Christian Advertising Agency

I just read a great article titled "Go Mobile or Be Dust" by B.L. Ochman of Advertising Age.  She tackled the topic of mobile marketing with humor, and let the knock out punch come from the facts she quoted.  The source of her article is research from Burson-Marsteller and Proof Integrated Communications which presents 53 compelling reasons, backed by data for why organizations must adopt mobile communications strategies or simply be left behind.

The backbone of the research is really all about the consumer... and how and what they are consuming via mobile phones.  As a leading interactive agency, we saw this trend a long way out, which is why we engaged actively in the mobile space almost five years ago before it was really considered a "must have".   We looked at data that illustrated how folks in Europe and Asia use their phones - like a mini-computer - and realized that this was coming to the United States, so we prepared. 

Mobile is not just bulk SMS services, although ChurchLink Communications' SMS marketing software is some of the best in the industry.  Mobile now incorporates search, location based tracking, banking, coupon delivery, and of course... advertising on the IPad (one of my personal favorites...).   And of course, keep in mind how many non-profits have used text messaging strategies very effectively for fundraising - a tool unheard of five years ago!

I have found that as I talk to people about the necessity of "going mobile", there is a certain glaze that starts to cover the eyes of the people I am talking with.  I am often guilty of being a technical geek, delivering too much unnecessary detail (I am certain that is the professor in me that is always lurking waiting to pounce on unwary students-to-be)...   Going mobile does not have to be an eye-glazing experience, and truthfully, can not only be more effective but a less expensive marketing endeavor than numerous other mediums.

At ChurchLink Communications and Edge Media, we have a simple process by which we move our clients gently, mobilely forward... It starts with a mobile website...meaning making a website show up nicely on a mobile phone browser and being mindful of load times for particular items, including flash.  This is not a difficult process and is a must do, as the most conducted activity on a web enabled mobile phone is search.  We will address simply mobile processes in upcoming blog posts along with the rationale for making the changes and additions necessary to not... well... not be left in the dust!

About ChurchLink Communications: ChurchLink Communications is a Christian advertising agency division of Edge Media, a leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients.  ChurchLink Communications is a full service Christian agency, which includes mobile advertising agency and interactive web agency capabilities, with a commitment to incorporate all available marketing and communications tools to create marketing engines that hum for our clients!  Our ChurchLink clients include ministries, non-profits, Christian broadcast, and churches, and our commitment is to give our clients every available tool to deliver their message to the ends of the earth!

ChurchLink Communications, a division of Edge Media is pleased to announce Navigate the New Economy, our FREE business seminar is coming to Phoenix on Tues. Sept. 21st.  A panel of five experts will tackle the tough topics that business owners have to wrestle with, including tax changes, healthcare, investment & retirement, how to get the most from your bank, and of course Edge Media is presenting marketing strategies that won't break your piggy bank!

The panel of experts includes Pat Corcoran, VP from Compass Bank; Ed Daily President, CPA,MBA from CPA on Wheels; Mike Ford, President, PFG Planning Group; Nancy Halls, President, Hipes Consulting, and myself, Vickie Isaac, MEd., President of Edge Media.  This group has decades of expertise in their own fields, and business owners will come away with practical strategies to navigate thru these turbulent times.  The practical advice will be great, plus the seminar will include a call to action for small business owners to stick together and support one another's businesses through this difficult economic downturn.

The Edge Media portion of the presentation will tackle ways to actually generate business from social media, simple solutions to increase search engine visibility, and ways to convert visitors to sales on company websites.  We will give you tips that other marketing companies Phoenix reps don't want you to know... real insider stuff... :-)

For more seminar info and to register for the seminar, go to www.navigatetheeconomy.com

About ChurchLink Communications & Edge Media:   ChurchLink Communication is a division of Edge Media that serves ministries, churches, and Christian broadcast.  ChurchLink Communications offers full service Christian advertising agency services.  As a Christian agency, we offer cutting edge technological solutions to help Christian organizations maximize the impact of their message.

Edge Media is a leading interactive agency in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional ROI for our clients.   Some of our specialties include SMS marketing software for delivery of bulk SMS services, optimized blogging which is a powerful lead generator, and integrated and linked social media strategies that increase search results and convert to sales.  Our advertising and marketing consultants are experts in analyzing your needs and creating interactive web agency strategies that work five to ten times harder than traditional strategies.  For more about Edge Media, go to www.edgemedia.biz

There is a concensus among marketers that social media is now a must have in the marketing/communications mix, yet a great deal of uncertainty remains about how to convert the hours/dollars spent on social media into revenue. As a leading Christian agency, we have successfully created multiple social network platforms that not only attract attention on social networking sites, but go on to drive traffic to websites and then convert to increases in revenue for our clients. 

