Tag Archives: Ideaworks

EXTRA! EXTRA! THE NEXT ISSUE OF DAZZLE IS HOT OFF THE PRESS.

The excitement never fades when we unveil a new issue of Dazzle, our award-winning agency magazine. Whether it’s our content team brainstorming topics and writing copy for the featured articles, our design team collaborating on a modern, visually appealing approach, or the two groups working together to finalize a product we’re all proud of, Dazzle’s “road to release” and ultimate unveiling is always fascinating.

This particular issue is centered on growth – within our agency and beyond – as we celebrated our 20th year in business this summer. It is our hope that the articles featured in this issue will inspire the continuous development and success of other agencies, businesses and professionals alike.

While we don’t want to give everything away, here’s a brief overview of some articles featured in this issue:

  • “20 years of Passion and Perseverance,” an infographic look at the past two decades in business, along with a note from our team (pg. 6)
  • “From My Perspective: Growing as a Women-Owned Business,” an insightful message from Ideaworks owner Judy Steve (pg. 9)
  • “Sowing Seeds of Success,” our feature article that highlights new initiatives and our continuously evolving portfolio (pg. 10)
  • “Life@197,” which includes snapshots of what’s new and exciting with our team (pg. 16)

Click here to read the issue, and please reach out to us with questions and comments. You can also email Dazzle’s editor-in-chief, Chelsey Tupper at chelseyt@ideaworks.marketing if you would like additional information on the new initiatives mentioned in this issue’s feature story.

Happy reading from the Ideaworks team!

THE 411 ON VIDEO MARKETING

By: Chelsey Tupper, director of marketing communications
Video marketing is hot and getting hotter. I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times over, but you’re about to hear it a million and one times: If you’re not using video as a marketing tactic, then you’re behind! The rise in popularity of video marketing happened so quickly that now it seems consumers are inundated with video, but when you think about it, the use of video isn’t really that surprising. Tugging on the emotional heartstrings of your target audience is one of the best ways to convince them to buy, and video does an excellent job with this when compared to print ads because of the very nature of video. Through video, it’s much easier to ignite emotion within consumers, which is of utmost importance when trying to establish a relationship with them.

At Ideaworks, we’ve been busy with a variety of video projects for basically all of our clients. Each project varies a bit from technical process videos to feel-good values videos, and we’re also trying to incorporate more video work on our own blog and social media pages. Our entire content team works side-by-side with one of our designers who specializes in video editing to produce quality productions that look great and achieve their targeted objectives.

It will be interesting to see how video marketing continues to grow in the years ahead, but one thing is certain – it surely isn’t going away; if anything, it’s gaining momentum and becoming even more creative and interactive that ever before.

Below are the 10 things you need to know to grasp the 411 on video marketing and why you need to utilize it NOW!

  1. Video boosts conversions and sales: When product videos are included on websites, they can help boost sales conversions by 80%.
  2. Video shows great ROI: Even though video production is not the easiest nor cheapest task, it pays off big time. In fact, studies show that 76% of businesses agree video provides an excellent ROI.
  3. The quality of the video doesn’t matter as much as its content: The latest research shows consumers are mostly put off by videos that don’t explain the product or service clearly enough. Low quality and poor design didn’t matter nearly as much, but don’t discount design entirely. If you need some assistance with your design efforts, please give us a call!
  4. Thirty-three percent of tablet owners watch about an hour of video on their devices every day, and 28% of smartphone users watch a video on their devices at least once a day.
  5. Seventy-eight percent of people watch videos online every week, and 55% of people watch videos online every day.
  6. Fifty-nine percent of senior executives agree that if both text and video are available on the same topic on the same page, they prefer to watch the video.
  7. Using the term “video” in an email subject line boosts open rates by 19%, increases click-through rates by 65% and reduces unsubscribes by 26%.
  8. Ninety-three percent of marketers use video for online marketing, sales and communication.
  9. Video creates trust: The whole concept of content marketing is based on trust and creating long-term relationships. People do not want to be sold to; instead, they crave interesting and useful information.
  10. Google loves video: A vast amount of research suggests that videos increase the time spent by visitors on websites. Thus, longer exposure builds trust and sends the signal to search engines that there is good content on said site. Actually, according to Moovly, businesses with embedded videos on their websites are 53 times more likely show up first on Google.

