Friend, Follower or Linked?

Like it or not, social media is now an essential part of your brand's online identity. A few years ago, adding social media to your company's marketing tool box was as simple as creating a Facebook page.

Do I really need Social Media?

The short answer is: yes. Admittedly we are biased but our experience has proven how social media can positively impact a customer's brand.

Why do I need Social Media?

If your idea of Twitter is countless status updates ranging from your followers sitting on the patio to ordering a double mocha latte while checking-in at the local coffee shop - you aren't alone. Businesses who dismiss sa well thought out marketing plan that incorporates social media and tools such as QR codes (when and where their use is appropriate) quite simply is missing potential sales.

Today's consumers are actively engaged in all aspects of social media, taking part in conversations about everything and anything. These tech savvy people are tethered, if not addicted, to their mobile devices connecting with others who share similar interests: chances are someone is having a conversation about your company.


Are you listening?

Having a presence on social media allows you to join in these conversations. By taking part in these conversations you will be able see what the sentiment is toward your brand - and monitor whether the talk is in a positive or negative light.

Follower, Friend or Linked?

Not all companies will need to have a presence in all social media platforms. The main players in the social network are:

Facebook. One of the better known and most widely accepted network; Facebook is usually a companies first foray into social media waters. Facebook provides a place for organizations and companies to share their brand through status updates, photo albums, conducting polls and "hosting" events that are relevant to your brand. 

Twitter. While Facebook offers a platform for multiple people to manage a presence, Twitter offers a more personal presence with a direct one-on-one conversation with your customers. Customers provide feedback and engage in conversations through succinct 140 character messages. 

LinkedIn. This platform is especially relevant for creating a corporate presence and creating a platform for professionals to network and learn about your company. LinkedIn has had success displaying current vacancies to people who may be interested in filling this positions within your organization.

FourSquare. This platform is relevant for organizations with at least one "bricks and mortar" store. Foursquare is best utilized by providing discounts to users when they identify that they are at your location by clicking on a "check-in." Returning customers who check-in can earn Mayorships, badges and other rewards.

It should go without saying that your website and blog page should share a commonality in design and writing style. Today's consumer has become accustomed to receiving their information in real time; they aren't satisfied to wait while a newsletter is published and a web page updated. Your company web page should be the repository of resident information while your blog is where you regularly share inform and detailed information not suited for Facebook and other social media platforms. Your company or organization should be using Facebook and Twitter to direct friends and followers to your blog and web sites.

OK, I'm sold but who is going to manage my companies social media?

There is no hard and fast answer to this question but it should be someone that is genuinely interested in social networks and enjoys  spending the time needed to help your company build and maintain a social media presence. 

What is just as important is the company providing that person, or team, with information and resources needed to create meaningful conversations and content. 

Industry Leaders Set to Make a Splash at ICAST

We just delivered catalogs to two major players in the fishing industry: the Worth Company and Strike King Lure Company for their use at ICAST, the world's largest sportfishing trade show, held this year in Las Vegas.


The Worth Company, Stevens Point, WI, is a world class manufacturer of fishing lure components sold to lure manufacturers. Their 112-page plus cover perfect-bound catalog was printed by Spectra Print from client furnished art files.


Strike King Lure Company is an industry leader of lures and terminal tackle with an emphasis on bass fishing. Strike King Lure Company is located in Collierville, TN. Spectra Print handled all aspects of Strike King Lure's 56-page saddle-stitched catalog from design through printing.


Both companies enhanced the functionality of their catalogs, utilizing the latest in mobile technology with Microtag and QR code applications in their printed pieces.


We wish success to the Worth Company and Strike King Lure Company at ICAST.

Can I Scan QR Codes Without A Smartphone?

Does it seem as if everyone in the world has a Smartphone except for you? Sure you've had your eye on that iPhone or the latest Android technology but you're not quite ready to make the leap to a sleek new app filled phone. Does that mean are left out of today's technology loop and won't be able to take advantage of accessing the links hidden in those QR Codes?


Hardly.


ScanLife has introduced technology that brings barcode scanning to all mobile phones with MMS capabilities, no application needed.


ScanLife's new "Scan & Send" feature supports application-independent scanning of QR Code, Datamatrix, EZcodes and UPC barcodes. Users can now simply snap a photo of a barcode and send it via MMS to 43588 or e-mail to scan@scanlife.com to be decoded.


Images are decoded similar to applications for iPhone or Android apps but the user is sent an MMS message with actions associated with the code, including links to product information, photos and phone numbers.


According to ScanLife CEO and president Mike Wehrs, "Scanbuy's technology now allows a brand, agency or retailer to reach at least 80% of today's camera phone users with industry standard barcodes. The user experience now ranges from taking a picture and send it (a seven keystroke solution) to a zero click, very fast recognition when using the ScanLife app on the over 190 models of phones that are supported."


The only downside is that the Scan & Send MMS feature is limited to U.S. users on Verizon, Sprint and AT&T, though the e-mail option will still work for camera phone owners on other carriers.


Bibliography: Internet: www.mashable; www.fresnobee.com

Spectra Print To Attend 2011 Portage County Business Council Expo

Spectra Print is pleased to announce they will be among the nearly 100 businesses attending the 2011 Portage County Business Council Expo. The event will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011, from 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center, Stevens Point, WI.

What's In It For Me?

What could be more important to an area business owner than spending an afternoon of networking and business building? Find out what's new in the marketplace and help keep your business dollars in the area.

Four top-of-the-hour mini-sessions will be held on the Expo floor.

