Wednesday, March 18, 2009

S.I.T. The Stay In Touch Newsletter ::: Issue 2



S.I.T. Newsletter brought to you by WINDMILLER DESIGN GROUP
issue 2 ::: February 19, 2009
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WINDMILLER DESIGN GROUP created S.I.T. to STAY IN TOUCH, spread the word, and ultimately build connections.

S.I.T. Newsletter will spread the word about outstanding business people, provide you with marketing tactics, and help us stay in touch, so Windmiller Design Group knows what's going on with you and your business.

STAY IN TOUCH!

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SPREAD THE WORD:

>> If you know someone that is in need of marketing or design services, please forward this e-mail to them. If they work with WDG, you will receive 15% off your next project with Windmiller Design Group.

In this issue of S.I.T., Windmiller Design Group is
SPREADING THE WORD about: ORGANIC CLIMBING, USA

Organic Climbing USA is committed to producing the best climbing gear possible. Their products are designed to be functional, durable, and unique. Hand made in the USA, each piece is one-of-a-kind.

I first started working with Organic Climbing when I designed the corporate identity for the business, and most recent work has been T-shirt designs. They are releasing their 2009 Vintage T-shirts any day now, check them out on the WDG blog. Organic Climbing USA is established in Laramie, Wyoming, but has plans of expanding to the Minneapolis area this Summer - more details on all the great things they will offer the Twin Cities coming soon! Thanks Organic Climbing!:

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MARKETING TIP
The Benefits of Blogging:

10 STRATEGIC BENEFITS OF BLOGGING
1. Search Engine Marketing:
Blogs give you an increased presence on major search engines, like Yahoo! and Google. A well-written, routinely updated, keyword-oriented blog can enhance your chances of garnering high rankings on search engine return pages.

2. Direct Communications:
Blogs provide a way for you to speak directly, openly and honestly with your customer.

3. Brand Building:
Blogs serve as another channel on which to promote your brand and company.

4. Competitive Differentiation:
Because blogs give you the opportunity to tell your story over and over, they help set you apart from the competition.


5. Relational Marketing:
Blogs allow you to build personal, long-lasting relationships with your customers that foster trust.

6. Exploit the Niches:
Blogs help you fill your particular industry niche.

7. Media & Public Relations:
Blogs are excellent PR tools. The media calls you, not your competition.

8. Position You as an Expert:
Blogs enable you to articulate your viewpoints, knowledge and expertise on matters pertaining to your industry.

9. Reputation Management:
Blogs help you manage your online reputation.

10. Low Cost:
Blogs are inexpensive to set up, operate and maintain.
Provided by the AlphaMarketer

What are you waiting for?

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WINDMILLER DESIGN GROUP

creating the energy to power your brand

Mollie Windmiller >> Mollie@WindmillerDG.com >> tele: 612.616.1886
visit: www.WindmillerDG.com >> blog: WindmillerDG.BlogSpot.com

S.I.T. The Stay In Touch Newsletter ::: Issue 1


S.I.T. Newsletter brought to you by WINDMILLER DESIGN GROUP
issue 1 ::: February 5, 2009
______________________________________________________________

WINDMILLER DESIGN GROUP created S.I.T. to STAY IN TOUCH, spread the word, and ultimately build connections.

S.I.T. Newsletter will spread the word about outstanding business people, provide you with marketing tactics, and help us stay in touch, so Windmiller Design Group knows what's going on with you and your business.

STAY IN TOUCH!

________________________

SPREAD THE WORD:

>> If you know someone that is in need of marketing or design services, please forward this e-mail to them. If they work with WDG, you will receive 15% off your next project with Windmiller Design Group.

In this issue of S.I.T., Windmiller Design Group is
SPREADING THE WORD about: JIM GRANDBOIS

Jim Grandbois is a Sales Associate at Lakes Sotheby's International Realty in Edina, MN. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, Jim will make the process smooth and successful. Visit his website to learn more: www.JimGrandbois.com

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MARKETING TIP
Insights to Marketing in a Down Economy:
Professor John Quelch, of Harvard Business School shares ways of marketing your way through a recession:

In a recession, consumers become value oriented, distributors are concerned about cash, and employees worry about their jobs. But a downturn is no time to stop spending on marketing. The key, says professor John Quelch, is to understand how the needs of your customers and partners change, and adapt your strategies to the new reality. Key concepts include: • Brands that increase advertising during a downturn can improve market share and return on investment. • Early-buy allowances, extended financing, and generous return policies motivate distributors to stock your full product line. • In tough times, price cuts attract more consumer support than promotions. • CEOs must spend more time with customers and employees.

STAY COMMITTED TO RESEARCH - It's now more important than ever before to understand what the customer is thinking and doing. It is vital to keep a pulse on what is important to them and make sure you are delivering. This is why we feel it is absolutely vital that you closely monitor your web analytics. Usually we can look at website user behavior and see exactly what is important to the visitor. For example, on a recent project we were able to see that a client's customer base was showing considerable pause in their buying behavior. They were still seeing the same number of pages, but they were spending a much longer time viewing the page. In essence, it was like they were walking their way to the check out counter, but were taking a much longer time in the process. Changes in merchandising were able to help address this issue.

MAINTAIN MARKETING SPENDING - Professor Quelch says "This is not the time to cut advertising. It is well documented that brands that increase advertising during a recession, when competitors are cutting back, can improve market share and return on investment at lower cost than during good economic times."

"Successful companies do not abandon their marketing strategies in a recession; they adapt them" says Quelch.

Taken from the Harvard Business School, Working Knowledge website: Research & Ideas. read full article


______________________________________________________________

WINDMILLER DESIGN GROUP

creating the energy to power your brand

Mollie Windmiller >> Mollie@WindmillerDG.com >> tele: 612.616.1886
visit: www.WindmillerDG.com >> blog: WindmillerDG.BlogSpot.com