One of the keys to understanding the process comes from understanding the prospect.  Who are you targeting, and what is the end result that you are seeking?  At ChurchLink Communications, before we launch ANY campaigns, we create a roadmap of the steps in the process from initial connection to close of the sale.  Without this process, it is easy for the campaign to go off course.

The next key to pay close attention to is understanding the motivations of those you are reaching out to.  This is a result of comprehensive market research and online listening.  Our marketing and advertising consultants take their time to understand the potential supporters through online listening. 

The third step is to make sure that the Christian interactive web agency strategies that we employ are thorough and measurable.  How do we measure traffic from social media sites to the website, and once they arrive on the website, how do we know if that traffic converts to a sale?  It is important to have the analytics system in place prior to launching the campaign, as the campaign should be an ongoing, ever improving outreach.

Who is ChurchLink Communications?  ChurchLink Communications is a Christian agency, and a division of Edge Media, a leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ that uses cutting edge technologies to deliver exceptional results for our clients.  Some of our products/services include SMS marketing software, mobile web, interactive online marketing, market research, media planning, production, and purchase.  For more information on ChurchLink Communications, go to: www.churchlinkcommunications.com  For more information on Edge Media, go to:  www.edgemedia.biz

We are pleased to announce the addition of the Youth Transition Network to our client roster.  We are excited about the ministry of YTN and will work hard to get their important message out about the loss of youth from the Church.

We believe that a Christian advertising agency is just what YTN has needed to get their message out across multiple communications platforms, including our Christian interactive platform of social media and internet sites.

ChurchLink Communications will be providing event marketing, online, social media, radio syndication, production, and distribution services for YTN with a very agressive interactive strategy.  As a Christian agency, our mission is to equip our clients with every communications tool available to help tem spread their important message!

About The Youth Transition Network: YTN helps parents and churches address the loss of youth by conducting research, executing training, providing resources, and helping connect high school seniors to ministries before they leave home. For more info, go to http://www.ytn.org

About ChurchLink Communications:

Edge Media & ChurchLink Communications are presenting a complimentary Business Success Seminar in Phoenix September 22nd 9 am - 12 noon. A panel of experts tackle business concerns including growth during recession, tax law changes & planning, health insurance updates & preparation, retirement planning that produces income, & business banking that supports your business...Mark your calendar, more info 2 come!

This is a great opportunity -our leading interactive agency will offer marketing strategies at this seminar, with some "how to" info, strategies growth during a recession, benefits of utilizing mobile advertising agency strategies to increase ROI using SMS marketing software and more!

About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive agency in Phoenix AZ with cutting edge technology solutions that deliver exceptional results for our clients.  Some of our offerings include SMS marketing software for bulk SMS services delivery, interactive web agency strategy, and experienced advertising and marketing consultants.  For more info on our services, go to: www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

About ChurchLink Communications:  ChurchLink is a division of Edge Media focused on serving the needs of the Christian Church.  As a Christian agency, ChurchLink offers the same cutting edge communications tools that Edge Media offers including SMS marketing software which is great for fundraising for ministries, churches, and Christian broadcast.  As a Christian interactive agency we offer social media, online marketing and fundraising solutions, broadcast, syndication, and more.  For more info, go to: www.churchlinkcommunications.com

Categories include: Edge Media, interactive agency, advertising and marketing consultants, interactive web agency, SMS marketing software, Christian agency, Christian advertising agency, bulk SMS services

Sorry for the lapse in posting, but my hubby and I got away for a much needed rest to the lovely Caribbean island of St. Martin.  It was fabulous - great scuba diving!

What has happened since I blogged last?  Lots!  Our new division, ChurchLink Communications, is launching today!  We are very excited about it.  Please visit the site at http://www.churchlinkcommunications.com to check it out!  We have long believed that we have some invaluable tools to offer ministries, non-profits, churches, and Christian broadcast.  As a Christian interactive advertising agency with cutting edge SMS marketing software, we offer a unique opportunity to these organizations to create communications strategies that will greatly increase the effectiveness of communications, encouraging supporters to take action, and increasing the revenues from fundraising efforts.

