evocativeevocativehttps://www.evocative.agency/blogYou Need To Know These Event and Entertainment Trends For 2017]]>Journalist: Evocative Agencyhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/21/You-Need-To-Know-These-Event-and-Entertainment-Trends-For-2017https://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/21/You-Need-To-Know-These-Event-and-Entertainment-Trends-For-2017Sun, 21 May 2017 12:51:48 +0000
We thought we’d share our pearls of wisdom when it comes to the event trends and entertainment trends that we’ve been expecting to surface in 2017 and it looks like our finger was certainly on that pulse!
Entertainment Trends 2017
Entertainment has always been an integral part of events; whether it’s subtle background music to set the mood, a mix and mingle performer, after dinner speaker, or stage production.
Of course acts such as party bands and musicians, magicians, circus artists and dance shows remain forever popular. However, new creations surface all the time and the desires of clients change, meaning that each year sees a select few entertainment options rise to the top of the ‘in-demand’ pile.
THE entertainment trends in 2017 have been:
1) The new immersive
Previously ‘immersive’ has been seen as a form of entertainment that transports the audience elsewhere, but this hasn’t always meant that the audience need take an active role in the journey. In 2017 immersive technologies and entertainment will be more interactive.
Audiences will become participants and be required to engage with their immersive surrounds rather than passively watch as the experience takes place around them.This could take the form of active VR simulators or sensory experiences with touch, taste and smell playing a huge role (which don’t always have to be high-tech).
2) Food glorious food
Food and drink have played a huge role in events and themed activations this year. In fact, food options for events have gone way past ordinary catering and ventured into the world of entertainment. We’ve already seen living tables serving drinks and canapés, but food scientists are really pushing the boat out with foodie gadgets and inventions that really have the potential to be the focal point of an event.
They also tick the box when it comes to that all-important multi-level sensory experience and marrying up with event themes.
3) A live music experience
Live music will always be popular at events – the atmosphere it creates really is unparalleled. In 2017 we think that the live music experience will be taken to the next level. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional party band performance, anything goes in 2017 when it comes to mixing music with technology – live streamed videos, 360-degree and VR headsets for the audience.
4) Personalisation
Not so much a type of entertainment but more a way of entertainment. Much like event experiences, event organisers want their entertainment to be as personal as possible. As such this need for customisation, when it comes to entertainment, will be more important in 2017 than it ever has before. Fortunately we’re experts at creating custom entertainment experiences for events, all you have to do is give us the brief!
Events Trends 2017
When it comes to events themselves there are several different trends we can see emerging… paying close attention to these could make all the difference to ensuring your annual event doesn’t stagnate.
1) Bigger is not always better
Gone are the days when the bigger the event the better it was. Attendees are now less concerned with the wide variety of content available and more concerned with an event’s level of personalised content. Larger events are often seen as being too haphazard and too big to offer a meaningful individual experience. So, when it comes to events attendees want a personalised experience, and as such we’re seeing a rise in popularity of invite only events, smaller exhibitions, and intimate activations. This also means that for bigger exhibitions and events measuring ROI is becoming increasingly important, and big data is at the centre of this.
2) The new social
Though social media is a given at events, it’s also making a bad name for itself with attendees paying more attention to their social media feeds than the actual event. Thus, a new type of social media at events is emerging whereby mobile devices are being integrated into the whole experience. This integration includes phones, tablets, etc. being used as controllers for the experience. We’ve already seen how iPad magicians like Tom London have harnessed mobile devices assimilating them into large-scale performances. You can read more about how he does this here.
3) Integrating leisure activities
We’ve spoken previously about wellness trends at events and this is definitely something that we will see playing a greater role in events in 2017. Event organisers will be using leisure activities to create ‘brain breaks’ and opportunities for casual networking.
4) New uses for tech
Of course technology has become so ingrained within the essence of events that VR, experiential, and live streaming are expected, however in 2017 we will see them deployed in a new way. Rather than one big experiential attraction, we predict that experiential will be seen throughout an event’s venue set out in innovative break out areas. In this way different experiential areas can be composed to appeal to a different niches and cater to the need for event personalisation. Its been listed as the next big thing for the best few years, but VR really is starting to make headway at events in terms of versatility and affordability. In fact we predict that next year it will take attendee experiences to the next level, so much so that attendees may not even have to attend the event to experience it. We think that VR will open up to blur the lines of physical location and create a one-to-one experience. Big data will be more important then ever and it will be gathered and analysed in real time. Whilst live streaming from drones will give physically present and remote attendees a new perspective.
To conclude.
With attendees expectations higher than ever, 2017 is set be an interesting year for events and entertainment. We hope our event trends and entertainment trend predications have inspired you to try something different in the New Year!
When booking your events for 2017, remember that we can cater to not just your entertainment needs but also help you by booking event suppliers including caterers, AV, décor and props! Our experienced events and entertainment coordinators are on hand to ensure that each occasions is utterly unforgettable.
If you’re organising an event in 2017 and want something to make it extra special, you can get in touch to discuss your ideas with us on 1800 057 880 – we look forward to making your event exceptional and exciting!
]]>How To Take The Stress Out Of Choosing The Best Entertainment For Your Event]]>Journalist: Evocative Agencyhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/21/How-To-Take-The-Stress-Out-Of-Choosing-The-Best-Entertainment-For-Your-Eventhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/21/How-To-Take-The-Stress-Out-Of-Choosing-The-Best-Entertainment-For-Your-EventSun, 21 May 2017 12:40:21 +0000
When it comes to planning and executing an event we want to ensure that as an event planner or organiser, finding, choosing and booking the right entertainment for your event is as easy as can be.
At Evocative, we are passionate about engaging and selecting only the Best Entertainment from across Australia for corporate, social and private events such as Weddings and Boutique Hotels and Resorts.
We can create bespoke packages and custom-made fusion entertainment from our roster to meet your requirements. So in short, one of the easiest ways to take the stress out of choosing your event entertainment is to engage the expertise of an Entertainment Agency, just like us!
Easy. Stress Free. Cost-Effective
Helping you through the creative process and taking care of all the extra details. When you work with our Agents, we can work with you to help you decide on what style or type of entertainment would best work at your event, match your theme and appeal to your audience.
Side By Side. Every Step Of The Way.
We’ve made the entertainment booking process easy, with our online booking and quote request form, to browsing our online entertainment roster where you can search by entertainment type.
Short on time? No worries. Pick up the telephone and call 1800 057 880 we are open until 6pm weekdays and our agents will do all the searching, planning and short-listing for you of acts across Australia.
We Offer MORE Than Just Entertainment.
At Evocative, we have built strong relationships with the best in Videography, Photography, Catering, Decor and Props, Tours and Activities for corporate and wedding events nationally.
Our Event Experts can organise travel, accommodation, meals and activities for you and your guests, entertainment and more.
We Make It Simple.
We know how much time and effort goes into planning and event that when it comes to sourcing entertainment, it seems to be the last thing considered by most clients we have worked with - but we believe it is an essential ingredient in creating the atmosphere and lasting memories.
The Brief
In order for us to work our magic and come back to you with creative entertainment ideas all we need is a brief that includes five main things:
Where is your event being held? (Country / City).What is the budget?What type of event are you holding and at what point during it would you like entertainment?What is the size of the performance space?Who makes up the audience and what sort of effect would you like to achieve with your entertainment?
The proposal
Once you’ve given us your brief it’s all plain sailing from there.
