Media Interactive Agency

Complimentary Church Communications Strategy Webinar Does Your Communications Strategy Keep Up in 2011? Tues. January 25th, 10 am CST. Presented by Vickie Isaac, M.Ed, President/Owner & Adjunct Professor ChurchLink Communications & Edge Media   As a leading Christian interactive agency, we have over 35 years of experience serving Christian ministries and churches around the country, including ministries like Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council.    The ChurchLink Communications mission is to empower the Church to extend the outreach of the Gospel and strengthen Church impact using every available and appropriate communication strategy and technology available.  Topics Include: Outreach: Did you know thousands of people are searching for a church in your city using search engines? Are you maximizing your outreach opportunities with your website?    Ministry: Thousands search online in your city for information about Jesus and Christianity. Are you using the internet as a publishing platform for your message? Are you making the most of the opportunity for outreach?   Connection: Social Media - How to use it correctly to build relationships and why it is important to increase influence. <  Cutting Through the Clutter - Did you know text messaging now exceeds calling for adults 18-54?  Learn how to use it for prayer, security, sermon interaction, events, & more!     ChurchLink Communications, a Christian advertising agency, is a division of Edge Media www.churchlinkcommunications.com iinfo@churchlinkcommunications.com        602-943-2030

Be sure to register for the complimentary webinar on January 25th - Church Communications Strategy for 2011!  We will illustrate how effective communications strategy can impact the effectiveness of your message and increase your outreach.  Presented by Vickie Isaac, M.Ed., President and Owner of Edge Media and ChurchLink Communications.  The webinar will include topics like using social media effectively, increasing traffic to your church or ministry website, effective use of blog tools, and text messaging for churches.    Find out why organizations like Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council use our services to increase the impact and outreach of their messages.  To register, click below:


The event is sponsored by ChurchLink Communications, a leading Christian interactive advertising agency.  It is the mission of ChurchLink Communications to equip the Church with every available and appropriate communications tool.  With over three decades of Christian marketing company experience, ChurchLink Communications has helped churches and ministries around the world. ChurchLink Communications specializes in Christian interactive strategies that utilize cutting edge technologies like SMS marketing software,  while creating easy to use communications systems for our clients.  ChurchLink Communications, a Christian agency, is a division of Edge Media, an advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients also specializing in cutting edge technologies including mobile advertising agency solutions like SMS software, mobile apps, and mobile pages.  We deliver results for our clients!

Lots of online growth experts will encourage blogging for name awareness, thought leadership, and oh yeah... lead generation...  How do you grow influence with blogging?  And... what in the world do you write about time after time to accomplish that purpose?

Great questions!  ChurchLink Communications and Edge Media we use keyword optimized blogging to do all of the above.  Properly connected, a keyword optimized blog is a lead generating engine that gives you top natural search rankings while positioning you as a thought leader in your field IF you have something relevant to say.

This brings us to the primary topic of this blog - CONTENT.  The first cardinal rule is that a credible blog is NOT a sales pitch.  Just as you get tired of people who always talk about themselves and how wonderful they are, an organization that does the same thing will not win friends or influence people....   :-)     What do you have to offer in that fills a legitimate need for your target audience?  At ChurchLink Communications and Edge Media, we believe that there are lots of ministries and churches out there who don't have the budget for expensive advertising agencies, yet genuinely need to know how to use the internet for outreach in order to grow.  As a leading Christian interactive agency, we understand how rapidly technology has changed, including the internet, social media, mobile advertising, etc., and we can provide some "how to" help in these arenas, as well as offer low cost solutions.  With this strategy, we connect the dots - thought leadership, valuable content, lead generation, and increase in position with the search engines.  

It is important to include keywords and phrases that people generally use when searching for your business.  The idea is to have new customers find you, not just customers who know your name.  So, you'll notice I've integrated terms like leading Christian interactive agency, Christian marketing company, and Christian agency, etc, that are all key search terms for us.  Integrating these key terms at appropriate densities increases the likelihood of search engines ranking your relevant, keyword enriched content.   I do recommend the keyword optimized system that we offer at ChurchLink Communications and Edge Media, as our software system tells us when we have integrated keywords at appropriate densities, and then notifies the search engines that new content is published.  It really is our fastest search engine optimization tool. 

     We have some low cost plans that include local search engine optimization, social media strategy, and blogging if you are interested.  If you don't have the budget for it, there are free blogsites like WordPress and Blogger that you can start with to get up and running, they just don't have the search engine optimization muscle that our software does. If you are interested in any of our small business toolkits, just e-mail us at info@churchlinkcommunications.com! 

