Tag Archives: marketing

FALL SEMINAR SERIES KICKS OFF

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FALL VIDEO BUGThis summer we conducted, four, one-hour seminars that focused on marketing your business.  Each of the four classes “Sold-Out” and each were rated by the attendees as “excellent”.  We were asked to offer the classes again, and we listened!

Classes are limited to 8 people to allow for lively interaction and more personalized learning.  Cost is only $20/per person, per session or $75/per person for all four classes.  Lunch is included.  Click here for details and registration.

BLOGGING CLASS BUTTONNEXT CLASS: Tuesday, September 30th

SOCIAL MEDIA BUTTONNEXT CLASS: Tuesday, October 7th

DIRECT MAIL - EMAIL BUTTONNEXT CLASS: Tuesday, October 14th

SEO BUTTONNEXT CLASS: Tuesday, October 21st

BEB Receives 2014 Houston Award

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2014-Houston AwardHOUSTON August 21, 2014 — Business Extension Bureau of Texas Inc has been selected for the 2014 Houston Award in the Mailing Lists category by the Houston Award Program.

Each year, the Houston Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Houston area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2014 Houston Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Houston Award Program and data provided by third parties.

The Houston Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Houston area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Houston Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. The organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups.

SEO Seminar Hits A Home Run

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Wow! Thank You!

Once again, 100% of the attendees to our Marketing for Small Business Series completed a survey, and once again, 100% rated the class EXCELLENT!

100% said they would recommend the class to a colleague or friend and 100% rated the interaction as excellent too.

So many great participants in our Series

So many great participants in our Series

Check out the responses to the question; what was good about the seminar?

• Well prepared
• The presentation
• I’m a visual learner so the slide show worked great!
• Very precise info
• Effective, easy to implement ideas
• Information Provided
• In depth education on SEO and key tips to increase rankings

Special Thanks to Jeremiah Mohr and John Horrell of Siteboxpro for guest speaking.  You guys did a fantastic job and they have agreed to guest teach for the upcoming Fall Seminars too!  Check out Siteboxpro by clicking here.

Yesterday’s meeting marked the final of the four Summer Seminar Series. Each of the four classes “sold out” and each were rated “excellent” by the attendees. We have been asked to offer the classes again; and we listened!

Lively interaction was a highlight of the series. Here's our Ro Royall talking about social media

Lively interaction was a highlight of the series. Here’s our Ro Royall talking about social media

Classes will resume in the fall, the first on Blogging will commence September 30th. We’ll keep you apprised of dates and times for all four classes in the coming week.

Participants asked us to offer further education classes as well. We will construct additional, more in depth classes using the theme of “How To:” (How to Tweet, How to write a blog, etc.) and anticipate execution of the curriculum in the 4th quarter of this year. Again, we’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, thank you, to all of the wonderful participants and amazing companies for participating in our inaugural Summer Seminar Series and Happy Marketing!

 

BEB Social Media Class Gets A Big Thumbs UP

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Social Media Comments GraphicWe are (so) excited about the comments received from our (awesome) participants attending our Small Business, Summer Seminar Series.

Today’s session, the 2nd of 4, was an overview of social media. We researched profiles of the users of several platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We reviewed unique applications such as hashtags, likes, and shares. And of course we covered ways to measure via Followers, impressions and reaches.

Our students were lively, engaged and represented so many different industries and services! Thanks to everyone for making today such a fantastic exchange!

We’ve created the graphic above to share some the comments received from surveys submitted from today’s class!  We look forward to seeing you (including the 90% that are continuing on) at next week’s class on “Two Mails”. Direct Mail and e-mail. Thank you again for your participation and contribution.  The balance of our Summer Seminar Series has SOLD OUT!

lets get social

Informative and Measurable Marketing Tools – Email Blast Results

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90-days ago, BEB-Business Extension Bureau was asked to manage a local industry trade association’s e-mail and social media marketing.  We’re excited to see the progress made in just a few months!

EMAIL BLAST 2014-07 PIGC

 

Open rates have increased by 6.1%.  Bounce rates have decreased by 1% (2% under the industry average) and Opt-Outs dropped by 0.1%.  This chart shows the industry average rates (blue), the trade association’s first quarter activity (red) and activity since we were asked to manage the program (green).  Tracking results enables us to make any necessary adjustments and keeps focus on the end goals of marketing.  If you’re not using e-mail marketing in your current suite of marketing, you’re missing out on a powerful, inexpensive and very informative tool.

Check out our “How To:  E-mail” classes in August and September.

Websites for Small Business

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TEMPLATE WEBSITE PC 1 - SIDE 2In order to compete in today’s market, you must have an online presence.  If your established business does not have a website, you’re missing out on new business and clients.   Your customers look to the net as a point of reference about your business.  Even when someone gives you a referral, people go to the web to find out more.

