Today’s consumer is elaborate, quick, unimpressed and on to the next deal or site within seconds. If we step out of our roles of trying to capture the consumer’s business and become the consumer, which of course we often are, we can have a better understanding of why consistent branding online is so crucial. Because, as consumers, we are so easily distracted online—ads and marketing efforts are everywhere, they clog up our newsfeed, our email and jump in front of us on our favorite sites. So, how do you reach new customers and catch their attention?

A recent study by BIA suggests six out of 10 small to medium-sized business (SMB) websites in the U.S. are missing either a local or toll-free telephone number on the home page; 74.7 percent of SMB websites lack an email link on their home page for consumers to contact the business; 65.7 percent of SMB websites lack a form-fill option to enable consumers to request information; 93.3 percent of SMB websites are not mobile compatible and will not render successfully on mobile devices or smartphones.

Paid media, at times, can be confusing; how do brands and businesses use paid media to grow their business? In an effort to explain how paid media drives new customers, we thought it was important to discuss the various forms of media that play a role in today's marketing mix. 

The perfect integrated marketing burger

Our attempt to get your mouth watering is a perfect example of layering a well thought-out marketing plan with multiple advertising solutions to help you increase business. By mixing traditional (offline) solutions with digital (online) solutions, allows your business the ability to not only stay in front of consumers, but also send specific offers and messaging to them.

The ROI Burger infographic is a menu for success—just pick the right "toppings" for your business's goals and needs.  

This week, Oprah was named one of Advertising Age’s 100 Most Influential Women in Advertising, and as huge fans of the Queen of All Media (who isn’t?) we decided to illuminate some of her best qualities of self-promotion, and how they can be applied to everyday marketing strategy.

At what point do you high five and pat your advertising and marketing plan on the back? Is it when a customer finds a phone number on your website and calls, when a client clicks an ad you've placed, or when a coupon is used during a purchase? Do you rate the effectiveness of an advertisement solely on the final outcome, or should you look further up the line giving credit to multiple initiatives?