Free PR Distribution

The main benefit of using a free PR service is the cost; it’s free! Companies use a free PR service for press releases regarding new hires, winning contracts or new service offerings. Releases are posted to news sites, search engines, RSS feeds and the sites’ own news wire. The disadvantage is limited visibility and exposure. The release is not targeted to specific audiences, regions or trade media such as industry publications. Some distribution services offer analytics. Examples include:

• PRLog
• PR.com
• I-Newswire

Paid PR Distribution

Paid PR services offer a wide range of services and customer support. They specialize in emailing to hundreds of reporters that include algorithms that place releases on sites such as Yahoo Finance, Wall Street Journal, targeted trade publications and other print and online sites. These sites are expert in coding your releases so they will have priority in search engine results. Getting PR coverage for prestigious completed projects or expanding into a new geographic area are newsworthy topics that would benefit a company’s PR exposure and brand building.

PRWeb boasts that your information has the potential to reach more than 250,000 of their subscribers, 30,000 websites and 30,000 bloggers and journalists. With this network, they claim your site has a better chance of being picked up by a reporter or editor interested in re-posting or using the content in their own release.

The benefits of paying for distribution are the services. MarketWire offers a small-business package, provides editorial help, fact-checks and offers consulting with online search optimization (keywords, photos, videos and links).

The cost of the release is dependent on various attributes such as location for distribution (regional, national, international) and the number of words, pictures or videos used. The price can range from $25 for a basic post to $5,000 for a targeted, international, SEO-rich release.  Examples of paid services include:

• MarketWire
• PR Web
• Business Wire
• PR Newswire
• Wired PR News

We welcome the opportunity to learn more about your company and its public relations efforts. Send us an email – we’d be happy to help!

Annual report season is in full swing for the Studio starting with Job Options. This year’s annual report will feature Michael Williams, a notable Job Options employee who works at the Naval Hospital Balboa. Creative Director Nanette Newbry, snapped this photo of Richard Dowdy, Studio 2055’s in-house photographer. Richard has been documenting Job Options’ award-winning employees for the last four years for their annual reports. The company services Balboa Hospital, the largest military hospital in the country, with environmental cleaning services throughout the facility. Pictured above are Mario Flippin (center) and Dino Tanner (right) who work in the medical facility’s discharge room.

Job Options, a San Diego-based not-for-profit company that provides professional service personnel primarily for agencies within the federal government.

Studio 2055 has been Job Options corporate marketing and creative services company for five years and is currently working on their 2011 annual report, due out in February. Pictures for the report were taken at the hospital in the Environmental Services division to reflect the employment opportunities given to individuals with disabilities. The center’s impressive, extensive facility is maintained by the systematic program in place to clean the rooms – work the employees perform exceptionally. This level of service along with the pride employees have for their jobs will be illustrated through photos in the new 2011 annual report.

Studio 2055′s Original Flip-Flop™ Desktop Calendars Have Arrived for 2012!

For the past ten years, we have printed themed calendars with photos from in-house professional photographer Richard Dowdy.

For 2012, the calendar is simply titled “Outside” and features amazing works of photography from trips around the globe. The common thread throughout this year’s calendar is color - generated by nature’s light. “Our hope is that the photos inspire others to take some time to get outside and appreciate the simple beauties of nature,” says Nanette Newbry, Creative Director and Principal of Studio 2055.

In past years, other titles have been “Quote-o-Graphs,” “Sign Language,” “Off the Beaten Path,” “Sunshine and Dreams – California’s Promise,” “The Nature of Design” and “Noah’s Art.”

The calendars are shared with the Studio’s clients as a gift of appreciation. Happy Holidays!

Studio 2055 and Debra Simpson Join Forces to Advance Internet Marketing Services

Carlsbad, CA—December 2011— Nanette Newbry, Principal and Creative Director for Studio 2055, has announced a new partnership with Carlsbad-based Internet publishing consultant, Debra Simpson of debrasimpson.com. Their joint venture broadens the Studio’s services for companies needing experts to formulate their social media strategy, provide implementation and creation of content for online media including video, webinars and blogs.

“Debra is an expert in online publishing. Her background in traditional publishing blended with her technological experience gives our clients the necessary tools for the digital media discipline,” Newbry said. “We are taking full advantage of Debra’s comprehensive knowledge of blogging, podcasting, search engine optimization and social media platforms. We’re reaching our objective for further growth evidenced by retaining new clients that want web development along with social media planning.

Studio 2055 knows the importance of generating the right kind of online content for effective search engine exposure. Companies are demanding better analytics and improved positioning via Google, the leading search engine. Coupled with the online publishing expertise of Simpson, Studio 2055 is positioned to offer total brand development through the implementation of creative design, search engine optimization (SEO) and effective Internet marketing.