Churches can use the SMS marketing software to mobilize their prayer ministry - a prayer request sent into the system automatically directs out to everyone enrolled.  An "Ask the Pastor" component allows people in the congregation to text in questions during the sermon that then are put on the screen and answered at the end of service.   Church security is instant with the push of a button.  Youth ministry communications is revolutionized, as youth pastors can instantly communicate with youth using the way they most often communicate - text messages!  The application for churches communicating with text messages are endless.   The software is extremely affordable, and ChurchLink is offering a 30-day no obligation trial of the SMS marketing software.   Click here to review the offer: www.churchlinkcommunications.com/offer.html

The next post will discuss the benefits of SMS marketing software for Christian ministries to use for effective communications and fundraising efforts.  Using bulk SMS services dramatically increases response rates for communications efforts, and is proven to be much more effective than e-mail.   Stay tuned for the next post on SMS marketing software.

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients.  Our advertising and marketing consultants are experienced and focused on our clients' needs. Find out more at: www.edgemedia.biz

About ChurchLink Communications:  ChurchLink Communications is a division of Edge Media.  ChurchLink is a Christian interactive agency dedicated to supporting ministries, churches, non-profits, and Christian broadcast through cutting edge technologies and effective communications strategies.  As a Christian interactive advertising agency, we have three decades of experience in serving the needs of the Church.  Find out more at: www.churchlinkcommunications.com

Note: Few marketing companies Phoenix AZ based offer the interactive solutions that Edge Media or Churchlink Communications provide for our clients.  Partnered with the experience of our  marketing and advertising consultants, we believe we offer exceptional services that deliver superior results.

Edge Media is pleased to announce that the new ChurchLink Communications website will launch next week! The goal of ChurchLink Communications, a division of Edge Media, is to provide new Christian interactive marketing and technology tools to Christian ministries, broadcast, and churches. Christian interactive communications tools include SMS marketing software, mobile web, and optimized blogging software, as well as stand marketing solutions including marketing research, media buying, marketing strategy, internet, and e-mail marketing. All client services currently available to Edge Media clients are available to ChurchLink clients.  

As a Christian advertising agency, it is the goal of ChurchLink, a division to Edge Media, to meet the needs of the Christian community with a focused goal of serving Christian ministries, Christian broadcast, and Christian churches.  The benefit of using a Christian marketing company is of course to have an agency that understands the Christian community, Christian media, and Christian church, and then create Christian interactive marketing strategies to mesh these components into an effective outreach strategy.

Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ that has been serving local, national, and international clients for almost eight years.  Vickie Isaac, President and Owner of Edge Media, has over 25 years of marketing experience, first as the director of a Christian music talent agency, then at the helm of a Christian record company, followed by years in the Christian and general broadcast industry, and finally launching Edge Media in 2002.  Vickie is also an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. 

Click here for description of Edge Media's leading interactive agency client services:
http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

More About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency that is one of only a few advertising agencies Phoenix AZ that is a mobile advertising agency, having chosen to fully embrace emerging marketing strategies including the mobile web, SMS marketing software that delivers bulk SMS services, has experienced marketing and advertising consultants in the mobile arena.  Our clients are experiencing exceptional results with the mobile advertising agency services, and great ROI with the SMS marketing software.  For more info on Edge Mobile, the SMS marketing software, go here: http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-3.html

Mobile Commerce Daily recently reported that a test program by Sony delivered movie tickets to mobile phones with a 36% opt in rate.  McDonalds just tested the waters with mobile location based strategies.  Customers responded with a 7% click thru rate. 

Mobile marketing is well received by consumers because mobile phones are rapidly becoming the hub of their personal and business communications.  As mobile phones increase capabilities, the necessity of mobile marketing strategies will increase.  Mobile websites, bulk SMS services, mobile ads, and mobile apps are just a few of the mobile interactive web agency strategies that Edge Media is recommending to clients at a very rapid rate.

As a leading interactive agency, our SMS marketing software is no longer a nice addition, it is an absolutely vital marketing channel for our clients.  It is rare now that campaigns do not include some mobile advertising agency strategies. We are telling our clients to grab their dot mobi URL's, to allow us to create a mobile version of their websites as just basic steps to compete on the mobile web playing field.   We are fortunate to have several years of mobile advertising agency experience in this arena already, while other advertising agencies in Phoenix AZ are still trying to figure out what the platform is!  

