Archive for the 'Promoting Your Small Business' Category
Written by billyfischer | December 1, 2011 9:56 am
We’ve been asking marketing & sales managers the following question: ”What’s your top marketing goal in 2012?”
The most popular response? “Drastically increase the number of leads we receive from our website.” Sound familiar? As you start to see more and more potential sales opportunities from your website it’s common to wonder, “How can I get more?”
3 ways to increase your web leads in 2012
1. EXPLORE
Try a new marketing method and put the measurement tools in place.
Raise Awareness With Remarketing
Set up a display ad campaign in Google using their remarketing system. This causes your ad to display much more than your competitors’ ads when the visitor has been to your site in the past. This is a great tool to raise awareness about your brand.
Keyword “Tasting”
Set up a landing page and try 5 keywords. Change the 5 keywords each week. Only run your campaign during business hours. Utilize Google’s keyword tool to help you identify some great keywords to test. Watch your analytics closely to determine which keywords work the best.
2. Measure
One of the strengths of search marketing is its extreme measurability. Beef up your tracking in 2012 so you know exactly what’s working.
Measure URLs & Phone Numbers
You can easily measure your campaigns using Google Analytics and Google’s URL builder for creating tracking URLs. For phone calls, we suggest IfByPhone. The URL builder is free, and IfByPhone is fast to set up and very inexpensive.
Multivariate Landing Page Testing
Design multiple landing pages (we suggest using UnBounce to help). Utilize different imagery, messaging and offers on each. Split the traffic evenly between the two and identify which elements work the best. Then, utilize those elements throughout your entire campaign!
3. Adjust
The key to a high-performing search marketing campaign is to be constantly tweaking activities based on the large amount of data received.
Use SEO & SEM Together
Once you identify which keywords work best in the SEM environment, take those keywords and optimize your website for them. Publish new articles, update content pages and write press releases integrating your newly discovered keywords.
Make Your Design Work
Don’t be afraid to adjust some of the design elements of your website based on what you’ve learned from your search activities. Simplify pages, highlight conversions, change images and continue to evolve your design.
What are you planning to do in 2012 that will increase your web leads in 2012?
Written by crystalolig | May 6, 2011 2:10 pm
Oxiem partnered with the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State to create a dyanamic blog and website to support the upcoming Ohio Growth Summit. Taking place in Columbus on June 8 & 9 this year, the Ohio Growth Summit brings together entrepreneurs and accomplished business owners for a series of speakers, educational and inspirational activities.
The site is robust and dynamic, featuring social sharing features like the Linked In & Facebook “Like” buttons, Topsy and an Author widget.
Conference registration and payment opportunities are provided by eEvent, a free event registration system created by entrepreneurs in Ohio.
A new logo and brand identity created especially for the new site help modernize and create excitement around the event.
Written by admin | February 1, 2011 11:43 am
Oxiem helped Eagle Warehouse & Logistics create a new site that is modern, reflects family values and showcases the unique services Eagle provides. With a patriotic color scheme for this military family, a redesigned logo and contemporary navigation buttons, the site is expressive of Eagle’s values and helps drive business.
Gregg Flowers, sales & marketing director for Eagle, one of the top third party logistics firms in Central Ohio, according to Business First, had this to say about the new Eagle site:
“Crystal Olig & the Oxiem team have done an outstanding job with creating a website that we are proud to have.We asked them to make a website that would be a 24/7 sales rep for Eagle Warehouse & Logistics…they did just that. Oxiem did everything they said they would & even more. If you are wondering if Oxiem is the right choice for your web design, stop wondering & go for it. You won’t be disappointed.”
With a focus on making sure clients could contact Eagle in just a click or with a quick call, the site includes a quick contact form on most pages as well as a web-only 800 number, allowing them to track and measure calls coming from the web.
Another goal was to help companies and start-ups who have no experience with logistics or shipping to clearly understand the logistics business, and secondly, see that Eagle is there to help educate them and be a consultative partner. This was achieved through quick definitions and explanations placed throughout the site.
Custom site imagery showcases the real people behind the scenes at Eagle, many of whom are members of the Flowers family. Even the team’s clients, Beer Tubes, who co-office at the property, got in on the action.
Oxiem will partner with Eagle to launch a full Search Engine Optimization and marketing campaign to drive leads and new business to Eagle. For all your Ohio warehousing, logistics and packaging needs – think Eagle.
Written by crystalolig | July 26, 2010 6:57 pm
Oxiem recently launched two new websites to serve audiences north of the border. No Mounties were harmed in the making of this website – we promise. Eh?
Comfort Keepers Canada Website
Comfort Keepers Canada serves franchise development needs through the Canada in-home senior care website, sharing information about franchise opportunities throughout the country. With a handy location finder, users can quickly find a contact in a territory near them.