Our entertainment experts know our online roster of acts inside out and have access to a wider network of entertainment should you be restricted with your budget - we will be able to pull out the very best entertainment options for your specific event.
The choices that we present you with will not only tick all of your boxes, they’ll also be creative and inspiring with the aim of making your event truly spectacular. You can rest safe in the knowledge that we are true entertainment experts and professionals with years of experience creating unique and exciting entertainment experiences at events!
With the carefully selected options that we send you, all you have to do is pick the one that most appeals to your personal tastes – easy! Right?
Of course, this is not to say that we only work by presenting you with a select snapshot of acts. If you prefer to be more involved in the selection process and would like to initially see a wider variety of entertainment options before working with our events team to narrow it down – no problem!
Likewise, if you’re in need of a custom-made performance our team are more than happy to go back and forth as part of the creative process. We adapt to our clients.
Expertly Curated Entertainment Planning
Our friendly agents are on hand to make sure that choosing your event entertainment is a wholly pleasant experience. Forget stress and anxiety… with us not only do we simplify the choices for you; we also leave you safe in the knowledge that the right choice has been made.
We can’t wait to start helping you plan your event entertainment!
Speak with an agent today by calling 1800-057-880 or complete an online booking quote request today for your event.
]]>19 Shortcuts To Planning Your Corporate Christmas Party]]>Expert: Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/21/19-Shortcuts-To-Planning-Your-Corporate-Christmas-Partyhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/21/19-Shortcuts-To-Planning-Your-Corporate-Christmas-PartySun, 21 May 2017 12:22:32 +0000
Evocative has been involved in thousands of events and we have literally seen it all from Awards Nights to Fundraisers, Ceremonies to Launches.
1. You Need To Know Your Theme
When you are choosing your venue, decorations and entertainment does everything reflect the theme? If you need some ideas, check out our Event Theme Guide.
2. Always Ask Your Team For Feedback
What did and didn’t work with last years Christmas party? Ask your colleagues, ask your guests and listen to what they say. Remember your event is all about the guests, not you, so stress less the feedback you are going to get is nothing personal.
3. Budget For Everything
Whether you are a novice or an expert when it comes to planning events, you need to account for everything. Write down a clear budget so there are no unexpected shocks. Never hesitate to ask any supplier, entertainer or service for packages packages or bundles.
4. A Good First Impression, Is A Lasting One
Make your invitation inviting! Whether it is a physical invite or a digital one, make it attractive and inviting!
5. Get Your Guests Excited
Using posters and promotions in the office to build excitement, your guests will be talking about your event, consider a Video shared across your company private network?
6. Embrace The Right Space
Get Smart! Where you host your event not only reflects the bottom line for your event, but creates a large part of the atmosphere or ambience for your event. If you need help choosing the right venue for your event, feel free to e-mail our entertainment experts.
7. Get Them All
Set the scene and get everyone excited, from instructions to invitations. Make sure you include details of where to park and how to access the venue. Maintain your database system to track who was invited, who sent back their RSVP and any other notes that are important to each guest.
8. Understand Dietary Needs
Did you ask? Do you know what the important considerations are? It is extremely important to make all guests feel welcomed and that you have their dietary needs covered. After all, nobody likes to go hungry!
9. Engage and Excite
The best events will touch your guests hearts and captivate their minds and your choice of entertainment can really determine the success of the event. Explore our entertainment today.
10. Get Them Up!
If your guests are not moving and dancing then you might have the wrong entertainment or none at all. Consider Cover Bands, Recording Artists, DJ Acts, Variety Acts, Production Shows explore our entertainers here.
11. Be Prepared With A Detailed Plan
You have to plan. Failing to plan, is planning to fail. Simple as that. Consider concept to completion, design to delivery.
12. Keep It Sweet
Keep formalities light, your guests are at your event to have fun so let them dance and enjoy themselves - but make sure you get the key messages across.
13. Know The Right People
Know who everyone is on your event team and have their details on hand, the best events are the ones where the whole team comes together and feels connected in the delivery of something special. Choose your suppliers carefully and wherever possible, work with experts.
14. Get Your Tech On!
Technology is a big part of any corporate event. Good sound systems for music and lighting is critical. If you want to capture the event with professional Sound, Lighting, Videography and Photography give us a calland ask about our Event Packages.
15. Engage an Expert Event Manager
Do you want to be running around making sure your event is going to plan? Or do you want someone else to take the pressure off your shoulders so you can spend time having fun with your guests, staff, clients and prospective clients? You cannot equally do both. See Event Marketing.
16. Look Forward
Your event should be about the future, not the past. Celebrate as a team and get them ready for another year ahead!
17. See Each Other As People
Sometimes it’s better to invite the WHOLE FAMILY. It’s a great way for your team to see each other as people not as functional aspects of the working environment, instead of just another colleague or their boss.
18. Be Chill, Be Calm and Collected
Deal with it. Sometimes things go wrong or the unexpected happens. Remain calm and flexible focussed on solutions not the ‘blame game’.
19. Experience The Difference
If planning or managing the event process from start to finish, and then post event with following up with each of your guests sounds daunting, then get it done right by experts, who know how to help you take the stress out of the situation. At Evocative, we get it done right, fast and on time. Ask us how and experience the difference.
]]>7 Tips to Make Your Blog a Content Marketing and Lead Generation Magnet]]>Expert: Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/17/7-Tips-to-Make-Your-Blog-a-Content-Marketing-and-Lead-Generation-Magnethttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/17/7-Tips-to-Make-Your-Blog-a-Content-Marketing-and-Lead-Generation-MagnetWed, 17 May 2017 06:27:06 +0000
Do you have a business blog?
Are you happy with the marketing role your blog plays?
Many businesses consider blogs “a cost of doing business,” which the Evocative Agency dictionary definition is: “We’re not sure what it does but we’re afraid to stop doing it.”
In this e-book we will explore why and how to make your blog the hub of your content marketing plan!
Why Make Your Blog Your Content Marketing Hub?
At Evocative Agency, we believe that your blog is at the centre of your content marketing system.
Whether you’re a small business or a Fortune 100 company, blogs should be at the heart of your content marketing because blogs fuel social media, search optimisation and the sales process.
The top five reasons to use a blog as your content hub are:
Blogs are owned media. Your blog content is yours. You’re not at the whim of changes in the rules of third-party platforms, such as the recent changes to LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. A blog has the added bonus of providing an always-on crisis management channel to get your message out 24/7.
Blogs are a form of social media. Through social sharing, comments and guest posts, blogs provide the basis for building a targeted community. In fact, HubSpot‘s research showed that blogs top other forms of social media for effectiveness.
Blogs support search optimisation. Because of their structure, blogs are search-friendly. You can enhance this by focusing each article on a specific keyword phrase and link to internal and external content.
Blogs drive sales. To support sales, write blog posts about how to use your products and show them in context to provide prospects and customers with product information they need. Then link to your specific product pages to support the sales process.
Blogs incorporate a streamlined CMS (content management system). At its core, blogs are an easy-to-use, low-cost content system.
7 Tips To Make Your Blog Your Content Marketing Hub
To make your blog an accountable aspect of your content marketing plan, here are seven steps to get on track.
#1: Build Strong Blogging Foundations To Support Content
In order for your blog to be the centre of a strong content marketing plan, you’ll need to make sure you build your blog on a strong foundation.
One of your first decisions is how to set up your blog.
Make sure you use your own URL.
The best option is to use a self-hosted WordPress blog or how we like to streamline and take full control of our website, www.Wix.com.