If you would like to discuss mobile web strategies for your business, call us at 602-943-2030, and also be sure to visit our website for more info on mobile marketing at http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-3.html

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technological solutions that deliver exceptional results for our clients.   As a Christian advertising agency, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards in how we conduct our business, as well as a high standard of excellence with the work that we produce for our clients.  Our Christian marketing company also has a division, ChurchLink Communications that specializes in marketing services for churches, non-profits, ministries, and broadcast organizations.

The mobile web is coming on strong in 2010. Mobile apps have become common, the IPad is now valuable marketing space, and social networking on mobile phones is now commonplace.  More than half of all mobile phones in America are now web enabled. 

What does this mean for businesses and non-profit organizations?  It means it is TIME to add a mobile website and consider whether a mobile app would be of benefit to increase engagement.  Additionally, the integration of SMS communication is a must, just as e-mail was a must a decade ago.   SMS communications are read within 5 minutes, have a 94% open rate, and an average 12-34% response rate for marketing messages.  Consider the necessity of including a URL in an SMS message that links to a mobile website for seamless communication.   For example, we currently have a client using national radio to promote a free offer.  Listeners can respond by texting in to receive the free offer.  The system automatically responds with a thank you message that includes a URL to click through to a mobile site to complete the transaction.  The same strategy is being implemented for fundraising for non-profit organizations as an easy way to increase giving.  The use of bulk SMS services for communication also provides the opportunity for ongoing communication, as the system captures the data for future marketing efforts.  The SMS marketing software includes autoresponders and timed responders to streamline the process.

As a leading interactive agency, Edge Media's advertising and marketing consultants provide the expertise to direct our clients forward to benefit from these emerging communications channels.  We believe that becoming a mobile advertising agency two years before mobile became mainstream gives our clients an edge up on their competition by taking advantage of our experience. 

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive Christian advertising agency located in Phoenix, AZ serving local, national, and international clients including businesses, non-profits, churches, and ministry organizations.

The new website for ChurchLink Communications, a division of Edge Media LLC is under construction!  We expect to launch the site in about ten days and are very excited about it.  Churchlink Communications will focus on meeting the outreach needs of churches, ministries, Christian broadcast, and non-profits, with the stated mission of using technology to equip the Church.

As a mobile advertising agency, we will offer mobile communications including bulk SMS services for communications, action alerts, fundraising, and much more.  Our SMS marketing software will increase effective communication in a very cost effective fashion.  Currently Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council use our SMS marketing software, as well as numerous churches, broadcast, and non-profit clients.

As a leading interactive agency, ChurchLink Communication will offer all of the expertise and service that Edge Media LLC specializes in.  We believe a full service interactive and mobile Christian advertising agency is a winning combination that will be of tremendous benefit to our clients.

We will keep you posted as to progress!

As economic difficulties in the United States remain a reality, non-profit ministries need to find creative ways to expand their donor bases,   Ministries are finding that by expanding their donor base with the philosophy of finding more people who can give something  is wiser than remaining hopeful that the few who are able can give more.

There are numerous ways to use text messaging and the mobile web to increase donations.  The premium keyword campaigns approved through the Mobile Giving Foundation (ex: the Haiti relief effort) is a great option, but only one piece of the many ways mobile can increase giving.  Standard shortcode campaigns offer a great deal more flexibility and ease of use.  Consider, for example, a commitment to give via standard shortcode, and then the automated delivery of a URL to complete the donation online.  This is far less expensive, with far more flexibility.  Our Edge Mobile SMS Marketing Software has numerous applications that can be of benefit in a fundraising campaign and as a mobile advertising agency, we can easily walk you through the process of both a premium and standard keyword fundraising campaign.

Maintaining communication and building relationships are critical components in the successful donor management process.  To reap all of the rewards of the direct relationship mobile marketing offers, it is important to embrace much more strategy and execution in the mobile arena than just a premium keyword giving campaign.

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive Christian advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ serving national and local clients.  Current clients include ministries such as the Family Research Council and  Focus on the Family.  We invite you to contact us for a complimentary one month subscription to Edge Media's Mobile Platform.  Click here for more info:  www.edgemedia.biz/index-3.html

As a leading interactive agency, we are asked often about launching social media campaigns.  As a matter of fact, I was asked yesterday if I could get a client's accounts up and running within a couple  of days.  The answer... "No, sorry..."    Because... we always recommend to our clients that a social media strategy is in place PRIOR to the launch of a campaign.  

