The New Year Website Review Checklist 2014

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Cre8ive's Website Review Checklist for 2014

As we are underway with the New Year, add another new year’s resolution to your list and take the time to reflect over your business website. Review your marketing plan and see what worked and what didn’t. Review your metrics, such as Google Analytics, and use this valuable information as you plan campaigns for 2014 and beyond.

Aim to review your plan periodically throughout the year or at least once a year. This is the ideal time to take a retrospective review of what has and what hasn’t worked for you during the past 12 months. Spend a few minutes going through our Website 8-step checklist – Customers’ expectations are higher than ever and this could make all the difference for 2014.
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Examples of Poor Web Design Using Real Life

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Using a series of clever videos, Google Analytics shows examples of poor web design — but in real life.
It’s important to ensure your website is easy to use - your potential customers should be able to find what they need on the 'digital shelf' as easily as in real life. However, many sites leave visitors frustrated and consequently they leave. By understanding the process better, you will see where and why you’re losing customers and be able to improve your online shopping experience.

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Best Practice Standards for Email Marketing

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The Network of Digital Marketers (formally known as eMarketing Network) was set up to provide support to agencies, suppliers and practitioners of email marketing, online advertising, eCommerce and online promotions. Their objective is promote ethical best practice eMarketing in New Zealand.
They have written guidelines on best practices and ethical conduct regarding the use of email for marketing purposes.They have 6 Guiding Principles for eMail Marketing to safeguard people from receiving unwanted or intentionally deceptive emails. Each of the Principles complements the next and should be
viewed as a collective entity. In brief they are:
1. Send only relevant offers to consenting recipients
2. Include an unsubscribe function
3. Tell the recipient who you are
4. Apply the basic "truth in advertising" doctrine
5. Do not abuse permission
6. Do not harvest email addresses

Representations of Gender in Advertising

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We found this interesting University project. Three students in the Women and Gender Studies class at the University of Saskatchewan created this video to show 'how ridiculous media portrays gender roles and stereotypes in advertising through presenting gender roll reversals'. Please note that some of this content may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

Christmas Marketing

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15 Top Tips to get your Business Ready

Christmas Marketing: 15 Top Tips to get your Business Ready
  1. Begin planning your holiday campaign in advance so you are ready to launch before the ‘silly season’ is underway. A good way to do this is by developing a Promotional Calendar. Use this as the basis of all promotional activities you conduct throughout the holiday season including holiday hours, late nights, specials and discounts.
  2. Repetition sells. Send multiple emails, direct mailers or holiday cards announcing your sales. (But don’t go ‘silly’ and send daily announcements – find the right balance so you don’t annoy your customers)
  3. Create your email calendar. Email is one of the most powerful tools in your online marketing kit, serving as a great way to deliver promotions directly to your customers. Your email calendar should include email content, list segmentation, copywriting, design and testing. To make the most of this opportunity, align your email sends with the timing of your biggest promotions that will be identified in your Promotional Calendar. Continue reading...

Marketing Guidelines for Medical Practices

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Medical Practices have never really had to consider ‘advertising’ but in today’s changing and challenging world marketing is becoming increasingly important for all fields. Marketing is more than selling and advertising. It includes; analysis, planning, pricing, customer service and monitoring.
Medical Practices have certain restrictions though when it comes to promotion. The Medical Council of New Zealand provides guidelines that Doctors should adhere to when advertising:

• Clear and accurate health care information
• Be cautious when ‘Advertising’
• Take reasonable steps to control content
• Claims must be valid, evidence-based and able to be substantiated
• Must not encourage excessive use of health resources
• Not appropriate to off coupons, gift certificates or medical treatments as prizes
• Health and welfare of the patient comes first

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Top Tips for Effective Online Copywriting

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If you want to know about how to write compelling website copy, then read on. Copywriting is one of the most essential elements of effective online marketing. The art of 'direct-response' copywriting involves strategically delivering words that get people to take some form of action.

You must:
1. understand your customer’s needs and concerns
2. have the ability to clearly communicate the benefits of your product/service
3. be able to close the sale.
4. keep your website copy fresh and updated

You may have a fantastic offer but you also have to communicate it to your audience in a way that appeals to them. And that’s where the art of good copywriting comes into play. Here are 6 simple tips for achieving effective copywriting.

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The Guide to Social Media Strategy

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Social media marketing refers to the process of gaining traffic through social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn and so on. Cre8ive has developed this handy infographic guide to social media strategy in order to help you generate more leads with social marketing best practices.A handy guide to Social Media Marketing Strategy developed by Cre8ive

Social Media Case Study – Nutella

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Lessons to be Learned about What Not to Do

Nutella is the brand name of a hazelnut chocolate spread that was introduced to the market back in 1964. It is manufactured by the Italian company Ferrero. This case case study illustrates what not to do as Ferrero damaged their brand loyalty by not ‘understanding the rules of the social media game’.

In February 2007, Nutella a avid-fan, Sara, held the first annual World Nutella Day. Over the last few years, the unofficial event has become very successful: 40,000 Facebook fans, 6,500 Twitter followers and features on authoritative blogs. Continue reading...