NIM Founder and Designated Editor Founder Suzanne McDonald and Dacia Daly from the Tick Encounter Research Center, have put in a proposal to speak at SXSW Interactive 2014. Their talk, “Ticks vs. Humans: Can Social Media Crush Pathogens,” discusses how college interns and professionals in social media and public health collaborated on a pilot research project about lyme disease prevention.
In addition to giving information about the impacts of lyme disease, Suzanne and Dacia hope to educate attendees at SXSW Interactive 2014 about how their project forged a new model of public health communications. Also, how they overcame challenges like motivating college interns and working in the virtual workplace.
Here are the questions Suzanne and Dacia’s presentation will answer:
How can brands use visual social media when the subject makes people — including the social media team — literally recoil?
How can higher ed and social media pros forge a new model to best meet the needs of paying client, intern learning experience, and professionals’ interest and fulfillment?
Which social media platforms are most effective in helping to prevent vector-borne diseases and how may they work for other public health campaigns?
What do students know already and are they equipped to jump into effective roles as social media communicators on behalf of a brand?
What to look for in interns and how to keep interns motivated when working virtually?
Show your support for bringing “Ticks vs. Humans” to SXSW by voting on the SXSW Panel Picker website and spreading the word to your friends and colleagues!
/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.png00Suzanne McDonald/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.pngSuzanne McDonald2013-09-05 17:07:192018-09-25 17:02:20“Ticks vs. Humans: Can Social Media Crush Pathogens?” at SXSW Interactive 2014
On Tuesday, July 24th, #NIMRI hosted its annual networking event on the rooftop of Hotel Viking. Professionals from Rhode Island & across New England enjoyed a summer evening in Newport & connected with new faces.
A big thanks to the staff at Hotel Viking for making the event possible!
https://newportinteractivemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2018-05-30-at-3.46.18-PM-e1559697701433.png171185Suzanne McDonald/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.pngSuzanne McDonald2013-07-24 14:59:162018-09-25 17:10:48Networking, Drinks, and Views Over Newport
Jay Murphy dug into Google Analytics, showing NIM attendees how they can see who is coming to their websites and engaging with them. With this valuable information, brands can provide more specific information that attracts a greater number of followers.
Why it’s important to know who is following you
Knowing who is following your business online offers unprecedented advantages. With this information, you can clearly identify your target market as well as the customer base you are trying to reach. You can then implement new strategies to find and attract potential customers you have yet to reach.
Google Analytics is afree tool that will enhance your marketing strategy. Jay covers all the basics as well as how to interpret the results and how to make solid business decisions from the data. We we’re able to explore advanced topics like how to setup features such as:
Dashboards
Integrating with Google AdWords
Goals and Segments and more.
This program is free, and it gives you great insights into your website traffic and marketing effectiveness.
Navigating Google’s powerful, flexible and easy-to-use features lets you see and analyze your traffic data in an entirely new way. With Google Analytics, you’re more prepared to write better-targeted ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives, and create higher-converting websites.
If you have a website and you don’t leverage Google Analytics, you’re throwing money away!
https://newportinteractivemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2018-05-30-at-3.46.18-PM-e1559697701433.png171185Suzanne McDonald/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.pngSuzanne McDonald2013-04-23 03:11:522018-09-25 18:36:23Analyzing Google Analytics With BU Instructor Jay Murphy
These days, whether it’s Google+ or SEO, the concept of authorship is abuzz. Award-winning book coach Lisa Tener shares her strategies, tips, and insights to a packed room.
Writing a book isn’t for everyone — but many people who think they’re not writers find out that they have a book in them after all.
This month’s Newport Interactive Marketers inspired audiences to figure out whether a book is for them and, if so, how to write one that’s worthy and worthwhile — without a lot of stress or pain. In fact, we found out how it can even be an exciting and fun process.
Should I write a book?
How to know if writing a book is for you
5 compelling reasons to get started now
3 keys to get past overwhelm and make it easy
Your critical first 3 steps
Ways & Reasons to Write a Book
To reinvent yourself, establish your credibility by writing a book
Helps focus your brand and vision
To get known as an expert in your field
When you research something, write something on it, you then become the expert
How to brandit
Using a catchy, to the point title, that offers a solution to the problem of your market: example: The Creativity CURE by Drs. Carrie and Alton Barron.