The site includes a “Quick Question” form, a rotating quote box for testimonials from happy franchisees, and an easy request more information form for users wanting more info about franchising with Comfort Keepers in Canada.
Visit Comfort Keepers Franchising Canada today, to check out our work and learn a little something about the in-home care market.
Konecranes Canada French Website
Konecranes provides all types of cranes, all over the world. A vital component of the Canadian market strategy is speaking to people in their native tongue. The Konecranes Canada site is translated entirely in French, including all conversion opportunities like the “formulaire de contact“, search marketing-focused landing pages, and location finder.
Written by crystalolig | July 16, 2010 1:49 pm
Oxiem welcomed small business owners and marketers from around central Ohio for a two-hour workshop on search engine marketing and website optimization on June 29 at the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center. Attendees needed help learning the basics of search, as well as tips, tricks and techniques they could implement on their own sites.
After a quick intro to the basics (fueled by a little caffeine and carbs – a.k.a. coffee and bagels – just to get brains revving to go), a series of roundtable sessions hosted by Oxiem’s search experts allowed attendees to ask questions and learn from each other.
Roundtable topics included:
- Conversions: Connecting with your customer, with Lindsay Malone
- Organic Search: Grabbing growth gradually, with Bill Sterzenbach
- Technical: Build it (right) and they will come, with Angela Trego
- Paid Search: I want traffic now!, with David Kragel
At the end, each attendee had the opportunity for an individual consultation with Oxiem experts on his or her own site, including the opportunity to examine in-depth functionality, ask questions and make notes for improvement.
Here are a few comments from attendees:
- “I enjoyed being able to talk/learn more about all the different aspects of web marketing and even social media. I understood the content & didn’t feel like it was something that was over my head! And everyone was fun & personable!” – Megan Stengel, President, Libre, LLC (www.libreclothing.com)
- “This is my second trip to an Oxiem [workshop]. There is a reason why: The professionals of Oxiem know how to deliver knowledge and value in their educational seminars. Just imagine the results they can deliver their clients.” – Jason Veliquette, Marketing Director, Peer Assist, LLC (www.PeerAssistLLC.com) (Wow, thanks Jason! We sure try!)
- “Oxiem makes search engine marketing easy to understand, with specific suggestions and ideas I can use today. My head is swimming with the possibilities, rather than confusion.” – Heather Dicianna, Owner, Rewondered (www.rewondered.com)
- “Great use of time with good amount of information.” – Deonna Barnett, Increase CDC (www.increasecdc.org)
- “This was wonderful! I learned more here than in several months of research. I appreciate the straightforward answers and willingness to help. Thank you!” – Anonymous
- “Maybe break out sessions could be a bit longer. Or it could be set-up as a 2-part event. I learned so much and had a wonderful time!” – Mandy, Libre, LLC (www.libreclothing.com)
- “Really good introduction and lots of helpful tips and advice. Thanks for sharing your knowledge & experience.” – Bethia Wolf, Columbus Food Adventures (www.columbusfoodadventures.com)
“The areas of focus and time spend at each [roundtable] was perfect! The outside perspective was really helpful.” –Bethany Skaff, Libre, LLC (www.libreclothing.com)
More photos from the event are live on the Oxiem Marketing Technology Facebook page. Check ‘em out, tag yourself, and please give us a “like” while you’re there!
Follow up surveys indicated that attendees were pleased with the session, and gave us a few pointers for subsequent workshops the Oxiem team will host. The most common feedback said we needed to make each roundtable its own session — so much to teach and learn, so little time! We’ll definitely be back with more focused sessions in the future.
Our primary goal for this and other similar sessions is simply to give back to other small businesses by sharing our expertise. When the Ohio business community and economy grows, we all win. As a whole, the team is so pleased we had the chance to meet all the entrepreneurs and marketers who attended, and are thankful they gave us a few minutes to help de-mystify the world of search marketing. THANK YOU!
Check back here often for more tips on Columbus search engine marketing, local website optimization and events from the Oxiem team.
Written by crystalolig | June 7, 2010 3:03 pm
Oxiem Marketing Technology Presents:
Search Engine Marketing & Website Optimization Workshop for Businesses
Tuesday, June 29
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Dublin Entrepreneurial Center
7003 Post Rd., Dublin OH 43016
4th Floor Training Room
Google’s the big kid in the sandbox, and he’s hungry. Are you feeding the beast? The right content, keywords and structure can dramatically impact the success of your business online. On Tuesday, June 29 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., you can find out how you’re doing in a free workshop-format session with the experts in search and SEO from Oxiem Marketing Technology. One lucky attendee will WIN a free search marketing campaign from Oxiem. Register now!
