Christmas shopping – Improved product visibility on Google

Posted on October 28, 2011 by graham

The Google Shopping Channel has recently updated their merchant policy, so webmasters serious about this online sales channel must meet the new guidelines.

Increasingly, users shopping online refer to Google product search and it can account for as much as 35% of natural traffic for some ecommerce websites, therefore it’s an important part of your marketing strategy.

Google will reward you with a higher position in the search engine for your important products if you address certain areas.

If you’re seeking a competitive edge in the search engine result pages (SERPS), for that all important first page presence, it is worth a chat!

With the fight for business this Christmas, it’s worth putting in the effort, now!

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Exhibitions, precious moments, chance encounter,now flying the world

Posted on October 28, 2011 by graham

Exhibitions are an immensely valuable marketing and business development tool. They need to be used properly. There are few occasions to speak to lots of customers at a time when they want to be spoken to. You only get one chance – to attract, stop and interface
with the buyer, so you need to grab it.

One client has now got product on flights with one of the world”s major airline brands, – it started from a tenth of a second contact!

For some further insight into increased trade through exhibitions, we are always happy to talk.

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Marketing and Sales Hub – ”The Hot Loft”

Posted on October 24, 2011 by rfmblogadmin

High value, lower cost offering.

We now have a team of owner managed specialists all under one roof – design and graphics, sharp search engine optimisation, press and publicity, market and customer research, sales training and sales planning, IT marketing infrastructures, export sales, exhibition and event planning, all project managed by an experienced Marketing Director.

High value – the virtual team are all specialists in their area who can hit the ground running and get it right first time. They are all owner managers so give huge attention to detail.  When added to a lower cost base, this provides a powerful solution.

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Hiding your light – the best kept secret

Posted on October 24, 2011 by rfmblogadmin

One of our clients, a very clever and technically gifted company deal with  -Take That,  Oasis, Sir Paul McCartney, Kings of Leon, Prince,  Bob Dylan, Pink

He has worked at O2  London, Wembley, Hampden, T In The Park Chelsea Flower Show to name a few.  He owns the organisation that build the broadband and the IT infrastructure that allows the artists to perform and us to view, message and communicate as required at these venues.  At today’s ticket prices, you cannot get it wrong, it has to be right first time!

Does he tell anyone?  No!
How many great companies do we have out there that do not work on getting the message out?

This of course is always a Friday afternoon job.  That is why so many companies will outsource or recruit their own Marketing Manager.  At least when it is outsourced, it is delivered every single week! Marketing – One of the keys to growth in business these days.

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Stakeholder Research – tips and techniques for building partnerships

Posted on October 24, 2011 by rfmblogadmin

At the heart of all successful organisations lies the knowledge and an intimate understanding of customers and stakeholders thoughts and perceptions.  It is vital that strategies are put in place to measure and evaluate these thoughts and perceptions.

Such market research information  can be gathered in a variety of ways depending on the number of customers and the nature of the relationship.  If there are only a few individuals or the nature of the relationship is complex then a number of depth interviews may be the best way of finding out what they really think of you. However, if you have a lot of contacts and the relationship is simpler then tracking their opinions in greater numbers online or by telephone may be the most appropriate approach.

Not only will we at RFM Research be able to suggest the most appropriate route for you to follow, but our expertise in marketing and customer satisfaction studies will add value when we process the results.  We will be able to make recommendations which will improve your customer relations, commercial relationships and partnerships.

 

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Dynamic sales skills and internal marketing

Posted on October 19, 2011 by rfmblogadmin

In a period when everyone is looking at costs and maximising the use of their assets, ask yourself these questions:

  • How good are the MD, Directors, team members at – closing sales, handling price objections, link selling, sales farming, customer engagement.
  • Investing in the skills set of your people is crucial.

We have a number of examples of increasing business opportunity directly by upskilling personnel.  There are often training grants available to help this depending on the area of the country you live in.

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Drinks sector example – rebranding to shape the future

Posted on October 19, 2011 by rfmblogadmin

A recent survey has revealed that young consumers are shunning traditional tea – understanding the motivations, likes and dislikes of the next band of consumers is important.  It helps to shape your future.

Budweiser has been given a facelift – its 12th re-design since the brand became available in cans in 1936.  12 redesigns in 75 years works out at one every 6 years.  Rebranding is important to keep your business fresh but, it should be a representation of your key attributes and therefore requires quite a lot of thought and planning at the outset.

Marks & Spencer announced it is to roll out a raft of drinks between 0 per cent and 10 per cent abv to tap into the growing demand for lighter, lower-alcohol wine and related products. Changing demand again.

In an ever shifting economy, adjusting the offering to the market is a never ending and essential job.  Marketing and selling ability is absolutely key to the growth and sustainability of companies in tough times.  Instilling the skills in house is a must and cannot be ignored.

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New post – David Primrose – Director of Market Research

Posted on October 19, 2011 by rfmblogadmin
David Primrose Market Research

David Primrose Joins RFM from George Street Research

One of Scotland’s most respected Market Researchers has now joined forces with RFM Research to strengthen the research element of the business and be more pro active in this area.  David Primrose, a Chartered Marketer and a Member of the Market Research Society of Great Britain joins us from George Street Research of Edinburgh, where he was a Director for 7 years.  His recent experience includes work in Retail, Finance, Stakeholder Research, Professional Services and a variety of public sector organisations.
RFM Research delivers the full range of market research services to businesses across a variety of sectors throughout the UK, Ireland and overseas.   Past clients of RFM Research will be contacted by David.
For any research queries, contact david.primrose@rfm.co.uk.

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Exhibitions – following up the leads

Posted on October 7, 2011 by rfmblogadmin

Just interfaced with a company about the exhibitions programme and how to be more effective.  At shows they speak to lots of people, gather names of people with an interest in the very wide range of products they offer.  Are the leads followed up?  Mm no.

This does seem slightly odd, but nonetheless a fact.

 

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Improve revenues and examine customer satisfaction

Posted on October 7, 2011 by rfmblogadmin

Adjust to what the customers are saying – 68% of customers do not give a company repeat business because of employee attitude. (Adams six sigma)

Customer satisfaction applies in our business to business relationships as much as it does in a consumer setting. Often repeat business from a small group of business customers is even more important.  The stakes are higher so there is an even greater need to address this topic.

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