  Lots of business growth experts will encourage blogging for name awareness, thought leadership, and oh yeah... lead generation...  How do you grow business with blogging?  And... what the heck can you write about time after time to accomplish that purpose?

  Great questions!  At Edge Media we use keyword optimized blogging to do all of the above.  Properly connected, a keyword optimized blog is simply a lead generating engine that gives you top natural search rankings while positioning you as a thought leader in your field IF you have something relevant to say.

  This brings us to the primary topic of this blog - CONTENT.  The first cardinal rule is that a credible blog is NOT a sales pitch.  Just as you get tired of people who always talk about themselves and how wonderful they are, a business that does the same thing will not win friends or influence people....   :-)     What do you have to offer in your industry that fills a legitimate need for your target audience?  At Edge Media, we believe that there are lots of businesses out there who don't have the budget for expensive advertising agencies, yet genuinely need to know how to market their products/services in order to grow their businesses.  As a leading interactive agency, we understand how rapidly technology has changed, including the internet, social media, mobile advertising, etc., and we can provide some "how to" help in these arenas, as well as offer low cost solutions for small to mid-size businesses.  With this strategy, we connect the dots - thought leadership, valuable content, lead generation, and increase in position with the search engines.  

   It is important to include keywords and phrases that people generally use when searching for your business.  The idea is to have new customers find you, not just customers who know your name.  So, you'll notice I've integrated terms like leading interactive agency, mobile advertising agency, advertising agencies Phoenix AZ, interactive web agency, etc, that are all key search terms for us.  Integrating these key terms at appropriate densities increases the likelihood of search engines ranking your relevant, keyword enriched content.   I do recommend the keyword optimized system that we offer at Edge Media, as our software system tells us when we have integrated keywords at appropriate densities, and then notifies the search engines that new content is published.  It really is our fastest search engine optimization tool. 

     We have some low cost small business plans that include local search engine optimization, social media strategy, and blogging if you are interested.  If you don't have the budget for it, there are free blogsites like WordPress and Blogger that you can start with to get up and running, they just don't have the search engine optimization muscle that our software does. If you are interested in any of our small business toolkits, just e-mail us at info@edgemedia.biz! 

Most online activity begins with online search. Keyword optimized blogging is a critical tool for search engine ranking success. The introduction to the ChurchLink Communications series on blogging referred to the necessary research to identify important keywords and phrases that are important to the organization, have significant search traffic, and ideally are not highly competitive terms that everyone else is trying to rank with the search engines.

After identifying at least twenty-five keywords, it is time to start blogging.  As mentioned in the introductory blog, as a leading Christian interactive advertising agency we recommend what is called compended blogging using software to optimize your effort.  It is inexpensive and our most effective search engine optimization tool.   It is possible to create keyword rich, relevant content without the software, but it is more difficult.  If you want more info on the software, contact ChurchLink at info@churchlinkcommunications.com

After the keywords are identified through solid research, it is time to create content.  Thought leadership is important in today's marketing landscape, therefore content is critical to the brand and success of the organization.  One of the first steps to consider in creating relevant content is to get out of your shoes and into the shoes of those you want to read your blog.  The key question is 1) Who is your target audience?   Having identified the target audience, the next question is 2) What do they need/want that I can give them and still accomplish my business goals?   A good example of this is why ChurchLink provides "how to" blogs.   As an Christian interactive web agency, we obviously want people to use our services to handle their social media, their keyword optimized blogs, let our marketing and advertising consultants walk them through the marketing process, etc.  So why would we give away the "how to's"?   One of the primary reasons is credibility.  Both businesses and consumers today are informed, sophisticated shoppers and they demand quality and value.  We must prove our expertise, not just tell people that we are a leading interactive agency or that our mobile advertising agency has sophisticated SMS software.  We have to prove it.  We provide thought leadership in cutting edge marketing technologies, and that is why we provide "how to's" in our blogs.

The above two questions provide direction for content, and then it becomes necessary to match expertise with content.  We will discuss content specifics in our next blog.

About ChurchLink Communications and Edge Media:  ChurchLink Communications is a division of Edge Media, a leading Christian interactive advertising agency Phoenix AZ that delivers exceptional return on our clients' advertising dollars.  We specialize in cutting edge interactive web agency strategies, plus mobile marketing, mobile websites, and mobile applications.  For more info, contact one of our advertising and marketing consultants for a complimentary review of your marketing needs. 

