SAGE: OUR BLOG
adj: wise through reflection and experience
Advertising and Marketing
STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair – Twice as Nice
From the thousands of people who proudly wore “Greatness STEMs from Iowans” backpacks to hundreds of the families who participated in hands-on activities, the second annual STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair proved to be even better than the notorious butter cow. Thanks to our great partnerships with the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, we worked side-by-side with their [...]
9 Ways to Boost Performance of Your Direct Mail Offer
Direct mail is an effective lead generation and customer retention tool and having a compelling offer is a must for campaign success. To continually improve results, test, test, test! At Strategic America, we are constantly testing our direct marketing campaigns and have several takeaways to share. Here are some of our tips for testing your direct mail offers: Sell only [...]
Should Online Reviews Be Posted On Your Website?
Most marketers understand that online reviews have a significant influence on consumer purchasing behavior. According to a 2013 Nielsen study, 84 percent of consumers cited "word-of-mouth recommendations" as the most trusted source of influence when considering a brand. Following referrals, the most trusted sources that drive perceptions of a brand is the company’s website (69 percent) and online reviews (68 [...]
Turnkey Marketing May Increase Participation
As seasoned marketing professionals, we often develop, plan, and program amazing new marketing programs and technology solutions aimed at meeting every single need that has ever been verbalized as a pain point. There is no doubt that technology bridges the gap between marketing and sales, but do we overcomplicate it to the extent that the channel partner (often the local small [...]
Tracking Internet of Things…Innovation from the Field
Getting out -- or in -- to the field nearly always provides a fresh perspective on marketing. I’m not talking about the plains, prairies or terrain. I’m talking about where local intersects with brand and produces results. Where sales and services are delivered for enterprise brands. It’s exciting because the field is where so many problems are solved and opportunities [...]
Talent Wins
Recently, I was asked to provide the keynote at the Iowa Broadcasters Association annual meeting. As broadcasters and agencies share the ability and responsibility to communicate a broad spectrum of subjects for brands, promotions, news and entertainment; I found myself focused on the importance of talent to both industries. As the broadcast industry and ours have experienced dramatic changes, the [...]
Takeaways from White House Briefing on Small Business
Recently, I had an opportunity to participate in a White House briefing on the state of small business in America. Of course, anytime you have an opportunity to visit the “People’s House,” as the Administration staff refers to the White House, you jump at the chance. As a part of the leadership council of the National Small Business [...]
Our Journey of 35 years
In 1980, in our own small business way, we opened our doors to the opportunities that we believed lie ahead. In part we were dreamers – believing but not yet seeing. We were accustomed to hard work well beyond traditional 40 hour work weeks. We were client-focused and culture-focused – we wanted a place that allowed for growth inside and [...]
Marketing Strategy – Utilizing Data and Measurement to Improve Results
As a marketer, you’ve got your hands full with the ever-changing marketplace and the pressure to provide measurable results. With a multitude of communication channel choices and diversification in audiences, you have to communicate with the right people in the right way. And in today’s fast-paced competitive marketplace, you must be able to measure your success in real time and [...]
The Power of Pro Bono Work
Making a profit is not the only thing companies must be concerned about. Important, of course, but today they need to consider CSR, Corporate Social Responsibility. It’s no longer an option for companies who want to present a positive brand—both for their own employees and the communities they serve. A recent published study indicates that more than 8-in-10 consumers expect [...]
