Business Solutions | Think Tank Live Digital Marketing Training and Consultancy

Interview with Chris Campbell of Lakeshore Branding

February 21, 2010 By Mary Leave a Comment

Think Tank Live Topics

2.Inbound Marketing and Management:
Having a SEO Mindset for all Operational and Marketing Issues

Hi Chris, what is the history and story of your company?
Lakeshore Branding is a Chicago interactive marketing that helps companies drive more sales, leads and conversions by utilizing digital marketing. We started in 2007 as a search engine marketing consulting company has quickly grown to a small boutique online marketing agency. Our clients come from diverse industries at various stages of growth, from startups to Fortune 500.

Chris, what is your approach to internet marketing?
Our clients utilize us as a resource to help them identify new ways to get leads or sales online. Our team sometimes comes back with outside the box ideas. For example we have a client that started selling their product on Amazon and it now drives 70-80% of the sales each month. A traditional agency might have said lets do an ad buy or invest in search engine optimization. While both strategies can be effective, this strategy helped increase the bottom line of the business and turned a fixed cost into a variable based on sales.

What is your latest project?
We are really excited to be working with Apartment Vigilantes, a Chicago apartment rental service. We are helping them manage their entire online presence through online advertising, SEO and social media management of their blog, twitter and Facebook. We are working to build links so that they rank for Chicago Apartments, which had a quarter million searches last month in Google. We are excited because this will be a challenge to launch a new company into a very competitive keyword category. We are hoping that we can rank them for long tail phrases later this year for keywords like Lincoln Park apartments and Gold Coast Apartments.

We have been working with lots of local companies to help them grow their online presence like a Chicago plumber, a Nutraceutical fulfillment warehouse, a tinley park retirement community and products like shoe insoles.

What are you favorite tools for competitive intelligence?
Well I actually wrote a blog post on my 29 tools for website competitive intelligence. From that list Spyfu is great to analyze competitors pay per click advertising.

I really like the new tool from SEOmoz, Open Site Explorer for off page analysis and the URI Valet, which takes an in depth look at onpage SEO.

Any tips for people just getting started?
When I first got into internet marketing several years ago, I attended every class, workshop and seminar that talked about online marketing. I am a visual learner so I went out and bought a few dozen domains to test some different theories that I have learned and that foundation has lead to many of the successes that our clients have experienced.

I also spend a few hours a week reading current trends with the top online marketing blogs and I am in a book club online marketers. Get involved in the local online marketing community, share your ideas with your peers, attend local meetups and networking events. I learn more from the marketers in Chicago, than I have ever read or learned from an online blog post. This is why I am really excited to be a part of Think Tank. All I could think about the past few weeks was how exciting it will be to hear presentations from all the local experts.

What are the best restaurants in Chicago?
I am a huge fan of Chicago pizza, I consider myself some what of a pizza snob. I think the top places in Chicago are Gino’s East, The Art of Pizza, Giordano’s, Lou Malnatis and Pizano’s. For burgers I think the Metropolitan Club in Willis tower and State Restaurant in Lincoln Park have the best burgers in town.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would like to become a college professor and possibly become an angel investor in the next few years. I am very passionate about entrepreneurship and I hope that by teaching in a business school I can inspire some young minds of their true potential.

What inspires you creatively?
My biggest inspiration come from my team, clients and friends.

I am lucky to have friends with passion for life, its the optimize of glass half full that rubs off and creates a great circle of people to hang out with. The team at Lakeshore Branding are a bunch of rockstars, they get me excited to come to work everyday. Finally my clients are so passionate about their companies that

You can contact Chris Campbell on the phone at 312-229-0038 or email him directly at chris @lakeshorebranding.com

Filed Under: Affiliate Marketing, Blog, Business Solutions, Chicago, Integrated Marketing, Internet Marketing, SEO, social media Tagged With: chris campbell, conference, lakeshore branding, online marketing