Studio 2055’s designers and Internet programmers have been working with their clients in non-traditional ways, designing and programming content-generating sites such as WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn. WordPress-powered sites are rising in popularity for managing online content that can be seamlessly integrated with existing websites.

“Working with Studio 2055 has been a tremendous opportunity and asset. In building media and social sites, we pull together both our technical and creative strengths,” said Simpson.  “Companies want to increase their web presence, but are unsure how to accomplish it.  Our combined goal is to build awareness, position the company as experts in their field and generate leads.”

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About Studio 2055
Located in Carlsbad, CA, Studio 2055 is a creative design group who are experts in marketing, graphic design and branding. Studio 2055 boasts a portfolio of work with leading local companies including TaylorMade, 20th Century Fox’s X-Files, Four Seasons, Gemology Institute of America, Reebok, Reno Contracting, Stolichnaya Gold Vodka, Job Options, Inc. and the USGBC San Diego.  Studio 2055’s goal is to provide high-quality design and marketing solutions while building respectful relationships with clients.  The Studio is sensitive to environmental concerns and proactive in maintaining sustainable business practices. For more than twenty-five years, Studio 2055 has rewarded clients with increased growth by helping them connect with their customers.

About DebraSimpson.com
Debra Simpson provides solutions to those who are looking to post content on the Internet. Her primary clients are authors, speakers and small business owners seeking consultation services for websites and social media. With over 25 years of publishing experience, she offers expert advice in the areas of blogging, podcasting, search engine optimization and social media platforms.

Despite the daunting terms, email campaigns are a popular contender for Internet marketing for four reasons: email marketing is a sustainable practice, low in cost, quick to distribute and simple to measure.

Email campaigns have gained a winning reputation for these attributes. Sustainable in nature, they maximize resources with no waste and little cost. They have the potential to go “viral,” spreading through your contacts’ networks and generate rapid customer feedback fueling communication for potential opportunities. To top it off, deliverability, bounces and click-through rates can determine what worked and what didn’t – a valuable tool for future campaigns.

Maximize Performance

In today’s competitive environment, staying current with your customers is absolutely critical to your success. In a tight economy, staying on budget is mandatory. With a thoughtful campaign, both of these goals can be achieved. Here’s a quick rundown of some best exercises for maximizing an email’s performance.

• Narrow down the subject line and frontload with key words to increase open rates.
• Make the banner actionable by keeping it concise with call-to-action links.
• Give the photos and images alt-text tags to motivate readers to download the images.
• Create a catchy intro paragraph to rope readers in from the first sentence.
• Break up messages with enticing graphics and impressive photographs to keep readers engaged.
• Design should be an extension of the brand so include the logo, typeface, colors and style consistent with other marketing touch points.
• Readers tend to click action links at the bottom of an email so finish strong!

Case Studies

For several San Diego A/E/C companies, email campaigns increase awareness and connections throughout the marketplace. Projects and profiles are featured to elevate exposure and position companies as experts in their field. In a recent survey from Studio 2055’s clients, 100% saw an increase 1) in website visits and 2) emails from existing and potential clients due to their latest email campaign. Also, 100% received requests for more information and project/product proposals/quotes. All client emails are sent via an automation program and tracked to review performance. Take a look at some of our recent case studies…

Hope Engineering – A Leading San Diego Structural Engineering Company

Campaign Type: Project Update
Message: To maintain awareness of company activities in the marketplace and promote the distinctive personalities of the company principals.
Branding: Campaign included a variety of thematic designs branded to the project type that focused on healthcare, higher education and parking structures.
Distribution: Current and prospective clients, industry colleagues

LuminOre, Inc. – A Worldwide Fabrication and Design Company Specializing in a Cold-Atomization Metal Process

Campaign Type: Project Completion Announcement
Message: To increase awareness for prestigious completed projects, the scope of projects, global site locations and give potential clients the ability to order a product sample kit.
Branding: Campaign was designed to enhance the high-end nature of products through rich graphics and color schemes. Emails were branded and consistent with the look and feel of the company’s website and evoked the architectural nature of the product application. Campaign coincided with a Project Profile data sheet, saved as a PDF and hosted on the company website.
Distribution: International and domestic clients, prospective clients, industry colleagues

Reno Contracting – Southern California’s Premier General Contractor

Campaign Type: Newsletter and Microsite
Message Delivery: To build search engine optimization (SEO) and position the company as experts in their field.
Brand Development: Campaign took the form of individual, single-page, html-programmed microsites titled “Breaking Ground.” Multiple embedded links led viewers to featured photos and lead stories. Design reflected the company’s website and the approachable nature of the Reno team. Reno’s homepage hosts the current edition of “Breaking Ground” – easily accessible for viewers and helps increase search engine optimization.
Distribution: Current and prospective clients, industry colleagues

The next newsletter will feature part two of Leading Trends In Internet Marketing. The topic will be on WordPress-powered news blogs – a great way to stay current with your customer base while increasing search engine optimization for your website.