Don’t use a free hosting option such as Blogger or WordPress.
Even better, incorporate your blog into your overall business website by using http://example.com, not http://example.wix.com.
You’ll need to get technology resources to support your blogging efforts and your Blogging efforts should be integrated into your website. For most businesses, this translates to ongoing technology support, rather than a few minutes of someone’s time when they’re available.
These are essential to a strong foundation.
#2: Know Your Audience
Before you begin blogging, you’ll need to know whom you’re writing for and what they’re interested in reading.
One way to find out more about your audience is to use marketing personas. Create a set of marketing personas to clarify and give a personality to the people you’re trying to reach.
It’s easier to write for someone you know than a faceless mass, then simply Incorporate their content consumption habits and their social media proclivities.
Marketing personas are important for your blog, as well as other forms of content. If you’ve got distinctly different audiences you’re trying to reach, consider creating more than one blog and related content marketing.
#3: Develop Your Content Marketing Plan
Several components come into making a good content marketing plan. Here’s what you’ll want to include in your content marketing plan.
Map out your promotional calendar
Start by planning your organisation’s marketing events for the year and use public holidays where appropriate. The objective is to create hooks around which to develop your content.
In addition to seasons and holidays, consider annual events that apply to your product offering. Include relevant trade shows and conferences, as well as social media participation.
Outline your major content offerings
Based on the events selected in your promotional calendar, decide what major content offerings you’ll create such as conference talks, ebooks and webinars.
Plan ongoing columns and related communications
Think like a magazine and brainstorm regular offerings such as news roundups, customer of the week and interviews. Develop a set of columns to offer either weekly or every other week. This provides the basic structure for your blog’s editorial calendar. Include themes such as research. Consider how you’ll offer this content to other segments of your audience such as in your regular emails.
Create an editorial calendar
Integrate your events, major pieces of content and regular content offerings into one calendar so you can manage the creation process. It helps to make this part of someone’s job description.
Plan extended content usage
Once you’ve integrated your planned content, assess where you can extend, create or reuse content from your major content marketing offerings on your blog and vice versa. For example, to promote Content Marketing World, Lee Odden put together an ebook, 29 Content Marketing Secrets and the Secret Agents Who Shared Them. He used the information from the ebook to write 11 separate blog posts and an overview post. In addition, he posted the ebook on SlideShare and encouraged participants to share the content.
#4: Develop Your Content Marketing Plan
Your content isn’t finished once it’s written or created. You still have to enhance its attractiveness to readers. Here are some key points to make your content work for your business.
Integrate your 360° brand into each blog post and piece of content
Ensure that your audience can associate your content with your organisation. Among the elements to consider are colours, voice, text presentation, sounds, language and visual representation.
Optimise content for search
At a minimum, focus each post or piece of content on a keyword phrase, be sure to include both internal and external links, and add appropriate search-friendly text to non-text content.
Format content to facilitate consumption
Entice readers by making it easy to read your content. Break your content into bite-sized information chunks, use bold type to guide readers who are skimming to grasp the sense quickly and use photographs to attract attention.
#5: Plan Your Content Promotion
Just publishing your content isn’t sufficient to reach a broad audience. You’ll also need to promote your content so that more of the right people see it. Here’s what you’ll need to do to promote your content.
Incorporate automatic blog content delivery
Set up your blog to enable readers to receive your posts via email and feeds without having to think about it.
Leverage social media to distribute
Share your content across the social media platforms relevant to your audience. You can automate this, but I prefer tailored sharing to maximise the impact. Add this activity to your content marketing plan.
Also include social sharing buttons with each blog post and other content to enable readers to share your content.
Extend your content reach
Leverage owned media such as your website and email lists to promote your content. Where appropriate, use third-party media and advertising to support your efforts. For example, you could ask others to promote your efforts for you.
As you learn more about your blog audience, you’ll find ways to improve your blog promotion to increase your reach.
#6: Allocate Resources To Your Blog
To make your blog the heart of your content marketing, you need human and financial resources. Quality content that attracts and converts prospects doesn’t just happen when employees have time. These resources may be internal or external.
You’ll want to consider a variety of resources. You’ll want to look at resources for content creation to develop the information; creative, including design, photography and formatting; editorial to ensure that the content conveys the appropriate ideas, as well as editing to ensure the grammar is correct; marketing to get your content distributed; and technology to facilitate uploading and other technical issues.
#7: Track Content Marketing Results
As with any other business initiative, you must measure your results. Plan your metrics and content creation to ensure that you have integrated the ability to capture the data you need.
Used properly, a blog not only supports your social media, search optimisation and sales processes, it acts as the hub for the rest of your content marketing.
]]>358 symbols tested in subject lines – to increase Open-Rates and Engagement!]]>Expert: Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/17/358-symbols-tested-in-subject-lines-%E2%80%93-to-increase-Open-Rates-and-Engagementhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/17/358-symbols-tested-in-subject-lines-%E2%80%93-to-increase-Open-Rates-and-EngagementWed, 17 May 2017 06:04:36 +0000
Many have been debating the use of symbols for months, at Evocative we believe that in order to stand out in the inbox and divert the junk box; the use of the right attention grabbing content in subject lines is crucial.
To our knowledge however, one question remains: Which symbols are safe to use, and which ones trigger colourful emojis on iPhones/iPads and in Hotmail/Outlook.com?
So... we put it to the test across several email platforms last week and here is our summary of the results -
1. The Safe Symbols List
These symbols can be used without any hiccups across multiple email platforms without reflecting a wrong icon or triggering a [X] icon:
■ □ ▢ ▣ ▤ ▥ ▦ ▧ ▨ ▩ ▪ ▫ ▬ ▭ ▮ ▯ ▰ ▱ ▲ △ ▴ ▵ ▶ ▷ ▸ ▹ ► ▻ ▼ ▽ ▾ ▿ ◀ ◁ ◂ ◃ ◄ ◅ ◆ ◇ ◈ ◉ ◊ ○ ◌ ◍ ◎ ● ◐ ◑ ◒ ◓ ◔ ◕ ◖ ◗ ◘ ◙ ◚ ◛ ◜ ◝ ◞ ◟ ◠ ◡ ◢ ◣ ◤ ◥ ◦ ◧ ◨ ◩ ◪ ◫ ◬ ◭ ◮ ◯ ✁ ✂ ✃ ✄ ✆ ✇ ✈ ✉ ✌ ✍ ✎ ✏ ✐ ✑ ✒ ✓ ✔ ✕ ✖ ✗ ✘ ✙ ✚ ✛ ✜ ✝ ✞ ✟ ✠ ✡ ✢ ✣ ✤ ✥ ✦ ✧ ✩ ✪ ✫ ✬ ✭ ✮ ✯ ✰ ✱ ✲ ✳ ✴ ✵ ✶ ✷ ✸ ✹ ✺ ✻ ✼ ✽ ✾ ✿ ❀ ❁ ❂ ❃ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❇ ❈ ❉ ❊ ❋ ❍ ❏ ❐ ❑ ❒ ❖ ❘ ❙ ❚ ❛ ❜ ❝ ❞ ❡ ❢ ❣ ❤ ❥ ❦ ❧ ❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺ ❻ ❼ ❽ ❾ ❿ ➀ ➁ ➂ ➃ ➄ ➅ ➆ ➇ ➈ ➉ ➊ ➋ ➌ ➍ ➎ ➏ ➐ ➑ ➒ ➓ ➘ ➙ ➚ ➛ ➜ ➝ ➞ ➟ ➠ ➡ ➢ ➣ ➤ ➥ ➦ ➧ ➨ ➩ ➪ ➫ ➬ ➭ ➮ ➯ ➲ ➳ ➴ ➵ ➶ ➷ ➸ ➹ ➺ ➻ ➼ ➽ ➾ ☀ ☁ ☂ ☃ ☄ ★ ☆ ☇ ☈ ☉ ☊ ☋ ☌ ☍ ☎ ☏ ☐ ☑ ☒ ☓ ☖ ☗ ☚ ☛ ☜ ☝ ☞ ☟ ☠ ☡ ☢ ☣ ☤ ☥ ☦ ☧ ☨ ☩ ☪ ☫ ☬ ☭ ☮ ☯ ☰ ☱ ☲ ☳ ☴ ☵ ☶ ☷ ☸ ☹ ☺ ☻ ☼ ☽ ☾ ☿ ♀ ♁ ♂ ♃ ♄ ♅ ♆ ♇ ♈ ♉ ♊ ♋ ♌ ♍ ♎ ♏ ♐ ♑ ♒ ♓ ♔ ♕ ♖ ♗ ♘ ♙ ♚ ♛ ♜ ♝ ♞ ♟ ♠ ♡ ♢ ♣ ♤ ♥ ♦ ♧ ♨ ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ ♭ ♮ ♯ ♰ ♱
Why did we choose specifically those?
