daily if time permits. Blogs are great for promotions, new items, upcoming events, contests, or anything that you think will draw people to your site. Make sure your blog is linked to your Facebook account. If done right, everytime you post a blog it will post the blog to your Facebook profile, as well.
Set Up A Google Adwords Campaign - If you have your keywords in place and want to bring more people to your site, these Google Ads will do the trick! With the right key phrases directed towards your site, you will bring in more traffic than ever. You set your own budget, and Google will not surpass that amount.
Give Away A Product Through a Contest - People like receiving things for free. There's no question about it. Use this as a tool to bring people to your site, and you'll get them every time.
Promote Your Site For Free - Use classified ads and directory sites to promote your site. The more submissions and links you have out there, the more likely your site is to be found.
Add Website URL To ALL Printed Materials - This is a given, but just a reminder. ALWAYS add your website address to ALL printed materials, i.e. business cards, brochures, menus, promotional products, even items you are giving away in your contests.
Put Links To Your Site In Email Signatures - Think about the number of emails you send out a day. This is the number of times your website could potentially be visited. Add your logo and/or another cool graphic with the link to your site for added appeal.
Send Out Frequent Email Blasts - Monthly newsletters are great refreshers to let your customers know that you're still around. Promote your specials, introduce a new product, announce an upcoming event, or any other special news you can use to "get the word out".

For More Information
Call: (816) 228.1123 or
Email: sales@adtrendsinc.com

20th Anniversary Facebook Giveaway - Golf Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:20:18 PDT

Dust off your golf clubs & pack up your gear because spring is here. Springtime marks the beginning of golf tournaments and events. Sponsoring an event is a good way to get your name out to new clients. Ad Trends sells thousands of personalized items including golf jackets, tees, and golf balls.

If you're trying to impress a client or just wanting to play some golf in this beautiful weather, Ad Trends has your back. We are giving away a golf kit (golf ball, tees, divot tool, golf towel, multi-purpose tool, and water bottle) to help improve your game. A perfect gift for the avid golfer!

"Like" Ad Trends Advertising on Facebook and leave a comment about your favorite springtime sport to be entered into the competition. But hurry, because this contest ends April 27th! Winner will be announced on April 29th.

Shipping is included, however, it does not include imprinting. Winner will be contacted on April 29th to set up shipping method. Must redeem within six months after winner is announced.
See some of our other golf promotional products below. Good luck and have fun!

20th Anniversary Facebook Giveaway -4-In-1 Blanket

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:44:40 PDT

Spring has finally arrived! Here comes the new spring sports seasons! We want you to stay warm and comfortable while watching your games with this 4-in-1 blanket. It can be a bag, seat cushion, blanket and pillow. It features a water-proof backing for even the wettest of events.

Are you already out there watching sports? "Like" Ad Trends Adverting on Facebook and leave a comment about your favorite team to watch or when you would use this blanket to be entered into the competition. But hurry, because this contest ends April 7th!

Shipping included. Does not include imprinting or design. Winner will be contacted on April 8th to setup shipping method. Must redeem within six months after winner is announced.

See some of our other sports promotional products below. Good luck and stay warm!

20th Anniversary Facebook Giveaway - Promo Flags

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:33:02 PDT

Thanks for entering our Facebook postcard giveaway!

Len May is the winner of
the 1,000 postcards

Congratulations Len! Send us a message on Facebook
ASAP to discussdesign ideas and claim your prize.

Up Next:

Promotional flags are one of the best ways to market to people in your area. These full color flags are highly visible and tower over many other conventional signs. Clients have used them to promote their business, sports team, fraternity/sorority, or even a family reunion.

This contest is a little different. John Groves, Ad Trends' Marketing Director, is standing next to a 15' promotional flag in the picture to the right. Leave a comment on Ad Trends' Facebook Wall about how tall you think John is to be entered into the contest for a free 15' promotional flag of your own. This contest ends March 29th.

Includes carrying case, hardware, flag, 30 minutes of graphic design time, shipping and printing. Extra design time is not included. Winner will be contacted on March 31st to setup design ideas and shipping method. Must order banner within six months after winner is announced. Happy guessing!

20th Anniversary Facebook Giveaway - Postcards

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:02:52 PDT

Thanks everyone for entering our first of many Facebook giveaways!
The winner of the Full Color Banner is (drum roll please)...

Rebecca Dickerson!

Congrats Rebecca! Send us a message on Facebook
ASAP to discuss design ideas and claim your prize.

Keeping your logo in front of your clients is essential for brand recognition. An easy way to do this is through direct mailing. A
postcard or brochure with new products, services, and special
events can entice clients to keep coming back. Advertising sale
events also rewards current clients for using your company and
may sway new clients to use your business.

Have an idea for your next mailer? "Like" Ad Trends Advertising,
Inc. on Facebook and leave a comment about how you would use
a direct mailer and you will be automatically entered into the
drawing for 1,000 free postcards. But hurry, because this contest
ends March 21st!

Includes 30 minutes of graphic design time and printing. Extra design time is not included. Winner will be contacted on March 23rd to set up design ideas and shipping method. Must order postcards within six months after winner is announced. Good Luck!

Top 20 Specials - Promo Flags

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:03:08 PDT

Is Your Website Living Up To Its Potential? Part 4.

noreply@blogger.com (Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:44:18 PST

Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Website

Question #4 - Am I promoting it through social media networking?

Social media networking can provide immediate results for your business. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter help build stronger traffic, brand awareness and user-generated content.

Research and compare all the different social media networking platforms and choose the one(s) that best suit your company. After setting up these accounts, make sure you add direct links to your website, and add social media networking icons to your site that go directly to these accounts, as well.

Facebook & Twitter, as well as some of the other big social networking sites, are making it easier to customize your profile pages. It never hurts to go the extra mile to promote your business. Click here to view customized Facebook pages.

Want More Information?
Call Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.
816.228.1123