For more information on using email marketing, contact Nanette Newbry at Studio 2055.

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Nanette Newbry, Principal and Creative Director, Studio 2055
Member of SMPS, USGBC, AIGA, AMA

About Studio 2055
Located in Carlsbad, CA, Studio 2055 is a creative design group who are experts in marketing, graphic design and branding. As principal and art director, Nanette Newbry’s goal is to provide high quality design and marketing solutions while building respectful relationships with clients. She is sensitive to environmental concerns and proactive in maintaining sustainable business practices. Newbry and the Studio extend efficient, effective and environment friendly options to meet the trends in businesses today. For additional case studies and information on the Studio’s services, visit www.studio2055.com.

Nanette Newbry, Principal of Studio 2055 in Carlsbad, was recently the guest of North San Diego Business’ weekly radio show, led by radio host and social media expert, Debra Simpson. Listen to the show syndicated through Blog Talk Radio.

5 Steps to E-mail Marketing Success:

1. Decide on up to three topics.
2. Develop a branded look by using enticing photos, balanced graphic design and social media icons.
3. Grow and target your e-mail list.
4. Take all of the above and send to interested subscribers.
5. Savor well-informed customers and potential new business.

To get started on your e-mails, call us for our $500 E-mail Marketing Package and e-mail campaign examples.
Studio 2055: 760.729.8205

Tune in for a radio show featuring Nanette Newbry of Studio 2055!

On Friday, October 28th, Nanette Newbry, Principal of Studio 2055 in Carlsbad will be the guest of North San Diego Business‘ weekly radio show.  Led by radio host and social media expert, Debra Simpson, the program will cover topics related to creativity and branding.

Listen live at 3pm PT by visiting the radio show program.

The radio show, syndicated through Blog Talk Radio, is one-hour long and will be available for download on the North San Diego Business website.

A follow-up post will also be published after the radio show.

Studio 2055 will create a graphically designed header, reflective of your brand, that will be included in up to three e-mails sent to your customers.

With a phone call and brief meeting to exchange ideas and samples, the Studio will create an e-mail template that you can use immediately.

Don’t waste any time connecting with your customers. Let’s get started! 760.729.8205

If your sales material has been the home of cobwebs for past months, it’s time to clean up. Take a look to see if your brochures, case studies, portfolios, proposals, product sheets, catalogs and stationery are all up-to-date and fully stocked.

This time of year, Studio 2055 offers professional cobweb cleaning services by conducting “Collateral Audits.” Although this process can be scary, we proceed by determining what marketing material is needed and necessary to give your company its competitive edge for today’s market.  To initiate the audit, we’ll take a look at your current inventory and ask the four “R” questions: does it need to be Reprinted, Revamped, Reinvented or Recycled?

For a Collateral Audit, contact Studio 2055 (760.729.8205).  We’ll help you get started on cleaning the cobwebs out of your supply closet.

QR Codes don’t just link people to a website, they help substantiate a robust marketing communications plan.

Applications
QR codes are about sharing information in a convenient way. They capture people’s attention on business cards, brochures, magazines, t-shirts and post cards and other larger scale items such as buildings, billboards, large-screen televisions, cars and buses.

Increase Your Subscribers!
With QR codes, the user is linked to your website.  At this point, they can be strategically directed to a “call-to-action” feature on your website.  For instance, a “Sign up!” button can be used for an e-newsletter, webinar, product sample, video, or a free quote.

When users click the “Sign up” button, you collect e-mail addresses and phone numbers! With the new contact information, you can send e-mails or text messages as part of your marketing communications campaign.

What’s Next
QR codes are becoming more and more popular due to the different usages and ease in which consumers can interact with the code. All they need is a camera phone and a free, downloadable app that can read the code. Are you ready to use a QR code?

Studio 2055 is interested in using this marketing innovation for our customers on brochures, postcards and advertising pieces.  Let us know if we can work on your project using this new technology.

What is the +1 button? According to Google, “+1” gets conversations going. By clicking the +1 button (at the top of this blog post for instance), you give something your public stamp of approval.

The +1 button can be added to websites and blog posts. When someone clicks on the button, they share the link and description on their Google+ profile, allowing it to be voted by their contacts again and possibly go viral through consequent votes.