This is part two of social media strategy sessions, focused on action steps after the goals have been established. 

When considering what action you want folks to take on your social media sites, there are a number of options listed below from the Interactive Advertising Bureau.  Think through what your goals are, and then create some actionable steps to move your followers towards your goals using action steps.

Action examples:
o Contest/Sweeps Entries
o Coupons downloaded/redeemed
o Games played
o Videos viewed
o Uploads (e.g. images, videos
o Poll votes 
o Messages sent (e.g. Bulletins, Updates, Emails, Alerts)
o Invites sent
o Newsfeed items posted
o Comments posted
o Friends reached
o Topics/Forums Created
o Number of Group Members or Fans
o Reposts (“Shares“)

Always keep in mind the end goal as you craft the strategy.  Example: How does having a new topic posted with potential customer comments posted help move you towards your goal?  What are the benefits?  

Have your strategy in place prior to launching your social media campaign so that you can measure the activity against the goals set.

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading Christian interactive advertising agency focusing on delivering exceptional ROI for our clients using cutting edge technology and scientific research.  We work in our clients' best interest, not our own, an ethical business practices that are above reproach are a must for our marketing and advertising consultants.  We offer Edge Mobile SMS marketing software that delivers bulk SMS services, as well as mobile websites, WAP pages, social media, internet marketing, and a host of other services to give our clients the results they need.  Check out more regarding our client services at: www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

As a leading interactive agency, we are often asked by business owners what the benefits are of social media.   We believe that social media should be integrated into the majority of marketing strategies with very few exceptions.  It is important that the role social media plays in an integrated marketing strategy is understood, and the goals and strategies clearly defined prior to embarking on a foray into the world of social media.  Below is some beginning conversation on social media strategy.  

Businesses and non-profits alike should have a social media strategy PRIOR to embarking on social media campaigns. Lots of fans on Facebook do not necessarily convert to increased revenues. There are orderly steps to take to use social media as part of an integrated marketing strategy. Here are a few insights to start off the discussion:

1) Define who you are trying to reach out and your end goal as a result of the outreach.

Example: are you using social media to increase sales? If so, here are a few thoughts on strategy:
a) Define your target audience
b) Reach out to them using the search mechanism on Facebook, Twitter, etc. and listen to what is important to them.
c) Engage in dialogue - what is it that you can provide that is important to them?
d) After spending some time listening, and then in conversation, craft your strategy. For example, perhaps your target demographic's most important hot button is getting a great deal right now. How can you respond to match that need? Create your strategy around your target demo's needs, not around your desire to sell, but of course make sure you are meeting your sales goals in the process. Social media is not a "push out" platform, it is a dialogue platform, so keep that in mind.

2) Strategy implementation - keeping folks as fans on Facebook is not usually the end goal for sales. You will need to create the offer, message out using social media, and include a call to action. Example: include a URL so that potential customers will land on your website on the RIGHT page where the offer exists. Include a data capture mechanism (form) so that you can communicate now via e-mail for remarketing purposes. Once the potential customer has given you a name and an e-mail address, allow them to click on your special Facebook offer (Twitter offer, etc.), as a "Members Only" special offer. Make the coupon downloadable or instantly able to purchase online.

More on strategy and remarketing coming soon!   You can visit the Edge site for an audio presentation or downloadable Social Media 101 guide to setting up accounts, etc.   Here is the link: www.edgemedia.biz/index-7.html

More about Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix, AZ serving local and national clients.  We serve businesses, churches, ministries, broadcast, and non-profit organizations and have done so for almost a decade.  We are a Christian advertising agency focused on integrity and excellence in service for our clients.  We use cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional ROI for our clients, including text message marketing using our Edge Mobile SMS Marketing Software, giving our clients ongoing marketing opportunities using bulk SMS services.  We also offer social media, optimized blogging, search engine optimization, and internet marketing services, as well as market research, marketing strategy, media planning and buying, and much more.  To view all of our services, go to www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

I have been visiting with churches recently who have such great ideas!  Obviously the ones who are contacting me are the ones who are already pushing the technology envelope, but it is really exciting to hear creative ideas about communicating!  I took a call today from a church who already had their mind made up that they wanted the congregation to be able to text questions in for the pastor to answer and then they would put the question on the screen.  Wonderful interactivity!

