Marketing Archive - vh-crossmedia

The classics: expressive adverts

vh-crossmedia2024-05-09T10:51:11+02:0007 May 2024|

In today's digital world, print advertising may seem old-fashioned to some. But for companies that operate regionally and sell products or services directly to customers in their area, print is still a powerful and effective advertising medium.

Why print advertising works for your local business:

Quick attention and response: Print media such as newspapers, advertising journals and trade journals are read by many people in your region every day. With a well-placed advert you can attract attention quickly and stimulate spontaneous purchases.
Perfect for seasonal offers and events: Print advertising is ideal for advertise current offers, promotions and events. Whether Mother's Day, Easter or the next city festival - with a print advert you will be present at the right time and reach exactly the right customers.
Targeted approach: Local print media offer the opportunity to place your advertising regionally limited to switch. How to reach exactly the target groupthat is relevant for your offer.
Serious and trustworthy appearance: Print media continue to enjoy a high degree of popularity. Seriousness and credibility. By placing your advert in a respected medium, you strengthen the trust of potential customers in your company.
Individual design and recognition value: With my experience and creativity I design for you unique print advertsthat are tailored to your target group and have a high recognition value. This will help you stand out from the competition and remain in the memory of your customers.

Print advertising is dead? Not at all!

Especially in combination with online marketing, print advertising for local companies can a strong and profitable strategy be.

Let me advise you and together we will develop a print campaign that will inspire your customers and increase your sales.

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Mobile devices on the rise: How companies are adapting to new user habits

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:42:31+01:0002 November 2023|

The way people access the internet is constantly changing and these changes have a significant impact on companies' online presence. Significant shifts in internet usage have been observed over the last two years, particularly in terms of the types of devices used.

This data provides insights into the percentage distribution of internet usage on desktop computers, smartphones and tablets in Germany over the period from September 2021 to September 2023. The values indicate the proportion of internet usage attributable to each device type - the figures provide interesting insights into user preferences (source: StatCounter).

Here is a brief analysis of this data:

Desktop use:
The use of desktop computers is declining, from 58.44% in September 2021 to 55.38% in September 2023, which could indicate that people are increasingly switching to mobile devices to access the internet.
Mobile use:
The use of smartphones remains high and is increasing slightly, from 38.88% in September 2021 to 42.06% in September 2023. This underlines the continuing trend towards mobile internet use.
Tablet use:
Tablet usage remains relatively low compared to desktop and mobile, but fluctuates slightly between 2% and 3%. It seems that tablets are not as widely used as smartphones or desktop computers for accessing the internet.

Overall, the development of the data shows that desktop usage is decreasing, while mobile usage, particularly via smartphones, continues to increase. This is in line with global trends that show a shift towards mobile internet usage. It is important to note that these trends may be influenced by various factors such as improved mobile technologies, affordable smartphones and wider availability of mobile internet services.

Changes in internet usage have a direct impact on companies' online presence. Here are some thoughts on how companies can respond to these trends:

Mobile optimisation:
With more and more people accessing the internet via mobile devices, it is crucial to ensure that the company website is optimised for mobile devices. The website should utilise responsive design to ensure an optimal user experience on smartphones and tablets.
Fast loading times:
Mobile users are often more impatient than desktop users. A fast website loading time is crucial to improve the user experience and ensure that visitors do not bounce due to long loading times.
Content optimisation:
Content should be optimised for mobile users. This means not only adapting texts and images, but also offering easily digestible content such as videos and short text sections that can be displayed well on small screens.
Security and data protection:
With the increase in mobile internet usage, awareness of security and data protection has also risen. Companies should ensure that their websites are secure and comply with data protection regulations in order to gain the trust of users.
Customer service and communication:
Mobile devices also offer new opportunities for customer service, be it via chat apps or social media. Companies can use mobile platforms to communicate directly with their customers and provide quick answers to questions or problems.

In many cases, a company's sector will play a role in Internet usage behaviour.

Online presence and adaptation to the changing habits of Internet users depend heavily on the type of business:

Company in the E-Commerce area often benefit greatly from the increase in mobile internet usage. With many people shopping online on mobile, e-commerce companies need to ensure that their websites and apps are optimised for mobile devices in order to remain competitive.

For local services such as hairdressers or restaurants, local search via mobile devices can be crucial. Customers often search for nearby services on their smartphones, so good visibility on mobile devices and positive online reviews are of great importance.

Companies that Media content must adapt to the habits of users who are increasingly using mobile devices to stream videos and music. This often requires the development of mobile apps and the optimisation of content for mobile devices.

For certain B2B (Business-to-Business) or in sectors such as management consultancy or legal advice, the importance of mobile internet use may be lower, as customers may be less likely to utilise these services via mobile devices. Nevertheless, online presence and accessibility via mobile devices can also be important here in order to appeal to potential customers.