“Complimentology”: think about your publicity for the future: what are you and what is your brand?
Include tip lists: 5 things to ____________ OR 5 reasons why ________________
Ways to write your book: Tips From Lisa’s Course
8-12 weeks to have a draft or a proposal.
Fill in the holes later (research, interviews, etc) … get the concrete down first.
Write what you know, or interview experts if you are new to the field.
Passion — write what you’re passionate about.
Ways to Publish
A traditional publisher will take care of final edits, layout, cover, and distribution. However, you’ll still need to market and sell your book. In fact, it’s generally a good idea to hire a publicist as well, because publishers rarely get their authors much publicity. However, do get references as you can waste a good deal of money on a publicist if you are not careful.
Self-Publishing can be a cost-effective way of writing and selling your book, especially using websites like Amazon to market and sell your content. When self-publishing, make sure to use professional resources to design, edit, and market.
Questions Answered!
What channel do I use to publish?
People are reading paper! If you’re going to be speaking anywhere, it’s ideal to have a physical version to sell. It almost always makes sense to have both e-book and a physical copy.
What’s the important thing to remember about blogs? And what’s their appeal?
They’re up there forever and sometimes the conversation continues years beyond the date of posting. Blogs can be interactive, which helps you understand what your audience wants (helpful in book writing) and also connects you to your audience and develops a relationship.
What’s the “Bestseller formula?”
A strong title and topic, of course
One that resonates with a large audience that wants and needs what you have to offer.
Marketing: everything from great design and cover to executing a strategic plan for reaching your audience (which means understanding where they “hang out”—online and off line.
Don’t forget to attend next month’s NIM event: Social Media Insights, What Works.
/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.png00Suzanne McDonald/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.pngSuzanne McDonald2013-04-17 05:32:152018-09-25 19:11:24Build Your Brand With Award-Winning Book Coach
January’s Newport Interactive Marketers event left attendees feeling confident and knowledgeable about how to create a more appealing platform through multimedia. It turns out, creating multimedia can easily be done on your own. It’s not always necessary to spend thousands of dollars on something that can easily be put together with a few but important steps that Donna Mac of DMac Voice & Media was able to share with NIM attendees. So grab a pen and paper and turn your ideas into a creative multimedia creation that will quickly catch the eye of your target audience.
Did you know that 1 minute of video can account for thousands of words? Multimedia can package so much information and be displayed in a creative, attention-grabbing way. So why wouldn’t we all use media to benefit our businesses? Donna Mac asked the audience and here is what we found out:
Multimedia production is confusing or overwhelming
It seems like a daunting task to create multimedia
Takes too long and costs too much money
Donna engaged the audience with just how simple it can be to DO IT YOURSELF. So let’s take a look at her simple steps to managing your own multimedia production:
Multimedia pre-production
Choose a platform. Audio, Audio/Visual, or just Video.
Know the business: What is your goal and what are you “selling?”
Who is the audience: What will they be receptive to?
Know the BRAND and pick a style, whether it be professional or funny, make sure to add your flavor.
What will turn your audience’s attention to the video? Don’t be too lengthy, pushy, or self-centered.
BEGIN THE WRITING PROCESS. Who, what, when, and how. It’s your business, tell your story.
Keep it short, simple, and sweet. Remember to be authentic: People need to relate, so don’t sound too automated or commercial. You need to build trust, so be real.
Producing your multimedia
Gather your equipment: Make sure you have a quality recording device. And for visual media, make sure to have good lighting, good backgrounds, and look presentable.
Make sure the production is directed, whether it’s by you or someone else; you must keep it organized. Schedule your recordings in a timely fashion and make sure everything you need is recorded.
When recording, you want to always sound authentic, look presentable, and be true to yourself.
Keep in mind the background of your footage: Make sure the focus is you and that there are no distractions. Plan on multiple, so you have the best footage you can get.
Multimedia Post-Production
Organize and asses your footage, make sure to remove anything with continuity errors and keep the best of all the takes.
