(Rockford, IL) … KMK Media Group, Inc is working with Rochelle Community Hospital to create a series of videos introducing the hospital’s healthcare workers to the community. The first video features nurse practitioner Stephanie Crawford, who grew up in the area and returned to serve her community through the Family Healthcare Clinic. Future videos will continue to highlight the breadth of services residents can access in Rochelle and will be found on the RCH website as well as their social media channels. The current video introducing Stephanie Crawford can be found at https://www.rochellehospital.com/find-a-provider/stephaniecrawford/.

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning woman-owned marketing firm specializing in website development, graphic design, public relations, advertising campaigns, and social media marketing. www.kmkmedia.com.

Doesn’t it pique your curiosity? Where is it going to take you? We know them as QR codes or Quick Response Codes, those funny patterned squares used to lead the viewer to a website, social media page or even a menu at a restaurant. It’s free, convenient, and easy, mostly because the majority of the world’s population has the ability to use them with their cell phones.

When they were first introduced an app on your phone needed to be downloaded. Eventually, as they became more popular the app became obsolete and the camera on your phone could capture them and take you to the online destination.

So, how does a QR code work?

The large corner squares tell your device it’s a QR Code and all the little squares (or dots if you prefer) are 3-digit binary codes of each part of the URL you want to link to. For example one small portion will read as Code 000, another 001 then 010 and so on.

Anyone can create one by logging on to sites like: https://www.qrcode-monkey.com/ and placing the URL of your choice in the space needed. The URL can be from anything found on the internet: favorite video clip on social media, your Etsy craft shop,  a favorite restaurant, website, email, even your phone number! But wait there’s more!

Social media is a great way to advertise your business and with 1.86 billion active users a month on Facebook alone, it’s no longer optional, but essential. However, if you’ve fallen into the rut of simply pushing out posts about your products or services, you’re doing social media wrong.

The beauty of social media is that it allows you to interact and engage with your audience while showing off your brand’s personality. Posts show up in the same place where people get daily updates from friends and family. Keeping your social media content conversational will help customers see you as personable and engender deeper brand loyalty. Keeping a consistent voice for your brand is important. Here are a few ways to inject your feed with a little joy while still staying on message!

1. Get “Real” in Stories: Most of the time, companies fall into a routine with their social media marketing because they find it overwhelming. From new platforms to new features, it can feel impossible to keep up with current trends. But you don’t need to become a TikTok star to have some fun. Leverage stories (on Instagram and/or Facebook) to show quick, behind-the-scenes looks at your company culture. Have a fun snack at your staff meeting? Throw it into your story. Get a shipment of a cool new product? Film an unboxing. The best part is that stories are only visible for 24 hours, so it removes the pressure of the post needing to “look right” or fit in with your overall feed. Once you loosen your expectations, you open yourself up to creativity!

2. Make a Day of It: It may seem annoying that every little thing gets its own day, but for social media content creation, it’s a godsend. Looking up a list of national days at the beginning of each month is a super simple way to plan out some easy, light content. Find a day that fits in with your brand and the post practically writes itself. Check out this post KMK created for Butitta Brothers in honor of Rocky Road Day for proof of how easy content creation can be.

3. Flex Your Funny Bone: It may or may not be true that the internet was created for the sole purpose of sharing funny memes. And even if that’s not true, it’s still a popular activity. Get in on the action with some memes that relate to your industry. You can search for pre-made memes (just be sure to credit the creator) or you can create your own. Creating a meme is as easy as finding a popular celebrity photo and adding your own text. Check out the Girlboss feed for a masterclass.

4. Put a Ring on It (AKA Engage): Social media is the best chance to speak directly to your customers. So treat it like an actual conversation and respond! If someone takes the time to comment on your post, reply. Not only will more comments boost your post’s visibility, but the more you act like a human being, the more your customers will think of you like one and treat you accordingly. And you don’t need to wait for someone else to make the first move. Go ahead and follow your followers, engage with their content and see if they return the favor (they probably will). Doing so results in wins all around and the forging of a loyal bond. And people buy from people and companies they like and can relate to.

The bottom line is, although most companies view social media as a vital marketing tool (which it is), don’t forget it started as a means to socialize. Do you want to be the boring person at the party who can only talk about work? Of course not. So, have some fun! 

(Rockford, IL) June 7, 2022… KMK Media Group, a marketing communications firm in Rockford, IL designed marketing materials and organized a press conference with the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to announce the 2023 Midwestern & Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships.