“The next time your contacts search on Google, they could see your +1 (in their search results) along with your profile image. You’ll help them find the best stuff on the web,” posted Vic Gundotra, Senior Vice President, Engineering at Google. Google+ is focused on creating better ways for people to link, recommend and share online and on their mobile devices. Each time you click +1, you’re adding to the batch of interesting things you’ve found across the web.

Places where you’ll find the “+1″  button are Google search results and blog posts.  For example:
1. “+1″ share button on Studio blog post:

2. “+1″ button displayed on right side of a Google search result and Nanette Newbry’s profile image shown at bottom, “You +1′d this.”:

To read the previous post, click What is Google+? For assistance on using Google+, contact us.

Search Results Lost to “Roving” Businesses – Google’s Lead Generation Problem

With recent focus on search engine marketing and our post on SEO (search engine optimization), Studio 2055 found this latest challenge to Google interesting.

According to a recent New York Times article by David Segal, finding a locksmith in your town can lead you not to a local locksmith, but straight to trouble. As an example, Mr. Segal chose Seattle Washington to test the lead generation companies’ hold on the top spots in Google’s search engines. Typing in locksmith resulted in nearly 3,000 listings—while one local locksmith with a “real” business location, was lost in the shuffle. The others are not even located in the Seattle area; they are often faraway places—even overseas, using operators to field calls who in turn contact “roving” locksmiths with no real home base or “brick and mortar” business location.

Many of these lead generation companies have been sued by state attorneys general and several have shown up on TV sting operations (search You Tube for “locksmith scam” to see some examples). Is the local locksmith competition for these out-of-town locksmiths? You would think he would have a built-in local clientele. The truth is, if you type in “emergency locksmith Seattle” you will find as many as seven of them in the highly coveted Google Places spots, the ones which are accompanied with a Google map showing their location. The catch is, these companies use existing addresses, such as 24 Hour Speedy Emergency Service, a company that has an address that is the same as the King County Administration Building. Others, Mr. Segal discovered, are very vague or downright misleading if you call their 800 number and inquire as to their location: “We’re renovating” said a rep at Emergency On Guard Key Service.” “We’re a mobile service,” said a rep at 24/7 Emergency Locksmith. When Segal asked for more information, the operator hung up on him.

As a test, we typed in “Emergency Locksmith San Diego” and the initial result was a location downtown on Fifth Avenue in a restaurant. Type in “Encinitas Locksmith” and you get a similar result—about 30 locksmith companies that say they can dispatch a locksmith to your location—and list cities in Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

When reporter David Segal contacted Google, a spokesman told him that the company was aware of the gaming practices and claimed that Google had implemented several measures to combat the issue, including improving their spam-detection algorithms and working with the locksmith industry “to try to find solutions.”

It appears that locksmiths, as well as other service companies (roofing, carpeting and similar entities) have also discovered the value of lead generation sites on Google, crushing local businesses in the search results.

In one example, a “real” locksmith in Seattle noted that he went to a job where a woman told him “A young man came yesterday, quoted $49 to open my door, then drilled the lock, charged me $400 and left—and now I need a new lock.” The locksmith commiserated, saying, “I hear something like that almost every week.”

Google says it continues to fight back against such SEO tactics. David Segal searched for emergency locksmith Seattle the other day and only one Google Place result came up—instead of the previous seven prior to writing the article. The one that did pop up was a lead gen operation—24/7 Emergency Locksmith, which lists its address at a UPS Store. The woman who answered the phone, Segal reports, would say nothing about the company, or even where she was located.

It’s clear that this is an uphill battle for Google, but certainly more needs to be done to protect customers from these bogus and elusive lead gen companies.

At Studio 2055, clients are asking, “What’s Google+?” The new Google+ is a social web network built atop their empire of search engine technology, web tools and Android mobile phones.

Main competitor, Facebook, has approached it the other way – develop a social network and then build search technology. “As far as I see it, Google has a big lead in the technology” says Chris Berarducci, Senior Staff Engineer at Qualcomm.

What is Google+? Google+ is a public profile that is easy to create with a Google account. You can:

Example of Nanette Newbry's "Google+ Profile"

“We’d like to bring the nuance and richness of real-life sharing to software,” posted Vic Gundotra, Senior Vice President, Engineering at Google.

While the technology is being introduced, we encourage you to get on board.

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Following this post will be What is the Google +1 button? and how to get the code for your website and blog posts.

Continued from “Getting Your Priorities Straight With E-mail Marketing”

E-mail marketing campaigns are maximized when paired with a robust e-mail list. One can send a great message but unless it is sent to people who are interested, it makes little difference. To build your e-mail list, use social media.

