Disqus - Latest Comments for donnieB

Re: Forrester Expecting Online Holiday Sales to Increase 8%

donnieB — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:24:31 -0000

Is it growth or shifted spend? Isn't this simply $$ that would have been spent either way? It doesn't look like "new" money, unless you're actively acquiring new customers.

Re: New Starbucks Loyalty Program Requires Purchases For Most Rewards

donnieB — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:58:32 -0000

In light of McDonald's and other competitors, shouldn't they make it easier for existing customers? Bad timing.

Re: Sierra Trading Post Launches Twitter Promotion

donnieB — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:14:48 -0000

Sooooo, what exactly does increasing your presence on Twitter do for you anyhow? Social Media is a reflection of your brand recognition. If you have not developed your brand to the extent that customers know what you stand for, be sure to be prepared for negative responses.

Re: The Continuing Relevance of Direct Mail

donnieB — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:48:58 -0000

Well said. "Mail, the new media." When I look around my office and see all these kids, it's no wonder mail is a lost art. When we talk about how it fits in, and how much sense it makes to use it where it fits, it's like a light bulb goes off in their little heads.

Re: Non-Profits Shine on 'Welcome' E-mails, Lacking Elsewhere: Study

donnieB — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:22:08 -0000

Well gee, wouldn't it be great if there was some way to incorporate asking how the prospect prefers to be communicated with at the time of reigstration, you know like actually adhering to their preference for email, direct mail, etc..hmmm, if only that was possible...

Re: The Happy Marriage of Direct and Digital

donnieB — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:03:13 -0000

Great read and very reasonable. The web may be the most measurable marketing vehicle, but shouldn't we be measuring what is driving the beavior( why they are online,at the site, etc..) as opposed to the action itself (being online)? I think perhaps your most compelling statement was "A Direct Marketing Association study suggests that 33% of people respond to a direct mail piece by going online."
Avoidance technology (DVRs, spam filters, etc..)impacts every marketing effort except direct mail. The only filter direct mail has is the prospect themselves, when they hold it in their hand and make a decision on your offer.

Re: Pike Back On DMA Board As Part Of "Reform Block"

donnieB — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:59:02 -0000

facinating.

Re: Postal: Don’t Get Mad – Get Involved!

donnieB — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:57:21 -0000

Um,...In case you didn't hear, no new rates for next year. But good on yah. Careful to watch the new back-end verification threshold in 2010.

I do get your point, but just ask the DMA, print is dead.

Re: USPS: No Rate Hike in 2010

donnieB — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:17:29 -0000

It is outstanding that the USPS has been proactive throughout the last year in offering pricing incentives for mailers and now not increasing rates. It will be important for USPS to keep that allocated postage spend within their media, instead of it being allocated to other media or lost altogether. With little to no support from the DMA or anyone else, they must reintroduce mail as a viable advertising platform, recognizing the benefits that only mail can provide.

Re: Social Media is Swell, But Don’t Forget the Basics

donnieB — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:37:58 -0000

Sorry, when I read "basics," I thought you meant "real" marketing with actual results. I have yet to see a business become successful because of followers on twitter.

Re: UPS Launches Offers-And-Sampling Program

donnieB — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:20:19 -0000

Hmmm...yeah, uh....Doesn't just about any package break through the "clutter" of the mailbox? And besides, with mail volume down so much, if you can't stand out in the mailbox now, you never will.
The program is too limited, not a high enough level of penetration. And it will probably be left at my neighbor's house anyway.

Re: Half of E-mail Marketers Segment by Clicks: Forrester

donnieB — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:42:26 -0000

ha ha....email marketers are laughing all the way to the bank.