Most online activity begins with online search. Keyword optimized blogging is a critical tool for search engine ranking success. The introduction to the Edge Media series on blogging referred to the necessary research to identify important keywords and phrases that are important to the organization, have significant search traffic, and ideally are not highly competitive terms that everyone else is trying to rank with the search engines.

After identifying at least twenty-five keywords, it is time to start blogging.  As mentioned in the introductory blog, as a leading interactive agency we recommend what is called compended blogging using software to optimize your effort.  It is inexpensive and our most effective search engine optimization tool.   It is possible to create keyword rich, relevant content without the software, but it is more difficult.  If you want more info on the software, contact Edge Media at info@edgemedia.biz.

After the keywords are identified through solid research, it is time to create content.  Thought leadership is important in today's marketing landscape, therefore content is critical to the brand and success of the organization.  One of the first steps to consider in creating relevant content is to get out of your shoes and into the shoes of those you want to read your blog.  The key question is 1) Who is your target audience?   Having identified the target audience, the next question is 2) What do they need/want that I can give them and still accomplish my business goals?   A good example of this is why Edge Media provides "how to" blogs.   As an interactive web agency, we obviously want people to use our services to handle their social media, their keyword optimized blogs, let our marketing and advertising consultants walk them through the marketing process, etc.  So why would we give away the "how to's"?   One of the primary reasons is credibility.  Both businesses and consumers today are informed, sophisticated shoppers and they demand quality and value.  We must prove our expertise, not just tell people that we are a leading interactive agency or that our mobile advertising agency has sophisticated SMS software.  We have to prove it.  We provide thought leadership in cutting edge marketing technologies, and that is why we provide "how to's" in our blogs.

The above two questions provide direction for content, and then it becomes necessary to match expertise with content.  We will discuss content specifics in our next blog.

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency Phoenix AZ that delivers exceptional return on our clients' advertising dollars.  We specialize in cutting edge interactive web agency strategies, plus mobile marketing, mobile websites, and mobile applications.  For more info, contact one of our advertising and marketing consultants for a complimentary review of your marketing needs. 

Edge Media is pleased to introduce the Scottsdale Preferred Marketing System.  It is unique in its' integrated approach, harnessing the power of radio, the internet, social media, e-mail, and text messaging together to create a powerful and prestigious lead generator for businesses. 

Benefits to advertisers include the sheer reach at over 500,000 Scottsdale shoppers monthly, including exposure on high traffic website Scottsdale.com, and commercials on premier stations like KOOL and KTAR.  The tremendous exposure on the advertising system  is offered at one-tenth of the cost of purchasing each component separately, making high powered integrated marketing very affordable for local business. The system offers businesses recognition, with 24/7/365 customer voting online to determine top Preferred businesses in each category. Winning businesses are honored as the Scottsdale Preferred business in their category.  The reach of over half a million people monthly across multiple marketing channels for pennies on the dollar and the prestige of being Preferred is all turnkey for the business, leaving the business free to focus on serving the new customer.
 
The Scottsdale Preferred system was created as advertising veteran Jim Seemiller interacted with many locally owned businesses who experimented with a wide variety of advertising strategies to market their businesses and many experienced the  frustration and disappointment as hard earned dollars spent on expensive ad campaigns did not yield the hoped for return on investment.   Seemiller, VP of Business Development at locally owned Edge Media,  teamed up with Becky Kelley, Executive Director of the high traffic volume site Scottsdale.com to launch the Scottsdale Preferred marketing system, a veritable interactive marketing engine for local businesses.
 
Jim Seemiller noted the tremendous success of the Preferred system in other Arizona cities in helping to grow business for companies using this increased value added marketing plan. Seemiller states, "We fully expect that Scottsdale Preferred will bring even bigger results for participating companies as they look to grow their business. With partners like Scottsdale.com, the elite website for Scottsdale businesses and our radio partners, we think that we even have more to offer. I have not seen another advertising plan that delivers the results, the amount of ad value as Scottsdale Preferred does."
 
Becky Kelley is optimistic that the advertising system will help Scottsdale businesses grow, "We are excited to be working on a campaign of this caliber with Jim Seemiller and Edge Media.  Scottsdale.com was built as a community website and this Scottsdale Preferred marketing campaign is a perfect complement.  We are coupling an already popular local Scottsdale website with a proven, successful and innovative marketing system that is designed to grow Scottsdale merchant's business."
 
For more information about Scottsdale Preferred, contact Jim Seemiller, VP of Business Development at Edge Media.  Jim can be reached at 602-943-2030 x 5, and by e-mail at jim@edgemedia.biz.  Advertiser information is available at http://www.scottsdalepreferred.com.  
 
