In today's fast-paced digital world, marketing has become an essential component of any business strategy. Our team of marketing experts has years of experience helping businesses of all sizes achieve their marketing goals and is excited to share the best tips, strategies and tactics to help you succeed.
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:
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
(Rockford, IL) … On the heels of receiving state certification, KMK Media Group also received certification from the City of Rockford as a “Woman Business Enterprise” (WBE). The Rockford-based marketing firm is owned by Pam Maher and has been in business for 23 years.
KMK Media worked through a lengthy state application process in addition to paperwork from the City of Rockford to attain the minority business-owned designation. The firm’s certification covers public relations, ad agency services, marketing, graphic design, video production, website development and social media work.
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.
