Aug
19
2010

Mindgruve Pushes SanDiego.com Facebook Page Past 50,000 Members

SanDiego.com Facebook

Network surpasses 50,000 through a combination of targeted advertising and local appeal.

SAN DIEGO, CA – August 19, 2010 – Thanks to a string of successful social media initiatives, San Diego-based digital media firm, Mindgruve, has brought the SanDiego.com Facebook Page community to over 50,000 engaged members, doubling its membership in only two months.

Mindgruve has used strategic posting techniques and targeted Facebook ads to boost SanDiego.com’s Facebook presence. Reaching tourists as well as San Diego residents past and present, community members can receive and discuss local news, event information and deals to help them get the most out of San Diego. Mindgruve also offers online contests such as the recent SanDiego.com photo contest, which encourages members to remain engaged with SanDiego.com’s Facebook community.

“We are amazed by the growth over the last two months. Mindgruve’s knowledge of San Diego as well as their innovative marketing concepts have been key to the success of SanDiego.com in the social space,” said James Earwicker, President of SanDiego.com.

Moving forward, Mindgruve will continue to develop new and unique features to keep the community engaged and encourage new users to “like” the Facebook page. Features such as the 100k giveaway, which to date has awarded over 30 prizes to community members, highlights Mindgruve’s continued commitment to SanDiego.com’s community growth.

“When we started working with SanDiego.com, we knew that social media would be an important component to the site’s future success. With an average of over 400 new members a day, we feel that we have created an environment where San Diegans can communicate online, while also stimulating growth at SanDiego.com,” explained Chad Robley, President of Mindgruve.

About SanDiego.com
SanDiego.com was created out of a love for America’s Finest City. Through a staff of award-winning writers, reviewers and city insiders, SanDiego.com offers locals and visitors the latest news in sports, events, business, government, entertainment and more. SanDiego.com is committed to being the perfect online guide and community partner by also providing hotel deals, vacation packages, coupons and reviews to visitors. www.SanDiego.com


Aug
17
2010

Digital Barcodes: The Present and Future of Mobile Marketing

digital-barcode

The past few years have seen many innovations in the world of mobile marketing, one of the biggest being the use of digital barcodes. Digital barcodes, or Quick Response codes, are barcodes that, when scanned using a mobile device’s QR code reader, lead users to promotional information designated by the creator. We believe digital barcodes will help mobile marketing finally break into the mainstream. They create a more intimate experience for users as well as increase the effectiveness and response time of opt-in marketing campaigns.

The biggest advantage to a digital barcode campaign is an increase in user engagement. Digital barcodes create a more enticing, personal experience for users that is hard to replicate in other mediums. They also have the ability to quickly show the success of a campaign based on the number of scans per location, which can be measured at any time. Additionally, digital barcodes can drive quality traffic to a company’s website or landing page, allowing for targeted marketing. Finally, consumers that use the bar codes are showing an immediate interest, making it easier for companies to get visitors to interact with their product or service.

This is perfectly demonstrated by a digital barcode campaign that was recently launched by Calvin Klein to support their new lines of X jeans. Billboards were placed in New York and Los Angeles with a digital barcode on them in place of the normally racy billboard. If scanned, the ad promised an uncensored version for private viewing. With the campaign, Calvin Klein enticed consumers to visit its site under their own volition and to engage with their new product in influencer markets.

QR Codes have also been used for other types of campaigns. The nonprofit group Women of the Storm used digital barcodes to rally support for restoration of the Gulf Coast after the BP oil spill. The Be the One Campaign, with the assistance of ScanLife, created a digital barcode that leads to their website. This barcode was then put on display in Times Square as well as printed on stickers and T-shirts. To date, it has resulted in over 120,000 people signing up to support their cause.

While there are many advantages to a digital barcode campaign, there are some drawbacks to be considered. The technology is still very new and in most cases requires a smartphone. Marketers will also need to make sure they have a significant web presence. With this type of campaign, companies must ensure that consumers will remain engaged once they hit the landing page or the campaign is destined to fail.

This technology is an exciting look into the future of marketing. We are currently utilizing one on our building for our Google business listing and believe that digital barcodes offer many options for engaging the audience with creative, versatile opt-in marketing campaigns. While there are still some issues to work around, this technology offers the ability take mobile marketing to a whole new level.

If you or your company is interested in learning more about the potential for digital barcode campaigns, please contact Michael Garten by phone (949.698.2983), on Twitter or through Linkedin.


Jul
16
2010

Online Video Marketing: Relatable, Engaging Content Leads to Successful Campaigns

online-video

Online video is a major part of the interactive world and many say it’s the future of marketing. However, it wasn’t until recently that we’ve seen companies actively use it to reach audiences online. Toyota (apart from the recall woes faced earlier this year) and Levi’s have shown great leadership with their current campaigns. Inspired by Reel SEO’s tips for creating a web series, we believe these brands hit the nail on the head with content that centers on universal truths for the target audience, encouraging them to contribute, watch and share with others.

Toyota
Toyota’s Sienna Family changed the way we viewed automobile advertising, especially after the now famous Swagger Wagon music video took the web by storm. Armed with (self-professed) A+ parenting skills, the family gave parents and minivan drivers the opportunity to chuckle at the well-known steps new parents take to meet varying family needs. Taking a step back from traditional car ads, Toyota developed a campaign around an engaging, sitcom-style series of online videos that don’t push warranties, pricing and the like.