Well, we generally thought we'd test the Unicode blocks Miscellaneous Symbols, Dingbats, and Geometric shapes. They contain some of the most appropriate and interesting ones to use in email subject lines.
So we extracted all the codes from Wikipedia, put the whole list step by step into a subject field within Outlook 2010, and sieved out the ones that showed an error.
The erroneous ones obviously didn’t work in Outlook 2007, 2010 and 2013. Next, we sent some tests to Gmail and other email clients, in order to sieve out more. The final results are shown above. So if you want to experiment with symbols, you should pick one from these.
They are of course not 100% save across all possible email clients; but it’s better than picking something out of the dark.
2. iPhone and Hotmail - Triggering Coloured Graphics
Next, we wanted to know what symbols would trigger graphics in the subject lines on iPhones and within Hotmail.
In fact, several of our commercial clients had asked this question of us before, so it made sense to include this in our search.
The following screenshots disclose that secret.
Screenshot 1: Results on iPhone and Ipad
Screenshot 2: Results on Hotmail and Outlook.com
Compare them with the list above to see, which symbols have been converted by the rendering engines.
We think this is some pretty neat and cool to spice up your email subject lines to add personality, flair and generate more customer attention!
Why not try these ideas out…
the airplane for travel offersthe pencil for dates to write downthe phone for announcing a service callthe scissors for visualising coupon cut lines
One last thing to remember:
Don’t stuff your subject lines with random symbols as many of them are not supported on every device. For example, Outlook 2003 and Lotus don’t show any of them.
]]>How To Use Content Marketing To Engage New Business Opportunities]]>Expert: Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/15/How-To-Use-Content-Marketing-To-Engage-New-Business-Opportunitieshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/15/How-To-Use-Content-Marketing-To-Engage-New-Business-OpportunitiesMon, 15 May 2017 11:20:23 +0000
Content marketing is the buzzword of the moment; the marketing craze that won’t go away. But content marketing still has its detractors – usually the people who don’t see that the notoriously difficult-to-measure return on investment warrants the investment in the first place.
Our latest PDF white paper details ways you can use content marketing to improve your business. If you’re still not convinced about the need for your business to have a content marketing strategy, you will be after reading this.
Content marketing can make your business better by delivering you more work. But how exactly that does happen?
Sometimes, but rarely, a piece of content can trigger someone to buy straight away. More often a buyer will go on a content-based journey, consisting of many articles, infographics, videos and blogs positioned over a period of time, before being interesting enough to buy from you.
And more often still, your content marketing will be one of a few ‘touch points’ that a new buyer sees before buying; a vital complement to your traditional advertising, PR, seminars and other methods of getting your message out.
After all, what content marketing does better than any other form of marketing is to pre-qualify buyers, letting them know what you do and how you help and giving them the chance to explore their relationship with you in their own time before committing.
Content marketing gives your chance to tell your story slowly, in a way that resonates more deeply with everyone: your clients or customers, staff and the wider public too.
In that sense content marketing’s true value will only ever be seen once it accumulates.
]]>Why Fake Reviews Will Kill Your Business and Cost REAL Customers]]>Journalist: Evocative Agencyhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/12/Why-Fake-Reviews-Kill-Your-Hotelhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2017/05/12/Why-Fake-Reviews-Kill-Your-HotelFri, 12 May 2017 10:25:35 +0000
Review sites like Google, Yelp, Citysearch and even TripAdvisor have taken a huge hit recently in the media for publishing fake reviews. So have a number of so-called reputation management companies for helping foster the practice.
Did you know that fake reviews that are identified on such platforms not only result in cancellation and black-listing but can also come with hefty fines in excess of $3,000 for being intentionally misleading.
It is a known fact that billboards are obvious paid advertisements, but when it comes to Yelp, CitySearch and TripAdvisor - how can you tell the difference between a REAL customer review and a FAKE customer?
Customers believe what they read online from their fellows and are looking for authentic opinions to help them in their buyer journey, but we could not agree more that deception is prevalent on these platforms.
HOW TO SAVE YOUR BUSINESS FROM BEING TERMINATED ON TRIPADVISOR
It is very easy now for platforms like TripAdvisor to identify FAKE customer reviews with what they have rolled out as their zero tolerance policy and will remove those they believe are fake, penalise a hotel’s ranking and even post a message on a property’s listing alerting readers that fake reviews have been found.
Positive online reviews can have a tremendous impact on a business.
A number of research studies have shown that increasing star ratings can increase occupancy for hotels and revenue for restaurants.Others have shown that online reviews are the #2 most trusted source of information behind recommendations from friends and relatives.
It is little wonder unscrupulous individuals attempt to game the system by posting fake reviews.
OUR DIGITAL MARKETING EXPERTS RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIES AND TIPS:
Get great TripAdvisor ratings the old-fashioned way – earn them.Use reviews to improve your guest experience and the Management Response option to let people know you are listening to make continuous improvements.Have a custom tailored TripAdvisor strategy designed to get more and higher quality reviews to increase your ranking.
NEED HELP MANAGING YOUR REPUTATION ONLINE OR WANT TO SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT?
CALL 1800 057 880 OR EMAIL AN EXPERT TODAY
]]>10 Restaurant Marketing Ideas: Tips & Strategies to Excel in Australia]]>Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/12/01/10-Restaurant-Marketing-Ideas-Tips-Strategies-to-Excel-in-Australiahttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/12/01/10-Restaurant-Marketing-Ideas-Tips-Strategies-to-Excel-in-AustraliaThu, 01 Dec 2016 04:11:38 +0000
Here are 10 restaurant marketing ideas and strategies that will elevate your brand, excite consumers and engage growling stomachs everywhere!
Food Lover Photos
PORN… we mean ‘Food Porn’ is alive and well – the best way to promote your restaurant online is with high quality, drool-inducing photographs that customers simply cannot scroll past! Visual content is highly in demand these days, so… having delicious photos of your food online such as social media or your website are essential for drawing those perverted hungry eyes! Consider hiring an Evocative Agency photographer to take some five star photographs, or try it DIY style on your smartphone. Be warned though – taking exceptional food photos can be tougher than it looks, lighting is often a key factor.
