Monday, November 24, 2008

Talking Turkey

You may not realize that the writer who gave the world “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is the same person credited with convincing President Abraham Lincoln to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863. Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879), the influential editor of Ladies’ Magazine and Godey’s Lady’s Book, spent more than 40 years writing newspaper columns and letters to congressmen and presidents to promote the idea of a national day of thanks.

Here at Media South, we’re glad she never gave up. We’re particularly thankful for the day’s tastiest traditions, including made-from-scratch cornbread stuffing and the freedom to top everything with gravy.

And while we can’t guarantee we can turn your idea into a national holiday, we can promise we can achieve measurable results (in way less than 40 years). Whatever your communications challenge, we’ll do the research, develop a strategy, and then deliver a menu of creative solutions for you to consider.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Media South.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Spread the Word

According to eMarketer estimates, more than 147 million people in the U.S. use e-mail almost every day. Chances are this total includes plenty potential customers for your business, plus many of your current clients. That’s why using e-mail to stay in touch with your target market can be an efficient and cost-effective way to introduce new products, distribute discount coupons, or promote special events. We say can be because if your intended recipient doesn’t open your message, then e-mail marketing is a huge waste of time.

At Media South, we create customized e-blasts worth clicking for clients ranging from Avanti Savoia to Initially Amy Fay. Each blast includes a quick message accompanied by an engaging photo or graphic. Blasts are sent out as often as you’d like, and we provide key metrics to help you track the results.

E-mail us at engage@mediasouth.net to learn how easy and inexpensive it can be to have Media South create and send custom e-blasts for you.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Showcase Your Clients

Our recent musings about Botox (Nov. 3rd) reminded us of Dr. Charles S. Fulk, the skin doc Media South profiled in the current issue of Executive Highlights. Fulk explained why cosmetic dermatology, such as Botox, is best left to actual physicians, not hair stylists, massage therapists, and day spa owners.

The Morristown, Tenn. dermatologist regularly sees patients who didn’t get the results they wanted (or got unwanted results such as skin damage) from laser services and other treatments administered by non-medical practitioners. Fulk got the opportunity to share his expert advice—and promote his business—thanks to an invitation from his commercial financial partner, First Tennessee. Media South produces the business magazine Executive Highlights for the bank, which showcases a couple of its top clients in each issue.

Thanking your customers is always good business, and shining a spotlight on them is even better. If you’d like to create a custom publication, promoting your organization and applauding your key accounts, call Media South at 865-525-0030 to explore the options.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Website Botox

Typical website redesign can be a bit like injecting Botox into tired, wrinkled skin. The surface structure looks new and improved, but dig a bit deeper and nothing’s really changed. Oh sure, the refreshed image might temporarily boost self-esteem and attract some new attention, but over time, the flashy effects begin to fade and the problems reappear.

Since there’s nothing typical about Media South, our website redesigns go way beyond skin deep. Our designers can take an existing site and create a more interactive and dynamic space. Our editorial team can refresh your existing copy or start from scratch to ensure that your site delivers a clear, concise, and compelling message.

If your website isn’t generating the traffic you’d like or the site design is showing its age, give us a call at 865-525-0030. We can’t reverse the effects of aging on you, but we can work wonders on your website.