Sources:

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/2017-year-of-video-marketing

https://www.dreamgrow.com/8-reasons-why-your-business-should-use-video-marketing/

Image source:

https://artplusmarketing.com/social-video-marketing-strategy-an-infographic-73ecfa09811b

THE VALUE OF MAKING YOURSELF VALUABLE

Take a few seconds and think of an item or experience you value. What popped into your head? Why? Do you value this particular thing because it was given to you by someone you love? Do you value this memory/experience because it played a huge role in shaping who you are today? It probably wasn’t too difficult to think of one or even several items or experiences you value. As humans, we seem to place a value on everything, whether it’s positive or negative; we might do this consciously or subconsciously. In the same way that we place a value on possessions or experiences, we also do this when it comes to colleagues and professional relationships.

Years ago, marketing and advertising agencies enjoyed a special kind of monopoly that has since disappeared thanks to the advent of the internet. Agencies didn’t have to concern themselves with competition from websites offering less expensive prices for graphic design or “marketing” services. However, now, we do, and with that comes the need to make ourselves even more valuable to clients than ever before. Let’s face it, if clients don’t find value in the services we provide, the relationship is over.

You might be thinking, “Well, of course I am much more valuable than some website,” but are you really? Do you stay up-to-date with current trends, which change as rapidly as the weather? Do you read any marketing article you can get your hands on – even if it isn’t necessarily the area in which you specialize? Most importantly, do you take the time to research, read and learn all you can about your clients’ businesses/industries? If you answered “yes” to each of these questions, then kudos, you’re right on track. If you answered, “no”, then it’s time to change.

While it’s important to stay updated on all things marketing so you can suggest the best strategies and tactics to clients, nothing is more valuable than when you approach your client with a trends report or an article discussing a topic pertinent to the industry in which they serve. This not only shows you have your client’s best interest at heart and want to see him or her succeed, but it also places a value on your relationship with said client – a value that is invaluable in this day and age. Any agency is going to welcome new clients on board and sell, sell, sell its marketing services, but those agencies that take the time to know and study their clients’ businesses and industries are the ones who will easily differentiate themselves amongst the competition.

Any possession, experience, relationship or service that you regard as being valuable is actually invaluable, i.e. you still wouldn’t give up said item even if offered millions of dollars. As a marketing professional, this is how you must be viewed by clients because you must become an incredibly valuable asset to them in order to establish those invaluable relationships that are key to your business success.


Chelsey Tupper, director of marketing communications

 

VIVA LAS VEGAS: IDEAWORKS ATTENDS CATERSOURCE 2018

Las Vegas, NV: Arguably, it is one of the most vibrant resort cities in the United States, characterized by its flashing lights, world-renowned food and a lively, distinct culture all its own. This past February, our president & CEO, Donna Hansbury, director of marketing communications, Chelsey Tupper, and marketing communications manager, Alyssa Zekoski, traveled to this spirited city to attend Catersource, a premier conference and tradeshow for catering and event professionals. The team celebrated much success while on the trip, and found that their Catersource 2018 experience was much like the city of Las Vegas itself – bringing with it bright business opportunities; the chance to try unique cuisine from the industry’s best; and the opportunity to better understand the unique culture of the catering and special events industry so we can make our new catering marketing platform, gemworx, even more relevant to event professionals’ needs.

Donna, Chelsey and Alyssa stayed at Caesar’s Palace, where a number of Catersource events were held, including educational sessions and a presentation from our own Donna Hansbury. Several months ago, Donna was asked to join other distinguished professionals and present at Catersource for the third time, which she enthusiastically accepted. In her presentation, entitled GPS Marketing: A Simplified Approach to Creating a Marketing Plan You Will Use, Not Lose, Donna discussed simplified steps attendees could take to make the process of creating a marketing plan less daunting and more streamlined.