Online Dining Platforms – Partner Up!
If you have not already, engaging with food apps like MenuLog, EatNow, Foodora, Delivery Hero, Deliveroo (to name a few) should be a consideration as part of your restaurant marketing plan. These applications encourage diners to check out your restaurant through gamification and first-time diner discounts which offer visitors a free purchase or discount on their repeat visits. Not only do such platforms allow for an increase in potential revenue, but also ensure your restaurant is positioned in more places increasing reach and customer retention in a digital space not just face-to-face.
TripAdvisor and Yelp
In the Restaurant Industry, Yelp has exceptional power built around positive reviews to engage consumers to flock to your restaurant! The most important thing to understand about Yelp, is that people can and will review you – even if you do not set up an account – this is the same for TripAdvisor, so be practive and dress up your account so it works for you; rather than against you (both platforms are FREE) When we say dress it up we mean: - Photos of your restaurant and food on service - Restaurant hours - Your Restaurant Address (with directions if necessary) - Menu (food, wine, deals and promotions) - Price Range - Wi-Fi/Outdoor Seating/Parking/etc. The more details you enter on these platforms, the more consumers you will reach and the more reviews customers will be encouraged to leave about their experience dining with you! If you get a negative review or feedback, always remember to be polite and professional with your response, future and previous consumers can see every review and your reply and once up is hard to get down! Online Brand Image packages are available at Evocative Agency. Click here for a free marketing consultation to get you started!
Set Up Your Google+ Account
When you search a business within Google, in most cases the business’ details will show up in the side bar with a map, So having your business set up on Google+ is a huge FREE bonus! Getting set-up on Search Engines and Google+ is a no-brainer for those in the Hospitality Marketing business – click here for a free quote to get your restaurant online today!
Send Out an E-mail Newsletter
You don’t have to send a campaign out every day or even weekly, in fact – your subscribers will appreciate a less flooded inbox if you simply send them a newsletter every month or so. Use your email newsletter as a chance to celebratre your success, discuss new menu items, share special discounts and offers or even celebrate your member’s birthday! We recommend MailChimp for easy and effective e-mail marketing, you can even engage us to manage this for you click here to book a free marketing consultation today!
Show Off Your Staff
Who doesn’t want to see a smiling employee serving customers or brewing that cup of coffee with their coffee-super-powers? In an age of digitalised customer service and soon to be self-driving cars, the human element is slowly disappearing, so keep it alive in your business on social media or website with photographs of your staff doing what they love and what they do best! Showing off your happy staff will encourage your customers to dine with you because the image of a fun and nurturing environment is clearly displayed.
Share Positive Press
When you’re mentioned in a news outlet or magazine, be sure to show off your good publicity on your website and via social media, you can even take it that step further to display in your restaurant window! Fans will spread the world, newcomers will be encouraged to visit in person when they see trusted sources celebrating your restaurant. Getting Press can be a challenge; luckily at Evocative Agency we have built strong connections with Radio, Newspaper Journalists and Television Personalities. Click here for a no-obligation quote
Develop Your Restaurant’s Brand Identity
Building your restaurant’s brand identity can have a big impact on your social media performance. Your goal should be to build your identity around your target customers. Does your food target patrons who prefer healthy eating? Or does your restaurant have a more beer-and-wings kind of vibe? Understand who your target patrons are, then build your brand around what they are interested in. Reflect the interests on your social media platforms and in your promotional material. Since 2009, we have engaged with hundreds of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and hotels to develop brand identity. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote for Brand Identity
Have A Sleek, Functional Online Menu
Don’t make online users scramble to find your menu – publish a high quality, easy to read menu that is up to date and accurate. Not sure how? Some delivery sites like those mentioned above are a great start! Open Menu is another great site that can help you get your menu looking sleek and stylish online. If you don’t have a good menu online and available for customers, most of your other restaurant marketing strategies are basically useless!
Source Local Ingredients & Partnerships
Customers love to hear that they are eating local and sourcing local ingredients from nearby can do a lot to boost your local fan base and give you a positive reputation in the community. If it is not out of your budget, definitely consider this option as it can even present Press Opportunities to promote and discuss your restaurant in the media (just from personal experience!)
]]>Beginners Guide: Social Media Analytics For Hospitality Industry]]>Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/12/01/Beginners-Guide-Social-Media-Analytics-For-Hospitality-Industryhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/12/01/Beginners-Guide-Social-Media-Analytics-For-Hospitality-IndustryThu, 01 Dec 2016 03:13:34 +0000
Social media presents a whole new world to engage consumers globally and target specific campaigns to increase loyalty, retention and generate sales.
A Facebook page that is not managed strategically is simply not worth the investment of time or money. Random content posted on an ‘ad-hoc’ basis will not do your brand any favours… BUT luckily, there are some FREE and EASY to use tools to help you evolve for excellence
Some key metrics to help your Hospitality business on Facebook include:
Reach
Simply, reach is how many people you are speaking to or ‘reaching’ with each and every post or campaign you publish on social media (specifically, Facebook).
The higher the reach, the more successful your campaign has been.
Facebook breaks down reach into ‘organic’ which is your unpaid reach and ‘paid’ that relates to posts/campaigns that you have sponsored.
Organic reach is becoming notoriously hard to achieve with the ongoing changes to Facebook algorithms – hence, it is even more important to manage your page strategically and make the most out of your analytical data.
Engagement
Another key metric, defined as the rate at which your fans are performing various social activities (likes, shares, discussions, comments) on your posts.
The higher level of engagement, the better your brand and page is elevated to engage your fans based on ‘tailored content’ and ‘campaigns’ of interest.
Check your posts
Keep an eye on your posts, as the administrator of a Facebook page – you can automatically view your posts reach and engagement at any time!
Checking your posts regularly will ensure that you can interact and respond to any comments as well as monitor how that style of content performed for future engagement opportunities with your key target market.
Use the Facebook Insights Tab for monthly reporting
It is good practice to block out time for monthly reporting and go through each section of the Facebook Insight tab so that you can better know your market.
The insight tab is FREE to use and accessible to page administrators, offering a lot of information such as demographics and comparative monthly reports.
By knowing your market, you know who you are speaking to, what they like and where they are. These are all very powerful pieces of information for marketers and enable you to tailor your content very specifically.
Set a strategy and measure your outcomes
Social media is a critical marketing activity in any hospitality business. It often gets mistaken as an admin task and allocated to a busy staff member that is not trained to manage such a key piece of marketing (Don’t be ashamed, you’re one of may businesses who we have helped not do this!)
If you choose to keep your social media management in-house, make sure you allocate time for monthly reporting and set your team goals around consistent posting and positive results.
It is good practice to also report on your web stats monthly, to ensure that you are getting some traffic from your social media pages.
Social media results are not all about how many fans you have. Your focus needs to be on engagement and creating content that is in line with your strategy. As with any type of marketing, strategy always comes first, so set yourself some goals and measure them monthly.
Evocative Agency provides social media management, training and strategy development for the hospitality and retail industry.
Book your free consultation time, click here.
]]>6 Strategies for making customers feel more valued]]>Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/09/13/6-Strategies-for-making-customers-feel-more-valuedhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/09/13/6-Strategies-for-making-customers-feel-more-valuedTue, 13 Sep 2016 12:43:17 +0000
Imagine the weekend has just begun, work is out of sight (and most likely out of your mind) for the next couple of days - you've cleaned your house, washed the dishes, paid the bills and you're keen for retail therapy!