About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency dedicated to providing its clients with cutting edge technology and innovative marketing strategies through a wide range of services that include consultation, market research, media planning/purchasing/creation, graphic and web design, SEO, internet advertising, public relations, organizational support, social media, and mobile marketing thru SMS marketing software that provides bulk SMS services. Our advertising and marketing consultants are experienced, creative marketers that help our clients' business to grow. Edge Media has offices in Phoenix, AZ and is reachable online at http://www.edgemedia.biz and 602-943-2030.

About Scottsdale.com: Scottsdale.com is the number one resource for both local residents and discriminating individuals who wish to visit the City of Scottsdale. Scottsdale.com is the ultimate destination website for visitors, but also a site that locals rely on for information on a daily basis. Scottsdale.com has offices in Scottsdale, AZ and is reachable online at http://www.scottsdale.com and info@scottsdale.com.

Many online marketing experts say that content is king when it comes to online influence.  How do you get content onto the web that attracts visitors and positively impacts website visitors and ultimately your bottom line?  There are a number of steps to take that can accomplish this goal.  This next educational series will tackle the steps to take to become a publisher of online content that has an impact.

At Edge Media and ChurchLink Communications, our FASTEST and most EFFICIENT tool is called keyword optimized blogging.  We use software to accomplish this and it is inexpensive and highly effective. You can do this without this software, it just won't be as effective or easy... Contact us for more info on this, as the software is as low as $360.00 per month.

The steps outlined are the same whether using software or not, so we will outline the steps here.  As a leading interactive agency, one of our first steps is ALWAYS to identify the keywords and phrases that are most important to our clients' products and services.  We then analyze them and choose keywords that we can WIN on, measuring competition and traffic on each keyword/phrase.  Once the keywords are chosen, interactive web agency strategy always includes integrating  keywords into content at appropriate densities on the primary website and into meta/data tags on the site to impact search engine results.

The next step is to set up the blog.  At Edge Media and ChurchLink Communications, we set up the design and install keyword optimized blogs for our clients.  If you are not using a keyword optimized blog, you can set up blogs on places like Blogger and WordPress.  The design should mirror the website as closely as possible, and also have links to/from the website.  It can also be added to primary navigation in the website.

After the blog is set up, it is time to craft the content.  We will take up content generation on the next blog, as there are important strategies in that regard.

About Edge Media and ChurchLink Communications: ChurchLink Communications is a leading Christian interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients for over a decade.  As an Christian interactive agency, we specialize in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients, the mobile web, mobile apps, social media, text messaging, and keyword optimized blogging. We also produce and buy radio and television as a Christian marketing company.

  Many online marketing experts say that content is king when it comes to online influence.  How do you get content onto the web that attracts visitors and positively impacts website visitors and ultimately your bottom line?  There are a number of steps to take that can accomplish this goal.  This next educational series will tackle the steps to take to become a publisher of online content that has an impact.

At Edge Media, our FASTEST and most EFFICIENT tool is called keyword optimized blogging.  We use software to accomplish this and it is inexpensive and highly effective. You can do this without this software, it just won't be as effective or easy... Contact us for more info on this, as the software is as low as $360.00 per month.

The steps outlined are the same whether using software or not, so we will outline the steps here.  As a leading interactive agency, one of our first steps is ALWAYS to identify the keywords and phrases that are most important to our clients' products and services.  We then analyze them and choose keywords that we can WIN on, measuring competition and traffic on each keyword/phrase.  Once the keywords are chosen,
interactive web agency strategy always includes integrating  keywords into content at appropriate densities on the primary website and into meta/data tags on the site to impact search engine results.

The next step is to set up the blog.  At Edge Media, we set up the design and install keyword optimized blogs for our clients.  If you are not using a keyword optimized blog, you can set up blogs on places like Blogger and WordPress.  The design should mirror the website as closely as possible, and also have links to/from the website.  It can also be added to primary navigation in the website.

After the blog is set up, it is time to craft the content.  We will take up content generation on the next blog, as there are important strategies in that regard.

About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients for over a decade.  As an interactive web agency, we specialize in cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional results for our clients, including SMS marketing software that has bulk SMS services capabilities, social media, and keyword optimized blogging. We also produce and buy radio and television as a media interactive agency.  Our marketing and advertising consultants are experienced industry leaders among marketing companies in Phoenix and advertising agencies in Phoenix AZ.

