Copy Write Services
Copy writing is art with words. How can you get your target audience to smell, feel, and want the product before they have it in their hands? Great writing. Just a little sample:
"Thank you for considering to add me to your team roster. If you're looking for someone fun but who will still get the job done, look no further. I have completed five years at Winona State University with a major in Mass Communications - Advertising. I have an Individualized Studies minor that focuses on Photography and the Fine Arts. This means I can create anything you can dream of through copy and design. I can brainstorm like Tesla and create like Warhol, making the design and copy sing like the croons of Sinatra. I would love to work my way towards being a creative director working harmoniously with the design and copy writing team to help brand new clients and to strengthen the brands of veteran clients."
"Thank you for considering to add me to your team roster. If you're looking for someone fun but who will still get the job done, look no further. I have completed five years at Winona State University with a major in Mass Communications - Advertising. I have an Individualized Studies minor that focuses on Photography and the Fine Arts. This means I can create anything you can dream of through copy and design. I can brainstorm like Tesla and create like Warhol, making the design and copy sing like the croons of Sinatra. I would love to work my way towards being a creative director working harmoniously with the design and copy writing team to help brand new clients and to strengthen the brands of veteran clients."
Rock Bottom Brewery: The Champagne of Beers
When I was a wine snob, I always said, "Sparkling wine is not the same as Champagne." It was my thing. After trying Rock Bottom Brewery beers, I was hooked. Now, I always say "A beer is not the same as a Rock Bottom Beer." It's my new thing.
Rock Bottom Brewery: Turning wine snobs into beer snobs.
Rock Bottom Brewery: Turning wine snobs into beer snobs.
Bic Pen: Bic Won't Put a Stain on Your Day
This stain means more than just another ruined shirt. Now you'll be late to meetings, your boss will be angry with you (again), and when you get home, you get to deal with the hassle of removing that big, nasty stain. All because you used that free pen you got from your buddy the other day.
Bic pens contain an ink that does not clog or leak. Quit ruining your shirts. Start using Bic.
Bic pens contain an ink that does not clog or leak. Quit ruining your shirts. Start using Bic.
Edina Realty: #REDefine Your Nine to Five
I'm Sara, and I am an Edina Realtor®, but selling homes isn't my life. When I'm not finding the perfect home for your family, I'm testing out my new recipe! Whether it's something I find off of Pinterest or a creation of my own, my job never interferes, it defines it.
Do what you love, while doing a job you enjoy at Edina Realty.
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I'm Doug, and I am an Edina Realtor®, but that's not all I am. I am also a drummer for a band, as well as the drummer for my local church. I do more with my life than just my job. Being a Realtor® helped me redefine my life, instead of stopping it.
Do what you love, while doing a job you enjoy at Edina Realty.
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I'm John, and I am an Edina Realtor®. I am also a recent graduate and a fishing enthusiast. Working a full time job and having student loans does not stop me from doing the things I love. Being a Realtor® opened up my dreams and made them a reality.
Do what you love, while doing a job you enjoy at Edina Realty.
Do what you love, while doing a job you enjoy at Edina Realty.
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I'm Doug, and I am an Edina Realtor®, but that's not all I am. I am also a drummer for a band, as well as the drummer for my local church. I do more with my life than just my job. Being a Realtor® helped me redefine my life, instead of stopping it.
Do what you love, while doing a job you enjoy at Edina Realty.
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I'm John, and I am an Edina Realtor®. I am also a recent graduate and a fishing enthusiast. Working a full time job and having student loans does not stop me from doing the things I love. Being a Realtor® opened up my dreams and made them a reality.
Do what you love, while doing a job you enjoy at Edina Realty.
Edina Realty: Look #BeyondTheFence
Look. You don't have to do this by yourself. We are here to guide you through the process. We understand how difficult it can be to let go of your home, your safe place. It protected you, sheltered your family, but now, it is time to move on. Empty rooms are just that: empty rooms; the memories will always be in your heart.
Trust Edina Realty to take care of all of your listing, selling, and purchasing needs. Edina's full service agency covers Realty, Mortgage, Title, Insurance, and Warranties. Find us online or download our app.
