Tuesday, August 11, 2009
This blog closed...
Go to my website at www.nikkireagan.com for my blog and information about marketing and advertising on a budget!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Social Media Newspaper Article
This is an article that appeared in today's Mohave Daily News. Dan Callahan interviewed Evan Fuchs from Bullhead Laughlin Realty and myself regarding Social Media Networking and Online Marketing.
Hitting ‘send' for fun, profit
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 12:02 AM CDT
Local businesses take advantage of social networking on Web
By DANIEL CALLAHAN/The Daily News
BULLHEAD CITY - Ten years ago, if a company wanted to get more exposure, it would print flyers, make some phone calls and maybe even have a sign spinner on the sidewalk.
Today, the nature of marketing has changed. What once was a tangible medium now is an Internet-based model that relies on the use of social media. The utilization of Web-based social networking sites such as Twitter, MySpace and Facebook has opened doors between businesses and clients, allowing for a greater flow of information.
For local business people like Evan Fuchs and Nikki Reagan, business means communication and transactions in real time, online.
The spread of information, says Evan Fuchs of Bullhead/Laughlin Realty, in an integral part of the real estate business. With national reports daily about the dire state of the mortgage scene and rising foreclosures, Fuchs found himself in a different position.
“There's so much bad information out there,” mainly because, he said, real estate markets differ quite a bit regionally. National averages are not always indicative of the reality in specific locations. “Locally, our market is very different.”
Fuchs says Bullhead City is on the rebound, with the numbers indicating a possible balancing of supply and demand for homes in the city. And he decided to do something about it.
“I kind of look at it as my job to get what I know out there without spin,” said Fuchs. “Sometimes it's better, sometimes it's worse but it's the truth and I think that's what people want to see.
“I've got a little bit of techie going through me,” he said, noting that his fascination with technology helps him more easily spread information via the Internet.
First came the Web site. Then the blog. Then the podcast.
“Social media opens a lot of doors,” said Fuchs.
From its inception 10 years ago, Bullhead/Laughlin Realty's Web site has seen considerable monthly traffic and brings in “a ton” of business. “I've definitely found business through my blog,” he said.
Through the development and integration of the regional multiple listing service (MLS) - a database of home listings in the area - Fuchs met fellow Tri-state Realtor Todd Tarson of Kingman. After a few months of comparing notes via their individual blogs, Fuchs and Tarson realized the next step was podcasting.
“We talk about real estate and we do market updates, that sort of thing, but we also just kind of chat,” said Fuchs, of their now weekly Internet broadcast. “It's real casual.”
The co-hosts of Mohave Real Talk connect via Skype, an online phone system, record the show and post it for free download on the Web site.
Fuchs says he favors Social media because it simply gives his audience what they're looking for without pressure or hassles, which helps build trust.
“Our thing really - and this is what the Web site, podcast, blogging are all about - is to be a source of information for people,” he said. “I don't like things getting crammed down my throat, so I try not to cram things down people's throats. ... We just put information out there and just hope that people find it useful.”
Maybe technology isn't for everyone at first, but “everybody loves it because they're hearing about it; but a lot of people don't know where to get started.”
That's why Fuchs has started offering what he likes to call Tech Tuesdays, where people interested in learning more about online tools can learn how to market themselves and their businesses.
Real estate agents aren't the only ones who have found a place in the Internet marketing scene.
Local graphic designer and marketing professional Nikki Reagan is well-versed in the world of social media. She has written two books on the subject, along with assisting several local businesses in their efforts to develop a competitive Web presence.
A seasoned Web site designer, Reagan spent a considerable amount of time on the Internet and discovered businesses putting themselves out there in new ways.
“I started doing real estate marketing,” said Reagan, “and I started watching certain Realtors ... using MySpace and marketing themselves.” As someone whose business is online marketing, Reagan saw it was a chance to expand.
“I have a habit of taking on too much,” said Reagan, but when the opportunity presented itself, she began to integrate social media with the Web work she already was doing. She used new tools such as Twitter, a Web site where subscribers can post short messages in a blog-type format. The local businesses she was working with wanted a way to quickly and easily update their Web sites.
“As business owners, they don't have a lot of time ... so they're not going to play with it a whole lot,” she said. It was natural to embed Twitter feeds on Web sites so the businesses could easily upload coupons and keep customers abreast of recent news.
“I've kind of gone on a Twitter campaign,” said Reagan. “With Web sites like Twitter, you have up-to-the-minute, up-to-the-second information and an immediate response time.”
Reagan runs Web sites for multiple local businesses - from Dominos Pizza to Cork 'N' Beans Coffee and Wine Bistro - and maintains screen names, or handles, for additional businesses and causes. Reagan has written two e-books, books that appear only online, on marketing real estate and computer businesses via the Web.
Reagan also runs OurLocalScene.com, which has been dedicated to the local music scene since 2001.
Originally, Reagan and a friend planned to put together a print publication about local music. Printing costs were prohibitive, so Reagan thought the Internet would be a better idea.
Eight years later, there are pages on the site for local bands to post bios, upcoming gigs and other information.
Reagan has seen some opposition to the online marketplace, and not all the local businesses she works with have wanted to take on things such as Twitter.
“People are afraid of new things, especially if they've never heard of it before,” she said, noting that many people become interested initially but eventually fail to update their information, which slows traffic to their Web sites.
Still, she thinks online marketing is where businesses are going to have to go to stay competitive.
“You have people who, when they need a phone number, they look online for it,” said Reagan. The Internet has, in her words, “become a way of life.”
Hitting ‘send' for fun, profit
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 12:02 AM CDT
Local businesses take advantage of social networking on Web
By DANIEL CALLAHAN/The Daily News
BULLHEAD CITY - Ten years ago, if a company wanted to get more exposure, it would print flyers, make some phone calls and maybe even have a sign spinner on the sidewalk.
Today, the nature of marketing has changed. What once was a tangible medium now is an Internet-based model that relies on the use of social media. The utilization of Web-based social networking sites such as Twitter, MySpace and Facebook has opened doors between businesses and clients, allowing for a greater flow of information.
For local business people like Evan Fuchs and Nikki Reagan, business means communication and transactions in real time, online.
The spread of information, says Evan Fuchs of Bullhead/Laughlin Realty, in an integral part of the real estate business. With national reports daily about the dire state of the mortgage scene and rising foreclosures, Fuchs found himself in a different position.
“There's so much bad information out there,” mainly because, he said, real estate markets differ quite a bit regionally. National averages are not always indicative of the reality in specific locations. “Locally, our market is very different.”
Fuchs says Bullhead City is on the rebound, with the numbers indicating a possible balancing of supply and demand for homes in the city. And he decided to do something about it.
“I kind of look at it as my job to get what I know out there without spin,” said Fuchs. “Sometimes it's better, sometimes it's worse but it's the truth and I think that's what people want to see.
“I've got a little bit of techie going through me,” he said, noting that his fascination with technology helps him more easily spread information via the Internet.
First came the Web site. Then the blog. Then the podcast.
“Social media opens a lot of doors,” said Fuchs.
From its inception 10 years ago, Bullhead/Laughlin Realty's Web site has seen considerable monthly traffic and brings in “a ton” of business. “I've definitely found business through my blog,” he said.
Through the development and integration of the regional multiple listing service (MLS) - a database of home listings in the area - Fuchs met fellow Tri-state Realtor Todd Tarson of Kingman. After a few months of comparing notes via their individual blogs, Fuchs and Tarson realized the next step was podcasting.
“We talk about real estate and we do market updates, that sort of thing, but we also just kind of chat,” said Fuchs, of their now weekly Internet broadcast. “It's real casual.”
The co-hosts of Mohave Real Talk connect via Skype, an online phone system, record the show and post it for free download on the Web site.
Fuchs says he favors Social media because it simply gives his audience what they're looking for without pressure or hassles, which helps build trust.
“Our thing really - and this is what the Web site, podcast, blogging are all about - is to be a source of information for people,” he said. “I don't like things getting crammed down my throat, so I try not to cram things down people's throats. ... We just put information out there and just hope that people find it useful.”
Maybe technology isn't for everyone at first, but “everybody loves it because they're hearing about it; but a lot of people don't know where to get started.”
That's why Fuchs has started offering what he likes to call Tech Tuesdays, where people interested in learning more about online tools can learn how to market themselves and their businesses.
Real estate agents aren't the only ones who have found a place in the Internet marketing scene.
Local graphic designer and marketing professional Nikki Reagan is well-versed in the world of social media. She has written two books on the subject, along with assisting several local businesses in their efforts to develop a competitive Web presence.
A seasoned Web site designer, Reagan spent a considerable amount of time on the Internet and discovered businesses putting themselves out there in new ways.
“I started doing real estate marketing,” said Reagan, “and I started watching certain Realtors ... using MySpace and marketing themselves.” As someone whose business is online marketing, Reagan saw it was a chance to expand.
“I have a habit of taking on too much,” said Reagan, but when the opportunity presented itself, she began to integrate social media with the Web work she already was doing. She used new tools such as Twitter, a Web site where subscribers can post short messages in a blog-type format. The local businesses she was working with wanted a way to quickly and easily update their Web sites.
“As business owners, they don't have a lot of time ... so they're not going to play with it a whole lot,” she said. It was natural to embed Twitter feeds on Web sites so the businesses could easily upload coupons and keep customers abreast of recent news.
“I've kind of gone on a Twitter campaign,” said Reagan. “With Web sites like Twitter, you have up-to-the-minute, up-to-the-second information and an immediate response time.”
Reagan runs Web sites for multiple local businesses - from Dominos Pizza to Cork 'N' Beans Coffee and Wine Bistro - and maintains screen names, or handles, for additional businesses and causes. Reagan has written two e-books, books that appear only online, on marketing real estate and computer businesses via the Web.
Reagan also runs OurLocalScene.com, which has been dedicated to the local music scene since 2001.
Originally, Reagan and a friend planned to put together a print publication about local music. Printing costs were prohibitive, so Reagan thought the Internet would be a better idea.
Eight years later, there are pages on the site for local bands to post bios, upcoming gigs and other information.
Reagan has seen some opposition to the online marketplace, and not all the local businesses she works with have wanted to take on things such as Twitter.
“People are afraid of new things, especially if they've never heard of it before,” she said, noting that many people become interested initially but eventually fail to update their information, which slows traffic to their Web sites.
Still, she thinks online marketing is where businesses are going to have to go to stay competitive.
“You have people who, when they need a phone number, they look online for it,” said Reagan. The Internet has, in her words, “become a way of life.”
Monday, May 4, 2009
New E-Book for local real estate agents...
I finally finished the E-Book that I've been working on. I had to cut myself off otherwise it would have been 200 pages. Not quite ready for that.
What it is: A quick guide to websites for agents to post listings or links, create profiles, etc. I also discuss email marketing, blogging and how to drive traffic AWAY from your website (you don't want to do that).
The E-Book is still a work in progress, but I think it's a good start.
Want a copy? Email me at nikkireagan@gmail.com
What it is: A quick guide to websites for agents to post listings or links, create profiles, etc. I also discuss email marketing, blogging and how to drive traffic AWAY from your website (you don't want to do that).
The E-Book is still a work in progress, but I think it's a good start.
Want a copy? Email me at nikkireagan@gmail.com
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Just put in a new order for business cards...
Just placed orders for business cards for two local real estate agents, a local automotive repair shop and an online magazine. If you need your business cards redesigned and printed, give me a call at 928-444-6234.
Cards run $75 for 1000 high quality, 2 sided, full color cards on thick, glossy stock. Run your card in our upcoming Business Card Directory and save $20!
Cards run $75 for 1000 high quality, 2 sided, full color cards on thick, glossy stock. Run your card in our upcoming Business Card Directory and save $20!
Monday, April 27, 2009
81 One Line Marketing Ideas
- Networking with Airplane stranger
- Postcard mailing
- Sale or name that leveraged popular theme
- Creative business card
- Bundling, packaging, cluster marketing
- Classified Ads
- Speeches, Training, Education
- Market to employers, through employers, employee newsletter
- Networking, socializing
- Sell spin-off products
- Bartering*
- Publish a fact-filled booklet
- Target start-ups
- Affinity marketing through clubs, associations, organizations
- Events, contests, sweepstakes
- Motivating Sales Reps through personal contact
- Send two copies of flyer/business card
- Promotional partner
- Raise prices and reposition product
- Remind existing clients of all your capabilities
- Hand address envelope
- Welcome kit to new clients
- Create an advisory board
- Install a toll-free number
- Put advertising on your car (banner, magnet sign, vanity plate)
- Swap mailing lists, do co-op and joint mailings with non-competitors
- Ask for referrals
- Give extra brochures to clients
- Exchange referrals with colleagues
- Create a tag line that describes where you are
- Include your business card when paying bills
- Offer free samples
- Donate your product to auction, raffles, etc.
- Create your own awards
- Celebrate your businesses birthday
- Host a special occasion for best customers, influencers
- Give free samples to influencers
- Give customers an incentive to refer business to you
- Send a newsletter to customers
- Create a 30- to 60-second explanation of your business
- Mail an article of interest to a customer
- Send a coupon to a client on his/her birthday
- Get written testimonials from satisfied customers
- Be included in your community's Welcome Wagon kit
- Add personal notes or post-its to letters and brochures
- Consider using "teaser copy" on the front of the envelope
- Include a P.S. at the end of your letter
- Exchange services for advertising
- Insert promotional pieces in others' mailings
- Promote on restaurant placemats, grocery/ATM receipts
- Advertise in Entertainment books (free)
- Pre-invite prospects to your booth for something special
- Share your business with strategic co-exhibitors at a trade show
- Share booth space with a non-competitor
- Include premiums or coupons in trade show registration packets
- Wear company logo apparel or button
- Advertise in the church bulletin
- Sell at flea markets and local mini-fairs
- Advertise on movie theater screens
- Picket your own business with positive signage
- Become premium for other businesses--a coupon for their disgruntled customers
- Reward employees for prospecting
- Advertise in defunct competitor's empty store window
- Start a frequent buyer program
- Accept competitors' coupons
- Join a networking group, chamber of commerce, local organization
- Sponsor local teams
- Start an e-mail broadcast list or newsletter
- Tap colleges for free marketing help
- Take advantage of free sales aids through suppliers
- Advertise on your voice mail
- Put a daily sign up of specials for when you're open and closed
- Send direct mail using real stamps
- Send thank you notes and up-sell or cross sell existing customers
- Create audio cassette, video or CD "brochures"
- Post flyers to local bulletin boards
- Put coupons in car windshields and door hangers
- Ask magazines and newspapers for remnant space
- Ask "How did you hear about us?" from every customer
- Use fax-broadcasting to send new product or sale announcements
- Answer questions on newsgroups and e-mail discussion lists mentioning your business
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Business Card Directory
We are currently working at launching a new product into the Bullhead City market to help local businesses advertise and market their businesses without having to spend a small fortune.
The Business Card Directory will feature advertising from local businesses in the Bullhead, Laughlin, Needles areas. Each directory will also be found online allowing local businesses to reach the online marketplace as well.
Ads start at $150 for a business card ad, full color for 6 months. For more information on distribution and pricing, see our site at http://shopbhc.com/business_card_directory.shtml
The Business Card Directory will feature advertising from local businesses in the Bullhead, Laughlin, Needles areas. Each directory will also be found online allowing local businesses to reach the online marketplace as well.
Ads start at $150 for a business card ad, full color for 6 months. For more information on distribution and pricing, see our site at http://shopbhc.com/business_card_directory.shtml
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Mobile SMS Business Cards
If you know me, you know that since finding Twitter, I've become a Twitter fanatic. And through one of my contacts on Twitter (@mashable), I was referred to a site devoted to SMS business cards.
An SMS Business Card is a text message containing contact information for you or your company. I just tried it out, and it's fantastic! Let's just assume you're out and about without business cards (gasp!), and you run into someone who could use your service. Take out your cell phone, type in "Send" and their phone number to 50500 and it automatically shoots your contact information to your potential customer in a text message!
They can even request your information by sending your username to 50500. You'll get a request to ok the text, and after you say yes (you can turn that feature off), your contact gets your information!
Wanna try it out? In a text, send "Nikki", without the quotes to 50500. You'll get a text message in about 5 minutes containing my contact info!
Sign up for this service at www.Contxts.com
An SMS Business Card is a text message containing contact information for you or your company. I just tried it out, and it's fantastic! Let's just assume you're out and about without business cards (gasp!), and you run into someone who could use your service. Take out your cell phone, type in "Send" and their phone number to 50500 and it automatically shoots your contact information to your potential customer in a text message!
They can even request your information by sending your username to 50500. You'll get a request to ok the text, and after you say yes (you can turn that feature off), your contact gets your information!
Wanna try it out? In a text, send "Nikki", without the quotes to 50500. You'll get a text message in about 5 minutes containing my contact info!
Sign up for this service at www.Contxts.com
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