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-19

February 19, 2010 By Mary Leave a Comment

#ttlmke @LisaSabinWilson to speak at Think Tank Live! in Milwaukee on Feb 23 #WordPress http://bit.ly/54rSsK #BuddyPress #
#WomenWhoTech @JoStumpner @LisaSabinWilson @SengWeiland @ExPrTMary @ThatGirlMari all speaking at @ThinkTankLive #ttlmke #
Interview with Inbound Marketing Guru @MertSahinoglu #ttlmke Promo:TTL50 for $50 off http://bit.ly/9UEK8T #brandbowl #
Chris King @fendmark from Agency.com will speak at @ThinkTankLive in Milwaukee on Feb 23 #ttlmke http://www.thinktanklive.com #
Press member from Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Madison, Appleton or across Wisconsin? Please send your credential request for 2/23 #ttlmke #
Looking for Hotel Sponsor for our Chicago Speakers for @ThinkTankLive on Feb 23 in Waukesha area, any room at the inn? #
Digital Marketing & Social Media Summit 2/23 @ThinkTankLive Promo: TTL50 for $50.00 off #ttlmke #brandbowl http://bit.ly/8HILs9 #sb44ads #
@Foiledcupcakes will be a hit at @ThinkTankLive http://www.thinktanklive.com/event-details/speakers/mari-luangrath/ #
Stuck inside due to the snow Milwaukee? Think about learning to transform your corporate profits Feb 23rd http://bit.ly/69iZzT #ttlmke #
Thanks @PianoBlu Sponsors of our After Party for attendees on Feb 23! Join us for drinks & networking! http://bit.ly/beOqWZ #ttlmke #
Think Tank Live! After Party on Feb 23 at @Pianoblu -> Public invited for networking event, get more info here! http://bit.ly/a3BGak #
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=489806135600&index=1 http://bit.ly/dakyIU #
Think Tank Live! After Party on Feb 23 at @Pianoblu -> Wine, Beer, Hors d'oeuvres, Networking. Get more info here! http://bit.ly/a3BGak #
How Breaking Business News Stories Migrate To Mainstream Media http://bit.ly/aFEaRQ by @thinktanklive & @searchexchange speaker @dalka #
Think Tank Live! Speaker @thatgirlmari from @foiledcupcakes to share social media tips Feb 23 http://bit.ly/bPC7Qd Code: Think50 for $50off #
http://www.thinktanklive.com/how-breaking-business-news-stories-migrate-to-mainstream-mass-media/ http://bit.ly/dt8fZi #
A special thanks to the sponsors of Think Tank Live on Feb 23 @sunant @biztimesmedia @topfloortech @pianoblu @kdimail @alexmechlin #
http://www.thinktanklive.com/integrated-marketing-think-tank-our-path-to-success/ http://bit.ly/bqARQf #
Reach for a Path to Success! >>Learn more at @ThinkTankLive Feb 23 http://bit.ly/byqUJf Use Code Think50 for $50off #
1 week from today! @ThinkTankLive http://www.thinktanklive.com Register with code Think50 for $50off #
Coming to Milwaukee Next Tuesday @ThinkTankLive Get your ticket today! Code Think50 for $50off. http://thinktanklive.com #ttlmke #

Filed Under: Business Solutions Tagged With: Analytics, Business Solutions, Integrated Marketing, Internet Search Engine Optimization, PPC, social media

Integrated Marketing Think Tank: Our Path To Success

February 15, 2010 By Mary Leave a Comment

One of the tasks of our Think Tank is to develop strategies for real-world business results. It is important to have a model or framework to get to the desired endpoint. The IM Think Tank process for corporate training and consultation is a helpful path to success for Internet Marketing. We provide professional development for executive teams customized to reach for new business goals. Our training provides corporate leaders with critical insight into “why” the various disciplines of Internet Marketing work together to form a transformational marketing approach.

Custom Assessment

We start with a custom assessment. This is an in-depth look at the here and now of a company’s marketing program. We distinguish between what is working and what areas need to be strengthened. We discuss past and current campaigns, evaluate goals, and get an overview of the entire marketing approach.

Create a Strategy

Our motto is “Do what makes sense.” When it is time to create a strategy we look at all of the facets of integrated marketing and determine the top priorities for the marketing strategy. We make sure that all of the bases are covered, and keep in mind the risks and opportunities involved with each approach. We work with you to set realistic goals and put together a plan for strategic results.

Integrate Action

Our philosophy is that action is more than working on a list of tactics. Integrated action means that all of the professionals are working together with the end result in mind. We integrate an Optimization Strategy that permeates the work of all of the team-members. When everyone is on the same page, working together with a common vision, the action is integrated and comprehensive. This concentrated action is key to real-world business success.