Overall, it is crucial for companies to adapt to the changing habits of internet users. This means not only optimising for mobile devices, but also understanding the specific needs and expectations of the mobile target group. A user-friendly, fast and secure online presence is becoming increasingly important in order to remain competitive and provide a positive user experience.

Should we use these tips together?
I look forward to helping you further!

Website and/or social media?

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:42:39+01:0025 October 2023|

Do I need a website or are social media profiles enough? The answer depends on various factors: A website offers freedom of design, can provide comprehensive information and is flexibly customisable. Social media profiles enable a greater reach, but require regular updating and can quickly overlap important information.

A website serves as a central point of contact for your company or brand in the digital space. These comprehensive features are limited on social media platforms, where information is often ephemeral and cannot be presented in the same structured way as on a dedicated website. Whilst social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok are useful for increasing your reach and engaging with your target audience, they generally offer fewer opportunities to present comprehensive information about your business. A website, on the other hand, can provide a comprehensive representation of your company, products or services and serve as a hub from which potential customers can get all the information they need.

With your own website, you have full control over the design, content and functionalities. Unlike social media platforms, where you are subject to the guidelines and changes of the platform operators, your website gives you the freedom to design and customise it entirely according to your own ideas. A professional website allows you to present your brand identity and branding consistently. You can create the design and colours to match your company exactly and create a uniform perception among visitors.

A website allows you to provide extensive content such as blog posts, product descriptions, testimonials, FAQs and much more. This allows you to showcase your expertise, inform your target audience and gain the trust of potential customers. With a customised website, you can include specific features and interactions that are relevant to your target audience and goals. This can range from customised contact forms to e-commerce functions and interactive elements.

A website offers you the best basis for targeted search engine optimisation (SEO). By optimising your website for search engines, you can increase your visibility in search results and gain organic traffic. Ranking in search results is crucial for many companies to attract new customers. A website makes it possible to take targeted SEO measures to improve visibility - companies can tailor their content and offers to their target groups. Through analysis and data, they can understand visitor behaviour and adapt their website accordingly to better meet the needs of their customers. The findings can be used to optimise the offer, adapt marketing strategies and improve customer service.

Social media platforms can change or adapt their guidelines, which can have a negative impact on a company's reach and visibility. With their own website, companies are less dependent on such changes and retain control over their online presence. A professional website is therefore a long-term investment for your company. While social media platforms and trends may change, your website will usually remain stable and provide you with a permanent presence on the internet.

Despite the existence of social media, a professionally designed website is still very important for companies. It acts as a central point of contact and provides comprehensive information about the company, which is limited on social media platforms. With its own website, the company retains control over design, content and functions, in contrast to the restrictions imposed by social media guidelines. The website enables consistent branding, extensive content such as blogs and testimonials, targeted search engine optimisation and individual interaction options. It also ensures data protection and independence from third-party providers, which is an advantage in an ever-changing digital landscape. Ultimately, having your own website gives companies freedom, control and flexibility in how they present their business online and is a long-term investment in their online presence. Companies that are only present on social media platforms often come across as less reputable. Social media can be supportive, but the website remains the central point of contact for a company in the digital space.

A website is therefore essential and should serve as the basis, while social media profiles can be a useful addition. The ideal strategy is to combine both and choose the right network for the target group.

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Competitive advantage through originality: the importance of unusual advertising materials

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:42:37+01:0009 August 2023|

Unusual advertising materials can be advantageous for companies in many ways. They offer an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of potential customers.

Eye-catching promotional gifts are an effective marketing tool that aims to attract the attention of potential customers and leave a lasting impression. They go beyond traditional promotional items and rely on creativity, originality and uniqueness to effectively convey a brand or company's message. Here are a few reasons why companies might consider using unusual promotional products:

High recognition value: If the advertising material is unique and unconventional, companies are better remembered by the target group. This can lead to increased recognition and therefore more customer loyalty.
Attract attention: Unusual promotional items such as a printed beer mat or personalised drinking bottles have a higher chance of attracting attention. When a company uses a creative and unusual promotional gift or medium, it generates interest and can lead to people talking about it or sharing it on social media.
Differentiation from the competition: In highly competitive industries, an original promotional item such as a deckchair can help you stand out from the competition. Customers may be more willing to engage with a company that is characterised by creativity and originality.
Emotional attachment: Unusual advertising materials can create an emotional connection to the company. By surprising or delighting customers, they create a positive association and strengthen the brand image.
Virality and word of mouth: Unique promotional items such as a personalised cutting disc have the potential to go viral. If customers are enthusiastic about an unusual promotional gift, they often share it with friends and acquaintances, which leads to additional reach.
Addressing new target groups: Even in small formats such as round magnets or stickers, creative advertising media can appeal to target groups that are not normally the direct focus of the company. This can extend the reach and market penetration.
Emphasising the corporate culture: A company can express its own culture and personality through unusual advertising materials. This can appeal to customers who share similar values.