Piece it together: Make sure your footage makes chronological sense.
Add narration, pictures, background sounds, and an opening and closing – depending on the type of media.
IMPORTANT! REVISE: Creating media is much like writing a paper, keep in concise and error-free.
Special thanks to Donna Mac of DMac Voice & Media for sharing her years of expertise and knowledge with NIM. Donna is president and founder of DMac Voice & Media.
/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.png00Suzanne McDonald/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.pngSuzanne McDonald2013-02-07 14:54:022018-09-25 19:41:25Maximize MultiMedia: A Do-It-Yourself Production!
From wanting to launch a knitting site, to running a marketing firm, Marketers from all sides of business came hear just what this month’s panel had to say. Newport Interactive Marketers’ wrapped up 2012 focusing on websites. What are the must-haves? How to save money on site development? What type of expert help do you need and can you afford it?
The panelists answered questions from those who’ve never had a website, to those who create websites professionally. Meet the Panel:
John Picozzi
Senior Web Developer at Rubic Design + Interactive, John is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University and holds a bachelor’s degree in web design and e-commerce as well as an associates degree in web development. John is highly skilled across all areas of website development and design: from server-side coding, to content layout, and site architecture. He comes to Rubic Design + Interactive from the advertising and PR industry where he built and maintained web solutions for national brands like CVSCaremark, Marriott International, and Dunkin Donuts.
Matt Medeiros
Co-founder of Slocum Studio, WordPress architect, business development, blogger at MattReport.com, and inbound marketer. Helping others on the web.
Sean Walther
Sean Walther is a freelance web developer and has been doing what he loves for almost 15 years. Recently Sean has been specializing in WordPress deployments, but has a varied history with many types of web technologies. Prior to his current freelance role, Sean was the CTO of a web development firm in Boston for 3 years. Sean is a graduate of Boston University, with a BA in computer science.
David Englund
owner of Englund Studio. Founded in 2002 offering graphic design and illustration services, Englund Studio has since been the winner of both the Webmasters Award and the American Design Award for creative website design. Improving customer interaction and attraction through WEO (Web Experience Optimization) is a vital concern. Englund Studio has created custom websites, WordPress sites, mobile sites, blogs, and squeeze pages for customer lead generation. David is preparing to launch a podcast show called Marketing Differently.
Key takeaways from October’s Newport Interactive Marketers
You get what you pay for. If you’re willing to pay more, you’re going to get more. So what is more: a more custom website, to a more involved developer who can plan for where your business is headed.
Those with smaller budgets were able to learn about alternatives, such as website templates, which allow you to develop and update your own website, using a platforms such as WordPress. But be sure to purchase your own domain, such as NewportInteractiveMarketers.com.
Another cost effective way of having an online presence without breaking the budget, would be working with a designer who can put together a basic website without any extensive plug-ins or features. Lindsay Logan from WOMA design, a Newport Marketer, talked about ways that she personally helps clients with this and how it is less costly than most options.
Website considerations BEFORE meeting with a developer
Know your audience. What are they looking for in a website? Know the main draw of your audience and emphasize it in your website. Should that be the focus of your website that is easy to access on the home page.
Bring a list of competitor’s websites and examples of the similarities and differences you want.
It’s not what you want to see on the site, it’s what your viewers need to see. Do what’s best for your business & let web designers help you, after all you’re paying for their expertise!
Come with a theme to start out. Panelists warned against free themes, like Theme Forest due to malicious or sloppy code.
Where do you want to be in two years?
Don’t be afraid to tell the person your working with, your budget. If you have a smaller budget like $1,500 then maybe craigslist or WordPress is better for you. It’s important let them know these things and you can discuss the best options within your budget range.
Designers, Developers, Marketers, SEO, and content strategists are all incorporated into the FULL process of designing a website: Keep in mind that this is what you’re paying for and discuss what each will be able to do for you. Know what you’re paying for and let them know what you want from them.
What sparked debate?
WordPress & Drupal
Is WordPress good? Yes. Small budget? Go for it. Test it out. Use if for a year, higher income – then spend the money. Website = Virtual salesperson.