KMK designed a custom logo, six large-scale signs and skater silhouettes measuring 4’ x 6’. They also invited the press and handled all organization of this exciting announcement.

The sectionals will be held January 23 - 29 at BMO Harris Bank Center. The event is expected to generate $2.1 million in economic activity.

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning woman-owned marketing firm specializing in website development, graphic design, public relations, advertising campaigns and social media marketing. www.kmkmedia.com.

The digital world is the new norm and how it evolves affects everyone in various ways, especially businesses. Over the past year, Hootsuite and We Are Social compiled an overview called the “Digital 2022 Global Overview Report,” detailing all things digital including social media, search engines, e-commerce, online ads, and more. This “must-know data” is key to what agencies like ours interpret and use in giving our clients the best digital strategies to fit their needs and target audience.

Intrigued about key digital takeaways over the past year? Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know:

The continued rise in social media users: Social media users have risen 10.1% over the last year. There are now 4.62 billion people using social media around the world. With the increase in social media users skyrocketing year after year, it is important for your business to use the right platform to reach its audience. Your audience is there, and your competitors are there, too.

The continued rise in social media advertising: In 2021, the global social media advertising spending (USD) was $154 billion, which is $23 billion more than it was in 2020. One-third (33.1%) came from Facebook. Facebook is currently the world’s most used social platform. Features like Ad Manager make advertising on social media reliable and trackable. Despite tightening marketing budgets in the face of the pandemic, businesses continued to put more money into social media ads. More than half of the 18,100 marketers who contributed to the social trends 2022 report said they’re planning to increase their paid spending in 2022.

Results driven by an analytical overview show that brand awareness on Facebook greatly impacts a company’s ROI. Therefore, it may be time to put your company’s Facebook to use and begin paid ads.

(Rockford, IL)  May 23, 2022…KMK Media Group developed and launched a new website for the North Suburban Library District at www.northsuburbanlibrary.org.  With locations in Loves Park and Roscoe, NSLD provides the community with critical resources and programs for adults, teens and children. With a fun, colorful palette, the new website highlights all their amazing services - like a searchable online book database, resources to help students with homework, reading suggestions for all ages and much more!

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning, woman-owned marketing firm specializing in web site development, graphic design, public relations, marketing, ad campaigns and social media marketing. www.kmkmedia.com.

Twenty years ago, it wasn’t unheard of for a business to exist (and even succeed) without an online presence. The ubiquitous nature of the internet has made that very untrue today and in 2022, having an outdated website is almost as bad as having no website at all. If you grudgingly created a website in 2002 and haven’t updated the style since this blog is for you.

1. White Space/Minimalism

With modern websites, less is more. A minimalistic design puts the spotlight on your product or message and looks clean and professional. The easiest way to incorporate that design into your website is by using white space to visually organize your elements like images, content and calls to action. Pro tip: white space doesn’t need to be white! Any color can be used to create some breathing room on your site.

2. Scroll Effects

Scroll effects are an easy way to make your content interactive. They include:

• Parallax Scrolling – The background changes as you scroll.
• Scroll-Triggered Animations – animations pop up as you scroll, but everything else stays the same.
• Horizontal Scrolling – Your pages move right and left rather than up and down.
• Infinite Scrolling – Your page scrolls in a loop so when you reach the bottom you’re starting at the top again.

3. Bold Colors

Ensure your website color scheme matches your brand's tone but keep it bold to grab attention and make your brand instantly recognizable.

4. Large Typography

Who needs pictures when you can make your content look like art? Pick a unique (but still easy to read) font that will become instantly recognizable as your brand and make your name the focal point of your homepage!

There’s no doubt that social media is where the majority of students spend their free time. So why not put their passion for the digital world to use? Fortunately, a platform called Class Intercom has created a way for students to create compelling content and safely share it to help promote their school on social media. This platform’s goal is to provide schools with solutions to engage students in social media creation, create a curriculum, and open communication. 

The office doorbell rang, and I answered the door. It was a young college student (aren’t they all young?) applying for a summer website internship position. He introduced himself in a calm matter and I offered him a seat while I informed my boss of his arrival. I admired him for his calmness and for the many meetings he will have in the future. Being interviewed can be scary and if you are unaware of what to do or not to do…read on.

Our company hired this great applicant but some of the others who didn’t make the cut made the mistake of making these DON’T statements:

1. I don’t handle stress well.
2. I don’t really want to do web development; I want to develop apps.
3. I don’t know what I want to do after graduation.
4. I don’t multi-task well and I procrastinate.

