Archive for October, 2008

Flu Shots and Marketing ROI.

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

When I boarded a flight late last week the last thing I thought I would do upon arrival was get a flu shot. But that’s what happened. As I walked down the concourse on the way to baggage claim there was a large banner that read, “Flu Shots.”

I missed an opportunity earlier in the week to get the shot, so the timing and accessibility was ideal. It caused me to think that this was an excellent example of engaging the target on their terms. How many times do we need to be reminded that our marketing ROI will increase if we take the time to think creatively and provide opportunity for prospects and customers to interact with our brand outside of traditional settings.

The “surprise” element is important. Where’s the last place you would expect to get a flu shot? Think about how you could surprise your targets and have them encounter your brand where they least expect it.

Using Customer Referrals To Maximize ROI In A Down Economy.

Tuesday, October 7th, 2008

I read a great article today on the Manage Smarter Web site. The article’s focus was one of the primary things we talk to clients about all the time … tap into the power of your satisfied customers to increase sales without increasing your marketing costs.

I’m talking about (more…)

Online Video Boosting ROI for Brick and Mortar Retailers.

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

I ran across an interesting article in Internet Retailer that highlighted how traditional retailers are using online video to boost ROI in their stores. They cited Wet Seal, a clothing chain that targets young female shoppers.

They used YouTube to post a video about a new contest and then asked young women to make their own videos, post them back to YouTube for the chance to win a back-to-school fashion makeover. Here’s the video they posted.

The article pointed out that the contest is a good example of how a retailer can leverage online videos, social networks and community sections of their web sites—combining the volume of traffic on a site like YouTube with the strength of a retailer’s own brand and customer base on its own web site.

Here’s the number I love … Wet Seal reported that the video traffic has helped them encourage visitors to generate more than 100,000 custom outfits on WetSeal.com since the retailer launched its Boutique and Runway outfit-creating sections in April. Visitors to these sections convert to buyers at TWICE the rate of shoppers who don’t visit them.

A little creative thinking about how to leverage a combination of delivery channels can go a long way toward driving better ROI. And it strengthens the connection between the brand and the customer.

How could you apply this to your enterprise?