Marketing Blog

Over the last 10 months Randy Strothman & Associates has been experimenting with social media and Facebook marketing and advertising strategies for clients in the Pittsburgh area:  Master Remodelers and The Park House, both of whom we had built marketing websites for in the past.

Previously we posted a blog titled “Social media drives better prospects to websites: the quality-of-visit-difference.” This one is a sequel in our adventures in the dynamic world of social media.

Perhaps your business can take away some marketing success strategies from our initial, no risk experiments for a neighborhood pub and an upscale remodeling contractor in Pittsburgh.

Sunday September 25, 2011, 11 am – 4 pm

Sliced in half by the construction of I-279 in the 1980s, Deutschtown has been rebuilding and reinventing itself for three decades. The 2011 self-guided Historic Deutschtown House Tour spotlights the momentum of this neighborhood’s decades-long revitalization efforts. It features recently restored and distinctive homes, many built in the late 1800s, and some modern surprises. Showcasing an array of architecture, interiors and styles in 7 homes (and 5 gardens), the tour also offers ethnic music and diverse cuisine at local restaurants.

Yes, the new one is out and we’re suffering from a little iPad envy.  Nevertheless, the original one still amazes me after 3 months (and Apple just upgraded the software again yesterday).

Why incredible?  It’s because of all the marketing tools and resources you have in one very compact place.

As a marketing tool, either for B2B or B2C marketing, it’s packed with capabilities—not even considering the hundreds of thousands of apps available. (for nonprofit marketing too!) Everyday I use it I wonder “How the heck did they do this?”

A huge plus to internet marketing is the insightful data available.  Studying Google Analytics statistics for two websites this week, Randy discovered something fascinating and powerful about social media:  its value for bringing much better prospects to websites.

An Aside:  The Google “doodles” here are eye candy.  Google shares a lot of them on their website, plus “fan logos.” What happened to logos locked in for decades?  Google changes everything.

Now, back to our powerful social media discovery based on Google Analytics stats…

For years we’ve done work with Mainstreets Pittsburgh, including with the URA and several Pittsburgh neighborhood business districts.  In some districts there are a variety of problems generated through nighttime activities in bars and clubs. You’re heard about it, with the South Side being one case study.  On June 8th City Councilman Bruce Kraus hosted a conference called “Sociable City 2010: Investing in a Safe and Vibrant Nighttime Economy.” (press release) The ideas brought by a panel of experts are a fine compliment to Main Streets strategies.