An hour has passed and your groceries have been stocked - you didn't even have to leave the house. In just one click on your smartphone, you've downloaded Madonna's greatest hits album you wanted and have scheduled the lights to dim at 6:00pm.
A drone is circling the garden, ready to deliver the shoes you spotted earlier that day, now that the essentials are covered - what else are you keen for this Saturday? A trip to the movies, an art exhibition, perhaps some window shopping (followed by some tap-and-pay joy)... but why would you need to leave the house?
Technology-enabled conveniences cannot satisfy our habitual desire for unique leisure experiences, research has shown that humans still enjoy going shopping.
We don't enjoy shopping because we want to see products in the flesh, it's because we want to experience something NEW. Retail is now the most accessible way for people to escape the comfort of technology; throwing us back into 'real life' alongside the brands and products we want to enjoy our time with.
It is human nature to place value on leisure time and this shaping the retail industry as a whole, where stores are now focussed on offering an experience worth talking about rather than forcing us to make a purchase with that crazy "buy buy buy now!" attitude.
So... how can your retail experience stand out and help you attain loyalty from your desired consumers?
Simple. entertain your customers in a compelling way that engages their senses - the best way to capture their attention is through technology (where possible of course).
Yes... it is true that physical store experiences are becoming less practical as the cost to keep the doors open increases, but from a marketing perspective shopfronts provide the 'emotional and practical' engagement that consumers are craving.
Here are our top 6 characteristics that modern retailers must display in their physical spaces
Be Pivotal physical stores need to be part of a brand's omni-channel world. A store can offer the best experience ever, but if it is not integrated it will not meet customers increasing expectations and demand when it boils down to 'great service' and 'ease of use'. Your store needs to be connected: use technology to enhance the customer experience, making it essential to the customer journey.
Make It Simple crucial to the customer journey is 'education' and 'trial' providing these key elements allows consumers to be nurtured, educated and feel part of something. This brings what you do to life which simply is not possible in the online world. Your shopfront can deliver experiences that help customers understand who you are, what your brand stands for and why they should choose you over others in the marketplace offering same, or like products and services.
Be The Life Of the Party (Social) customers love to engage, think about when you catch up with family and friends - it is all about enhancing the leisure time. So, naturally your store should be a meeting place that brings people together. Ensuring your store is a vibrant part of the community, helps generate awareness and local engagement - actively encouraging word of mouth (free marketing!)
Make It Fun fun is the essence of retail. Creating opportunities for customers to enjoy their time in your store ensures active engagement and encourages positive returns from the same customer, resulting in a domino effect with new customers, their friends, their family and perhaps their colleagues/industry contacts. Giving people time, the tools to enjoy what you have to offer helps them get to know your brand and encourages them to 'fall in love with you' (your brand that is!)
Enrich a really great store experience is one that enriches our understanding of our lives in the same way going to the movies or an art exhibition would do. Brands can make time spent in their stores rewarding, enhancing customer appreciation of that brand and its role it plays in the consumers life.
Trustworthy one of the biggest challenges but above all the biggest most important aspect of any retail store, business and marketing strategy. Gaining the trust of consumers (which results in loyalty) is a big challenge. The physical store experience can reinforce the brands image, tone of voice and story alongside showcasing consistency in service. Consider making each touch point in-store one that conveys the wider purpose of your brand. Empower your employees with the know-how they need to exceed customer expectations and deliver great customer service that embodies your brands overall direction.
engage us todayfor more information on how we can help your business evolve for excellence.
]]>HOW TO: MODERNISE YOUR MARKETING IN THE DIGITAL REALM]]>Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/09/13/HOW-TO-MODERNISE-YOUR-MARKETING-IN-THE-DIGITAL-REALMhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/09/13/HOW-TO-MODERNISE-YOUR-MARKETING-IN-THE-DIGITAL-REALMTue, 13 Sep 2016 03:57:24 +0000
You already know that your customers are finding your business in a whole new way, thanks to the powers of the World Wide Web (WWW.) Consumers are researching your products, services and business online before they even consider catching an Uber to your store
So... is your business up to speed with the Digital Realm?
If the online world is something you find to be intimidating, then you might want to consider engaging Evocative Agency as your outsourced digital marketing experts, alternatively take a deep breath and dive into overhauling your marketing strategy
In this How To, we are going to break down the difference between traditional and digital marketing, as well as share with you tips on how to modernise your marketing strategy to elevate your business, your brand and tap into online consumer market
What Is Traditional Marketing?
Marketers understand that 'Traditional Marketing' is all about the 4 P's - product, price, promotion and place. Traditional marketing and promotions methods include things such as...
Direct Mail think those pesky flyers and personally addressed letters or those 'to the resident' letters you receive, selling or promoting something you may or may not be interested in
Print Advertising think things like the Yellow Pages here in Australia, your regional Phone Book or perhaps Sydney Morning Herald or Star Observer
TV Ads you're probably most familiar with advertisements like K Mart, McDonalds and Lowes engaging advertisements promoting products or store in general
Radio Commercials i you will hear about local events from radio hosts or in most cases 20second up to 30second advertisements from businesses in your local area, we've heard a lot of advertisements for Cirque Du Soleil (currently on tour)
It is known that for many years, these 'traditional' methods have been the best way to reach consumers, BUT the internet has created many more opportunities for businesses to reach consumers globally in an online 'digital realm'
Our personal favourite example is Netflix and Spotify, no more do we have to sit through advertisements to enjoy watching Will and Grace, Sex and the City or enjoying ColdPlay and Kylie Minogue in the comfort of our own home
Print Advertising is decreasing in sales, such as Newspapers where the migration to the digital space is increasing with consumers reading on their tablet or smartphone
What Is Digital Marketing?
This is the digital realm we as an Agency live and breathe our marketing strategies into existence using what is known in the marketing world as 'Integrated Strategy'
Digital Marketing engages digital media and platforms to promote your business to consumers who are primarily reached online, anywhere in the world
With Digital Marketing, you are empowered with the ability to
Track ROI (Return On Investment) of your campaigns, something far more difficult (and less precise) with traditional marketing methodolig
Track Consumer Engagement ton your website and social media channels, discover what consumers are saying about you (Yes... you can track Word Of Mouth, a consumer is likely to spread the word to 10 of their friends and this becomes a domino effect either negative or positive). You can even track form fills on your website, calls, direction requests and purchases and more!
In no way are we saying traditional marketing is dead, we encourage a mix of Traditional and Digital Strategy for evolutionary excellence, however to survive today businesses need a Digital Marketing Strategy
How Do You Modernise Your Marketing Strategy?
Both online and offline marketing strategies can work together to create a well-rounded marketing strategy, but you should always maintain change and updates to your online presence so you can be found by consumers searching for your products and services or experts in your field
So how can you be found online? Let's start with the basics...
1. BUILD A WEBSITE
Most business clients of ours think having a website is redundant, a waste of money, time and effort with consumers proactively living and breathing social media and if you think this as well - you now know you are not alone!
Did you Know...
Only 60% of businesses have a website HOWEVER
90% of Smartphone and digitally connected consumers search for businesses and locations using their mobiles and search engines
AND... 56% of mobile local searches end with a purchase!
