Monthly Archive for November, 2008

Did Mac Users Decide Election ’08?

Ever wondered what computer operating system certain political parties prefer?

Probably not. But Market Share by Net Applications has gone out and retrieved that data so you can enjoy a more serene slumber.

Back in January, the Internet usage trend analysis company (try saying that three times fast!) compiled a map of the United States showing Apple’s market share by measuring the usage share of all Macintosh operating systems. Curiously, the map had a striking resemblance to the 2004 U.S. red/blue election map.

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It was only a matter of time, then, that the Market Share super sleuths decided to dissect Apple’s sales so far this year in order to predict how the swing states were trending for Mac share. And what did they come up with? Have a look-see.

Continue reading ‘Did Mac Users Decide Election ’08?’

Surprise! Oprah = Higher Open Rate

oprahemail1The results of a last-minute e-mail campaign earlier this month for client Sarabeth’s Kitchen just goes to show that send days and times are all relative. Especially when Oprah is involved.

When we learned that Sarabeth’s Legendary Spreadable Fruit was featured in the current issue of O, The Oprah Magazine as one of Oprah’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Gifts, we knew we had an opportunity on our hands. Thus, we wasted no time putting together an e-mail deal to celebrate this special recognition. Along with the requisite quote from Oprah herself heralding the brand as “the only jams I have in my house,” the e-mail offered 10% off a Sarabeth’s order of $50 or more with coupon code “OPRAH08” at checkout. The e-mail was sent on a Tuesday – which also happened to be a federal holiday – at 6 p.m. The subject line read, “An Oprah All-Time Favorite Gift: Sarabeth’s.” Additionally, we created a sense of urgency by limiting the campaign to three days, ending at midnight that Friday.

The open rate was better than expected at just shy of 30%. Of those who opened the e-mail, almost 20% clicked through links that led to Sarabeth’s home and products pages. To put these percentages in perspective, the open and click-through rates are among the best results we’ve seen from a Sarabeth’s e-mail, and the number of total people who opened the e-mail is the highest from any of their campaigns.

All in all, we couldn’t have expected a better outcome from a spur-of-the-moment campaign – the success of which was undoubtedly driven by analyzing the results of Sarabeth’s past campaigns and, of course, the power of Oprah.

10,001 Winners: Staples Scores With Clever Viral Campaign

placeholderpage_coach_main_01True story: A school bus passed by our building in Midtown Manhattan the other day, and scrawled across its windows – running the length of the big yellow machine – were phrases like “10,000 Winners? That’s Not Right!”

Curiosity piqued, we ran to our office to visit the Web site that accompanied the enigmatic advertising: www.GiftItForFree.com.

Initially, we felt duped; we weren’t interested in entering Staples’ holiday sweepstakes. But after careful review of the site’s content, we realized that this wasn’t just any old contest. It is, in fact – and we’re not being at all melodramatic here – Web marketing at its pinnacle: the concept is clever, the copy is creative, and overly competitive Coach Tom is a comic genius!

See for yourself.

Continue reading ’10,001 Winners: Staples Scores With Clever Viral Campaign’

Last Chance – Register for NY XPO 2008 Today

nyexpoIf you haven’t registered yet for NY XPO 2008 – the region’s largest B2B show – do so today. The only way to get FREE admission is to register before this Wednesday, Nov. 19!

If you’re attending, stop by our booth – #1454 – where we’ll give you our highly respected perspective on Internet marketing. Or a free pen. Whichever you prefer.

Floral Designer Rachel Cho Hits a Home Run!

cho_tips_picBaseball hasn’t smelled this fresh since Hank Aaron started selling Brut!

Rachel Cho, an NYC-based florist and one of our newest clients, has just been tapped as the floral supplier for the new Yankee Stadium. We’re beyond excited for Rachel, and we wish her much success!

In the meantime, check out Rachel’s award-winning flower arrangements.

P.S. Your wife called. She said it wouldn’t kill you to pick up a bouquet every now and then.

Her words, not ours.