Already, millions have gone out of their way to meet the family. As Spork Marketing Blog notes, unlike traditional TV advertising, “online video viewers have elected to watch your content – it’s not being forced upon them.” With nearly 3 million YouTube channel views and over 4 million views of Swagger Wagon alone, Toyota has achieved an online video marketing success.

Levi’s
The popular clothing brand grabbed Mindgruve’s attention with “Ready to Work” (an extension of their “Go Forth” campaign), which documents the new pioneers of Braddock, PA, through an 11-part online video series.

Unlike Toyota’s series of laughable family quirks, this series of online videos pull at the heart strings by tapping into the idea of hard work, a theme integral to America and Levi’s roots, while also highlighting a very real concept many have faced in light of economic highs and lows, starting over. These personal narratives will be carried through the entire series as it showcases the potential of Braddock residents, including Braddock’s Mayor who expresses his passion for the town with heartfelt tattoos.

Still early in the campaign, Levi’s made the right decision to captivate their audience by leveraging their Facebook Page and YouTube channel. The use of their social network makes the series easily accessible to those already interested and is sure to help spread the word about this resilient community and Levi’s brand.

Done correctly, online videos can be an engaging medium and possess the ability to enhance your marketing with repeated viewing, sharing and meaningful discussion. While there is no surefire way to guarantee a hit, choosing and executing on a theme universal to your audience is a good first step.


Jun
3
2010

Mindgruve is Hiring: Part-Time Junior Copywriter/Social Media Assistant

Mindgruve is a leading digital media agency located in downtown San Diego, CA in a loft-style, open workspace environment that promotes new ideas and empowers its employees to spearhead innovative, quality work that gets results for clients.

Mindgruve is seeking a motivated, reliable, organized and flexible individual to serve as a Junior Copywriter/Social Media Assistant. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and adept at self-management, possess strong written communication skills, have experience in all major social media platforms, have interactive agency experience or similar, and is looking for a long-term, prosperous and challenging career.

Responsibilities Will Include:

  • Content/production writing
  • Development of email, banner and landing page copy
  • Research/writing for SEO
  • Press release development and distribution
  • Client/competitor/landscape research
  • Social media campaign/content development and production
  • Set up of social media accounts, including content writing, images, profiles, applications, linking, etc…
  • Daily maintenance of social media accounts internally and for clients
  • Periodic reporting of social media accounts internally and for clients
  • Social media best practices/trends/tactics research and reporting

Candidate Requirements:

  • 1-3 years experience in a interactive/ad/PR agency setting (includes internships)
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, journalism or related field
  • Strong understanding of voice, tone and brand presence, including the ability to translate it into writing
  • Strong written communication skills and the ability to build relationships online
  • Working knowledge of popular and niche social media outlets
  • The ability to work autonomously or in a team setting
  • Highly organized and action oriented
  • Strong proofing/editing/grammar skills

Bonus If:

  • You have PR experience
  • You have mobile marketing experience

Compensation commensurate with experience. This is an in-house position. No headhunters, contractors, freelancers, overseas agents or professional job hoppers will be considered.

To be considered for this job, qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to careers@mindgruve.com


May
5
2010

Mindgruve Propels Sunfood Facebook Page to 25,000 Community Members

sf-facebook-members_25K

Using robust Facebook Page capabilities, Mindgruve drives the community to 25,000+ members in under six months.

SAN DIEGO,CA – May 5, 2010 – Since launching the Sunfood Facebook Page in January, San Diego-based digital media firm, Mindgruve, has provided a series of social media initiatives to build the online community, Facebook.com/Sunfood, to over 25,000 members.

Leveraging a custom-built weekly deals Facebook application, an Earth Day Giveaway contest and other weekly promotions, Mindgruve continues to support Sunfood’s efforts with targeted Facebook ads, website display ads and email marketing. “The success behind our Facebook page is directly related the amount of work Mindgruve has done behind the scenes to help us develop the community. We couldn’t have met 25,000 members without their quick work and strategic planning in launching efforts like our Earth Day promotion and weekly giveaways,” explained Brian Bowers, Sunfood’s Director of Product Development.

As more people continue to join the page, Mindgruve moves to develop more immersive features for Sunfood’s Facebook page. The page will soon feature custom tabs, which will allow for shopping within Facebook while also giving health food enthusiasts increased opportunities to contribute and interact with other members.

“With nearly 100 interactions and almost 200 new community members every day, the success we’ve seen has been amazing. As Sunfood continues to find the best new superfoods, we look forward to developing innovative ways to share them. These include SunfoodTV, an online video channel for recipes and product reviews, and Superfoods Community, a superfood-specific online community focused on health, lifestyle and personal growth,” stated Chad Robley, President of Mindgruve.

About Sunfood

Sunfood is the world’s leading provider of high-quality superfoods, including sustainable, organic and raw products. Distributing over 700 different products, their website has become the nucleus of the growing superfood global community. Sunfood also provides staff experts, educational materials and various other tools used for integrating the health benefits of superfoods into their patrons lifestyles. www.Sunfood.com