Analyze Results

Analysis is essential, of course. So is being able to make sense of the analysis. Targeted and measurable goals lead to clear analysis that gives business executives the tools they need to make real-time decisions. This benefits the company’s bottom line quickly and efficiently. Then, the process begins again with a new assessment, strategy and implementation. Once we walk you through it, your company will also be on the path to Integrated Marketing success.

Filed Under: Business Solutions, Integrated Marketing, Marketing Campaigns Tagged With: Business, Internet Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Professional Development

Internet Marketing Strategy to Improve Wisconsin’s Economy

February 11, 2010 By Mary Leave a Comment

When we take a look at what can be done to improve the economy in Southeastern Wisconsin, Internet Marketing is a great place to start looking for answers.

Your company website is an integral marketing tool and there are many facets of marketing online that need to be attended to in order to get the most out of your online presence.
People want to know… “How can I get more customers to my website?”
and, “How can I get more sales when they get there?”

Why a Think Tank?

We started I.M. Think Tank, a group of online marketing professionals from the Milwaukee and Chicago areas for several reasons. First of all, we are a group of amazingly creative individuals, and we each have a specialty: Business strategy, search engine optimization, inbound marketing, social media, affiliate marketing, search engine marketing, blogging, building online communities, web development, design, video production, PR, branding, connecting live events to online activities, just to name a few…

So, bringing the individuals together to brainstorm on real-life issues in business is fascinating. The technical aspects of each of our areas of expertise change constantly it would be impossible to keep up with every change in every area. By wrestling with problems from various points of view, we start to see a more holistic viewpoint. And, we begin to discover real business solutions for businesses in our region.

In the middle of the country, reaching out…

Second, our location is important. The Midwest Great Lakes Region has a unique quality of being progressive and solid at the same time. Part of the heartland, in the center of the country, we have an excellent perspective on American life that is not too hyped up and not too relaxed. I.M. Think Tank wants to highlight remarkable minds on the cutting edge of integrated marketing from this part of the United States. We know that local business as well as international corporations all can benefit from this work, and we are poised to help you increase business right here at home, and across the world.

We want to make it real for you!

Third, we believe there is so much to teach about how you can achieve results in their businesses when you master a variety of internet marketing techniques. We know that to make it work you need an overall strategy that looks at internet marketing options as a whole. Then, it gets down to tactics, sometimes it means optimizing a website so Google can find you better, and sometimes it means a snappy new social media campaign. We want to show you how all of the areas of internet marketing work together to create successful results.

Our next training opportunity is at Think Tank Live! in Waukesha, Wisconsin on February 23, 2010. See you there, and we can all start improving Wisconsin’s economy together!

Filed Under: Business Solutions, Integrated Marketing, Wisconsin Tagged With: Business, economy, Wisconsin

Small Business Keys to Affiliate Marketing Success

February 10, 2010 By jbirddem Leave a Comment

Small Businesses’ Keys to Affiliate Marketing Success

Affiliate marketing can make a lot of big businesses and big names bigger – but can it do the same for small businesses and its owners? The answer, of course, is that it’s possible, provided that one maps out a good and effective strategy for managing one’s affiliate marketing efforts.

Particularly poised for success in affiliate marketing are small businesses that meet a broad range of customers’ needs, have plenty of gross margins available in their price structures, and enjoy good brand reputation. “Poised” is the keyword – success doesn’t happen automatically, or overnight. There are keys to affiliate marketing management that these kinds of small businesses – and many others – will certainly benefit from.

Leverage the affiliate networks

The great thing about affiliate networks is that they house partners, marketers, online publishers, bloggers, and affiliates who can all dedicate themselves to growing your business, and who can then become your online sales force. Signing up with an affiliate network allows you the freedom of having someone else handle all the time-consuming tasks – of building and maintaining that sales force – which, as a small business owner, you might not otherwise be able to do.

Sites like ShareASale and LinkShare, for example, allow you to expand your reach without doing all the dirty work of recruiting your affiliates. Not only do you gain access to hoards of affiliates who fit your business perfectly; you also get to leverage today’s top affiliate marketing tools and technologies to keep building your network – and keep growing your business.

Make your commission structure attractive

Don’t give potential affiliates the impression that just because you’re a small business, you don’t – can’t – think big. Lure them in with an attractive commission structure; chances are you’ll be luring in the most credible, hardest-working, and highest-performing affiliates in your industry. An attractive commission structure not only rewards affiliates handsomely; it also motivates them effectively.