First, we’ll discuss key website features like overall structure, links, title tags and keywords. You’ll learn best practices and theory behind search engine marketing, and walk away with tips you can implement now to:
- Convert lurkers into potential clients
- Painlessly collect contact information from visitors
- Better understand online metrics and measurement goals
- Make sure your site is performing well with key quality measurements
- Consistently grow online traffic
Next, the first 15 pre-registered attendees will have the opportunity to discuss your existing website with an expert from Oxiem one-on-one, and get recommendations about content, structure, keywords and more.
Fill out the form here to register today!
Questions? Call 614.787.6676 or e-mail Crystal at colig(at)oxiem.com.
–
About the Presenters
David Kragel
David is the lead search marketing analyst at Oxiem and manages the
day-to-day operations of their search marketing campaigns. David’s
responsibilities include market and keyword research, developing and
optimizing search advertisements, and implementing unique, visitor-driven
conversion opportunities. He also develops organic search marketing
campaigns, analyzing websites for strengths and weaknesses and integrating
content and technical changes to fully optimize client websites.
Bill Sterzenbach
Bill is co-founder of Oxiem and is the company’s technology director. His
professional career spans web site architecture, online marketing,
technology application, website development and hosting for a range of B2B,
manufacturing and consumer clients. With more than 20 years of IT
leadership experience and a decade’s worth of online marketing expertise,
he’s a recognized expert in search marketing and search engine
optimization, specializing in driving real, measurable business results
through savvy and insightful search strategy.
Post-Event Recap
See our intro presentation slides below, with a quick capture of the basics of search and topics discussed at the workshop.
Written by bsterzenbach | April 28, 2010 12:08 pm
We’re not in it for the accolades, but when you get a pat on the back from your peers, it sure feels good!
Oxiem recently took home two PRism awards from the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, in partnership with two outstanding clients.
PRSA is a leading organization for communications and public relations professionals, and boasts an active local central Ohio chapter. Each year the chapter honors local companies doing outstanding work for clients in the public relations and marketing communications arena with a PRism Award. Entries are judged by a reciprocal PRSA chapter somewhere across the country.
This year’s award ceremony took place Thursday, April 22 at the Hilton Polaris, hosted by local media personality Monica Day of the local NBC-4 affiliate.
Oxiem took home two PRism awards in partnership with two outstanding clients.
The microsite developed to support recruitment, branding and awareness goals for the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, Ohio Hi-Point Journeys, won a PRism Award in the category “Non-Profit Social Media Campaign.” Oxiem client Shane Haggerty, marketing & communications director for Hi-Point, also is a member of a PR organization for school communicators and the site also won top honors from the Ohio NSPRA chapter.
Mary Szymkowiak of the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau was on hand at the awards ceremony to accept top honors with a PRism award in the category “Non-Profit Website” for the site IrishIsAnAttitude.com, designed and developed by Oxiem.
Oxiem team member Crystal Olig is an active member of PRSA, serving on the local University Liaison committee and a national executive board for the organization.
“What is unique about this award is that it’s judged from a communications standpoint,” said Olig. “Not only do these sites do a great job of marketing, but they are seen by other communications professionals as having a specific, key message and strategy behind them. It’s an honor to be among the 2010 PRism award winners in Central Ohio.”
See a full list of 2010 Central Ohio PRSA PRism award winners here.
Written by crystalolig | April 7, 2010 7:37 pm
It’s a myth that to work with a professional marketing or web agency you have to have the big bucks. Everyone can be “big” online, no matter how many people or what resources you have at your disposal.
Oxiem truly believes every business, non-profit, mom & pop or other local business deserves professional web marketing. We work every day to keep our services scalable for all types and sizes of businesses.
It’s the reason I wanted to work here in the first place.
My parents put entrepreneurship in my blood, and that kind of history sticks with you. In fact, there was a actually business in my childhood home until I was about 12 years old. Mom ran an in-home preschool, and my dad is a co-owner of an ag real estate business in Nebraska. (And YES, I’m actively trying to get him to let me help him with that website right now — believe me, I’m trying.)
I remember the good years and the bad years, watching my parents struggle through records at tax time (sound familiar?), worrying about making payroll for coworkers that were more friends than employees, and seeing what heart they both put into their respective businesses.
So, I digress. The point is, I can see how many times small business owners face the challenge of continually moving their businesses forward, and online marketing and websites often become a sticking point.
Whether it’s not feeling comfortable with new technology, worrying there’s not point in keeping up because it changes so fast, or simply not having the time or resources to dedicate to building your online business presence — it’s okay. I know where you’re coming from.