Target Your List
To build your e-mail list, take a look at the points online in which customers see your brand. Are they given “opt-in” opportunities to receive your newsletters, announcements, samples, trade show schedule or speaking events? These opt-in “call-to-action” opportunities can be links or buttons on website home pages, e-newsletters, blogs and inquiry response e-mails. They can also be on a company’s Facebook “Welcome” page or LinkedIn “Services” page.

Grow Your List
Don’t forget that once your e-mail marketing piece is sent, it can be “shared” by your readers – creating more readership and more opportunities for new subscribers. For this to happen, include social media icons in your e-mail and e-marketing correspondence. Below are “Share This” buttons at the top of LuminOre Inc.’s e-mail header.  The reader can instantly share the information with their contacts by simply clicking the social icons.

"Share This" buttons are included at top of e-mail header for LuminOre correspondence.

A continuation of this post will be titled, “5 Steps to E-mail Marketing Success.” For the previous article, visit “Getting Your Priorities Straight With E-mail Marketing.”

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More on the topic:
How Social Media Will Benefit Your Business

Don’t let this slip the marketing agenda – update your project profiles on your website!

For the most part, websites can be left to exist online without much attention, with the exception of updating new projects to your “Project Profiles” section. Updating this section is imperative to staying current in the eyes of your clients. A recent survey by Studio 2055 showed that the majority of click-throughs to client sites went to “current projects.” Website visitors are interested in your activity and the results.

Studio 2055 updated the “Project Profiles” section on Hope Engineering‘s website, resulting in up-to-date information for current and potential customers. The projects are categorically organized resulting in an intuitive navigation interface. Impressive professional photos illustrate the final projects.

What makes a great Project Profile page?

• Professional photographs of the completed project
• Clean design and intuitive user interface
• Categorically organized
• Project title, location and brief description including specs, materials and resources
• Include call-to-action button to “Contact us,” ”Get quote,” “Request proposal,” etc.

Example of Hope Engineering's "Project Profile" page.

Follow up:
Be prepared to follow-up with requests for more information from interested viewers. An automated e-mail response letter should be sent to anyone who wants more information.

Automated E-mail Response:
This e-mail response letter is an important sales tool and can be customized to support your sales team. For an example of a branded, sample e-mail response letter with links to custom data sheets that you can implement for your website inquiries, contact Studio 2055

For professional photography, contact Richard Dowdy via e-mail or 760.729.8205.

ArtSplash is an annual two-day, nonprofit, family event that promotes and benefits arts within the community. This year it was held September 24 & 25th in Carlsbad on Armada Drive, above the Carlsbad Flower Fields.

On Saturday, we saw some artists creating chalk art on the street while others made sand sculptures. Vendor booths offered food and artwork, and musicians played throughout the day. The proceeds from ArtSplash are distributed to supporting music and arts programs in Carlsbad’s schools.

We were captivated by the yo yo show by General-Yo’s team of professionals. Who knew? Studio 2055recommends going next year to support the arts in Carlsbad.

Typically, annual reports contain certain minimal financial statements of the company for its fiscal year. These are the numbers that go into calculation of the earnings per share and the book value, and are prepared by a certified accounting firm. Along with required financial information, annual reports usually offer an overview of the company, its product or services and highlights from the year’s activities.

Add Visual Interest

To make an annual report more interesting and accessible to potential and current investors, putting a “human face” in the report will help give a more humanistic look and feel. By choosing individuals who can be profiled from your own firm, profiling those who make a difference in your company is a good way to differentiate the content from the necessary, though often tedious, financials. By using photographs combined with interesting visual elements you will be able to command the reader’s attention and emphasize the accomplishments of your company’s past year.

Content is everything—and in an annual report, going beyond the usual pedestrian recitation of financial documentation—can give your company’s annual report a unique and inviting reason to read through the report.

Images Illuminate Report

As an example, Studio 2055 has for the past five years created annual reports for Job Options, Inc. In illuminating individuals who were given meaningful jobs through the Job Options’ training and placement services, not only were the workers’ self worth enhanced through the telling of their stories, but also the exposure given to Job Options’ services resulted in press stories and an increase in contributions and grants from the community. The subjects profiled had portrait photos taken, along with on-the-job candid shots by Studio 2055 photographer, Richard Dowdy. The images not only put a “human face” on their stories, but also helped illuminate the annual report, creating more reader interest.

While a recitation of a balance sheet can provide valuable financial information, the humanistic illumination of peoples’ success in life can also be of tremendous value for a company when combined in an informative, effective annual report.