This is just one of the many uses our sms marketing software can be used for.  Using it for prayer alerts, pastoral devotionals, youth ministry connectivity, church security, nursery notifications and so much more!  As a Christian advertising agency, we are definitely excited that we can offer this wonderful technology to churches to improve their communications channels. 

To help churches get started, we are offering free set up and waiving the first month's subscription fee to allow them time to familiarize themselves with the technology and make sure it is a match.  For more info on ChurchLink SMS marketing software, go here:
http://web.mac.com/edge.media/iWeb/ChurchLink%20Mobile/ChurchLink.html

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading full service Christian advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that delivers exceptional results for our clients.

About ChurchLink:  ChurchLink is a division of Edge Media dedicated to empowering the Church to fulfill her mission to preach the Gospel to all corners of the earth.  It is the belief of Edge Media that all possible means should be used, including using technological capabilities to their fullest capacity. 

We are excited about the warm reception we are receiving from churches in regards to ChurchLink Communications.  We have been focusing on churches using our SMS marketing software, as there are numerous ways it can benefit churches.  As a Christian advertising agency, we are passionate about helping churches and ministries communicate effectively, and we believe technology is a key piece of the communications platform, particularly text messaging. 

This morning we met with a church and discussed ways to integrate the SMS marketing software into their security plans.  The Edge Mobile technology can be activated from an authorized user's cell phone, sending an immediate message out to all security and key personnel to alert them to an emergency situation or security breach.  This is particularly important should there be a power failure at the same time, without access to computers or landlines.

Consider also the benefit of using it with the nursery - sending a text message to a parent whose child needs their attention.  Other great uses include prayer alerts, devotionals from the pastor, text questions to screen, youth group communications, etc.  There is plenty of wonderful functionality to help connect the church and its ministries more effectively.

We are offering a one month complimentary subscription (standard text message rates still apply), and set up fees waived to give churches an opportunity to test the Edge Mobile software system.

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a Christian leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients.

About Edge Mobile:  Edge Mobile is the SMS marketing software that allows our clients the ability to deliver bulk SMS services to the people they most want to communicate with. 

About ChurchLink Communications:  ChurchLink Communications is a division of Edge Media.  ChurchLink Communications is dedicated to empowering the Church to effectively communicate by maximizing all available technological means.

We are very excited about attending the National Religious Broadcasters Convention this year.  There are so many wonderful organizations represented who truly make a difference for our country and the people in it!!  We are looking forward to visiting with the Salvation Army and Compassion International, just to name a few.  Our cutting edge technology solutions can really make a difference as these organizations work hard to change lives. 

We will primarily be focused on our Edge Mobile SMS marketing software, as many non-profits are looking for effective ways to raise money.  Just as the Red Cross raised over a milion dollars in one day for the Haitian crisis, this SMS marketing software can help these non-profits raise critically needed support to carry on their important work. 

The bulk SMS services system has numerous  functionalities, and several options when it comes to fundraising.  In addition, non-profits need to increase communications with their supporters and text messaging is a wonderful way to do that - action alerts, crowd interaction for live venues, integrated into broadcast, and much more.  For more information on our system's capabilities, go to:  http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-3.html

We have been working in the mobile marketing arena for several years now and are really excited that people are starting to recognize how effective this communications channel is.  If you are attending NRB, let us know, and we will do our best to schedule some time to visit with you!

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading Christian interactive advertising agency specializing in cutting edge technological solutions that deliver exceptional results for our clients.  Edge Media is located in Phoenix, AZ and we have been serving local and national clients with excellence for almost a decade.

This morning I have been working on adding text message customer responses into television and radio commercials.  The strategy behind the responses is critical to the success of the campaign.  It is more than just choosing easy keywords and setting up an autoresponse.  Remember that mobile messages are limited to 160 characters or less, and that best mobile marketing practices require that you include an unsubscribe message in the first outbound message. 

Hmmm... that makes the autoresponse message a little trickier.  You need to think about branding, instilling confidence, and a direct call to action, all in a little bitty space.  Our SMS marketing software will give a character count as the message is written, but I prefer to work offline to create message flow and tracking mechanisms. 

This morning the process included choosing keywords that are trackable per radio or television program and/or network, the appropriate autoresponder message that included all of the above, the landing page strategy with data capture, and then the strategy that moves the lead forward to a sale, along with the appropriate measuring tools to attribute lead generation source to the actual sale.  As a mobile advertising agency, we are responsible for the entire process, not just the set up of the mobile message in the system.   Without the strategy behind the process, there is no way to measure its effectiveness.   I will keep you posted on the keyword journey...