Chances are, many of our clients felt the same way right before they called us.
So when my friend Heath called me and asked if I’d give an introductory crash-course on online business and marketing to the Reynoldsburg Chamber, I jumped at the chance. It was an opportunity for me to help local entrepreneurs learn, and share Oxiem’s point of view on online marketing, website development and search engine optimization/marketing.
Here’s what I came up with (thanks to much help from my team). I’m hoping it was useful, actionable and interesting to the group. What do you think?
Comment below or get in touch. Love to hear from you.
-Crystal Olig
Twitter: @sparklegem
Email me!
Call: 614.448.1812
Written by crystalolig | March 29, 2010 6:10 am
Champaign County, Ohio is small county located in rural Ohio, 35 miles outside of Columbus. In beginning the process of creating a website, multiple departments within the county were challenged with small budgets, limited technical expertise and multiple messages. These departments include Champaign County, the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Economic Development. Oxiem Marketing Technology worked with each department to craft a program would pull together resources and create one unified brand presence, but allow flexibility for each department to customize their content.
Portal Solution
The website portal, http://champaignohio.com, presents the overlying brand with rotating messaging featuring each of the different areas. The user has the ability to select their destination through “Visit” (Champaign County), “Work” (Economic Development), “Succeed” (Chamber of Commerce) and “Live” (Champaign County – to be launched soon!).
Each department has the ability to customize only the content of its respective section/entity, through Oxiem’s O2 Content Management System. This allows for flexibility and department-specific content control, while keeping the brand standards consistent throughout and allowing for resource-sharing at the main portal homepage.
Financial Solution
Each department targets a unique audience, from prospective residents and businesses to recreational travelers – which is what makes the web portal such a great access point. It ranks very well for “Champaign County, Ohio”-related searches and will many times be the “catch all” site for multiple types of visitors. It will then quickly lead them in the direction they are looking for based on the key messaging on the homepage.
“The great thing about Oxiem is that we believe every small business, governmental agency and organization deserves professional web marketing, and we are dedicated to creating a financial solution for your web marketing needs,” said Billy Fischer, Oxiem’s Business Development Manager.
In this instance Oxiem worked with each organization to create a custom billing structure that made the portal possible, splitting budget over each organization, giving the department’s flexibility and breathing room. In a time of limited budgets, this solution enabled each community entity to share resources like photography and content about local attractions and communities, while allowing for unique messaging, editing capabilities and control from each group.
Written by crystalolig | March 16, 2010 12:13 pm
“Irish is an Attitude” is the motif for the Dublin, Ohio, convention and visitor’s bureau website, launched this month by the Oxiem team — just in time for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. From the old-Irish style wood frames, to the lucky shamrock background, a distinctly Gaelic charm permeates throughout the site’s branding and feel.
The site targets consumers, event planners and group tours with attractions and events, the largest of which includes the annual Dublin Irish Fest, the biggest Irish festival in the country and the PGA Memorial Golf Tournament.
The city’s marketers are active users of social media tools, so incorporating those new media outlets was vital. They also wanted to display great photos and have plenty of ad space to feature attractions, tours, hotels, places to eat and things to do in Dublin. The site is ultimately successful because it uses a carefully orchestrated architecture, which creates opportunities for visitor conversion and blends everything under one brand voice.
Aggregating & Sharing Local Social Content
One goal of the site was to take advantage of local businesses actively using social media to market restaurants and shops, maximizing resources and keeping the most current news and events coming through on consistent conduit. To achieve this, Oxiem worked with the CVB staff to create the “Dublin Live” page. This page is designed to reference bulletin boards at classic Irish pubs, and streams social content from Flickr, YouTube, Yelp, Twitter and blogs.
Each stream of social content aggregates automatically, pulling in tweets, restaurant reviews and photos from contributing businesses in the city.
“Dublin Live is innovative because it helps us serve the community and visitors through one consistent Web location,” said Mary Szymkowiak, communications specialist with the CVB. “We maximize the time we spend interacting through social media and encourage our local business partners to share their Dublin experiences.”
Interactive Tourism & Business Directory Solution
Another feature of the Dublin site is the city map and business directory that uses the Google Maps API to display a customized map of Dublin. To create a custom feel, Oxiem used unique icons to represent different attractions.
When a user clicks an icon, an info bubble displays a photo of the venue, plus contact information and a link to a full directory listing for each business, including description, contact information and map with driving directions.
When it comes to local Irish flavor, the CVB’s blog says it best: “And, remember one more thing. You don’t need Irish in your blood. Just in your soul.”
Or in your website, we say. Thanks to Mary and everyone at the CVB for all their hard work and collaborative (Irish) spirit.