The GPS presentation was incredibly well-received, so much so that one of the conference attendees said it was one of the best she’s ever attended, and that the workbook handout was the greatest takeaway she ever received from a conference.

The team exhibited at the Catersource Tradeshow on Tuesday, February 20th and Wednesday, February 21st, unveiling our new catering product, gemworx, to tradeshow attendees. Gemworx is a powerful marketing platform built specifically for caterers of any size. Among other benefits, the platform:

  • Saves caterers time and money marketing their business
  • Provides subscribers access to cutting-edge marketing collateral without the expense
  • Offers the ability to customize selected catering and event resources with one’s individual brand identity
  • Lets caterers/event professionals easily personalize materials to meet their customers’ needs
  • Allows for easy differentiation of one’s business with professionally-designed materials like brochures, postcards, business cards, social media post examples and best practices, blog ideas, etc.
  • Provides the ability to generate additional revenue with items caterers’ customers need, like printed menus, invitations, save-the-date cards, table numbers, place cards, item identifiers, etc.

Many attendees spoke with Donna, Chelsey and Alyssa about gemworx and scheduled demonstrations to learn more about what it can do for them. They also shared valuable feedback with the team that we are using to enhance our gemworx offerings. Gemworx will officially launch in April.

The team tasted several delicious dishes that were freshly prepared on the tradeshow floor, including grilled pepper salmon, chilled kale-broccoli salad with fruit, crispy chicken hors oeuvres and more. Chef Marcus Samuelsson, head chef of Red Rooster in Harlem, NY, and a featured judge on Food Network’s Chopped, was also in attendance, and Alyssa had the opportunity to meet with him, tasting some of the cuisine he prepared alongside U.S. Foods.

“It was such an incredible experience to attend Catersource for the third time in my career,” said Donna. “On top of being a presenter, it was fascinating to unveil gemworx on a national level to some of the most distinguished caterers and special events professionals in the industry.” Chelsey had this to say about the experience, “I have always wanted to attend Catersource, and it was such a great experience being able to represent Ideaworks and introduce gemworx. I loved networking with some of the industry’s bests. I truly feel like Ideaworks will reap a huge benefit from attending the Catersource Conference and Tradeshow.” Alyssa added, “Not only did Chelsey and I get to watch Donna deliver an inspiring presentation to catering and event professionals, but we were also able to speak with those individuals one-on-one at the gemworx booth, which will help us tailor our new product to their specific business needs.”

In all, the trip was a wonderful opportunity for Ideaworks to share our marketing expertise with industry professionals and make a new mark on the events industry by unveiling a product that will streamline caterers’ marketing efforts. We look forward to all that is to come for gemworx in the years ahead!

Ideaworks collaborates with hopeful Food Network star

portfolio_chefremmi (2)

A few years ago, our team collaborated on a cookbook design project with Remmi Smith, youth ambassador chef for Sodexo North America, an international Fortune 500 company. At the time of the project, Chef Remmi was just 12 years old. Now at age 16, Remmi will compete in the teen tournament on the popular Food Network show, Chopped. Her episode is set to air on Tuesday, September 6 at 10 p.m.

Ideaworks created the concept for the cookbook and spearheaded all aspects of the project, which resulted in a unique cookbook for kids entitled, Global Cooking for Kids, featuring Chef Remmi Smith: Your Passport to Fun & Flavor. From cooking Remmi’s recipes to food styling to food photography to compiling and designing the book to distribution, the Ideaworks team oversaw the effort from start to finish. Even though the cookbook was made for kids, its recipes can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

All featured recipes were created by Chef Remmi and include a variety of flavors from places like Antarctica, Australia, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Peru and Puerto Rico.

