Thursday, July 23, 2009

A Good Time to Upgrade Your Web Site

I came across a recent study on customers' satisfaction with their web shopping experience which shows it has dropped in recent years. Standards for the web are rising, and your business needs to keep up. Many of the top web retailers, including Apple, saw many consumers dissatisfied with their online shopping experience.

Let's face it. We all have higher expectations for web stores than we do for brick and mortar stores. We expect websites to be updated regularly and for the technology to be improving quickly. We are pretty impatient. And the more advanced technology gets, the most demanding we get!

As recently as May, Netflix and Amazon were #1 and #2 respectively in consumer satisfaction. Web sites with accompanied brick and mortar store chains, like Kohls.com and Target.com also saw improvements in customer satisfaction. Experts expect companies like these to incorporate in-store pickup into their web offerings.

Diversifying your web presence is important to consumer interaction. Increase the number of touch points between your business and consumers. Give your web developer a call to discuss all the options available through social media and advancements in technology.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
SmartStrategies@BBBGGadv.com
845-695-1880

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Thursday, July 16, 2009

A Lesson in Green

I have written quite a few posts about different ways that environmental initiatives effect business. I will likely continue to write posts on the subject, because consumers are consistently showing us that they are thinking and buying green despite the economy.

A new study published by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Deloitte delivers a mighty wake-up call to grocery retailers. The study shows that 95% of shoppers are considering buying green products (isn't that great?). Sixty seven percent actively looked for green products in trips to the grocery store. However, only 22% of consumers actually bought green products. Why only 22%? A large part of the reason is because many couldn't find the green products they were looking for.

The morale of the story? Know what your customers want - and give it to them! There is a considerable missed opportunity when half of the consumers thinking about buying green products don't now where to find them. And this rings true for any business in any industry. Know your customer and give them what they want. Then, of course, make sure you let them know where to find it.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880
smartstrategies@bbggadv.com

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Monday, April 20, 2009

Developments in Small Joint Replacements on the Rise

As we all know, baby boomers, representing the largest segment of the American population are aging. This aging segment is one most commonly seeking surgeries for bone and joint replacement, which is causing a new trend in this sector of the medical community.

Hip and knee replacements have established a strong presence in the medical device market with powerful companies being Zimmer and Johnson & Johnson. Now, with the maturity of the hip and knee replacement market, the medical community is seeking forge developments in smaller bone and joint replacement devices.

This has already created new competition among developers to make the best implants, replacements, and other devices that doctors will use to help those suffering from hand, foot, elbow, and ankle problems. The medical community will ultimately benefit from the medical advances forged by this influx in competition.

Hospitals in the Hudson Valley will be watching these new developments closely, as they are working hard to successfully compete against their city counterparts for the trust of the Hudson Valley residents. What is equally as important is that local healthcare facilities take the time to educate all personnel on the newest technology and that everyone communicates these new advancements to current and potential patients -- both verbally, and through marketing material.

As hospitals in the Hudson Valley are well aware, patients will turn elsewhere to seek out the most advanced technology available.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
(845) 695-1880

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Friday, March 6, 2009

Customer Relations Build Brand Loyalty

Your devotion to your customers is becoming one of the most important influences of what makes consumers love you and continue to come to you - or abhor you, and take their business straight to the competition.

This increase in demand for value is not just a by-product of a bad economy. Excellent service has always made customers likely to return. Who doesn't want to go to a bar where everybody knows your name? Companies need to consider brand loyalty marketing, to let the customer know that they are appreciated.

Customers want a heating company that will inspect a broken heater before charging for repairs or a store that will offer to bring their heavy bags out to the car.

Developing new ways to assist the consumer is a prime opportunity for a company to differentiate itself and become memorable to the consumer.

The concept of offering different services to consumers also applies to the internet. Midas provides tips and advice about a car's exhaust and brake systems to help educate the consumer. Furniture giant, Ikea, lets consumers design a bedroom through their web site.

Use your marketing communications and service offerings to show your customers that you are devoted to them. Research proves it will pay off for you in the long-run.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising & Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com

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