Do you have the tools to complete client projects on time? Success is dependent on more than one person, and a project manager’s success depends on allocating tasks, monitoring results and timelines.

Studio 2055′s implementation of the online project management program, Basecamp, has led to smoother processes and on-time results. When looking for the right program, our priority was a clean, user-friendly interface that would allow us to chart to-do’s, monitor milestones, share content and upload files both internally and externally. For large projects, such as websites, magazines and annual reports, a robust file management system was imperative.

Since our initial trial, we’re now hooked. The Studio took full advantage of Basecamp for the production of the GIA Gems & Gemology Summer 2011 Edition journal. This special “Symposium” edition, boasts 180 pages of content and an elegant cover design. The editorial team at GIA joined us to collaborate through Basecamp and after hours of milestone management and the transferring of 194 files, the journal was complete and delivered on time.

This has become one Web app we can’t live without. Have you found a Web app you can’t live without? Please share.

To get measurable results quickly without spending a lot of time and money, e-mail marketing campaigns cost little to maintain and keep customers engaged.

Our A/E/C clients are getting over 28% click-through rates, a percentage we’re happy to see.

Hope Engineering's "Get Smart" campaign

Hope Engineering consistently uses e-mail marketing to keep customers current on projects. “Building strong relationships has always been an important part of our company culture.  Nanette and Studio 2055 help us stay in touch with our clients with direct e-mail messages.  They offer expert guidance in developing effective campaign messages, working with us throughout the design process and implementation. We’re pleased with the results: increased awareness of the types of projects we’re involved with and increased website activity” states Carol Gilmore, Marketing Coordinator at Hope Engineering.

LuminOre's "Visualize, Realize, Metalize" campaign

We recently launched LuminOre’s “Visualize, Realize, Metalize” e-mail campaign. The message was clear: LuminOre was announcing two prestigious projects were completed which featured the unique properties of LuminOre Composite Metals. The two projects included the GUCCI Building Facade in Singapore and the dazzling metal dome atop the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Designed by Studio 2055, the email was branded, addressed their announcement, featured enticing photos, included calls-to-action and social icons for sharing.

Enhance your message. Email subscribers want content that is relevant to their interest in your company. Ask yourself, “What questions do my customers ask most often? What news does the company have that we can share? What problems seem to arise that we can address? Are there new trends in the market that we can announce?” Narrow your topics to no more than three.

For a continuation of this post, stay tuned for next week’s: “Using Social Media as a Tool for Building Your E-mail List.”

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More on the topic:
How Social Media Will Benefit Your Business

For your e-mail marketing campaign, how do you keep from being blacklisted and transferred to “Junk”, “Delete”, “Spam” or “Opt-Out”?

1. Make sure there is a double “Opt-In” link to make sure the readers want to subscribe to your emails
2. Remove all inaccurate and bounced email addresses
3. Remove any emails that have filed a SPAM complaint
4. Identify your company in the “From” & “Subject” field
5. Send relevant and useful information rather than what readers would consider “junk”
6. Proofread messages & links before sending
7. Send professional e-mails

Studio 2055 uses MYEMMA for e-mail campaigns and includes the following recipient option information at the bottom of all emails.

By making sure the recipient has full control over the emails he/she receives and making the content relevant and professional, you will have a better success rate with keeping subscribers.

Securing Your Passwords

We live in a world controlled by passwords, where Internet commerce sites require that you submit a personal password to gain access. Keeping track of these passwords can be a daunting task, as you certainly don’t want to use the same password for every site you visit.

No matter how intricate or devious your passwords may be, there are dishonest people in cyberspace with the patience and ability to decipher and compromise your most sensitive login information. When Citibank, Sony, the CIA and other high-profile (and seemingly impenetrable) entities can be breached and the information distributed on the Web by professional thieves, where does it leave those of us in the “amateur” world? Up a creek without a paddle, that’s where. In a recent L.A. Times article, suggestions were offered as to how to safeguard email accounts, financial information and other precious data that can be vital to your daily life. It’s vital to know that there are basic precautions you can take to help keep your password out of the hands of the hackers.

Basic Precautions to Take

Come up with a password that is not easy to remember. The safest passwords are those that are hard to remember, which is why many people choose their own name, nickname or common words for multiple accounts. That isn’t a good idea.

To protect yourself and your private and financial data, try using Mnemonics. That’s a fancy word for a memorization technique that can jog your memory by triggering the correct password in your mind. Experts suggest using a personal sentence to create a password, using the first letter of each word in the sentence. An example: “Oh Say Does That Star-Spangled Banner Yet Wave”(osdtssbyw). Adding a numeral and perhaps a capital letter further helps to keep it secure from cyber criminals. You should also be aware that longer passwords are not more secure than a six-letter password such as 5xWu%k. Of course, trying to remember the foregoing is extremely difficult for anyone.