Trust Edina Realty to take care of all of your listing, selling, and purchasing needs. Edina's full service agency covers Realty, Mortgage, Title, Insurance, and Warranties. Find us online or download our app.
Tide: Radio Script
ANNCR: You can get a hold of a sponge to clean the dishes. You can get a hold of a dust wand to clean your shelves. You can get a hold of a mop and mop your floors. You can get a hold of your laundry and throw it in the washing machine. What you can't do is grab the fresh, clean smell that exists after you clean. The closest you can get to capturing the clean scent is lathering yourself in your freshly washed laundry.
SFX: Soft ocean breeze behind announcers next lines.
ANNCR: Tide is introducing their new scent, "Clean Breeze", and it is sure to make your laundry smell good. Go ahead. Get a hold of Tide's new scent.
SFX: Soft ocean breeze behind announcers next lines.
ANNCR: Tide is introducing their new scent, "Clean Breeze", and it is sure to make your laundry smell good. Go ahead. Get a hold of Tide's new scent.
Vision Design Group - Blog Entry: LinkedIn
What NOT To Do On LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the number one business social media platform. Over 94% of recruiters are active on LinkedIn, but only 36% of job seekers are, which means you really want to stand out in the crowd.
Take the time to perfect your profile!
If you are doing any of the five things below, you are greatly decreasing the chances that a potential employer is going to look at your profile:
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Problem: Not including a profile image.
- Not having an image will make your profile seem incomplete. If someone happens to look at your profile and it seems complete without the photo, then you come off as too lazy to upload a jpeg, and, well, no one wants to hire a lazy person.
Solution: Upload a profile photo!
- If you do not have a professional mug shot, get one. LinkedIn is not the place for your “selfies” (unless you are legitimately taking a business self portrait) or pictures where you looked good at the party the night before. Remember, LinkedIn is where potential employers are looking for people who are professional!
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Problem: Botching your professional headline.
- Being generic is not going to reflect your value. If you are teacher, say what kind of teacher you are. If you are a therapist, state what kind of therapist you are. Employers want to know what value you will add to their company, and these 120 characters are either a great or not-so-great first impression.
Solution: Be straightforward
- Use your 120 characters at the top of your profile to be straightforward about what it is that you do. If you are a student, there are many clever ways to say “Aspiring [Insert desired career here]” (those words work as well).
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Problem: Not including adequate information.
- Not having your summary filled out will immediately turn a potential employer off. They are looking at your profile because they want to know more about you, and if you don’t give them that opportunity, they will move on to someone who does. This same concept goes for your experience, education, and more.
Solution: Fill out the information fields!
- Think of your LinkedIn as an online resume. When you send in a resume you are informing the business of how you can benefit their business through your education, experience, and more. If your LinkedIn reflects your values, more potential employers will be keeping an eye on your profile.
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Problem: Lying on your profile.
- Lying is grounds for firing. I’m pretty sure you didn’t make a LinkedIn to get fired, so don’t lie.
Solution: Turn lies into aspirations.
- If you are lying about your qualifications, stop. If you are not qualified to do something, express your interest in becoming qualified. Potential employers realize that people are not perfect and you may not have every qualification down pat, but if you show that you are open-minded and willing to learn, you just greatly increased your chances of getting hired.
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Problem: Using the LinkedIn default messages.
- This goes back to the first point: Don’t be lazy! If you think that standard note is okay, remember this: Potential employers, and pretty much all other LinkedIn users, know what the standard messages are because they, themselves, have seen them.
Solution: Be personable.
- Remember what makes you unique? You being you. This doesn’t change in the professional world. Take a few seconds to change those default messages into messages that reflect your tone and personality. A little bit goes a long ways!
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Remember, the best person you can be is yourself! LinkedIn is a platform for you to utilize to show potential employers what only you can bring to the table.
If you think of other LinkedIn "Don'ts" feel free to share in the comments!
LinkedIn is the number one business social media platform. Over 94% of recruiters are active on LinkedIn, but only 36% of job seekers are, which means you really want to stand out in the crowd.