Choose your affiliates wisely

It’s wise to build a network of affiliates, advertisers, and marketers who all know what it takes to sell your products and services. Sure, it’s tempting to keep signing up anyone and everyone. But it will only work if your affiliates know how to connect with your customers and prospects, as well as how to fit your products into the niches in which they specialize.

Coach your affiliates

There are plenty of standard advertising methods out there on the Web, but what might prove to be more valuable – and more effective in increasing your sales – is coaching your affiliates on how to market your products best. Because you own the business, you will know more than any of your affiliates about what you can offer to prospects – which thus calls for a more personalized method of marketing. Things like a positive personal testimonial, for example, are more likely to catch the attention of your affiliates’ visitors and readers.

Communicate with your affiliates

Just because you’ve recruited them doesn’t mean you stop communicating with them. It’s almost like college sports: you take the time to talk to and take care of the people who are responsible for making your program successful – and you come up with programs to sustain and nurture your top performers. Your affiliates are, essentially, your sales partners, and it helps to make them feel they’re a big part of your business. Regular newsletters and personalized E-mail messages are great ways of keeping in touch, and instilling in your affiliates a sense of belonging and motivation in your own online community.

Filed Under: Affiliate Marketing, Business Solutions, Integrated Marketing, Internet Tagged With: Affiliate Marketing, Integrated Marketing, Small business

Jo Stumpner, Internet Marketing Specialist

January 30, 2010 By Mary Leave a Comment

Describe your approach to internet marketing:

My approach to internet marketing starts with understanding the clients’ goals. Once we understand the objective we need an in depth understanding of who our audience is and how the product or service can benefit this audience.

What is your favorite internet tool or application?

Google Analytics:
Google Analytics is a free tool that allows you to gain priceless insight with vital, in-depth data regarding your site’s visitors. By carefully studying your analytics, you are able to make data driven decisions to refine and test marketing initiatives.

Google Keyword Tool:
The Google Keyword Tool is another free tool from Google that is a critical part of my search marketing toolbox.
Tell us about your latest project:

One of my most my recent projects involved taking my client’s campaigns internationally. Historically, cost per lead had been very profitable when targeting the US. However, we saw a 50% decrease in the cost per lead in other countries compared to the US. Some countries were generating leads at a 1/3^rd of the cost of the US campaign. Our only mistake was not suggesting this sooner. We are only 3 months into this campaign and I aim to make it even better.

Share one marketing tip:

Try ANYTHING! Just be sure to measure it!

Coming to industry events such as Think Tank Live on February 23^rd will provide you with valuable knowledge on where to start and what to avoid. If you can learn from others’ trials and errors on what works, you can save valuable time and money.

What makes your company (or your work) stand out from all of the rest?

Top Floor Technologies has always been focused on tracking the performance and return on investment of our client’s campaigns. It has never been about simply creating a pretty picture or driving traffic to the site. We aim to drive quality traffic that can be measured and monitored by tracking the conversions or leads generated from that traffic.

Owner, Jim Bernthal challenges us to ask ourselves; are we bringing value? Are we meeting the objectives? Do you understand who your audience is? Would we buy our own services? I think this sets us apart. We treat each client as if it were our own business.

Any tips for people just getting started?

Begin by reading. Google offers great free resources and there are an abundance of valuable blogs on the various internet marketing topics. Then start doing. Start by conducting keyword research to get an understanding of what people are searching for. Build a sample website; install Google Analytics, Webmaster Tools and being marketing through the various channels. Track and monitor everything and make the necessary adjustments.

What is your motto?

MMAC = Measure, Monitor, Adjust & Control

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I would love have a career devoted to inspiring positive change in other’s lives such as a motivational speaker.

What inspires you creatively?

My beautiful children inspire me. They teach me to see extraordinary things out of ordinary objects or situations.

What is your idea of success?

Success to me is working because I want to, not because I have to. I already love what I do but how amazing would it be to devote my time helping business owners succeed with no need for compensation?

Jo’s Think Tank Live Presentation: Winning with Search Engine Marketing and Online Advertising

Contact Info:

Jo Stumpner
PPC Marketing Director/Sr. SEM Specialist
Top Floor Technologies
262-364-0010
www.TopFloorTech.com
jstumpner@topfloortech.com

Filed Under: Business Solutions, Internet Marketing, Interview, Milwaukee Tagged With: Business, Google Analytics, Google Webmaster Tools, Internet Marketing, PPC, ROI, Website

Recent Posts