A redhead (let’s just say she’s a redhead because I’m married to a blonde) created this effective password:

“MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofySacramento”

When asked why she had such a long password, she said she was told that it had to be “…at least eight characters long and include at least one capital.”

When you have decided on a variety of passwords for sites you visit, use 1Password, Last Pass or KeePass—sites that encrypt and store your passwords. Some are free, others charge a nominal sum. If you use one of these sites, make sure your entry password and log in name are both ones that would be difficult to decipher by Internet outlaws.

Things to Remember

• Never use the same password for every account—most importantly, ones that have your credit card information on file.

• Never use simple words or phrases, even if you spell them backwards.

• Never email your passwords to yourself.

• And never use personal information in your passwords.

Greenbuild is celebrating its 10th anniversary from October 4-7 for the first time outside the United States. Toronto, Canada, is hosting this year’s conference and expo and is expecting nearly 30,000 attendees.

Background
Greenbuild is a snapshot of the green building industry as a whole, representing just how rapidly it is growing. This year’s theme, “Greenbuild NEXT,” is about the future of the green building movement, the new green economy and our global community. Take a sneak peek of the exhibitors at Greenbuild NEXT.

San Diego Represented
San Diego will be well represented with over six educational seminars. Doug Kot, Executive Director of the San Diego Green Building Council, mentions in the September Chapter e-news the following line-up:

Working with Local Leaders to Engage Your Community in the Green Building Process: Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox along with Jaime Ortiz and Jesus Gandara from the Sweetwater Union High School District will be instructing advocates and industry professionals from across the nation on how to work with local leaders to engage your community in the green building process. A local success story being shared on a national level.

The Economics of Green Building: Charles Tu and Norm Miller from the University of San Diego will take the research track to a new level while some of our associates from firms like KEMA, HOK and the Centre City Development Corporation will talk about best business practices for the green building companies of the future. If you weren’t proud to be a San Diegan before, you will be after this conference.

Local Event
For those who can’t make the trip to Canada, the San Diego USGBC Chapter will host their monthly Lunch & LEED meeting October 12 where a panel of Greenbuild attendees will share the information and knowledge they picked up at the conference.

From Studio 2055, we’ll see you there!

Jill Berarducci, Kevin Bong, Leslie Rekettye, Jez Callejas

Studio 2055 took an inspiration-driven field trip to the Oceanside Museum of Art to visit the five current exhibitions on display. Featured were examples of repurposed material and representational sculptures by Italo Scanga and beautiful oil and print works from Francoise Gilot, wife of Professor Jonas Salk and known in the past for her relationship with Pablo Picasso. The museum is a spacious, impressive architectural building located in downtown Oceanside with plenty of free parking next to the Civic Plaza.

Current Exhibitions:

• TRANSITIONS: The Work of Françoise Gilot on display from June 12 – November 13, 2011
• METAMORPHORES: Marianela de la Hoz on display from July 2 – October 9, 2011
• TOUCHING THE SURFACE: Vicki Walsh on display from August 6 – October 23, 2011
• IT’S NOT MY FAULT: The Art of Everett Peck on display from September 11 – January 29, 2012

After a close friend received a diagnoses of ovarian cancer, Nanette Newbry owner of Studio 2055 and Newbry Studios, discovered an organization, Nine Girls Ask? The founder, Joan Wyllie, formed the organization with the help of her family after she survived stage 3 of ovarian cancer. Nine Girls Ask? is a nonprofit that is dedicated to finding a cure for ovarian cancer while comforting women who are currently battling the disease.

On September 10, 2011, Nanette attended a fundraising event hosted by Nine Girls Ask? called “Making Miracles Happen.” The fundraiser was at the La Jolla’s Marriot and featured a variety of activities such as wine tasting, guest speakers, boutiques and educational booths. Newbry Studios generously donated an encaustic painting to the fundraiser’s live auction.

Studio 2055 has chosen the winning recipient of the Partner in Sustainability Award. Kristen Victor, Principal of Sustainability Matters, a recently launched San Diego-based consulting company will receive pro-bono work from Studio 2055 to create a foundation to build the company’s market position. The package includes Research, Branding/Identity and a revised marketing plan. While Sustainability Matters has accomplished in-depth research and industry analysis, the Studio’s focus will be on marketing objectives.

“The energy and integrity Kristen exudes is catching—she’s a passionate ambassador for environmental concerns,” says Studio 2055 Creative Director, Nanette Newbry. “She is inspired to assist manufacturers of sustainable products get a voice and visibility. We look forward to supporting her journey.”