Take the time to perfect your profile!
If you are doing any of the five things below, you are greatly decreasing the chances that a potential employer is going to look at your profile:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem: Not including a profile image.
- Not having an image will make your profile seem incomplete. If someone happens to look at your profile and it seems complete without the photo, then you come off as too lazy to upload a jpeg, and, well, no one wants to hire a lazy person.
Solution: Upload a profile photo!
- If you do not have a professional mug shot, get one. LinkedIn is not the place for your “selfies” (unless you are legitimately taking a business self portrait) or pictures where you looked good at the party the night before. Remember, LinkedIn is where potential employers are looking for people who are professional!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem: Botching your professional headline.
- Being generic is not going to reflect your value. If you are teacher, say what kind of teacher you are. If you are a therapist, state what kind of therapist you are. Employers want to know what value you will add to their company, and these 120 characters are either a great or not-so-great first impression.
Solution: Be straightforward
- Use your 120 characters at the top of your profile to be straightforward about what it is that you do. If you are a student, there are many clever ways to say “Aspiring [Insert desired career here]” (those words work as well).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem: Not including adequate information.
- Not having your summary filled out will immediately turn a potential employer off. They are looking at your profile because they want to know more about you, and if you don’t give them that opportunity, they will move on to someone who does. This same concept goes for your experience, education, and more.
Solution: Fill out the information fields!
- Think of your LinkedIn as an online resume. When you send in a resume you are informing the business of how you can benefit their business through your education, experience, and more. If your LinkedIn reflects your values, more potential employers will be keeping an eye on your profile.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem: Lying on your profile.
- Lying is grounds for firing. I’m pretty sure you didn’t make a LinkedIn to get fired, so don’t lie.
Solution: Turn lies into aspirations.
- If you are lying about your qualifications, stop. If you are not qualified to do something, express your interest in becoming qualified. Potential employers realize that people are not perfect and you may not have every qualification down pat, but if you show that you are open-minded and willing to learn, you just greatly increased your chances of getting hired.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem: Using the LinkedIn default messages.
- This goes back to the first point: Don’t be lazy! If you think that standard note is okay, remember this: Potential employers, and pretty much all other LinkedIn users, know what the standard messages are because they, themselves, have seen them.
Solution: Be personable.
- Remember what makes you unique? You being you. This doesn’t change in the professional world. Take a few seconds to change those default messages into messages that reflect your tone and personality. A little bit goes a long ways!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember, the best person you can be is yourself! LinkedIn is a platform for you to utilize to show potential employers what only you can bring to the table.
If you think of other LinkedIn "Don'ts" feel free to share in the comments!
Vision Design Group - Blog Entry: CBA
The Importance of Cost Benefit Analysis
Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is a technique used to compare the total costs of a project with its benefits. This allows a business to calculate the net cost with the project.
This technique should be used at the start of a project when not everything is set in stone. The technique can help a business decide which course to take with a new project by analyzing each option and allowing the business to see which one would work best. The best part of this technique is that in its evaluation of approaches, it also will evaluate the overall impact of the project in a term we can all understand: Money.
How It Works
Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is a technique used to compare the total costs of a project with its benefits. This allows a business to calculate the net cost with the project.
This technique should be used at the start of a project when not everything is set in stone. The technique can help a business decide which course to take with a new project by analyzing each option and allowing the business to see which one would work best. The best part of this technique is that in its evaluation of approaches, it also will evaluate the overall impact of the project in a term we can all understand: Money.
How It Works
- Compare the net present value (NPV) of the project's costs with the NPV of the project's benefits.
- Reduce the value of future costs or benefits to place them on a par with the costs and benefits incurred today.
- The sum of the discounted benefits minus the sum of the discounted costs (step 2) equals the NPV of the option you are calculating.
- CBA should be used for any project that involves policy development, capital expenditure, use of assets, or setting of standards.
- The best CBA take a broad view of costs and benefits to ensure the CBA is as comprehensive as possible.
- CBA gives proper recognition to public preferences and consideration should be given to understand the public good and how the public good is best served.