The choice of promotional product should always be made in accordance with the target group and the brand identity. The cost of such promotional items should also be taken into account, as they may be higher than conventional promotional items. Nevertheless, well-thought-out, unusual promotional items can be a worthwhile investment to increase the awareness and success of a company.

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Boost for your online visibility: advantages through Google reviews

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:43:10+01:0023 July 2023|

Increase the trust of your visitors and boost conversions by presenting real customer opinions on your homepage.

Google reviews are a crucial marketing tool for companies: With over 8.5 billion daily search queries on Google, these reviews are a significant influencing factor. Many users already rate products and services themselves via Google services. Every high-quality and positive review puts your company in the spotlight and increases the credibility of your brand compared to the competition. So don't hesitate any longer - utilise the power of Google reviews to boost your success in the online market! Let me show you how it works ...

Customer reviews are invaluable and a powerful marketing tool. For this reason, many companies decide to integrate Google reviews on their website. By integrating Google reviews, you receive all new reviews in real time. This results in numerous advantages:

Credibility: Google reviews are written by real customers and are therefore often more credible than testimonials or reviews published directly on the company's website.
Transparency: By displaying Google reviews on your website, you show transparency and openness. Potential customers appreciate this and may feel more comfortable using your products or services.
Social proof: Positive Google reviews serve as social proof of the quality of your company. Potential customers are more likely to use your products or services if they see that other customers have had a positive experience.
SEO benefits: Displaying Google reviews on your website can have a positive impact on your search engine optimisation (SEO). Reviews and star ratings can be displayed in search results and influence the click behaviour of users.

I can provide you with elegant templates and integrate them into your existing WordPress site to showcase the Google reviews. The choice of layouts is extensive, ranging from full reviews to Google stars. Show the world what your customers think of you and grow your business - I look forward to hearing from you!

On this topic, please also read my article on Rating cards for social media.

The classics: expressive adverts

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:43:07+01:0005 January 2023|

For target groups that purchase services or products regionally, a regional marketing strategy is still important in the age of online marketing. Display in newspapers, trade journals and advertising journals still makes sense.

Advertising in print media is particularly worthwhile for current offers that encourage spontaneous purchases. This type of advertising also works traditionally well for certain occasions or events. Advertisements can be regionally limited for targeted advertising and in sector-specific newspapers or magazines they reach exactly the right addressees.

I design customised print ads for you with recognition value that stand out and are read.

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Business stationery that makes a good impression

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:43:15+01:0019 May 2022|

Good business stationery is important as it characterises the first impression of a company and conveys professionalism. High-quality business cards, stationery and a uniform appearance help to gain the trust of potential customers and strengthen the credibility of the brand.

Nowhere else is a coherent design concept as elementary as in the design of your business stationery, because it must optimally support you in all external and internal processes and integrate seamlessly into your working environment. It is the tool you use every day - so it should not only be appealing and creatively designed, but also functional, well thought-out and optimally tailored to your specific requirements. My needs-orientated and effective implementation successfully supports your corporate communication.

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Making it big with impressive formats

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:43:22+01:0018 May 2022|

Expertly designed poster advertising offers you the opportunity to reach target groups that are difficult to address in their individual media consumption. A successful poster quietly and patiently courts the favour of passers-by and becomes more familiar with every encounter. I get the most important elements right for you so that everything essential is captured at first glance and attention is quickly and specifically drawn to your product, event or motif.

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Small prices, big impact

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:43:20+01:0002 May 2022|

Flyer in postcard format are an optimal and cost-effective option for large quantities of quick information or compact advertising measures. I develop each advertising flyer individually and precisely for your target group - I support you from the layout to the consultation and selection of suitable paper types through to printing. The low-cost online print shops are ideal for the "quick number". Take advantage of the low prices for a big impact!

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Marketing

In today's digital world, print advertising may seem old-fashioned to some. But for companies that operate regionally and sell products or services directly to customers in their area, print is still a powerful and effective advertising medium.

The way people access the internet is constantly changing and these changes have a significant impact on companies' online presence. Significant shifts in internet usage have been observed over the last two years, particularly in terms of the types of devices used.

In many cases, a company's sector will play a role in Internet usage behaviour.

A website is therefore essential and should serve as the basis, while social media profiles can be a useful addition. The ideal strategy is to combine both and choose the right network for the target group.

Unusual advertising materials can be advantageous for companies in many ways. They offer an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of potential customers.

Increase the trust of your visitors and boost conversions by presenting real customer opinions on your homepage.

Review cards, which are distributed by companies to their customers, are used to collect feedback and reviews from customers.

For target groups that purchase services or products regionally, a regional marketing strategy is still important in the age of online marketing. Display in newspapers, trade journals and advertising journals still makes sense.

Good business stationery is important as it characterises the first impression of a company and conveys professionalism. High-quality business cards, stationery and a uniform appearance help to gain the trust of potential customers and strengthen the credibility of the brand.