Archives for 6/2009
posted by Public Relations
With the prevalence of tweets, iReports and Gossip Girls, the ability to communicate your brand’s message confidently and succinctly is more important than ever.
Gone are the days when conveying the company’s message was reserved for the spokesperson or public relations executive. With the proliferation of blogs, Facebook pages and YouTube channels, anyone can be a brand representative.
This new online landscape has changed not only the way our society obtains and responds to news, but it also increases the importance of media training.
While every employee may not find themselves in front of the camera for a media interview, it is still important to coach your entire staff on being message savvy. Minimally, make sure that all employees can give a similar, simple answer when asked about the company.
By taking the time to analyze your company’s approach and message to the media and general public, you and your organization will be able to:
- Enhance the general knowledge of your company and brand.
- Deliver short, on-target messages, which will increase your chances of being quoted correctly by a news source.
- Portray self-assuredness that will in turn present your company in a positive light.
- Become known as a go-to source for short, clear and educated answers.
- Deflect a negative story by being prepared for all questions.
For the CEO, media representative and others that will be interviewed by the media, a great way to prepare is to practice in front of a video camera to watch the interviewee’s interactions, both through words and actions. Role play an interview, focusing on giving concise and honest answers. At the conclusion, replay the interview and ask the following questions:
- How long did it take to get to the point?
- Did the interviewee stumble over words?
- Did the message portray a clear representation of the company and its goals?
- How were negative questions handled? Did the interviewee come off friendly and positive or defensive?
- Did the interviewee stay on target or was there a tendency to ramble?
- How were the nonverbal cues? Did the interviewee use their hands too much or look away from interviewer?
The message matters. Whether it’s a formal interview on a major TV station, a funny video for your company’s
YouTube page or a Twitter update of 140 characters, it’s up to you and your company to be prepared. By taking the time to practice pitch and delivery, your organization will build strong messages that are viable for a variety of channels.
posted by Public Relations
In this edition of get::ting answers, Public Relations Manager Misty interviews Matt, a graphic designer and videographer, to get his answers on important questions such as the best iPhone application and where to find the best happy hour in Cleveland.
Misty: What is your favorite online source for design inspiration?
Designer Matt: For Web sites, I like The Favourite Website Awards or the “fwah,” as we call it. Each day they have a cool new Web site design. For video, I like to go to YouTube, where I search for interesting things I saw on TV and watch it more closely.
M: Speaking of video, where do you think video technology will be in the next two years and how will people be using it?
DM: Video will be everywhere. One of the big things will be that TV and set-top boxes will be more connected to the Internet. People will be watching Web video on their TVs and not just on their computers. Mobile technology will also continue to get better and better in terms of quality. Phones will get faster and there will be more that are video capable – enabling users to take video and upload directly to YouTube just like the new iPhone.
M: What is your favorite iPhone application right now?
DM: It might sound cliché, but its true…I really like using Facebook and Twitter applications. For Twitter, I’m still trying to find the best one and am using multiple applications. Tweet Deck just came out with a new app though and I’m beginning to like that.
M: At the thunder::tech holiday party, you won the award for being “Most Like the Mac Guy.” If you were offered a chance, would you be willing to be the new face of Apple?
DM: No….I like being behind the camera, not in front. Unless they paid me a million dollars or more…
M: What do you like to do in your spare time when you aren’t at your desk or on your phone?
DM: Right now I’m training for the Cleveland Triathlon in August. It’s my first one, and getting up early and running are the parts that scare me the most. It’s also really dorky, but since buying a house I’ve adopted the hobby of home automation technology so lighting, air conditioning and heat can all be controlled over the Internet.
M: Do you have a favorite Cleveland spot where you like to hang out?
DM: I don’t have just one. I really like Edgewater Beach and for dinner I like to go to Parallax in Tremont. Lava Lounge also has one of the best happy hours around. I suggest the burger, fries and martini, all for 10 bucks.
Disclaimer: Matt and Misty are 3-D in real life
posted by Accounts
thunder::tech President Jason and Account Manager Alexa were invited present a seminar on e-mail marketing at the 2009 Husqvarna Viking International Conference in Grapevine, Texas.
Check out this presentation for an introduction to e-mail marketing and some great tips on how to maximize your e-mail campaign.
posted by Search
Recently, Google added new search features to its search engine, making it easier to find more focused and relevant information through categorized results. A new “Show Options” link allows users to define their search criteria by categorizing results into options such as videos, reviews and most recent results.
Below is an image of a search results page in Google if we searched for “web design and development Cleveland.” In the far left corner, you will notice the new “Show Options” link.
By clicking on the “Show Options” link, the following page appears. A new column on the left presents options to narrow down search criteria by time or type. Instead of simply reading a page description about a Web site, users can read more of the site’s content.
How does this new feature affect search marketing?
As a result, the importance of targeted, concise and current Web content is more important than ever as this content determines whether users will click through to view the page in its entirety. Allowing your site to get old and outdated is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. With the Internet, the term “old and outdated” doesn’t mean decades or years. It means months or even weeks.
Sound Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices have always dictated that there is no rest once a site is running well and providing results. The goal of search marketing is to take what is performing well and make each Web site better, faster and stronger. This is achieved by updating content, adding new pages, discussing interesting topics and providing new information.
Fresh Web site content that engages the user can be achieved by:
• Updating the Web site’s title tags
• Refreshing existing pages with new content, up-to-date information and relevant keywords
• Adding additional pages for new products, services or information
• Reviewing site analytics and removing pages that aren’t bringing in traffic, have low view time or high exit rates
Google’s new search engine functionality reinforces how important it is to update Web content regularly. Your Web site should be a mirror image of what your company is and what it stands for. Keeping your content relevant is just one way for you and Google users everywhere to like what they see.
posted by Video
What do you get when you reduce 29 videos including commercials, recruitment videos and educational pieces into 100 seconds?
The answer? The thunder::tech demo reel!
The video below is a compilation of some of our best samples of video work since 2007. It features a variety of pieces including a recruitment video for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, a promotional video of the Husqvarna Viking mobile showroom and instructional videos for IdeaStream office products.
This reel will also be featured in our interactive video portfolio, which will be available later this summer.
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