These applicants forgot the simple fact that an internship is still an investment of time for the employer, not just the employee and you work for them, not them for you. An employer wants someone who will do what it takes to get the job done with a smile.

As scary as an interview maybe it is also an opportunity to see if it may be suitable for you. Are the employer and employees a right fit for you or your personality? Is the position what you were expecting? Will it give you a chance to grow? My first interview out of college gave me insight when it began like this:

 “Okay,” the interviewer began. He turned off the lights and turned on a spotlight above me. “Don’t feel nervous,” he said with a bit of seriousness, “We are just going to ask you a few questions.” Then he chuckled a little, turned on the lights and said, “Just kidding. We are trying to lighten the mood a little. You’re fine.” Talk about terrifying.

The great philosopher Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Great words to live by and used as a goal to reach by many.

Do you enjoy what you do every day? Is what you do for a living a career or a job? What’s the difference? Here’s the dictionary’s definition:

Job: a piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price.

Career: success in a profession, occupation, etc. often requiring special training, followed as one's lifework.

My mother always told me, “Choose an occupation you will enjoy, not just for the money.” Of course when you are young, it’s always the money first and happiness will follow. (Right?) It took me years to discover the great wisdom of my mother’s words.

(Rockford, IL) … KMK Media Group, Inc worked with the Winnebago County Heath Department to create a trio of videos aimed at educating parents on the importance of oral health for pregnant mothers, babies and toddlers. The videos will be beneficial to community parents for years to come and will be promoted on social media and other digital media outlets.

The Winnebago County Health Department provides services designed to protect, promote and maintain the health of Winnebago County residents.

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning woman-owned marketing firm specializing in website development, graphic design, public relations, advertising campaigns, and social media marketing.

(Rockford, IL) … KMK Media Group, Inc. was hired by the International Women’s Baseball Center to assist with marketing for capital campaign fundraising efforts.

The International Women’s Baseball Center is planned for Beyer Field in Rockford and will include an activity center and museum with a goal to protect, preserve, and promote all aspects of women’s baseball, both on and off the field. The facility will also honor the historic Rockford Peaches women’s baseball team.  The IWBC strives to inspire the next generation of players and sports enthusiasts while paying homage to the historic Rockford Peaches women’s baseball team.  Learn more at https://www.internationalwomensbaseballcenter.org/.

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning woman-owned marketing firm specializing in website development, graphic design, public relations, advertising campaigns, and social media marketing. www.kmkmedia.com.

Podcasting ­­­­— what was once a niche market has exploded into popular culture in a huge way. In 2022 you likely know at least one person who hosts a podcast. If not, hello! My name is Devin and I host a podcast. And now my point is made.

The same reasons everyone from your neighbor to your mechanic can host a podcast apply to businesses as well – its easy, relatively inexpensive and fun! In fact, when it comes to businesses, podcasts are one of the easiest and most effective marketing tools. From a Forbes article on the benefits of podcasting –

“You can’t demonstrate your credibility without sharing your expertise, and by sharing your expertise you become helpful. You become valuable for your listeners,” explains Stephen Woessner on his podcast Onward Nation, a daily podcast for business owners. “It’s much more likely you can then develop a business relationship from someone in your audience when you’ve established your credibility.”

But where do you start? We have compiled a checklist of everything you need before you jump into the podcasting world. The below is merely a jumping-off point, there are countless options and services when it comes to podcasting, but these are my recommendations for starting out.

Decisions to Make:

Sometimes a client requests a printed marketing piece in a “less than average” time frame. Sometimes we can do it and sometimes we can’t. What factors help us make that determination?

Due date: When do you need it in your hands? That triggers a process used by most creative firms to allow each individual on the “production tree” ample time to produce a satisfying end product. In the agency business, this is what’s involved:

Printer (Rush: 3-4 days at a minimum, dependent upon size and quantity):  Select your printer. Ask them how much time they need from time of receipt of the file to final printing and delivery. Confirm the proper dimensions, paper available and any additional needs (folding, perforation, etc.). For rush jobs, they may have to readjust their schedule by pushing other work back to accommodate your timeline and that could result in extra fees.

Copywriting/Editing (Rush: 1-4 days):  The writer needs information from the client for content or direction on how it should be written or what needs to be included. After the content is written, it’s submitted to the client for review and reworked, as needed. Upon approval, the designer receives the copy to flow into the layout. 