Creating a website adds your location information to search engines and allows your consumers to find you when they are doing their online searches for business, products and services similar to your offering
A big tip to mastering your website listings in search engines is to add your location information to the header and footer of your website and adding a directions page or a contact page with your google map address will ensure they can get to your door
Think of your website as an investment in your marketing and a way to build trust with your current and prospective consumers
Make sure when consumers are researching the products and services you are offering that they can easily find this information on your website otherwise their can be a high chance of them coming and going in a matter of seconds without engaging with your business... and you wave goodbye to a potential sale!
An easy example is to use a Restaurant, adding your menu to your website as well as a phone number for reservations, whether you accept AMEX, business hours and what types of beverages you serve, weekly specials, customer loyalty program sign up form and other exciting details will ensure consumers will engage with your site and begin to trust your establishment
WE CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH >make sure your website is mobile-optimised, a whopping 91% of consumers will turn to a competitor if your website is NOT optimised for mobile!
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need a website that is mobile-optimised with content that will engage your consumers to make a purchase?call today on 1800 057 880 for a quote
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2. CITATIONS AND PLACE PAGES
Ensuring your consumers find your business in local searches and build trust in your brand and your business is by ensuring your citations are all THE SAME and display your business in local search results
A quick search for your business' name and phone number can give you the readily accessible information that your consumers are stumbling across online, as well as show you how much your citation and and place information is varying online
Build new citations so that your citation information is consistent across directories (don't forget to clean up incorrect information about your business online)
Your business earns trust from search engines when your name, address, phone number and URL are consistent across all directories, and in turn your business will improve its likelihood of being ranked towards the top end of search results
DO NOT FORGET... create or update your business page on Google My Business, Bing Local and Yahoo! Local. Search engines use the information they find on these pages to list your business in local searches, so be sure to add all the information a customer would be searching to find your business online
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need an expert who understands Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) to elevate your business in search engines to maximise potential sales?call today on 1800 057 880 for a quote
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3. GET SOME ONLINE REVIEWS
Most businesses are scared of platforms like Yelp or TripAdvisor, but they can be very beneficial for your business. A study recently found that a hotel could raise its prices by 11% for every one-point increase in its TripAdvisor star rating
Businesses can also see a 5%-9% increase in revenue for every one-point star increase on the Yelp website
We could go on and on and on about the importance of online reviews for your business, but suffice it to stay that your business needs REAL customer reviews. Create and/or claim your profiles on review sites, start asking your customers to be honest about their experience and leave online reviews
Share the most positive reviews on your social media pages and your website and start engaging consumers and empower them to make a purchase decision
4. ONLINE ADVERTISING
It's time to start targeting your consumers online, sure - newspapers, phone books and direct mail as well as the occasional billboard is great but what if you could drive consumers to your business online and capture their details along their journey?
Online Advertising allows for easily tracked ROI of your paid advertisements and you can leverage your businesses position online. Online Ad's can be displayed in search engines, social media and can be leveraged to increase customer conversions
In short, online advertising allows your business the best chance in showing up in local searches if your business has a physical shopfront with Google Maps and with other platforms - a direct link to your social media presence or your business website
Re-Targeting Ads - empower your advertising campaigns by repeat displaying your ad's to consumers who have visited your website, thus strategically targeting consumers they have shown interest in your product or service
Re-Targeting Ads are incredibly successful and have shown an increase in customer conversion by up to 70% in some instances, keeping your business fresh in your targeted consumers minds as they make their purchasing decisions
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we can help you by managing your Digital Advertising needs for your business as well as advise best practice to elevate your business presence and increase sales!call today on 1800 057 880 for a quote
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5. VIDEO MARKETING
Today, consumers are getting bored of just seeing photos and reading text, they want to be immersed in a visual experience. Not only does video drive user engagement in a way that written content simply cannot, but options like Facebook Live and Instagram present a FREE and EASY way to do this.
Video Marketing can be used in the following ways (and much more)
Customer/Client TestimonialsPromotional Campaigns and AdvetorialsPre-Event Promotions and Post-Event Public RelationsGeneral Promotions and Campaigns (e.g. Hotel Packages and Shows)
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empower your consumers buying decision with video marketing, our friends at BigReview TV can help!call today on 1800 057 880 for a quote
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engage us todayfor more information on how we can help your business evolve for excellence.
]]>Don't Be "MAD" Use Your Melon And Save Your Skin!]]>Lynette Irenehttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/09/06/Dont-Be-MAD-Use-Your-Melon-And-Save-Your-Skinhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/09/06/Dont-Be-MAD-Use-Your-Melon-And-Save-Your-SkinTue, 06 Sep 2016 03:51:19 +0000
A "Mad-Hatter" Affair was held Sunday 23rd July 2016 at Beaches Hotel Newcastle raising funds for the Hunter Melanoma Foundation, sponsored by the community for the community - entertained by Australia's Best Singing Drag Queen Kara Zmatiq
Since 1986, Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) has provided moral and financial support to the Newcastle Community who's health is compromised by Melanoma, as well as investing in the research and development to treat and enhance lifestyles.
Sunday 23rd July 2016; marked a special occasion where the community of Newcastle were invited for a trip down the Rabbit Hole for a Mad Hatter's High Tea Party to raise fund and awareness for HMF to fund research and support for the community.
"...we cant thank everyone involved in our Mad Hatter's High Tea Party, we had such a fabulous afternoon being entertained by Australia's Best Singing Drag Queen Kara Zmatiq was thrilling and such a beautiful performer we highly recommend, Evocative Agency are true professionals and easy to work with!"
- Trish MarjorieBanks (Managing Director, HMF)
Sponsored by over 27 local and national companies, and with an attendance of over 200 women, families and friends of Melanoma survivors and warriors, attended raising over $11,000 for research and support services funded by Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF).
You can support the Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) and find out more about the array of opportunities available at: http://hmf.org.au/how-to-help
engage us todayfor more information on how we can help your business evolve for excellence.
]]>HOW TO: INCREASE LEADS AND WIN CUSTOMERS, GET PERSONAL!]]>Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/08/31/HOW-TO-INCREASE-LEADS-AND-WIN-CUSTOMERS-GET-PERSONALhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/08/31/HOW-TO-INCREASE-LEADS-AND-WIN-CUSTOMERS-GET-PERSONALWed, 31 Aug 2016 03:13:47 +0000
How does Amazon know what you love and show you a bunch of recommendations that you will actually be interested? What about that e-mail from your favourite airline( ours is Virgin Airline - what's yours? )thanking you for flying and dropping your city?
You'd be surprised to learn that personalisation is EASY enough to understand: the process of crafting personalised experiences for your customers is with data that you collect and collate throughout their engagement with your business.
Research shows that personalised marketing (or what is known in the industry as Relationship Marketing) is good for your customers and your bottom...line!
Check the stats...
75% of customers love when brands personalise their shopping experience (Aberdeen Group Research)
74% of online customers are frustrated with websites where content appears that has no relevant to them and their interests (Janrain Research)
86% of customers will tell you that personalisation actually plays a role in their purchasing decisions and behaviour when deciding to invest in your business (Infosys Research)
19% is the figure that will lift your sales, simply by personalising the user-experience and implementing relationship marketing in your business (Monetate Research)
Today, we will help show you how to personalise your marketing and elevate your business with relationship marketing that will increase leads and generate sales.
