COOL website of the day.

Okay, so it can only be "for the day" if I actually do one every day, which I don't. So kill me.

Today's cool website is Amplify.com, a new (not sure how new, but it's new to me) Social Media website that has invented (I think) a new interactive process/post called "clogging". Similar to "blogging" in the fact that you post your thoughts for the world to read and review, the twist is that Amplify comes with a browser application that allows you to clip text, pages, links, pages, etc to a blog where you can title and leave commentary on your clips. Hence the name "clog". It also easily synchronizes with Twitter, Facebook, Delicious, and Google Notebook. It's another great way to pull it all together. And, unlike other Social Media websites, it knows that a lot of businesses and organizations will want to tap into its usefulness. So right from the get go, you can sign up your account to a "personal" page or a "group" page. NICE. I wish Facebook would do that.

Social Media and How it Can Help you reach your customers

First of all, what is social media? Social Media is loosely defined as any outlet for social interaction online. These include succinct social online communities, such as MySpace, Facebook, blogs, and Twitter. Social Media also includes "social bookmarking" websites (De.lici.ous, Digg, StumbleUpon) where users tag or submit pages (URLs) as good, bad, or ugly. The purpose of these websites is to highlight pertinent information, and more importantly, to group pages together according to users' behaviors and interests.

Some misconceptions about Social Media:

The term "Social Media" has some what of misleading meaning. It implies that people can some how control the medium. Controlling your marketing messages and your brand integrity using social media is something akin to herding cats. It shouldn't even be attempted. The important word to focus on is SOCIAL. The very few websites I mentioned above, along with other "social" Web 2.0 technologies (forums, RSS feeds, apps, widgets, etc) are all about "social networking". Yes, you can get your brand out there; You can advertise your business and services; You can become an authority on a certain topic through shared information; but, you can't control the conversation because networking is multi-sided.

The Benefits of Social Media and Web 2.0 technologies:

Online Reputation Management:

Find out what people are saying about your business, your brand, your market, even your employees, in real time across the blogsphere, twittersphere, and aggregated news feeds. And, then REACT. You can respond all the way down to the individual or find common "threads" and respond company wide. Keeping your ears open to what your customers have to say has obvious and immediate benefits.

Customer Service:

Similar to online reputation management, customer service implies action for the benefit of your customers, not your brand and business (arguable the opposite sides of the same coin). By monitoring the same cyber-channels as mentioned above, you can find out where your current customers need assistance and when potential customers are trying to find you. By you stepping in to the conversation, you are showing and proving to this group that you stand behind your product and services, no matter what. It says, "We're here to help," and that is one marketing message that your customers won't mind hearing at all.

Customer Acquisition and Retention:

I like to use the analogy of a living, breathing email database. Businesses continue to discover and embrace the power of establishing and maintaining an email database. Establishing and maintaining a voice or community online is no different. In fact, I would argue it's better because people become more actively engaged when they are communicated to on an individual basis. And when you add the fact that you are attracting a community of like-minded individuals, the reach and conversion grows exponentially more powerful.

Search Engine Optimization:

Marketing your website through social media, social bookmarking, social networking, and other Web 2.0 technologies exponentially increases your website's penetration in the search engines (when done correctly). This isn't to say that you can some how traditionally optimize your Facebook and twitter accounts, but you can optimize your inbound links.

Basically it's a backlink or link building strategy, and one of the best out there. After all, you can go the route of paying for inbound links, but you run the real risk of running afoul of the search engines' quality guidelines (particularly Google's). And a paid linking campaign can get expensive fast. The cost of labor is all you're out for by using social strategies to build inbound links. It's time consuming. It's daunting. And at times, cumbersome, but very effective. Best of all, even while you wait for the backlinks to build or become effective, you're still targeting real organic visitors – something that should always out weigh high SERP results.

North Beach Plantation and Cinzia Spa Announce Grand Opening

Official Press Release:

April 21, 2009 – North Beach Plantation and its crown jewel, Cinzia – The Spa at North Beach Plantation will celebrate their grand opening this Saturday, April 25, 10am – 2pm. The public is invited to tour the 60-acre oceanfront property and world-class Spa and Wellness Center.

North Beach Plantation is a 60-acre development stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Highway 17 in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Combining old south charm with modern conveniences, the self-contained luxury residential resort, when complete, will boast 750 oceanfront condominiums, single-family homes and townhomes, as well as a world-class spa, upscale boutique shopping and gourmet dining. Closings for the North Beach Towers are underway with additional closings scheduled over the next several months. In addition, single-family homes in the Margaret neighborhood are now available for purchase.

To help drive the success of the development is Cinzia – the Spa at North Beach Plantation. This newly constructed 17,000 square foot spa and wellness center is the first of its kind in the area, and is poised to compete with some of the best spas in the eastern United States.