If you have been following this blog and taking the steps I have outlined, you have put some significant social media tools in your marketing toolbox.  It's time to optimize your communications impact.   

Every account you have created is valuable and every visitor to every account is valuable. Maximize the opportunity created by the visit. Solicit visitor reviews, and make it easy for them to post their reviews. Remember:   A consumer survey by the JC Williams Group ranked consumer content as the #1 aid to a buying decision, cited by 91% of respondents (JC Williams Group, 2006). 

Reward visitors for giving you their time and support with special offers, then create incentives for visitors to tell their friends so that their influence regarding your ministry grows.

Also use your social media accounts to LISTEN.  Ask questions, find out what matters most to the folks who take the time to visit your sites.  Be responsive and proactive to any comments posted.  Never be afraid of negative comments, let the way you handle a complaint say something positive about your commitment to serving people.

Make sure content is fresh and relevant.  Next week we will discuss simple, easy ways to update content and also impact search engine results so be sure to check back!

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a full service agency located in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients. 

About ChurchLink Communications: ChurchLink Communications is an affiliate of Edge Media that specializes in innovative marketing strategies for ministries and churches, using cutting edge technology to deliver exceptional results for our clients.  ChurchLink Communications is a full service  Christian interactive advertising agency with mobile app development capability and SMS marketing software systems.  ChurchLink strategies harness the power of multiple marketing channels together to deliver greater results than any single stand alone marketing channel for our Christian agency clients.  For more info, visit us at http://churchlinkcommunications.com and info@churchlinkcommunications.com.  Don't forget to take advantage of our complimentary marketing consultation offer with one of our experienced marketing consultants!

If you have been following this blog and taking the steps I have outlined, you have put some significant social media tools in your marketing toolbox.  It's time to optimize your success.   

Every account you have created is valuable and every visitor to every account is valuable. Maximize the opportunity created by the visit. Solicit customer reviews, and make it easy for customers to post their reviews. Remember:   A consumer survey by the JC Williams Group ranked consumer content as the #1 aid to a buying decision, cited by 91% of respondents (JC Williams Group, 2006). 

Reward visitors for giving you their time and support with special offers, then create incentives for visitors to tell their friends so that their influence regarding your product grows.

Also use your social media accounts to LISTEN.  Ask questions, find out what matters most to the folks who take the time to visit your sites.  Be responsive and proactive to any comments posted.  Never be afraid of negative comments, let the way you handle a complaint say something positive about your commitment to serve your customer.

Make sure content is fresh and relevant.  Next week we will discuss simple, easy ways to update content and also impact search engine results so be sure to check back!

About Edge Media:  Edge Media is a full service, leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ serving local and national clients.  Edge Media specializes in innovative marketing strategies using cutting edge technology to deliver exceptional results for our clients.  Edge Media is a mobile advertising agency as well, with mobile app development capability and SMS marketing software systems to deliver bulk SMS  services in our campaigns.  Edge Media interactive agency strategies harness the power of multiple marketing channels together to deliver greater results than any single stand alone marketing channel.  For more info, visit us at http://www.edgemedia.biz and info@edgemedia.biz.  Don't forget to take advantage of our complimentary marketing consultation offer with one of our experienced marketing and advertising consultants!

Ministries & churches should have pages and groups, not profiles.  It is necessary to have a profile to set up a page, and profiles are individuals who administer the pages.  Just because someone can see your page or group does not mean they can see your profile.  Nevertheless, it is important to note that anything you post online that is questionable can hypothetically be found and come back to haunt you.  Use the "Mom" test - if my mom saw this, what would she say?

Set up your profile, then set up your page.  Upload your logo, contact info, and always link back to your  website.  Use your identified keywords in the descriptions to help impact your search results.

Once the account is set up, you need to implement strategy.  What is the goal of social media usage for your business?  Is it exposure?  Interaction?  Traffic generation for your website?   As I have said many times, tweeting to hear yourself chirp does not grow your business.  Our advertising and marketing consultants at ChurchLink Communications actually design a social media roadmap, which details goals, steps to achieve the goals, and how to measure the goals.  As a leading Christian interactive advertising agency, we believe that efforts must generate results for the clients we serve.

Consider some of these strategies that could help accomplish your goals:

• Give something of value.  Why should someone visit your page, group, or website again?  
• Offer something unique: audio clips, video clips, e-cards, downloads, forums, etc.  It needs to be something that they can’t get anywhere else.  
• Create engaging content, and encourage interactivity.  You want folks to be engaged and take ownership.
• Ask questions, solicit opinions, and make it easy for supporters to post their info.   Reward them for giving you their time and support.  Remember that one of the keys to social media is that listening is important.  We are way past the time when simply pushing out information is effective.
• Remember to provide CONTENT VALUE.  A consumer survey by the JC Williams Group ranked consumer content as the #1 aid to a buying decision, cited by 91% of respondents (JC Williams Group, 2006).