“Having met Chef Remmi through Ideaworks’ partnership with Sodexo gave us the idea to create her own cookbook for kids,” said Donna Hansbury, president of Ideaworks. “I’ve never known a young girl who has such a passion for cooking. Remmi’s recipes are innovative and flavorful; it’s crazy to think that at her young age she created these tasty international combinations, but it just shows her knack for being in the kitchen. Remmi’s clever cooking techniques will serve her well on Chopped and make her tough competition. She’s going to do great, and we can’t wait to cheer on Chef Remmi!”

We’re excited to welcome three new hires!

With our client work increasing and demands escalating, we recently added three employees to our creative team. We are so happy to have McKenzie, Chelsey and Allison with us. Please take a moment to meet the newest members of Ideaworks Marketing:                                                

McKenzie SuttonMcKenzie Sutton: McKenzie Sutton serves as the agency’s marketing communication director responsible for overseeing content development on all projects. McKenzie’s previous roles include marketing coordinator for Sodexo Campus Services at King’s College, assistant project coordinator for Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville and director of marketing at Capstone Wealth Management Group in Clarks Green. McKenzie graduated cum laude from King’s College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications and English writing.

ChelsChelsey Tupperey Tupper: Chelsey Tupper joined the Ideaworks team as the agency’s director of client and public relations. Chelsey is responsible for potential client outreach and leading the public relations effort for the agency. In addition, she manages client accounts and provides marketing communication assistance. Chelsey has previous experience in agency services and held positions at Borton-Lawson, Pride Mobility Products and New Era Eye Care. Chelsey graduated magna cum laude from Flagler College, located in St. Augustine, FL in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in communication/public relations.

Allison SimenkiewiczAllison Simenkiewicz: Allison Simenkiewicz was hired as a graphic designer and is always looking for creative ways to incorporate the latest design trends into her work. Allison graduated cum laude from Wilkes University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in integrative media. She completed internships at CornellCookson, Inc. and the Petroleum Service Company. Even though Allison is fresh out of college, she has already received a silver award from the American Advertising Federation (AAF) for a poster campaign she designed. The award was presented earlier this year.

It’s A Beaut, Clark!

Well we are finally in our new “home” and things are shaping up very quickly.  It’s amazing how moving to a new office has positively influenced our entire team.  There’s just a new sense of energy and excitement in everything we do, and we all seem to have a new focus on our work as a whole.  Can a building be responsible for such a positive transformation?  Truthfully I can say with absolute certainty, YES!  It has for us for sure.  Using one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite holiday movies…”It’s a beaut, Clark!” Hope you have a chance to drop by and see for yourself.  You’re always welcome.IMG_1596

Adding Up Addys: Three, Four, or More?

It may not yield as much debate as the recent social media dress color debacle, but the question remains: did Ideaworks Marketing win three, or four awards at the 2015 Addys?

The American Advertising Federation of northeast Pennsylvania (AAF-NEPA), held its annual awards ceremony, affectionately known as the Addys, this past February 20, and three entries from Ideaworks proved to be winners – or four, if you so choose.

Below, a photo of the one Gold, and two Silver awards given to Ideaworks. The winning pieces included a Wedding Invitation Package (Gold/Judge’s Choice for Collateral Material); the “Street Eatz” campaign (Silver for Sales Promotion, Branded Environment); and the Ideaworks 2015 Calendar (Silver for Self Promotion, Advertising Industry).

And here is the Wedding Invitation Package that garnered the Gold:

BridgetInvite

Bridget and Daniel were a winning combination, and so was their wedding invitation package. They likely wrote a lot of thank-you notes when their festivities concluded, and all of us at Ideaworks would like to thank them for inspiring this work, that brought in both a Gold, and a Judge’s Choice award!

It all adds up to four awards, since of course, Gold and Judge’s Choice are two separate awards (that often overlap). So while three of Ideaworks’ pieces won, a total of four awards were earned. Here is the complete award set, the Judge’s Choice in the form of a fabulous miniature billboard from Lamar Advertising.

photo 3

Yes, we could have said that from the beginning — but the Addys are just as much about having fun, as they are about recognizing excellence in advertising creativity. Ideaworks congratulates all the Addy winners from the 2015 AAF-NEPA event.