The new facility will house three components that make up the all-encompassing destination for optimal health, fitness and well being: the Spa - with pampering treatments and rituals performed at the most indulgent levels; Celestial Skin Dermatology and Wellness by Dr. Seymour Weaver, MD - a dermatology, esthetic, and offering a variety of integrative medical and holistic services; and Beach Fit Fitness Center - featuring state-of-the-art Techno gym™ equipment, teams of trainers and contemporary classes.

Long known for its expansive beaches and countless golf courses, the Grand Strand can now add to its list of key attractions a world-class, destination lifestyle spa and wellness center that is already attracting attention in its industry.

“Our collection of offerings is so unique and progressive, that while recently promoting the Spa at a Spa Magazine Media Event, we received tremendous praise from some of the top-rated spas in the United States and Caribbean,” said Sam Scalise, president and CEO of Scalise Group, the developer of the lifestyle community.

With luxury lodging available on site, a vast array of Spa and Wellness services including medical-grade procedures, specially formulated nutritious spa cuisine and a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Cinzia the Spa at North Beach Plantation was designed to accommodate the extended-stay spa guest looking for a healthy and healing experience.

“The menu of services has something for everyone, from basic to clinical to holistic, and even includes teen treatments,” Tammy Pahel, Managing Director of Cinzia - the Spa at North Beach Plantation and president of the consulting firm Spa Management Solutions explained. “And while we actively cater to the local community, particularly with a multitude of rewarding and affordable membership packages, Cinzia will draw serious spa goers from outside the area as well. Many of those people will be new visitors to the Grand Strand who will stay a weekend, a week or even a month at North Beach Plantation. Once they’re exposed to all we have to offer, I imagine we’ll see several spa guests purchasing ancillary homes on the property.”

The scale of the entire project, its lavish amenities and Scalise Group’s reputation for quality and attention to detail attracted a team of highly skilled professional providers and wellness visionaries from all over the country who are now actively involved in the spa. (Pahel herself relocated from Miami to develop and launch Cinzia the Spa at North Beach Plantation.) Most notably is Seymour Weaver, III, M.D., a respected pioneer cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon from Houston who will head up the wellness component within the spa called Celestial Skin Dermatology and Wellness by Dr. Weaver.

“Collectively, the wellness team bridges ancient traditions and innovative practices to help patients achieve healthy skin, a healthy shape and a healthy state-of-mind,” said Dr. Weaver.

The wellness center offers corrective and rejuvenating skin treatments, cosmetic enhancements and medical-grade facials, body shaping techniques, cosmetic dermatology and laser procedures, and a whole host of life enhancement treatments that range from life coaching to hypnotherapy to acupuncture and chiropractic care – even a sleep specialist.

Among the more progressive treatments offered at Cinzia the Spa at North Beach Plantation is a sound therapy for chakra balancing known as Satori. Though elements of it are ancient, it has recently been modernized by physicians and scientists as a non-pharmaceutical method to treat Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, particularly in soldiers returning from combat. Using a proprietary vibracousticradle called the Ascension; individuals experience a very profound and pleasurable sense of relaxation. This technology actually guides brainwave states to levels of deep meditation with out any training or practice.

“Satori therapy is deeply meditative and its benefits are immense in achieving an overall clarity that aids people in their daily life and helps them achieve goals,” Pahel said. “We’re the first spa in the U.S. to launch structured Satori therapy programs for smoking cessation and weight loss on our wellness menu.”

A tranquil environment and elevated level of service can be expected at Cinzia - the Spa at North Beach Plantation according to Pahel. “Our staff has been recruited from all over the country and is highly trained. Upon entering the front doors of the spa, you will be transported to a magical world of pure bliss, escorted on your unique journey by nurturing hands and supported by thoughts of serenity.”

Carefully crafted offerings at the spa include three-hour authentic International Rituals that embrace cultures such as Italian, Thai and Fijian and can be experienced by couples or enjoyed privately in our International Ritual Suite or enjoy any of our 13 uniquely designed suites that make up the Spa. Like the Rituals, the traditional yet distinctive massage, skin care and grooming offerings are conducted by highly trained provider’s intent on imparting an unmatched level of service and personalized attention.

Created specifically for Cinzia - the Spa at North Beach Plantation, the signature spa product line “Myrtle” was inspired by the curative and euphoric elements of Myrtle oil as used by ancient Romans and English royalty. The Myrtle product line will be offered in rooms throughout the resort and incorporated in the spa’s signature treatment, the Myrtle Ritual.