Next week we will tackle the benefits of blogging.  In the meantime, craft your strategy or call one of our marketing and advertising consultants!

About ChurchLink Communications and Edge Media: ChurchLink Communications is a division of Edge Media committed to equipping the Church with every available and effective communications tool. Edge Media is a Christian interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge solutions and technologies that give our clients significant return on their advertising investment.  Our Christian interactive goals and strategies are innovative, rapidly increasing traffic to our clients' websites, and then converting from leads to sales as a result ofour Christian marketing company expertise in the online arena.  We are a full service Christian advertising agency serving local and national clients and delivering exceptional results.

Businesses should have pages, not profiles.  It is necessary to have a profile to set up a page, and profiles are individuals who administer the pages.  Just because someone can see your business  page does not mean they can see your profile.  Nevertheless, it is important to note that anything you post online that is questionable can hypothetically be found and come back to haunt you.  Use the "Mom" test - if my mom saw this, what would she say?

Set up your profile, then set up your business page.  Upload your logo, contact info, and always link back to your  corporate website.  Use your identified keywords in the descriptions to help impact your search results.

Once the account is set up, you need to implement strategy.  What is the goal of social media usage for your business?  Is it exposure?  Interaction?  Traffic generation for your website?   As I have said many times, tweeting to hear yourself chirp does not grow your business.  Our advertising and marketing consultants at Edge Media actually design a social media roadmap, which details goals, steps to achieve the goals, and how to measure the goals.  As a leading interactive agency, we believe that efforts must generate results for our clients!

Consider some of these strategies that could help accomplish your goals:

• Give something of value.  Why should someone visit your page, group, or website again?  
• Offer something unique: audio clips, video clips, e-cards, downloads, forums, etc.  It needs to be something that they can’t get anywhere else.  
• Make offers.  Create promotions.  Upload a coupon.   Keep these offers fresh to encourage return visitors.
• Solicit customer reviews, and make it easy for customers to post their reviews.   Reward them for giving you their time and support.  Remember that one of the keys to social media is that listening is important.  We are way past the time when simply pushing out information is effective.
• Remember to provide something of VALUE.  A consumer survey by the JC Williams Group ranked consumer content as the #1 aid to a buying decision, cited by 91% of respondents (JC Williams Group, 2006).

Next week we will tackle the benefits of blogging.  In the meantime, craft your strategy or call one of our marketing and advertising consultants!

About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive agency located in Phoenix AZ specializing in cutting edge solutions and technologies that give our clients significant return on their advertising investment, including our SMS marketing software for bulk SMS services delivery.  Our interactive web agency strategies are innovative as well, rapidly increasing traffic to our clients' websites, and then converting from leads to sales as a result of interactive web agency expertise.  We are a full service advertising agency serving local and national clients and delivering exceptional results.

Social media, mobile media, donations by text, search engine optimization - there is so much you can do to connect with people who want to know about your ministry!  Figuring out how to use these emerging technologies is often quite confusing and time consuming.  We want to be a part of the solution!

The mission of ChurchLink Communications is to equip the Church with every available communications tool!   Please join our ongoing discussions on our Facebook page in the discussion forum!  If you have a "how to" or "why should we" question, this is the perfect forum to ask those questions.  Additionally, weekly we add content that will give you practical information on how to increase communications effectiveness using these platforms.   Here is the link - please join!

www.facebook.com/pages/#!/pages/ChurchLink-Communications/246702415307

About ChurchLink Communications:  ChurchLink is a division of Edge Media.  ChurchLink Communications is a full service Christian interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix, AZ serving local and national churches, ministries, and Christian broadcast.  Our mission as a Christian agency is to equip the Church with every communications tool possible to effectively communicate the Gospel.  Our technology includes cutting edge internet and mobile solutions, radio, television, and much more!

Most businesses are familiar with social media, and many have made forays into the communications platform.  Recent research indicates that an understanding of "we should do this" exists, but understanding appropriate social media goals and how to achieve those goals still eludes small to medium sized businesses today.

One of the most difficult tasks is to step outside of the actual day to day tasks of business and into the shoes of those that use their goods or services.   In short, communications have to be crafted towards the target audience by understanding who they are and what is important to them.  This is where social media is most important because it is a dialogue communications platform, not a broadcast channel.  Interaction and listening should occur regularly in this communications channel to understand priorities, preferences, needs, and concerns.