WordPress does not have a great online ecommerce store, where as Drupal does.
WordPress plug-in options: fantastic! Includes: Contact for 7, advanced custom fields, designer clients (extra forms on pages), WD Photo Kit, Contact 17.
You always have the option to pay for it. Why pay for it when you can get it for free? Support! You get what you pay for.
Web developer should have no excuse or at least a good reason not to have a WordPress up and running for you.
Audience’s questions answered:
Is the cost is going up or down?
The prices of websites have gone down because now there are free options to creating websites and many people are able to do it themselves with these options.
Why go local in choosing a developer?
Go Local! Meet with designers face to face and get to know the person that’s helping to develop your business. Also, be able to receive training on how to use and update the website! You want to know the where about of your developer, constant contact is key, especially when you’re paying for it.
What are the price ranges that our panelists are charging their clients?
They currently start looking at projects in the $1,500 as a starter. And average prices range from 5,000 to 10,000.
What is the value that developers add to the price?
The value that developers give to the price is time. They take care of it, maintain it, and spend the most time with the website’s construction and maintenance.
What are some key components a website should have?
Blog OR consistently updated with content
News Letter
Email options but not a barrier to website, always keep your website accessible without effort by your viewers.
Search Bar & Social Media Icons
Should you have a feed of social media? Depends on whether or not you’re social media is a key part of your business and whether or not it is a good outlet that would be appealing to your customers.
Definitely Images and Video – CRITICAL. Less reading and more media.
And remember, a website is a virtual sales person, so take your time and make sure it’s saying exactly what you want it to say!
/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.png00Suzanne McDonald/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.pngSuzanne McDonald2012-11-25 02:52:512018-09-25 20:05:08What A Website Should Really Cost: A Look Into NIM’s October Event
NIMRI celebrates its overarching theme – connection – with a film showing of Sundance’s “Connected” March 29
It takes a really good movie to silence the smart phones of a room full of NIMRI-ers, but the only lights flickering in the Jane Pickens movie house March 29 came from the big screen. Premiered at Sundance 2011, the gem “Connected, an Autoblogography about Love, Death and Technology” held the attention of NIMRI members for 85 minutes.
Afterward, the crowd spilled into Yesterday’s across the street to re-connect to their phones and each other, reaffirming the filmmaker’s message that human beings function maximally both naturally – and synthetically – as interdependents.
About the Film
Organizational leadership expert Dennis Rebelo of University Business Consultants sponsored and introduced the film, which was written, produced and directed by Tiffany Shlain, founder of the Webby awards. Viewers anticipating a trek through how social media is overtaking the universe were surprised – and deeply moved – when things got more personal. Shlain had initially intended for the film to talk about technology and where the human race is heading. But the plot takes a sad turn when her beloved father Leonard, a renowned surgeon and best-selling author, is diagnosed with brain cancer as Shlain herself negotiates a high-risk pregnancy.
There couldn’t have been a better plot device than hospital visits to humanize this technological coup of a movie. Shlain’s father is so brilliant and charismatic that visits with him are part classroom and part favorite grandfather. Through him, Shlain’s larger message about where the human race is trying to go via technology is somehow made palatable even to those who fear and loathe technology. The takeaway from the movie is really that humans seek out connection naturally, and do their greatest work in collaboration with others — and technology is simply a tool to support that. Technology is so often accused of thinning out human interactions, but Shlain’s magnified look at a family dealing with crisis shows how it can also deepen those connections.
Unfortunately, Shlain’s father died before the movie was over, and viewers are bounced into a reality of technological limitations that reminds us that we are still more human than ever.
Part memoir, part documentary, “Connected” is packed with animation, home movies and statistics, narrated by Shlain in a fast-paced, upbeat style that keeps the viewer running to catch up, mimicking the social media exercise of being everywhere, all the time.
/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.png00Suzanne McDonald/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.pngSuzanne McDonald2012-04-27 22:36:132018-09-26 14:16:27NIM Brings the Film Connected to Newport
Let’s take a look at our websites and social media from a proven sales perspective.
