Customer Service, Promotion and Advertising

LUMIX G9 with LUMIX G VARIO 14-140/F3.5-5.6 lens - Click to view in SCU Lightbox

It's Marketing Monday and the perfect time to share some thoughts about effective promotion and advertising. To start, you've got to be able to walk the talk! 

We had a great day out and about around Taos, New Mexico a few weeks ago. The "Solar Ice Cream Bus" was parked by the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which is pretty remarkable to see. It was hot, mid-day and we were both up for an ice cream. There were a lot of people in the area, but the bus was closed. However, the way it was parked, right at the entrance to the parking area would suggest they were interested in business.

As I was writing this post I decided to check out their website...NOT - it's a dead link that times out. However, the Facebook page was active and from the comments, it's a good thing they weren't open for business.

So, in keeping with the theme of Marketing Monday - there are a few classic lessons to learn:

• No amount of color, products or descriptions can help a business if you can't deliver!
• If you're going to put yourself in front of your target audience then you need to create a stellar experience.
• Your reputation is your most valuable asset. If you choose to let it slide then expect business to go in the same direction.
• You don't need to advertise and promote EVERYTHING you offer. Keep it simple.
• If you're going to have a Facebook page then pay attention to the comments and the interaction with your audience.

I'm reminded of a comment I made years ago in a live Google chat at PPE in New York. The topic was in reference to photographers who take bad images and become filter junkies in an effort to turn them into art. My comment, actually borrowed from another photographer many years ago, said it all, "You can't buff a turd!"