The next important fact to consider is the impact that social media can have from a viral perspective.  Consider the following statistics:

• Online social network users were three times more likely to trust peers’ opinions over advertising when making purchase decisions (Jupiter Research).
• According to a global Nielsen survey of 26,486 Internet users in 47 markets, consumer recommendations are the most credible form of advertising among 78% of the study’s respondents.
• Consumers trust friends above experts when it comes to product recommendations (65% trust friends, 27% trust experts, 8% trust celebrities) (Yankelovich).

Interaction on social media platforms creates a relationship, and the viral power of that relationship is tremendous.  Strategy, content, interaction, and viral outreach should all be pillars of social media for all businesses.

As we interact with our clients, we find that many do not have the time or staff to manage this type of outreach.  Edge Media, our leading interactive agency, can step in and create the publishing platforms for our clients and then train them in how to efficiently manage these platforms, or we can manage them for our clients. 

Our next blog will discuss ways to get started in social media, or if already involved, how to correct potential errors that may have been made to date, and then to launch with realistic goals and effective strategies.

About Edge Media: The mission of Edge Media is to empower organizations to utilize every technological tool to effectively communicate their message.  As a leading interactive agency, we are confident that we can put all of the pieces together to deliver exceptional results for our clients, including broadcast television and radio, search engine optimization, social media, internet marketing, bulk SMS services, and more.  We truly are unaware of any other marketing companies Phoenix based providing all of these resources in one place with the level of expertise we bring to the table.  Our advertising and marketing consultants have over sixty years of combined experience in broadcast, internet, and mobile advertising agency solutions. 

Most ministries and non-profit organizations are familiar with social media, and many have made forays into the communications platform.  Recent research indicates that an understanding of "we should do this" exists, but understanding appropriate social media goals and how to achieve those goals still eludes most NPO's today.

One of the most difficult tasks is to step outside of the actual day to day tasks of ministry and into the shoes of those that they communicate with.  Additionally, the people that ministries serve are not always the same group of people that ministries communicate with to raise the funds that facilitate ministry.  In short, communications have to be crafted towards the target audience by understanding who they are and what is important to them.  This is where social media is most important because it is a dialogue communications platform, not a broadcast channel.  Interaction and listening should occur regularly in this communications channel to understand priorities, needs, and concerns.

The next important fact to consider is the impact that social media can have from a viral perspective.  Consider the following statistics:

• Online social network users were three times more likely to trust peers’ opinions over advertising when making purchase decisions (Jupiter Research).
• According to a global Nielsen survey of 26,486 Internet users in 47 markets, consumer recommendations are the most credible form of advertising among 78% of the study’s respondents.
• Consumers trust friends above experts when it comes to product recommendations (65% trust friends, 27% trust experts, 8% trust celebrities) (Yankelovich).

Interaction on social media platforms creates a relationship, and the viral power of that relationship is tremendous.  Strategy, content, interaction, and viral outreach should all be pillars of social media for non-profit organizations.

As we interact with our Christian ministry and non-profit clients, we find that many do not have the time or staff to manage this type of outreach.  ChurchLink Communications, our Christian advertising agency, can step in and create the publishing platforms for our clients and then train them in how to efficiently manage these platforms, or we can manage them for our clients. 

Our next blog will discuss ways to get started in social media, or if already involved, how to correct potential errors that may have been made to date, and then to launch with realistic goals and effective strategies.

About ChurchLink Communications: The mission of ChurchLink is to empower Christian organizations to utilize every technological tool to proclaim the message of the Gospel.  As a leading Christian interactive agency, we are confident that we can put all of the pieces together to deliver exceptional results for our clients, including broadcast television and radio, search engine optimization, social media, internet marketing, and more.  We truly are unaware of any other Christian marketing company providing all of these resources in one place with the level of expertise we bring to the table.  Our Christian agency has over sixty years of combined experience in broadcast, internet, and mobile marketing. 

1) As discussed in the first blog, from your research, define the keywords that people use to find your business.  You can get keyword ideas from Google Adwords.  Make sure these keywords are in the content of your website.

2) Build accounts in local sites like AOL Local, Google Local,Yahoo Local, Bing Local, Live Search Maps, Kudzu, Merchant Circle, etc.

3) Always link back to your website, and use your defined keywords in your descriptions.