Guests and members of Cinzia can enjoy the use of several complimentary amenities before, during or after scheduled spa treatments or a workout. The Spa Garden Sanctuary with an eight-person whirlpool is surrounded by tropical foliage and is also available for small private parties. The Turkish Hammam is intended to improve blood circulation and eliminate toxins with hot steamy eucalyptus air. The indoor/outdoor meditation lounge provides guests the use of wAv digital listening devices for a 20 minute vibro-acoustic guided meditation that optimizes the serenity of the area.

Services and offerings extend beyond the walls of the spa to guests and owners at North Beach Plantation who can indulge in a private pool-side cabana massage or in-room treatment that utilizes the services of a “Bath Butler” who prepares a rose petal water experience.

Continuing to apply the “latest and greatest” concept to the fitness center component of Cinzia the Spa at North Beach Plantation, Beach Fit utilizes the world leader and official Olympic fitness equipment supplier Technogym ™ for cardio and strength-building equipment. A team of talented personal trainers and instructors who offer daily group and personal exercise instruction in conjunction with a Pilates and yoga studio and outdoor exercise/mediation platform help to create a distinctive experience at Beach Fit. If a solitary training experience is preferred, the latest technology in virtual training is available with Technogym™ equipment using its Wellness System Key (WSK). WSK is a wireless device that keeps track of users’ exercise progress and when inserted in Technogym™ machinery, automatically sets equipment at the appropriate levels to reach fitness goals.

A variety of spa, fitness, yoga and Pilate’s membership packages are available to the public and can include educational seminars, social events and discounted products and services.

Scalise Group is the managing entity of subsidiaries Scalise Development, Scalise builders and Scalise Realty. The company has excelled in resort residential real estate for more than 20 years with 600 homes built in four states, mounting ventures in real estate sales and rentals, as well as real estate holdings and operating entities. Scalise Group aims to take the greater Myrtle Beach area to new heights in luxury accommodations and amenities with North Beach Plantation where oceanfront condominiums in North Beach Towers and single-family homes in the Margaret neighborhood are now available for purchase.

North Beach Plantation Resort
719 North Beach Plantation Blvd
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-361-2772

Contact Information:
Tammy Pahel
spamgmtsol@aol.com
702-524-4505

Marketing: A Week In Review

Okay, So I get so many newsetters, rss content, news alerts, emails...AH...that I find it difficult to read and respond to each important topic. I can't even keep up with tweets and they're less than 120 characters.

Anyway, From now on, once a week (Hey, Tuesdays are good) I'm going to lay out some links to the most interesting and pertinent articles I've come across in the last couple of days.

Heres this week's marketing and interactive marketing article review in no particular order:

Top Technology Trends for 2009:

"With 2009 in full swing, PhoCusWright takes a fresh look at the technologies and innovations that have the potential to drive change in the travel, tourism and hospitality." Courtesey of HotelMarketing.com.

7 Tips for the Perfect Twitter Profile:

"Having a succinct, compelling profile is more critical on Twitter than anywhere else." Written by Jason Baer.

How social media can resurrect your brand:

"...It's a time when a $3 billion annual advertising budget can't move the needle on brand favorability. There are currently more than 200 million Facebook users, with 1 million domestic users joining every week. Even Twitter, what I consider an emerging tool with an early adopter user base, is approaching 10 million users and ascending like a rocket..." Written by Doug Schumacher.

Marketing and the Twitter Hive Mind:

"The first reaction many people have to Twitter is befuddlement. Why would they want to read short messages about what someone ate for breakfast?" Courtesy of The New York Times.

Building your Brand by creating an online community:

"What are the most important goals when building your brand online? No matter the product, service or industry, those goals likely include..." Courtesy of ChiefMarketer.com. Written by Ryan Buchanan.

7 Mistakes to avoid on Twitter:

"How can and should your brand use Twitter? And more importantly, what are the most common mistakes and pitfalls on Twitter that could have a negative impact on your business or brand?" Courtesy of iMediaConnection.com. Written by Rodney Rumford.

FireFox set for new Redesign to Reflect Web Habits:

"Web browser Firefox is considering a complete redesign of the way the browser looks and feels, writes ReadWriteWeb." Courtesy of MarketingVox.com.

Top 10 Search Rankings for 2009:

"An estimated 6.1 billion searches were conducted in the US at Google Search in March 2009, giving the internet behemoth a 64.2% share of search queries for the month, and representing year-over-year (YoY) growth of 27.6%, according to data from Nielsen Online." Courtesy of MarketingCharts.com.

Online Consumer Reviews have Big Influence:

"Some 84% of Americans reported that online customer evaluations have an influence on their decision to purchase a product or service, but only 28% said they have posted their own feedback, according to the latest survey from market research firm Opinion Research Corp., an InfoGroup company." Courtesy of PromoMagazine.com.