We can help you set up a beautiful, functional and AFFORDABLE website.  Check out  our video about our template websites click here or on the YouTube TV below.  Don’t let another day go by without your online presence driving new business to your company.  Call us today!

Fall Seminar Series

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Looking to find new and AFFORDABLE ways to market your business?  Attend one or all four of our Fall Seminar Series, Marketing For Small Business.

This four-part series is set up “menu style” so you can attend one or all four sessions.  We’ll review Blogging, Social Media, Direct Mail |e-mail Marketing, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) .

Classes are conducted at our facility and are kept to a maximum of 8 people to allow participants the best learning experience and maximum interaction.

Cost is only $20/per person and lunch is included or $75/person for all four classes.  Register Today!

blog button 2Blogging |

Tue, September 30, 2014      11:30-1:00pm  REGISTER HERE

Wed, October 29, 2014          11:30-1:00pm  REGISTER HERE
Learn reasons why a small business should blog. We’ll discuss topics for content, when and where to find suitable content and how often to post.  We’ll also cover Search Engine Optimization (SEO), connecting to other sites, etiquette and measuring results.  Don’t miss this very popular class.  Click here to read what participants from our previous Blogging Class said.

 

BUTTON SOCIAL MEDIASocial Media|

Tue, October 7, 2014             11:30-1:00pm  REGISTER HERE

Wed, November 5, 2014       11:30-1:00pm  REGISTER HERE
What is the value of a “follow”, a “Like”, or a LinkedIn “endorsement”? Does social media bring new clients within a B2B platform? Does Twitter or Facebook generate revenue? Learn the value that social media can bring to your business and how to use it. We’ll discuss the soft costs of using social media; time, education, and content. This is a very popular class and quickly fills up.  Click here to read what participants from a previous Social Media Class said.

BUTTON DIRECT AND EMAILThe Two Mails – Direct Mail & e-mail |

Tue, October 14, 2014             11:30-1:00pm  REGISTER HERE

Wed, November 12, 2014       11:30-1:00pm  REGISTER HERE Still one of the most powerful & cost efficient ways to market, Direct Mail is interactive, personal and highly targeted.  It is also a digital driving machine.  This class covers the basics of how to use direct mail today and how to combine mail with e-mail blasts for maximum return.  We’ll cover content and measurement too.  We’ll discuss the minefields surrounding e-mail blasts and privacy regulations.  We’ll review how to study, catalog and build your list while discussing content, links, and the many template programs that are available today.  Learn how to create an e-mail strategy that includes frequency & design and how to measure your results.  Register today to ensure your spot.  Click here to read what participants from a previous Two-Mails class said.

 

BUTTON SEOSearch Engine Optimization |

Tue, October 21, 2014             11:30-1:00pm  REGISTER HERE

Wed, November 19, 2014       11:30-1:00pm  REGISTER HERE
Our partners at Siteboxpro, a local leader in SEO and web marketing, will conduct this class. Learn about the process of organically improving the visibility of your website in search engine results. We’ll discuss target-paid listing, budgets, and learn about the different kinds of searches available including image, local and video searches. Don’t miss this informative and very popular class, register today!  Click here to read what participants from a previous SEO class said.

 

 

CMS Scores Big with Direct Mail Infographic

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Our friends from across the pond, Central Mailing Services, LTD out of Birmingham, UK put together an awesome infographic about direct mail using the World Cup as its inspiration!  Great stats like:

  • 44% of UK Adults respond to direct mail
  • 70% of people like to receive vouchers in the post
  • 1-in-3 People say they are disappointed if they don’t receive anything in the post

There are some fun facts too!  Did you know that the length of a football (soccer) pitch is equivalent to 571 envelopes.

2014-06-04 blog

Check it out by clicking here.

 

#DirectMailWorks

Calculating Your Return

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one half of a percentInvite Them InNot only do we sell direct mail marketing, we also use it.  Why?  Because it works.  Figuring out how well it works can sometimes be a challenge.  Make sure you review the whole picture and don’t be blinded by what may seem like a light return.

We conducted a prospecting campaign targeting churches in our area.  We sent two postcards over a 3 week period to the same recipients.

The graphics we used for our 6 X 9 postcards reflected multiple generations and cultures, and conveyed a very simple message.  Use direct mail to invite your neighborhood to worship in your church.

The mailing brought 3 new clients or .56% of our universe; which seems like a very low return!  That’s because it’s only part of the equation.

The campaign generated $4,450 in new business within 30 days of the first mailing.  The retail charges associated with mailing both cards, including postage is $1,530 which equates to a $2,920 return.  We anticipate the new clients will generate an additional $9,000 in revenue over the course of the first year.

Direct mail marketing works – let it work for your business too!