Does your website put customers off? You think your website describes your company and products or services. You think you’re not “in the way” when they come to your site to learn about you — or via social media Read More
1/26/2012 Make Your Website Mobile Friendly
Annette Tonti, CEO of MoFuse, shared mobile web best practices for publishers and advertisers. NIM attendees learned the difference between a mobile app and a mobile site and how to build effective web content.
Newport Interactive Marketers joined the University of Rhode Island for the URI Social Media Social. The NIM speakers provided insights to students and Newport Interactive Marketers about what an intern can do and how social media can boost a business.
Jamie Palmer, the Senior Practitioner at University Business Consultants LLC, taught NIM attendees how to tactfully articulate the brand. Jamie stressed the importance of telling the story and not selling the story. NIM attendees learned how to engage their audience with messages that would resonate.
Panelists Matt Medeiros of Slocum Studios and Michelle Quillin of New England Multimedia shared their insights on Google+ just as it launched. A general consensus was Google+ was not appropriate for all brands at that time. But for those who are concerned about SEO, it’s worth considering.
Chuck Dennis, Vice President and Senior Consultant for Knowledgence Associates, taught NIM how to infuse social media with customer service to boost engagement and ROI. NIM attendees learned how to interact with customers’ concerns and complaints through social media. Tips for detecting and redirecting what could become a PR debacle were also included.
Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts instructor Jay Murphy showed Newport Interactive Marketers how to maximize Google Analytics to drive ROI. NIM attendees learned how to attract people that will actually buy and how to bring in more buyers and prospects.
NIM was thrilled to have Eric Covino of internationally regarded SEO community SeoBook.com and CreativeSignals.com answer questions on Search Engine Optimization and Google rankings. NIM attendees learned tactics to get search engines to rank their sites number one. Eric gave tips on how marketers can boost their websites in just one week! He also explained how SEO differs for service businesses and local retailers.
Tom Schuyler, Pandemic Labs’ Director of Accounts, shared Facebook best practices and ROI measurement types. NIM attendees gained tools and insights to measure the value of marketing on Facebook. Tom explained how to utilize Facebook analytics to assess weaknesses and opportunities to make brand presence more valuable. Attendees learned the core metrics you can use to determine how much Facebook is doing for your brand/business.
NIM hosted Patrick Hughes and Scott Quillin to share their expert opinions on online video posts. NIM attendees learned why videos are so important to the success of their businesses. The experts explained how to use YouTube and how to start your own brand channel.
Tamara Gruber, the founder of Red Giant Consulting, guided NIM attendees into the mobile marketing world. She explored the difference between mobile apps and mobile sites and how they could optimize their businesses.
Newport Interactive Marketers hosted a panel of social media experts to teach attendees how to optimize social media. Experts shared the best way to connect with customers through social media and discussed the most effective platforms to use.
Newport Interactive Marketers hosted Doug Wilson SEO specialist at Netsense, a Pawtucket-based market leader in outsourced IT, website, and web marketing solutions. NIM attendees received a how-to seminar on search engine optimization insights. Attendees also learned how to boost their Google rankings.
Social Media Answers With Newport Interactive Marketers
NIM hosted nationally known expert Partick O’Malley. Patrick is the former VP of Operations for Northern Light, Google’s former top competitor, and has spoken across the country and nationally. He is an expert on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Google. Attendees gained insights to use social media to effectively boost their businesses.
Matthew Mamet of EditMe presented how small businesses and individuals can use a Wiki platform to share information and foster communities. NIM attendees learned how to up their online presence quickly and easily.
Newport Interactive Marketers members will join the University of Rhode Island’s student-led Public Relations Society for URI’s first Social Media Social on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. on the Kingston campus. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/NIMatURI11.
As a Social Media Strategist and professor of Social Media Strategies at URI, Newport Interactive Marketers founder Suzanne McDonald will discuss how social media interns can benefit businesses and organizations as well as what interns should know to be prepared for the workplace.
McDonald will also discuss social media in the context of:
/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.png00Suzanne McDonald/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/logo.pngSuzanne McDonald2011-11-21 20:23:582018-09-26 15:16:01Newport Interactive Marketers team up with University of Rhode Island for inaugural Social Media Social