Victor, LEED certified and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, offers consulting services on innovative strategies and practices; private-label sustainable building materials; procurement services; a product-research database; and educational outreach to commercial, government and trade clients.

For the award recipient, Studio 2055 will create a brand strategy and logo design to reflect the energy, expertise and integrity held by Victor to help successfully launch Sustainability Matters into the global marketplace.

Award Background:
The award was created to recognize and support a local company getting started in the sustainable industry. For years, Studio 2055 owners Newbry and Richard Dowdy, have worked to bring awareness of the value of incorporating sustainability in business and daily life, while working in an energy-efficient environment.

The criteria for the award includes a company recently incorporated that demonstrates the following traits: (1) a leader in green advocacy organizations and supports fellow industry leaders; (2) helps local sustainability companies spread their stories, ambitions and unique products across the nation and worldwide; and (3) supports community programs.

For future award recipients, Studio 2055 plans to help similar companies with brand recognition and market positioning to aide in their efforts to support sustainability through renewable products and building materials, recycled materials, and continuing the progress of sustainable awareness in the community.

Tips for committing to live green whether you are at home or at work:
At Home:

• Open up windows to let air circulate through, instead of turning on the A/C. This will also help save you money on your electricity bill.
• Use washable plates and pans. It may increase dish-washing, but will help from adding to the trash already overwhelming landfills.
• Water your plants less often. Having a green yard will help the environment by taking in the excess CO2 and releasing more oxygen in the air, but watering them too much can contribute to droughts.
• Separate trash from recycling. This has been a concerted effort for Americans for years, but most forget that you need to dispose of batteries differently than the rest of the trash. Find programs that will recycle batteries, along with printer and computer parts that are often thrown in with the rest of the trash.
• Compost everything from coffee grounds, egg shells and melon rinds to yard clippings and cut grass.
• While you’re waiting for your water to get hot, fill a bucket and reuse the water in the garden.

At Work:

• Try to conserve paper–print out less documents or use “virtual Post-Its” to take notes instead of paper. If you want to write things down, keep a pile of  scrap paper–documents you no longer need and can write on.
• Use energy efficient lights.
• Power off all machines at the end of the day.
• Recycle toner cartridges.  Costco will refill ink jet cartridges and companies like Red Dog Toner will give you a rebate for Xerox toner cartridges.
• If you receive excessive, unread catalogs or magazines, call the direct mail company and take your name off their list.
• Be picky about where your products are from and what resources were used to make them.  Seek companies who practice sustainable methods and offer green products.
• Join organizations that support the growth of green products and services like the USGBC or CleanTech.
• Switch from printed collateral to online collateral such as electronic letterhead, online data sheets, digital invitations, and email blasts.
• Take a coffee mug or refillable bottle to work instead of using disposable cups. If you are going to a coffee shop before work, ask to have them pour your drink in your mug instead of using their disposable cups.
• Carpool with other co-workers or family members, or use the train to commute.  If you’re close enough, ride your bike.
• For lunch, bring re-usable containers and bags–reduce waste and your waist!

Richard Branson

“I’m a strong believer that business should be a force for good, not just a money-making machine for its shareholders. When it comes to climate change, business has to play its part,” says Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group.  Branson is keenly aware of the change in global climate and wants to encourage people around the world to become more active in trying to solve our climate changing issues. He built a Carbon War Room, started a Gigaton Award, and initiated the Virgin Earth Challenge to jumpstart the much-needed efforts to help eliminate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. “We can choose the path of opportunity if we work together and focus. If we don’t move on this, mother nature will force us to,” cautions Branson.

In the Newsweek’s January, 2011 Interview Issue, Branson discusses his beliefs on helping the environment.

Over time, marketing budgets have shifted where to .  There was a period when marketers were testing the waters with new media options. Now, they have dove in deep with online media options.  Direct mail in particular has given way to web, social and e-marketing.

The good news is, social media can be leveraged to give you a higher ROI.  Viral online marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and analytics can bring targeted returns that previous snail mail options couldn’t.  The price of cyberspace comes with a price but the value of its real estate continues to increase.

Reference
“$3.60 Facebook Fan Valuation is Just the Tip of the Iceberg”, Michael Strutton, Vitrue blog

For more on social media, visit Studio 2055′s social media blog headlines.

Four content marketing tactics included in this article:
1. Differentiate yourself from the competition
2. Brand your content
3. Don’t let the white paper hold back your creativity
4. Hire a brand journalist

For more Internet marketing strategies, visit:

SEO: The Latest Buzz Word

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