Design (Rush: 3-5 days at a minimum):  Is the necessary information ready and provided to the designer: approved copy, photography to be used, desired dimensions and logo or branding information. If in a rush, a designer who has the dimensions and general information can create a basic layout with “dummy” text and photos as fillers for when the real stuff comes in. Designing “on the fly” is challenging and not usually a good idea as the amount of creativity and number of revisions allowed may be sacrificed in the rush to complete the job within the timeframe desired.

(Rockford, IL)…KMK Media Group was hired by Hononegah High School to develop staff recruitment marketing materials including signage and collateral.

With an 89% graduation rate, Hononegah is a student-centered four-year high school serving 2,000 students in Northern Illinois and offering very attractive beginning compensation packages for new employees and teachers. Openings are listed on Hononegah.org. 

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning, woman-owned marketing firm specializing in web site development, graphic design, public relations, marketing, ad campaigns and social media marketing. www.kmkmedia.com.

(Rockford, IL)  March 3, 2022…Interested in having your band play at the Rockford Casino—a Hard Rock Opening Act?  Visit https://rockfordcasinobands.com to fill out an online form and submit your band for consideration. 

KMK Media Group, the Rockford-based marketing firm hired by the Rockford Casino, is accepting applications and booking regional musical groups interested in playing at various Hard Rock Rockford weekday and weekend events.

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning, woman-owned marketing firm specializing in web site development, graphic design, public relations, marketing, ad campaigns and social media marketing. www.kmkmedia.com.

(Rockford, IL) … KMK Media Group, Inc. was hired by Rochelle Community Hospital to manage social media marketing, public relations and video storytelling, communicating the impactful relationships and outcomes between the hospital’s providers and patients.

Rochelle Community Hospital is a leading rural community hospital, offering convenience combined with high-quality care to those it serves from its hospital, convenient care clinic, and health and wellness center.

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning woman-owned marketing firm specializing in web site development, graphic design, public relations, advertising campaigns and social media marketing. www.kmkmedia.com.

(Rockford, IL)  February 18, 2022…KMK Media Group developed and launched a new website for Alpha Controls & Services at www.alphaacs.com. The Rockford-based company installs and services building automation systems for companies across the Midwest, saving organizations money and increasing building efficiency. The new website details those advanced technologies plus training options and industry partners.

In business for more than two decades, KMK Media Group is an award-winning, woman-owned marketing firm specializing in web site development, graphic design, public relations, marketing, ad campaigns and social media marketing. www.kmkmedia.com.

Apparently, there was some sort of sports game on the other night…? I wouldn’t know. I was only there for the food, the halftime show and, of course, the commercials. Truly, unless you’re someone who genuinely “likes” football or lives in one of the represented cities, the only thing to look forward to on Super Bowl Sunday are the ads. This year, advertisers chose to largely ignore the upheaval in the NFL and the world at large and focus on funny, star-studded entertainment. Not all the swings were hits, but many were. Here are the top 10 (at least in the opinion of this humble marketing professional).

Rocket Mortgage, “Barbie’s Dream House”

Sometimes you need to laugh to keep from crying. Yes, the housing market is so competitive that even Barbie would struggle to buy her dream house, but through the undeniable charm of Anna Kendrick that ugly truth comes across as fun rather than soul-crushing. Plus, the idea of Barbie living next door to Skeletor? Priceless.

Inclusive Marketing may sound like the latest industry buzzword, but it’s actually the natural progression of what marketers have known for decades: if you’re trying to reach a particular group you need to appeal to who they are and what they like. Seems simple enough, yet time and again we have seen brands fumble in their delivery. Here are three tips for avoiding the common pitfalls of inclusive marketing.

1. Do Your Homework

The only thing worse than not being inclusive in your marketing is being inclusive in name only, without putting any actual effort into understanding and appealing to your target audience. If you or your team doesn’t have firsthand knowledge of your target customer group your priority should be market research. (It also might be time to look at why no one on your team can speak to certain demographic groups and consider making changes at a company-wide level).

Get to know your customers - what they want and how they want to be represented – before you start marketing to them. Thinking you understand a group without doing the actual work could land you in a PR crisis or worse. Remember when Pepsi tried to capitalize on the Black Lives Matter movement with… Kendall Jenner. Yeah, that did not go well.  Don’t be like Pepsi. Be better.

2. Create Realistic Content