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading Christian interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ and specializing in cutting edge technology solutions that deliver exceptional results for our clients.  As a  Christian agency, we value integrity, excellence, and exceptional service for our clients.

So... where were we?  Oh yes!  What to do when folks arrive on your website from a social media site.  The first step is the call to action.  What is it you want them to do?  Buy something?  Sign up for something? Register to win something?   Make sure that the call to action is something the visitor can't miss.  A landing page is a good way to accomplish this to eliminate distractions, or link from the social media site directly to the page on the site where you want the visitors to take action.  Think through where they land on the site and what you want them to do next.

The visitor takes the action you want them to.   How do you match the visitor to the lead source to track from lead generation to sale?  There are a number of ways to do this, and if we told you all of our secrets, well, you wouldn't need us, now would you?   Suffice it to say that every step taken must be trackable, or your lead to sale measurements will not be accurate. 

The secrets to successful social media begin with creative content and well thought out, measurable action steps.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again... don't tweet just to hear yourself chirp.   You can also check out Social Media 101 on our website, or download the audio file.  Here is the link:  www.edgemedia.biz/index-7.html  Call us if you want to schedule a brainstorming session about your marketing needs!

About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive Christian advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ, specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients.  Our technology includes SMS marketing software that delivers bulk SMS services, optimized blogging that creates exceptional SEO results, social media, and a myriad of other services, which is why we are a leading interactive Christian advertising agency!  Check out all of our services at:
www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

Lots of folks are paying attention to social media these days, and a fair chunk of change is being dumped into social media marketing efforts.  As we discuss social media with our clients and potential clients, the question that always arises is, "How does it help grow our business?"  This is actually a great question.  And the answer?  It depends...

Not a concise answer, to be sure, but truthful, which in my opinion counts for everything.  The last thing that a client wants is for their agency to "sell them".  Honestly, it depends on the client's goals.  Keep in mind that followers or fans for the sake of large numbers does nothing, in the same way that large volumes of traffic to a website without a call to action accomplishes very little. 

The other important piece to note is that one of the primary goals is to move folks from social media sites to the client site.  There must be a strategy to accomplish this.  Once moved from the social site to the website, the results of social media can be measured. 

Currently most CMO's measure success from social media marketing by increase in site traffic.  Site traffic is good, and easily measurable from social websites to client websites. 

What is the action you want visitors to take once on the website?  And how will you track who is doing what from where?  This is where the fun begins... Strategy session to be continued...

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive Christian advertising agency specializing in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients.  Our cutting edge technologies include SMS marketing software that gives our clients access to bulk SMS services, optimized blogging delivering exceptional results in the SEO realm, social media, and a myriad of other services, which is of course why we are a leading interactive Christian advertising agency!

We have several clients who are expanding their use of our SMS marketing software to live events, and we are very excited about it!  Just recently the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family launched into live use of the Edge Mobile SMS marketing software.  In the case of FRC, Tony Perkins invited the audience to text in if they wanted more information.  The system captured the mobile number for ongoing communication, then delivered a message with info and a URL link for more information. 

Focus on the Family is using the SMS marketing software to allow attendees at a conference the ability to text their question in to the speaker.  Our SMS marketing software receives the question, and then forwards it on to the speaker's cell phone.  The speaker then decides which questions to take, greatly enhancing the opportunity for interaction.  The system again captures the cell phone number for further communication, and Focus on the Family has the opportunity to maintain a dialogue with the conference participants.    

In addition to text to cell phone, the Edge Mobile SMS platform also has text to screen capabilities for live events.  The text message comes in to the system, the computer operator screens the message, and if appropriate, moves it over to the screen, Jumbotron, etc. using our computer interface software.  This function greatly enhances the interactivity of any live event.

About Edge Mobile SMS marketing software:  The SMS marketing software is web based, highly sophisticated, and connects to all major US carriers and most international carriers as well.  It has tremendous functionality, with text to cell phone and text to screen just a few of the capabilities.  For more information, go to http://www.edgemedia.biz/index-3.html.

About Edge Media: Edge Media is a Christian full service leading interactive agency serving broadcast, ministry, non-profit, and for profit organizations.  As a Christian advertising agency we are committed to the highest ethical standards and client service, while offering cutting edge technological solutions that deliver exceptional results.