Against the Grain: Web

Are you keeping up with the world of digital media? Do you know who visits your website, where they’re from and how they got there?

The expansion of digital media over the years has opened new doors to businesses and organizations, allowing them to see how many people visited their website, how long they were on the page and even where they came from. These simple details are extremely important from a marketing standpoint. Advertisers can pinpoint what referred the visitor to the site; what age, race, and gender the individual is; and what pages bring in the most views. This drives future content of your site to ensure you’re targeting the content your visitors want.

As a professional marketing agency, we have the tools and resources you need to market to your customers and stay on-top of social media, mobile marketing and technology trends. We subscribe to daily blogs, articles and news sites to stay one step ahead of the competition, and exceed our customers’ expectations.

Website analytics is only the first step to understanding the world of digital media. It takes experience to interpret the information and develop sound marketing strategies to provide your customers the online content they need. Trilix’s interactive team can help you create a web presence to reach your integrated marketing goals.

Manufacturers who don't have digital marketing expertise on staff often rely on the growing number of consultants who can do everything from web development to social media marketing. This makes sense from a financial standpoint, however it may not make sense from a branding standpoint.

Digital marketing programs need to be handled by people who understand your marketing strategies as well as they understand technology.

When working with digital marketing consultants, take the time to share your marketing strategies and objectives with them. Make certain they understand your brand and your industry. Educate them about your competitors. If they don't get it, chances are you won't get what you're after — a coordinated marketing program!

Trilix is a full-service advertising agency headquartered in the Midwest with expertise in helping businesses market effectively and drive sales success. Learn more at www.trilixgroup.com or email Todd Senne at tsenne@trilixgroup.com.

Foursquare is a location-based platform that allows users to “check-in” at different locations throughout the world. Friends share their locations with each other and collect virtual points and badges along the way. When a user has visited a venue more than anyone else, he or she is given the title of “Mayor.” For these loyal patrons, businesses sometimes offer deals and discounts. 

This location-based application has grown immensely over the years. Founded in 2009, Foursquare currently has over 6.5 million users worldwide, making it one of the fastest growing applications to date.

Sure, it’s fun to share your location with your friends, but as a business, have you “checked-in” with your customers?

To stay current with industry trends, your business needs to be informed of Foursquare’s capabilities. It gives you the opportunity to “oust” the competition. According to a recent press release, Foursquare 3.0 presents new types of “specials,” including offers for “swarms, groups of friends, regulars, newbies and mayors – to allow businesses to reward their loyal customers and entice new ones.” Now, there are more opportunities than ever for your business to capitalize on this location-based platform.

Foursquare offers vary by business, but they are always appealing to customers. For example, bars often offer drink specials, restaurants give free appetizers and gas stations offer free fountain drinks, simply for checking-in. From a business perspective, Foursquare deals are a great way to raise awareness, build customer loyalty and increase repeat sales.

Posting specials is one way to build your Foursquare presence, but listening to your customers is another very important reason to get engaged. Users can post “tips,” or short messages, at locations they visit. If someone had a bad experience at your restaurant, he or she can leave tips like, “Service was slow and food was cold. Go to a different location!” With Foursquare, you can address customer issues and resolve the problem before your reputation gets tarnished.

Although Foursquare is only a couple years old, watch for it to increase in popularity in the future. If you own a business, make sure to “check-in” to Foursquare.

A Fan Favorite is BACK.

Trilix Bracket Racket is ready to rock.

The competition is fierce on the college basketball court and we're giving you the chance to dominate the paint in the 6th Annual Trilix Bracket Racket contest. Show off your mad hoops knowledge by filling out a college basketball tournament bracket before tip off on Thursday, March 17.

This year's Bracket Racket grand prize winner will receive prestige, glory and unlimited bragging rights.

If that's not enough, Trilix is giving the winner 10 Iowa Lottery Rock of Ages scratch tickets for a chance to win up to $14,000! The lucky individual will also score a pair of tickets to see Rock of Ages, the most radical Broadway show in town featuring killer tunes from the '80s, at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines on April 22.

It's a long Journey to the finals, so we're giving you chances to win along the way. The top three contestants after the semi-final round will receive five Iowa Lottery Rock of Ages scratch tickets. Don't worry if your bracket busts, we've reserved five Rock of Ages scratch tickets for the last place participant too, just to make up for the total embarrassment. And, dude, don't sweat it if you don't hit the jackpot. Keep your tickets, because the Iowa Lottery is giving you a second chance to win. You can enter non-winning tickets at ialottery.com for a chance to win a trip to New York City to see Rock of Ages live on Broadway!

Watch your inbox for this totally righteous event on Monday, March 14 and we'll email you a link to the official 2011 Trilix Bracket Racket website. In the meantime, follow us at twitter.com/trilix and start posting your predictions using the hashtag #BracketRacket.

Tune up your air guitar and get ready to rock!

The rules of the game have changed. With online access to information, your customer can call the shots — comparing specifications, investigating various solutions, seeking recommendations from their peers.

In other words, your customers are in control of the sales process. Not you.

Although you may never be in control again, designing an online experience to help guide customers through the sales process is a way you can actively participate in it. Interactive calculators, video demonstrations, compelling testimonials and informative blogs are just some of the ways in which manufacturers are addressing customer needs at various stages of the sales process.

Trilix is a full-service advertising agency headquartered in the Midwest with expertise in helping businesses market effectively and drive sales success. Learn more at www.trilixgroup.com or email Todd Senne at tsenne@trilixgroup.com.