Archive for June, 2010
The Snags of the Yahoo-Microsoft Search Engine Alliance – Updated
Posted by admin in Search Engine Marketing on June 10, 2010
We posted earlier that Yahoo and Microsoft have entered an alliance that will enable a new, unified search marketplace combining the Yahoo! and Microsoft paid ad networks. The merger is supposed to be complete by late 2010 but the companies have hit a few bumps in the road. An article published in Advertising Age discusses the not-so-unexpected snags. There are a lot of moving parts, and historically, these things don’t always go as planned. So what should keep an eye on for in the Yahoo-Bing integration?
- The timeline doesn’t give marketers much leeway to test the system before the holiday season.
- Yahoo execs say if it appears they can’t reach desired quality levels, the deadline will be pushed until 2011.
- Search advertisers know how Yahoo and Bing ads perform separately. How will they perform together?
- Yahoo-Microsoft advertisers will require an AdCenter account to use the new system, but AdCenter isn’t prepared for the volume.
- Microsoft isn’t the easiest company to partner with, but there’s a sense that this can’t be allowed to fail, and so far, so good.
- At this time, Bing’s gains in search volume seem to be coming directly from Yahoo, which doesn’t help in the competition with Google.
- Today, the combined query share of Yahoo and Bing is 23.73% in the U.S. according to Hitwise. Will it be different in October or sometime in 2011?
(Source: Hitwise)
Read the entire article at Advertising Age.
If you are interested in Internet Marketing Services at Marion that include paid ads not only on Yahoo! and Microsoft sties, but also on King Google, call us at 713.623.6444 or send us an info2@marion.com.
Could Smartphone Optimized Websites Create New Stalls for the Auto Industry?
Posted by admin in Mobile Marketing on June 10, 2010
Ever been stuck in traffic wanting to be able to check your email and see a bus whiz by and think, ‘I could use this time better!’? An increasing number of commuters are trading in driving to work for a more time-efficient ride to work on a public transit system.
According to a recent article published in Advertising Age, the digital revolution has helped the decline of driving and the American car culture. Fewer people, especially those in their teens and twenties, are driving and more are using public transport, such as trains and buses. The article notes the following:
- The share of miles driven my people ages 21-30 has declined by 7.7% since 1995
- Many contribute a large part of this decline to the digital revolution and the increased use of technology.
- The digital revolution has created a shift from a focus on cars to other items in terms of what’s valued in consumers’ minds.
- Time is more valuable and replacing cars as the symbol of freedom for the Gen Y group.
- Many non-drivers use their commute time to catch up on work-related matters without having to stay late at the office.
Despite the digital trend, other factors such as economics and the environment have an impact on how much people are driving. The unemployment rate has forced many people to use public transportation until the outlook brightens. The digital revolution has also impacted other areas of life including:
- E-commerce is benefitting from this trend. People are now looking for the cheaper and easier way to access and acquire the goods they need and want. Online sites such as Alice.com are the way to go for quick and convenient household packaged goods.
- Companies may need to pay more attention to mobile media including smartphone optimized websites.
- Companies may have to change the way they do business.
Although the news seems grim right now, the auto industry shouldn’t raise its white flag quite yet. Despite the trends showing a decrease in younger people driving, The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) suggests that this age group is driving later rather than not at all. Younger workers are more willing to live closer to their offices, often in urban or downtown areas, with walking or taking bus or subway being the more appealing option. However, when members of the younger crowd grows up and starts a family, priorities change and they end up moving to more suburban areas with their children’s interests in mind. When this lifestyle change happens, the desirability of owning a car increases.
Read the whole article at Advertising Age.
For more information on how The Marion Group can assist your company with mobile marketing, give us a call at 713.623.6444 or email us at info2@marion.com.
The New Scan on QR and Other New Codes
Posted by admin in Mobile Marketing, QR Codes on June 8, 2010
From a recent article in the Houston Chronicle, QR and other codes are now being used more often. Thanks to consumers using their mobile phones more and more there has been an upswing in the use of QR codes. This quirky version of the bar code and represent data horizontally or vertically, more information in a smaller space. QR codes are popping up everywhere from bus stop signs to store windows and can link to websites, pictures, videos, or other media. Scanning these codes is easy – all you need is your cell phone and an application. For the iPhone alone there are more than 25 versions to choose from, both free and not-so-free. Upon scanning the code you won’t know where it links, adding an element of fun and suspense as the link loads.
In addition to QR codes, other codes have caught on because of increased cell phone use. For example, Fandango users download ‘Datamatrix’ codes onto their cell phone when purchasing tickets which are scanned at the theatre. The reason for this shift is simple – more people are accessing more sites via their smart phones and using their phones for more than calling and texting.
Aside from innovative QR code, the more traditional bar codes are being used more with mobile phones. With applications available for iPhone and Android, stickybits is a company that encourages consumers to add their own commentary to everyday bar codes like the ones found on chip bags. Consumers can add comments, links, and other media to the barcode and those additions are shared with whoever scans that barcode using the application. The point of stickybits, if you consider it that, is to enable the consumer to voice their opinions and help bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
So if you see a QR code around town, whip out your cell phone, snap a picture of it, and see what happens. You never know where it’ll take you.
For more information on QR codes and how we can help create them for your company, please contact The Marion Group at 713-623-6444 or email us at info2@marion.com.
Promotional Products are in the Bag
Posted by admin in Advertising, Promotional Products on June 3, 2010
We mentioned previously that Marion offers a wide array of promotional products to help your company that can be found on the Marion promotion products website.
Recently, we created were paper tote bags for Byrd Interior Construction (BIC). They used these bags to send samples of the materials used in their projects to clients. Marion started the project by sending samples and worked with BIC to get the final product. The bags were made in two sizes in the same style with identical art, the company’s logo and text.
BIC ordered 250 bags of each size, 18”x7”x19” and 13”x7”x7” and were made with white paper with printing on both sides. They also had twisted paper handles, serrated cut top, bottom and side gussets
Other custom promotional products created by Marion include hats and t-shirts tailored to the company’s specific needs.
Whether your company wants custom tote bags or other custom items, Marion is here to help! Please email info2@marion.com or call 713-623-6444.
Marion Has the Products with Promotional Pizzazz
Posted by admin in Promotional Products on June 2, 2010
You see these items all the time – pens, caps, cups, t-shirts, and other goodies with a company’s name on it. You get them from various businesses and may use them around your house or office. Have you wondered where you can get them to help promote your own company? One answer is The Marion Group, of course!
The Marion promotional products website provides a vast assortment of items your company can use to help increase brand awareness. Items in our catalog help to:
- Improve traffic at trade shows
- Motivate staff
- Thank a customer
- Increase safety awareness
Available items range from mouse pads and pens to more exotic offerings like massagers and retractable earphones. The site divides the catalog into three areas: ‘Featured Items’, ‘New and Trendy’, and the ‘Gift Book’.
Browse our Promotional Products Catalog and find the perfect giveaway item for your company.
If you need help with promotional products or giveaways, email us at info2@marion.com or call 713-623-6444.
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