The  Smart Printing Buzz

Stop by the Spectra Print booth, #208, and find out how to show your customers just how smart your printing can be.

We will also be Twittering from the Business Expo. You can join in the conversation with the hashtag #spxo11

Do You Really Need Another Reason To Attend?

How about an awesome giveaway … like maybe the chance to win one (1)  8GB iPod Touch? This is the hottest addition to the iPod family with new features such as FaceTime video calling, Retina Display for crisp viewing, HD video and camera. Perfect for scanning QR codes.

To qualify, drop off your business card at the Spectra Print booth #208 for your chance to win. The drawing will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2011. While you don't need to be present to win - your business card does.

Stop by our booth - we will be happy to discuss the possibilities and benefits of Smart Printing. You won't be disappointed.

We've Made Business Cards Smart!

With the recent advent and expanded use of QR codes and other mobile tags, it's now easier than ever to have smart business cards.


We've taken this technology and applied it to a staple of the business world, your business card, and made it 'smart.'


Is There An App For That?


Business cards printed with your personal contact information are made smart with the addition of a QR code directing your contacts to your company web site or blog as well as a QRV code to transfer your personal contact information. These are just two ways to upgrade your business card.


With a QR reader installed on a mobile phone, the images on your business card are instantly scanned and the information decoded as a link to a web site or in the case of the QRV code, your personal information.


In the image below, you'll see the decoded QRV code scanned from the front of the business card of Spectra Print Marketing Director Al Scherwinski, shown above:

It really is easy to be smart. Contact us for other options.

It's Okay To Be A Show Off

Doing business without advertising is like winking

at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing,

but nobody else does. ~Steuart Henderson Britt

It never ceases to amaze me how hard small business owners work in order to achieve success. Contrary to popular opinion, there are very few perks to owning your own business: long hours, very little time off, on call and on the clock pretty much 24/7. If love makes the world go ‘round, small business owners are surely the cog that keeps the wheels of commerce turning.

The last few weeks we’ve been out on the show circuit, both trade and consumer, and came away with the knowledge that it is a jungle out there!

In an environment where everyone is in the same boat, how do you stop the parade of potential customers so they don’t pass you by?

Don’t Leave Home Without It

A set of clear goals that is. What are your expectations for the show you will be attending? Are you focusing on business promotion or is this the stage where you launch a new product? You can have more than one goal but you need to be clear about what your participation is going to achieve.

Your Display Is Your On-Site Ad

A successful display is one that is planned with the audience in mind. Who is it that you are targeting with your display? An important question to ask yourself since audiences “shop” shows differently.

Create a Buzz

Invite clients, customers, suppliers and other contacts; this is the stage made for social media and where Facebook and Twitter shine. Do you know your booth number in advance? If you do, make sure to feature the number prominently in your advance advertising.

Build It And They Will Come

Spectra Print’s Marketing Director Al Scherwinski says five basic elements for show booth displays are memorable visuals, headline, copy points, company logo, and web/blog presence.

Select your trade show graphics carefully; simple, bold and clear images work best.

Choose your words carefully and keep your display headline simple, clear and to the point. Chances are, people that did not plan to visit you at the show will more than likely walk past your booth. If this is your only chance to grab their attention, you will need a carefully thought out and compelling headline to make them want to find out more about your company.

It makes sense that the shorter your headline is the larger it can appear on your show booth display allowing your display to reach farther into busy show traffic. Even a small table top display with a short bold message can be seen several yards away.

“Your choice of typeface is also important,” Scherwinski says. “With literally thousands of type fonts to choose from, selecting the right one can seem daunting. The next time you attend a show, notice the displays that grab your attention. They won’t necessarily be large booths but displays that consistently use simple bold graphics.”

It was a dark and stormy night …

While it is tempting to write a description that explains everything your customer needs to know about you - don’t. As much as you would like them to, most show attendees will not want to spend a ton of time reading about your company. Use bullet points, keep your message short, don’t get too technical and remember to keep your company name front and center. Utilize QR codes to feature your social media and web site presence.

Now that you have a stack of requests, make sure follow-up correspondence is priority one when you are packed up and homeward bound.

Next week’s blog post will conclude the show marketing discussion. Stay tuned!

What Am I Looking At?

In addition to the introduction of the Spectra Print blog, Spectra Now, this week marks the roll-out of QR Codes at the All-Canada Show at Pheasant Run, St. Charles, IL. With the QR Code for the Spectra Print web site prominently displayed on the booth banner and on the newly designed business cards, Spectra Print is definitely causing quite a buzz at the All-Canada Show. Oh and did we mention the QR Codes on the shirts?

What is a QR Code? No, you are not looking for Elvis.

The unique bar code known as a QR or Quick Response code lets your customers - and potential customers - instantly learn more about your business by visiting a mobile version of your web site home, special landing page or blog via a QR code reader app on any smart phone.

The QR code could quite possibly become your business' new best friend. You may have seen QR codes scattered around and not known what they are; essentially they are a two-dimensional bar code but instead of being limited to storing numbers on groceries, QR codes are able to store things like strings of text, URL's, emails and much more.

Terrific. But what's the point and how is this going to help me?

Think about it this way. Nearly everyone has a smart phone and with a reader app, the phones have the ability to read the QR codes and instantly direct them to your specific page on the Internet. Imagine the response if your business' QR code was on your business card or to allow a potential client the opportunity to view a video about your business or a product review or to find a coupon or special offer?

The possibilities are endless!