WordPress made easy
WordPress is a website and blog hosting tool that we use frequently for our clients, and for our own blog here at HM&P. For those learning the ropes of content management on WordPress there is an awesome “WordPress for Dummies-esque” guide available. Easy WP Guide takes out the scary HTML, PHP or coding jargon and gives you a straight up guide to get things done.
You can download the guide and even follow on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest updates.
Wanted: Durability
Our client CORDURA® brand, known for its durable fabrics, is on the search for those people who exhibit durability in their own lives.
This month, The Gear Junkie, a well-known online product review and news website for the outdoor industry, presents ‘The CORDURA® brand Search for the Most Durable Person” contest, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to submit anecdotes telling why they believe they are a durable person.
What is a durable story? Overcoming challenges, injury, setbacks in the outdoors and in life in general. You don’t have to be a champion rock climber, or marathoner. The sky is the limit as we know durability can take many forms.
The grand-prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, in August during the 2011 Outdoor Retailer trade show, which we attend with the client twice a year.
So far we have received some amazing stories, from mountain rescues, to Ironman champions, to cancer survivors, to “mud diving” in a North Carolina swamp. Check out some of the entries here.
Do you or someone you know exude durability? Enter with a story, photo or video submission here. Hurry, contest ends May 31!
Looking forward to see who will be crowned “Most Durable”!
Twitter Trends
Hubspot recently published “10 Essential Twitter Stats” proving once again to skeptics of the tool that it is a powerful player in the marketing space. The last four in the bunch stood out to me as some important and staggering takeaways.
7. Twitter users tend to be “early adopters”.
19% of Twitter users are among the first to buy/try new products, compared to only 10% of the general population. An additional 25% of Twitter users buy/try new products before others (though not “first”) as compared to only 12% of the general population.
8. Twitter plays an active role in purchasing decisions.
42% of Twitter users rely on this channel to learn about new products/services, and 41% of them share opinions about products/services via Twitter. Soliciting opinions about products/services and seeking out discounts/coupons/sales are also popular Twitter-based activitities.
9. 67% of Twitter users are more likely to buy brands that they “follow”.
Whether interaction on Twitter is the cause of this greater allegiance or not is unclear—but it certainly seems that extra Twitter love doesn’t hurt.
10. Companies that use Twitter average 2x more leads per month than those that do not.
This, perhaps, is the most compelling reason of all to invest some time on Twitter—particularly if your target customer is educated, affluent, and tends to be an early adopter.
See all 10 stats here.
Mobile by the Numbers
Check out this infographic I found on Mashable showcasing new statistics about mobile use and implications for mobile marketing.
A few notable stats:
- By 2014 mobile internet usage should exceed desktop internet usage.
- One half of all local searches are performed on mobile devices.
- Women age 35 to 54 are the most active group in mobile socialization.
- 91 percent of mobile internet access is to socialize, compared to 79 percent on desktops.
AIGA Studio Tour: A look around
Before the crowd got too hoppin’ at our open house last night (part of the AIGA Studio Tour), we were able to take a quick 360 degree snapshot of our front lobby. Take a look, and enjoy the live music from Mr. Eric “E-Train” Manning. We wish he could play in our lobby every day!
AIGA Studio Open House: Come in, we’re open
Last night we had the privelidge of opening our doors to the public as part of the AIGA Studio Open House (Raleigh & Cary edition). Amidst live music, food and refreshments, we were able to meet and mingle with friends old and new and show off our space and our work. Here are just a few snapshots from the night:
Reporter Rapport
Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the February Raleigh Public Relations Society (RPRS) Luncheon featuring a presentation from Patrick Gannon, Raleigh Bureau Chief for the Wilmington Star News.
Patrick discussed the qualities (both good and bad!) he frequently sees from public relations professionals as well as practices that journalists like to see when it comes to media relations. More »
Social Media and Your Job Search
I had the privilege to present at Elon University‘s Professional Discovery Week yesterday about the topic of using social media in your job search. My own job search story is a testament to the power of social media in the job search. My relationship, and eventual employment, with Howard Merrell & Partners started with a simple Direct Message to our former Social Media Marketing Manager, Kipp Bodnar:
In my presentation, I broke the process down into four key focus areas:
Purvis Joins Team as Digital Analyst
We are excited to welcome Shavette Purvis as a digital analyst. In this position, Purvis is responsible for developing integrated marketing analytical solutions across customers and channels to improve client decision-making. Additionally, she monitors, analyzes and reports on the performance of websites, email campaigns, display advertising, paid search and social media executions.
“Shavette brings an abundance of experience in planning and implementing interactive campaigns,” said Senior Vice President of Interactive Services, Scott Piggott. “Her industry experience, coupled with her strong work ethic, make her a wonderful addition to our team. As we celebrate our 65th anniversary we are excited to continue our tradition of excellence with new hires like Shavette.”
For more information, click here.
Kaylor Joins the PR Team
We are excited to welcome Rachel Kaylor as an account coordinator for the Public Relations department. In her position, Kaylor is responsible for implementing strategic public relations and social media plans, and conducting media relations, as well as developing and distributing press releases, company announcements, blog posts and new product launches. Specifically, she will provide support for several accounts including INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand, Component Hardware Group, Precise Pet Products and Bank Independent.
“Rachel is full of drive and enthusiasm. We are excited to welcome her into the Howard, Merrell & Partners family,” explains Stephanie Styons, senior vice president of public relations and social media marketing at Howard, Merrell & Partners. “Rachel has a solid knowledge of public relations and social media, and we look forward to seeing her grow within our organization.”
For more information, click here.