Each account should include your business logo, a description that is keyword optimized, and where possible, encourage existing customers/supporters to write reviews for you.  Reviews are considered the most credible form of marketing.  This will take some time to accomplish, but you will see the fruit of your efforts.  Numerous local sites like Merchant Circle also allow for updates, offers, blogging, etc., so take advantage of these as you are able.

The next discussion will be the inclusion of social media in your online search strategy so be sure to check back!

About Edge Media: Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency specializing in cutting edge technologies that give our clients significant return on their marketing investments.  Some of our tools include SMS marketing software to deliver bulk SMS  services  (text messages), mobile web, mobile apps, optimized blogging, search engine optimization, and more!  Check out our client services listed on our site www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html

Part Two in growing outreach online is the process of local linking.  This is a powerful strategy even if you are a national organization.  "Winning" on a local level is easier and faster than winning in natural search  on a national level.  If you are a national or international organization, maximizing your local presence in numerous markets will significantly impact your national results.   For example Edge Media and Church Link Communications do business locally, nationally, and international.  One of our keywords is interactive Christian advertising agency (national & international) where we hold the number one and two Google search positions.  Another keyword is Christian advertising agency Phoenix AZ where we win locally with the number one and two positions for this term. Below are the steps to get this done:


1) As discussed in the first blog, from your research, define the keywords that people use to find your organization.  You can get keyword ideas from Google Adwords.  Make sure these keywords are in the content of your website.

2) Build accounts in local sites like AOL Local, Google Local,Yahoo Local, Bing Local, Live Search Maps, Kudzu, Merchant Circle, etc.

3) Always link back to your website, and use your defined keywords in your descriptions.

Each account should include your business logo, a description that is keyword optimized, and where possible, encourage existing customers/supporters to write reviews for you.  Reviews are considered the most credible form of marketing.  This will take some time to accomplish, but you will see the fruit of your efforts.  Numerous local sites like Merchant Circle also allow for updates, offers, blogging, etc., so take advantage of these as you are able.

The next discussion will be the inclusion of social media in your online search strategy so be sure to check back!

About ChurchLink Communications:  ChurchLink Communications is a Christian advertising agency operating as a division of Edge Media offering all of the expertise and full service that Edge Media has gained in over a decade of serving clients.  As a Christian agency, the goal of ChurchLink Communications is to equip the Church with every available communications tool to effectively preach the Gospel.   Christian interactive agencies are critical to the expansion of ministry, as the internet and the mobile web have exploded. As a Christian agency, we bring all of these tools to the table for our clients, including search engine optimization, social media, text message marketing, mobile web, mobile apps, and so much more!

At our recent Navigating the New Business Economy Seminar, I presented a strong case for growing outreach through natural search and social media.  I also offered some very practical "how to" tips for the attendees.  I will outline those tips in a series of blog posts to help those new to online strategies get started.

First, let's start with the compelling evidence for why you MUST recognize the power of online marketing and why you SHOULD take advantage of it to grow your business...

So... Why Start Online?

• 80 - 90% of consumers use a search engine prior to purchase  (ComScore).

• Showing up on page one of search listings gets your organization in front of people who already know they need your product/service so you start with a warm lead, as compared to many other media channels.

• A click through to your website should be just as welcoming as walking through the doors of your brick and mortar business.

Other Reasons to Start Online...

• You need to OWN your industry’s online space (It’s better for you to get the web traffic than your competitor).

• You need to CONTROL your reputation (Your reputation is important, it is the perceived value of your organization).

• You need MORE website traffic to GROW your organization.

• You need to talk to your supporters.   Interactive marketing is very effective.

Right now, you need to go do your homework.   Go to Google Adwords and let it analyze your site to suggest keywords for the next steps we will take.  Stay tuned for next steps in the next blog titled Local Linking.

About Edge Media - Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix AZ and specializing in cutting edge technologies that produce exceptional results for our clients.  As a mobile advertising agency we offer mobile websites, mobile apps, and SMS marketing software for our clients.  As an interactive web agency, we offer integrated strategic solutions to grow traffic using optimized blogging, social media, and linking strategies.

About ChurchLink Communications - ChurchLink is a division of Edge Media dedicated to serving the needs of ministries, non-profits, and churches.  As a full service Christian advertising agency, ChurchLink offers all of the expertise that Edge Media offers.  Our Christian interactive agency offers SMS marketing software so that churches, ministries, and non-profits can use our SMS marketing software (bulk text message services) for fundraising, action alerts, devotionals, and more!  The focus of our Christian agency is to equip our clients with every technological tool possible to effectively communicate the message of the Gospel!