B-Rad’s Original Stop-Motion Video

B.Rad Callister, one of our Lead Designers at Album, starred in and collaborated on this original stop-motion video titled: Bruises.   We think you’ll agree his creativity is authentic and pure.  He’s too humble to post this and we’re too proud of him to let this one slide.  Nice work, Brad!

Posted by Nathan in Entertainment
Tags: media, online video, YouTube

State of the Internet

When creating an Internet marketing campaign, you need to know who is online, where they are going, what sites they visit most frequently, what attracts them to certain pages, what types of ads are they clicking on, how do they gather information, etc.

There are various sources of information that helps divide the demographic information and usage habits to better understand what is happening. However, there aren’t many things that are more understandable and fun (for the lack of a better word) than infographics and videos. Below you can see some useful ones that I located for you Album Admirers. Enjoy!

Posted by Paulina in Entertainment, News
Tags: demographic info, Internet marketing, internet trends, internet usage, site visits

10 Things Not to Sell to Gen Y

A new twitter friend of ours, @JaredOToole, has turned me onto a website, Under30CEO.com

After browsing through various articles, I found myself giggling at one of their popular articles “10 Things Gen Y Won’t Pay For.” As a pessimist, I expected a dry list of what entrepreneurs should not try to sell to this jaded generation.

I was pleasently surprised by what I found.  Here is the top ten list with my own descriptions and interpretation:

1. Checking
   Gen Y will not pay for checking. They grew up with free access because they were students and now they just expect it. And with the Battle of the Banks in today’s economy, we can google to find someone who will waive the fee.
2. Long Distance
   As long as I don’t run my cell phone 24/7 and use all my weekday minutes, I’m good. My friend in Kansas is into texting anyway, so even another bonus. What about parents, you ask? My dad reads texts. My mom, not so much, but I can use the 10 minutes I saved everywhere else to talk to her. Oh and thank you for the rollover minutes, AT&T. They definitely come in handy.
3. Mail
   I’m not sure if Gen Y would even know what the US Postal Service even was if not for getting packages shipped with the presents we bought ourselves online, birthday money from Grandma, and the occasional college material. With stamp costs on the rise (32, 42, 44?) why not just send an email? Oh wait. Because the inbox is just a chore list that needs to be checked off every day. Facebook has  become the White Pages of Gen Y. With the messages and the chats and the people searches, it has become a key tool for many 20-somethings.
   
4. Music
   When Napster was forced to charge, there was a loud sound of hearts breaking across the seven seas. However, radio stations like Pandora and Slacker Personal Radio have reopened the doors for free music entertainment. Although Pandora has set an hour limit, these sites are flooded. And now with apps for Blackberries, iPhones, Androids, and more, these internet radio stations can go anywhere. Of course, if you want unlimited skips and no ads, there is a fee. But who needs that? Support the advertising industry and get free radio!
5. Wireless
   I know what you’re going to say. Everyone has to pay for wireless. False. The first thing we do when we go anywhere with our laptop is search the network for free access to the web. Stealing? We beg to differ. Panera Bread, the library, and school campuses (for students and faculty, of course) offer wireless for free. Locations like Starbucks and Barnes and Noble are a joke, trying to charge almost $4 for internet. Even some charter buses are offering free wireless now! It’s true… I saw “Free Wireless on your trip” in big letters on the side of a charter the other day!
6. Travel Agents
   Does this even need explaining? Between Expedia, Orbitz, and Hotels.com only to name a few, who needs someone to book things for you? You search, compare, and book. Love it!
7. Books
   With all of the required reading we didn’t do in high school and all the Oprah-suggested reading we just haven’t gotten to, why should we buy books anyway? Between our computers, tv’s, and game consoles, we’re set. Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes we enjoy the literary mind stimulation, but that’s what friends and libraries are for (yes, libraries still exist).
8. Mature Content
   This one’s definitely not for everyone, but you can find just about anything on the Internet. Just clear your cookies, delete your history, and your privacy is protected. You certainly can’t do that on your cable bill.
9. News
   I found out about Michael Jackson’s death on Facebook. Text messages spread like wildfire when a major event occurs “did u hear bout da olympic speedskater?!” Other than that, just go to Yahoo, MSN, CNN, etc. and you’ll get what you need online.
10. Directory Assistance
    We laugh in the face of 411. Between Google, the majillion iPhone/Blackberry apps, and 1800-FREE411, the only thing we’re using the phone book for is to show off our superhuman strength.

Now that you know what not to try to get into when starting your own business, the next thing you need to do after you develop your product is to have a strong online presence. Between various forms of social media, making a website, designing logos, creating a brand identity, and developing a marketing plan, you may have your hands full. Let us help.

Posted by Paulina in Humor
Tags: blog, Entertainment, Facebook, Google, retail

Use Your Tools

It’s not the tool but how you use it.

You can have a group on Facebook, an account on Twitter, a photo collection on Flickr, and a channel on YouTube, but what does that mean to your brand?

Online marketing is more than just creating accounts online and hoping the search engines lead potential customers to them. You have to be active with your fans, followers, and subscribers. Social media is an important part of Internet marketing that allows you to build a more solid brand by having a human connection. Current customers are more likely to suggest your product to friends if they have a good experience.

However, if you leave your accounts idle, you are missing out on communication opportunities. Even if your potential customers don’t need your product or service right now, keeping them posted with fun facts, transfixing trivia, and pensive pictures will keep you at the forefront of their mind when your product/service becomes a need.

Not only that, but the more relevant information you post, the more searchable your brand becomes to potential customers. And with Google as today’s #1 search source, pleasing the Google Search Engine Gods could lead you down a path of Internet sainthood.

Ready? Set? Rock!

Posted by Paulina in Online Marketing
Tags: advertising, blog, Facebook, Google, Internet marketing, marketing blog, search engine, social marketing, social media, social media marketing, Twitter, YouTube

A Shift in the Forces of Media

Studies are proving that TV advertising is becoming less and less reliable. According to an article on MarketingProfs.com, “in 2010, most advertisers plan to move budget dollars away from traditional media to social media (77%), online advertising (73%), and search engine marketing (59%).”

There is talk that allowing fewer commercials per pod may be more effective, but with the population turning to search engines to find a resource to fulfill their needs, having a strong online presence is a must.

Social marketing tops the charts as the number one source advertisers and marketers will turn to for brand building. Through various social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others, a strong brand strategy and marketing plan can have a huge effect on brand awareness. With these vehicles, you can build brand loyalty and an overall solid presence in today’s competitive market. By having a strong presence in social media, you allow your product/service users, fans, and, on occasion, addicts to feel like they belong have a place in the world of your brand.

But what good is being searchable when your web content is weak? That’s where web development and brand identity design come into play. Once your product or service reaches your target, the images they see need to tell them how you fulfill their need.

So give into the online tidal wave. Swim with the social media current. Develop a strong online marketing plan and you too can have a brand with substance.

Ready? Set? Rock!

Posted by Paulina in Online Marketing
Tags: brand development, brand value, Facebook, Internet marketing, online advertising, Online Marketing, social marketing, social media, Twitter, website development