- It is critical to begin with an extensive list of all the different costs and benefits that are POSSIBLE, not just those your business is going to use.
Vision Design Group - Blog Entry: YouTube
Should Your Business Have a YouTube Channel?
If you haven't started a YouTube channel for your business, you may want to think about it.
You don't need to be a YouTube celebrity, or have super duper amazing video editing skills for your YouTube channel to be successful, so sit back and relax and we'll tell you what you need to know.
One of the most popular online activities, because it is relaxing, is watching videos; and when you think watching videos online, you think YouTube.
You Can Measure Your Audience Activity
The beautiful thing about having videos on YouTube versus playing an ad on television is that you know you have an active audience online. People have to click on your video to watch it, so you know that there is active participation being done by your audience. You can also tell how much of the video your audience watches, which may give you insight on what you need to do to make your next video that much better. Google, who owns YouTube, makes it so easy for businesses to see how effective their advertisements and/or videos are on YouTube by measuring unique clicks, overall clicks, the amount of time watched, and more. On another plus side, let's say you don't have enough room in your budget one month for advertising on YouTube, but you have it in your budget the next month. That's perfectly okay because YouTube let's you "pay as you go" to allow you to fit your videos into your budget with ease. It's such an easy medium to use, that any business should be asking themselves "Why NOT have a YouTube channel."
YouTube has over 15 billion videos streaming every month, and 35 hours of video being uploaded every hour. This can be a great thing for your company, or an obstacle.
Here are some tips to stand out from your competition:
If you haven't started a YouTube channel for your business, you may want to think about it.
You don't need to be a YouTube celebrity, or have super duper amazing video editing skills for your YouTube channel to be successful, so sit back and relax and we'll tell you what you need to know.
One of the most popular online activities, because it is relaxing, is watching videos; and when you think watching videos online, you think YouTube.
You Can Measure Your Audience Activity
The beautiful thing about having videos on YouTube versus playing an ad on television is that you know you have an active audience online. People have to click on your video to watch it, so you know that there is active participation being done by your audience. You can also tell how much of the video your audience watches, which may give you insight on what you need to do to make your next video that much better. Google, who owns YouTube, makes it so easy for businesses to see how effective their advertisements and/or videos are on YouTube by measuring unique clicks, overall clicks, the amount of time watched, and more. On another plus side, let's say you don't have enough room in your budget one month for advertising on YouTube, but you have it in your budget the next month. That's perfectly okay because YouTube let's you "pay as you go" to allow you to fit your videos into your budget with ease. It's such an easy medium to use, that any business should be asking themselves "Why NOT have a YouTube channel."
YouTube has over 15 billion videos streaming every month, and 35 hours of video being uploaded every hour. This can be a great thing for your company, or an obstacle.
Here are some tips to stand out from your competition:
- Create Compelling Videos
Figure out who your audience is and target the video to your audience. Tell them what they need to know about your business, whether that means you are talking about a new product or service, giving instructions on how to assemble a product, or you're answering frequently asked questions, all of your videos need to fulfill a need that your target audience has. - Make Your Video Findable
Make sure the title of your video contains keywords, and make sure the description of your video has the full URL in it and has many descriptive key words as possible (without sounding like you're trying). Also be sure to include tags on your video. Remember, Google owns YouTube and this can be a huge advantage for your company. - Brand Your YouTube Channel
You want your YouTube channel to look like your business. Use the same coloring and imagery as on your business's website to ensure your audience is becoming familiar with your brand. You also want to set up your channel so that you are in the "Player View" layout and have your video so that it automatically plays when people click onto your channel. The more clicks you have, the easier it will be for people to find your video. While you're at it, go ahead and set up playlists. Organization and a branded look give your YouTube channel, and thus your business, more credibility. - Use Annotations to Build Subscribers
This one you want to be careful with. We advice you only putting one annotation that has a clickable link to your website at the beginning of the video, and one at the end. If you put too many, your video becomes to "sales-pitchy" and crowded, and people are going to lose interest. - Post a Bulletin
At the top of your channel page is a Post Bulletin tab. This is a great way to drive traffic to your channel and it is super easy. All you have to do is link your video into a new bulletin and it will play on your subscribers' and friends' home pages. - Use YouTube Ads
Posting a video is free, and while there is the chance of you bursting into YouTube stardom, you will do much better off investing in YouTube advertising. You can make your video a "Call to Action" video, or a CTA, which will play at the beginning of other videos, and it is clickable which will lead viewers right to your channel. - Remember to Share
YouTube is a great source, and a great way to get more views is to share it on other types of social media your business utilizes. Post it on your Facebook page, Twitter, in a blog, wherever it fits. - Look at Your Insights
Remember how we said you can measure how much people are watching? Make sure to look at your YouTube insights to see this measurement and more that will help you understand how to improve your YouTube Channel, and possibly other areas of your business.