There are 3 types of relationship marketing strategies
1. Product-Specific Personalisation this is where you show customers products based on what others have bought, or products that compliment each other (this is referred to in marketing as the 'affinity analysis'). Essentially - this is a way to up-sell additional products based on what customers are already viewing, you would have experienced this with Amazon and how they show you product combinations in the "Frequently Bought Together" tab
2. User-focused Personalisation this is where experiences for every customer are customised based on two dividing sub-categories:
A) Data Blind Personalisation you know nothing about the user, so you gather key information right on the landing page itself, such as asking questions at the start to give the customer a personalised shopping experience or perhaps directing to the most relevant content that matches what they are seeking
B) Data Backed Personalisation this is where you have already gathered data about the customer through their registrations or prior purchasing history, you can use this to create a personalised experience or present recommendations based upon the perceived interest of this customer.
3. Real-Time Personalisation uses the data collected from visitors to create personalised shopping experiences as they go! In a way, this is another form of data blind personalisation except it is running in real-time
So what do you think? Pretty neat huh! Before you dive in or even consider getting your feet wet in the realm of Relationship Marketing, you need to be prepared...
Now you've seen how personalisation can help increase conversions while improving your overall customer experience, let's look at what you need to get started.
1. The right target audience / consumers if you're not armed with a team of experts who can make sense of all the customer data you've collected, or lack the relevant data to even get started - you will be best aiming strategy at your "ideal" customer
These are the people who have the money, motivation and desire for your product, service or offerings. To identify these consumers you should consider creating a customer profile ( learn how to create a customer profile )
How do you find the data needed to target the right audience? Most businesses have multiple "ideal buyers", so using the data gathered you can segment your customers into unique "customer profiles".
2. A tailored message for the perfect customer delivering the right message to the right customer is crucial, you wouldn't want to inspire 50-year old customers to slip into something sexy like a bikini or suggest a wax down-under, unless they are your intended market ( what's the name of your business? naming strategies here )
The next thing you will need to personalise is the right messaging for the right customer groups, now that you have worked out who you are talking to.
3. Find the right place to show your message you've got your message ready now where are you going to place it so it gets maximum impact? Ask yourself the following questions to make this decision:
Which websites and social networks do your customers visit?Do they regularly check their emails?Are there any apps they cannot simply live without?
If you ask these questions and answer them (write them down), you will ensure that your personalised message reaches your audience at the right place.
The next thing you will need to personalise is the right messaging for the right customer groups, now that you have worked out who you are talking to.
NOW - how do you get all of this to work for your business?
You should have by now the following elements ready to launch:
A detailed profile of your ideal customerMessaging that is going to engage these consumersA distribution system that will deliver your message to your ideal customer
The obvious question now is how do you actually apply all this to relationship marketing for your business, so here are some strategies to get started:
1. Get your hands on your customer...data data is the heart of personalised marketing and relationship marketing strategies. In any campaign, your focus should be to capture as much data as you can so that you can make your messages count, this should include data for both logged-in and raw users. Here are some questions to ask yourself when capturing data:
Traffic source: where does your traffic come from? what device and browser are they using to stumble across your website?Behaviour flow: what other pages do your visitors view? how long do they stay on these pages? do they click/purchase anything from these pages?Engagement metrics: what pages do your visitors engage with the most? what part of the page do they spend most of their time engaged with?Subjective data: can your customer actually find what they were looking for when they land on your website? Use on-site forms to ask your visitors these questionsClick behaviour: what part of the buying cycle are your customers in? Using your Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) data, to learn this behaviourUser data: when did your customer sign-up with you? how many products have they purchased from you before (if any)? and what is their average spend?
Search data: what keywords are your customers searching for on your website? what are they searching in search engines? ( we are experts in SEO and SEM )
An example of customising the user experience based on customer data, is Cirque Du Soleil who based on your location will present their touring productions closest to your region based on 'location data' acquired when you visit their website
2. Personalise the buyer journey and speak their language your visitors who have already swung by your site want to see different things than those who are visiting your website for the very first time.
Combining data from your CRM, you can personalise the user experience based on their position in your 'Sales Funnel' ( here we explain the sales marketing funnel )
An example of this might be where you email a customer late in the funnel a discount coupon to close the deal. A first timer though, you might choose to send them to a personalised page with a "how-to" guide to get their feet wet!
Alternatively you can target the ideal customer with keyword data to estimate where customers are in their buying cycle. An example of this is Hubspot, who feature an array of dedicated landing pages to target consumers in search engines based on their keyword searches:
3. Know their past behaviour? Personalise even further your visitors who have interacted with your business earlier, you could use this data to personalise their current experience.
Meet David. David has visited your site before and has already bought from you in the past, he lands on your site. However instead of his usual location in Melbourne, he seems to be browsing from Canada. You can change your site to show prices in Canadian Dollars, or present him with shipping information to Canada (while also greeting him by name).
Consider these things before you personalise content based on their behaviour:
Positive behaviour indicators: you will find that certain indicators are signals for high conversion possibilities. Suppose this data shows that customers who view an item > 6 times are more likely to make a purchase. A personalisation campaign that focuses on such customers would be much more successful.Exclude repeat customers: showing these personalised messages to customers who have already bought the same (or maybe similar) products is a waste of time and resources. Dig through your analytics to exclude any such customers from these campaigns - and maximise the return!
Here’s an example from Nike showing how even simple data (in this case, the user’s gender) can help create a more personalised experience. Male users see the page on the left, while females see the page on the right:
In conclusion... personalised marketing / relationship marketing is a powerful strategy for increasing conversions, engagement with your brand but it is very very easy to get overwhelmed by the entire implementation and management process.
If you have not already implemented a system by now, start small by using personalisation / relationship marketing on your top-converting pages. Split test these pages ' personal VS non-personal' versions of the same page to see the results.
engage us todayfor more information on how we can help your business evolve for excellence.
]]>DAMI IM BRUSHES OFF CLAIMS SHE WAS "ROBBED"...]]>Journalist: Braeden Rhyshttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/06/16/DAMI-IM-BRUSHES-OFF-CLAIMS-SHE-WAS-ROBBEDhttps://www.evocative.agency/single-post/2016/06/16/DAMI-IM-BRUSHES-OFF-CLAIMS-SHE-WAS-ROBBEDThu, 16 Jun 2016 11:49:23 +0000
Picture: Dami Im - Eurovision Song Contest 2016 (Image Credited to: Martin Meissner)
Australia's Eurovision darling, the fabulous Dami Im recently accepted the decision of Eurovision Song Content Umpire, despite the claims she was robbed of victory of the wildly popular global eisteddfod.
" I did, you know, read about that and all of the controversy but, you know at the end of the day, you know, the Australian spirit is to be, you know, good sports," Dami Im told Sunrise, in response to the controversial "robbery" claims.
"...I've got to accept it and for me, I still had such a good time"
News Corp reported the Ukraine's winning number had breached competition rules because it had been performed publicly three years ago, however organisers of Eurovision defended the victor, stating "the video of a small concert had only been viewed by a few hundred people before it was discovered in the past few days."
The 27-year old flew back into Queensland and admitted to feeling a bit jet-lagged as she took to questions from Richard Wilkinson and the mob at the Today Show in front of a whirling space-age background as Kochie (and co) spoke to Dami Im in front of a green screen projection of Brisbane.
'Sound Of Silence' was watched globally by more than 200 million and sat atop the leaderboard for most of the night broadcasts, until Ukraine's took out the top spot.
This is Australia's second and most successful performance in the Eurocentric competition in comparison to Cathy Freeman's gold-medal-winning performance at the Sydney Olympics.
Watch 'Sound Of Silence' by Dami Im below: