Making Every Word Count

Why Data Visualization Has a Tremendous Impact on Marketing

Even if you’ve developed an effective marketing strategy, it can be easy to fall into a rut. You post on social media. You run web ads. You incentivize word of mouth. What else can you do to refresh your marketing and reach new potential? Data visualization is a great way to revitalize your marketing efforts — and it’s one of the most versatile, too. Here are some tips and resources to demonstrate how data visualization can help you build a stronger connection with your existing clients while also gaining new clients.

How to Know When a Business Coach Is Your Only Option

Running a business on your own is far from easy. What makes it all the more challenging is that the onus is on you and you alone to make a business succeed, which can result in you feeling overwhelmed and pressured beyond your limits. However, you are not alone in feeling so, which is why many entrepreneurs aim to get a business coach on board to help boost their chances of success. Here are some tips on how to know how and where to find a reputable business coach if you are in need of a helping hand.

3 Types of Tech Investments Small Business Owners Should Consider

According to a recent survey, the majority of businesses expect to make tech investments this year in areas like IT, cybersecurity, marketing automation, cloud technologies, and remote team collaboration. And while budgeting for technology isn’t always easy as a small business owner, most businesses simply can’t afford to skimp on tech — especially those operating online or working remotely amidst COVID-19.

Below, learn about three types of tech investments all small business owners should consider to improve their chances of success now and in the future. It may not be cheap, but you’ll save time and money in the long run.

Looking to revamp your business’s marketing and branding to increase sales? GB Marketing & Communications can take your business to the next level and deliver results!

It’s Time to Break Down the Data Silos of Marketing!

New research suggests that Marketing organizations need to do a better job at breaking down the internal “silos” that separate functions and data. One of the reasons why this issue has emerged is that people like to keep a tight control their slice of the data “pie.” I thought it might be helpful to share some suggestions on what can be done to overcome this challenge to help unlock greater efficiency and performance with how Marketing teams operate – a win-win for all!

Data silos can be found in many places. Within a digital campaign, it might include contact information, such as name, title, employer, email address, and phone number. Event sponsorships might include a list of attendees; website visitors represent another source of contact information.

Over time, it can be difficult to keep track of all this information. And, to ensure the data is accessible and current. Further, with the changing data privacy laws and the fact that these records include Personally Identifiable Information (PII), it is now increasingly critical to know exactly where all this data resides.

3 Ways Public Relations Can Boost Event Return on Investment

Technology has come a long way in mainstreaming remote working. Yet, despite all of these advances, it is still important to meet with people in person at events and conferences. As important relationships are best maintained in this way, events should be part of your marketing mix. The challenge is that it can often be difficult to quantify or justify the Return on Investment (ROI). And, picking the right events to attend can sometimes be difficult. Combining PR with your event strategy is a great way to boost event return on investment. This approach will increase overall marketing effectiveness and drive greater engagement with your audience.

Read this article to see how the role of PR and marketing is now merging, “The Future of Public Relations.”

The Role of PR at an Event

Given the large investment of attending an event, anything that can be done to help ROI is a good thing! The costs can be substantial. Examples include sponsorship fees, booth design, graphics, and labor set-up fees (paying union wages). Then, you need to travel to get there. This can include airfare and lodging costs. Add to this the collateral or swag given away, and the total cost is significant! Anything you can do to amplify the benefits and reap future dividends will go a long way to justifying attendance.

Have We Lost Trust in Communications?

Regardless of your political orientation, I think we can all agree that anytime popular opinion can be manipulated by spreading false news is a bad thing. With a new election set to occur next year in the US, there is a concern (rightly so) about the possibility of foreign actors or others exerting influence on the outcome. Similarly, trust over personal data held by corporations is now at an all-time low. Have we forever lost trust in communications? Can it be regained? What can marketers or communications pros do to help reverse this trend?

The Research Findings are In

The Institute for Public Relations recently conducted a survey addressing this concern. The study, “The 2019 IPR Disinformation in Society Report,” was based on a poll conducted March 19-24, 2019 by 2,200 Americans. The research sought to identify the level of trust the American public has in collecting information from various data sources as well as the parties that are responsible for combatting disinformation.

How PR has Changed the Advertising Model

If the worlds of PR and marketing are set to further converge over the next five years, we should start to see evidence that this shift has begun (see related article). The viral sensation surrounding the recent Game of Thrones Starbucks coffee cup incident is a great data point that validates this transformation.

What struck me was what an amazing PR and awareness opportunity this became from a blurred, barely visible image shown for a split second on a television show. The way brands get promoted and recognized today certainly has changed!

5 Reasons to Build a Social Media Audience

It doesn’t matter if you are a social media expert or novice – we are all impressed when you hear about the amazing number of followers some brands and celebrities achieve on social media channels. Did you know that Selena Gomez had 139 million people following her on Instagram at the end of 2018? How did she do that? You might wonder how it is even possible to achieve this level of engagement. Your next question might be, “Who cares?” Does it even matter?

Yes, it does matter.

Likes and followers are a very quantifiable metric that provides insights into your brand’s popularity. Beyond simply being an emotional boost, having a large following translates into a stronger brand, greater awareness and more revenue opportunities.