10 Most Ingenious Travel Offers:

"In the year of the ‘staycation’, the travel industry is having to come up with imaginative ways to get your booking. The Times Online lists some of the best ones." Courtesy of TimesOnline.

Online Ads Not So Bulletproof:

"It’s become almost a truism that marketers are running to measurable media in this tough economy, to ensure that their ad spending is working to full potential. And most observers say that means a strong shift in favor of online channels." Courtesy of Big Fat Marketing Blog.

Why the Term "Social Media" Sucks:

"As I speak with companies that want to engage with their customers in the online social world, I continually find people confused as soon as they begin talking about "social media." The reason is the baggage that comes along with the word "media." Courtesy of Adage.com. Written by Josh Bernoff.

6 Ways to Simplify your Social Media Updates:

"For many marketers, the explosive growth of social networking isn't raising questions about whether to engage audiences on these platforms but, rather, how to manage multiple network accounts in an effort to reach a larger, more-targeted audience while generating sustainable results." Written by Todd Tweedy.

Recession Hits Google, Effect Revenue:

"The recession has hit Google, handing the company its first quarter-over-quarter decline in ad revenue, as marketers cut their search-advertising budgets after the holiday season. But while its first-quarter revenue of $5.51 billion was down 3% compared with the fourth quarter, it was up 6% year over year." Courtesy of Advertising Age.


YouTube Makes Changes to battle Hulu

The new Contenders for Ad Dominance

Marketers Target the Over 50+ Set

Americans Blame Ad Agencies for Economic Crisis

Top 12 Brands In Jeopardy: Old Navy, Chrysler, Palm...

Oracle Acquires Sun Microsystems for $7.4 Billion

Word of Mouth, a key component of the Marketing Mix

Redesign your Website to Increase Conversions

Phew! Let me know what you find helpful, what you don't, and what you'd like to see more of.

Cool Website of the Day

Before I jump into it, I guess I should acknowledge the fact that many of these websites I'm labeling as COOL are not NEW. COOL often implies NEW, but I'm not implying that. No, there's way too much NEW stuff online that I feel it has to shutter its newness before it becomes COOL. COOL means useful, functional, relevant NOT hip, fad, or well...cool. Like me. If you want cool, go ask a college kid or a graphic designer. (No offense). After all, since this is a marketing blog, it's important to recognize that a website (or any tool or medium) has to be around long enough to become part of your target audience's behavior (at least a significant minority of them. After all, only 5% of the US population uses Twitter and I guarantee they're not your target audience...yeah you.)

Today's cool website of the day is Ning.com. Their Synopsis: "Ning lets you create new social networks for the most important people and interests in your life." Translation: Ning allows you to create social networks for the most important people and interests in your life.

Really, it's true. Ning is for power hobbists, topic geniuses, fanboys (and girls), political junkies, and any other type of person who knows (or thinks they know) a lot about a certain topic. If you don't, I'd steer clear, just as a matter of preference. If you only know a little about a lot of things (like you're own personal interests and the drinking habits of your friends) then stick to Facebook.

I'd like to think of Ning as Wikipedia's think tank before the information gets scraped, edited, and neutered. For those of you who are wondering, I don't have a Ning set up yet on any topic, because I just don't have time. But for those marketers or businesses who are trying to tap into the power of social networking (not media, I won't use that term any more) than Ning is a great source for inbound links, traffic, and search engine penetration (all SEO stuff).

Google flirts with Twitter

Brought to you by DMNews:

Google CEO Eric Schmidt said pursuing a deal with the likes of Twitter would be something that the search giant would be "very happy to pursue."

“Without commenting specifically about Twitter ... you could imagine that ... it could be a channel for product information, marketing information, real-time information for which you can hang advertising products, whether it's a text ad or a video ad or so forth,” he said during Thursday's earnings call. “... It strikes me that's a logical strategy for them to pursue and something that we would be very happy to pursue with them and all other players in that space.”

Read the full article HERE. Courtesy of DMNews. Written by Mary Elizabeth Hurn.

Plunges, Plummets & Slides: First Quarter, 2009

I'm passing these along on a Friday because no matter how bad the news is, you should never be depressed on a Friday.

- Gannett, Media General (Newspaper Mogul) Revenue down 18%
- Magazine Ad pages plummet 26%
- Ad revenue likely to plummet 30% for some newspapers in Q1 2009
- NBCU profits plunge 45% in Q1
- Global ad spending down 6.7%
- Radio Deals fall below $1 billion for first time since 2001
- Emmis Domestic Radio slides 20.7%

[stat courtsey of MediaBuyerPlanner]

So, Magazine, Radio, Television, Newspaper - all slumping.