Vision Design Group - Blog Entry: Generational Marketing
Generational Marketing: Improving Your Sales
We always hear about how consumers today are different than consumers of yesteryears. How true is this, and if it is true, how can companies adapt to ever-changing consumer audiences?
The answer? Generational marketing.
By looking at each generation as its own target audience, companies are sure to find that each generation has unique, marketable traits. If a company successfully targets a specific generation, that generation will look at your company as a primary source for the product or service you are providing.
Successful Generational-Targeted Business Strategies
Let's take a look at what major corporations have successfully targeted Millennials (also known as Generation Y and includes those born from 1982-2000).
Wendy's and McDonald's, two very large fast-food chains, have conducted research that shows that Millennials are trying to be healthier, but still want convenience. Wendy's responded to this research by launching the Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger, with the pretzel bun being a healthier option than their normal hamburger buns, and McDonald's started creating healthier menu options, such as chicken snack wraps, with lower calories and new ingredients that give the food a more luxurious feel. This all sounds great, and makes sense according to the research, but what we all want to know is, did it work?
Wendy's pretzel bun increased their yearly revenue from $636.3 million last year to $640.8 million. McDonald's gives credit to their healthier breakfast items, chicken snack wraps and coffee for their 27% increase in sales in their third quarter in 2014. Think about it. That's huge.
How Can this Benefit My Business?
Now we're sure you are probably thinking, "Okay. How can my business utilize generational marketing?"
A great way to start appealing to younger generations, especially Millennials who are gaining the purchasing power, is to make sure your business has a website that is fresh, modern, and is mobile optimized, as 75% of Millennials trust their mobile devices for shopping and 73% of Millennials are transacting directly from their mobile devices.
We always hear about how consumers today are different than consumers of yesteryears. How true is this, and if it is true, how can companies adapt to ever-changing consumer audiences?
The answer? Generational marketing.
By looking at each generation as its own target audience, companies are sure to find that each generation has unique, marketable traits. If a company successfully targets a specific generation, that generation will look at your company as a primary source for the product or service you are providing.
Successful Generational-Targeted Business Strategies
Let's take a look at what major corporations have successfully targeted Millennials (also known as Generation Y and includes those born from 1982-2000).
Wendy's and McDonald's, two very large fast-food chains, have conducted research that shows that Millennials are trying to be healthier, but still want convenience. Wendy's responded to this research by launching the Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger, with the pretzel bun being a healthier option than their normal hamburger buns, and McDonald's started creating healthier menu options, such as chicken snack wraps, with lower calories and new ingredients that give the food a more luxurious feel. This all sounds great, and makes sense according to the research, but what we all want to know is, did it work?
Wendy's pretzel bun increased their yearly revenue from $636.3 million last year to $640.8 million. McDonald's gives credit to their healthier breakfast items, chicken snack wraps and coffee for their 27% increase in sales in their third quarter in 2014. Think about it. That's huge.
How Can this Benefit My Business?
Now we're sure you are probably thinking, "Okay. How can my business utilize generational marketing?"
A great way to start appealing to younger generations, especially Millennials who are gaining the purchasing power, is to make sure your business has a website that is fresh, modern, and is mobile optimized, as 75% of Millennials trust their mobile devices for shopping and 73% of Millennials are transacting directly from their mobile devices.