Category Tom Polanski
Tom Polanski discusses the importance web site optimization
By Tom Polanski, EVP, eBrand Media and eBrand Interactive
We’ve recently completed an analysis of the website of a nationwide brand. The company was under the impression that it was their media plan needed optimization, when in fact, we proved that it was the web site that was failing them. They’re getting targeted, motivated traffic but the site is not converting. The return on ad spend could be greatly enhanced for many, many companies if there was an internal commitment to test and optimize the website. We’ve learned that there are at least a few reasons why companies don’t:
1. Ego investment – The site was built in-house and leadership within the company is adamant that nobody knows their business like they do.
2. Hubris – Nobody would be foolish enough go into court without expert representation yet many think that they can go into the marketplace on their own. The thinking is that all one has to do is copy what they think is working for their competitors. What we often find here are competitors cannibalizing each others bad ideas. In addition, since we’re marketed to all day long it’s relatively easy to be seduced into thinking we’re experts by osmosis.
3. Lack of in-house resources needed to change and test.
4. Ignorance – An inability to associate website analytics with the causes and conditions that are degrading the sites conversion rate. Moreover many don’t even know that their conversion rate is lower than the industry standard. Ignorance breeds risk-aversion and fear.
Posted by Tom Polanski in Tom Polanski, Website Optimization on September 24th, 2008
Tom Polanski discusses most recent eBrand Interactive client success story
By Tom Polanski, EVP, eBrand Media and eBrand Interactive
I’ve been asked over the years why eBrand Media doesn’t issue press releases regarding our success stories and our new client acquisitions. In addition, more than one has wondered why we don’t attend any the industry shows. The long and short of it is that we’ve always put all of our money into our people and into optimizing our systems so that we can actualize the most positive of results while offering industry-leading customer support. Those who are interested can go to eBrand Interactive to see a sample list of our clients which includes several leading, nation wide, brands.
However, let me make this observation regarding industry conventions including Ad-Tech, Shop.org and SES: I find it ironic that digital marketing companies still use booths, brochures and business cards to promote their companies. As a person who has attended numerous conventions I find them to be highly inefficient. I seldom remember who said what by the end. It is a great excuse for getting drunk with your marketing peers calling it business development.
That said, the purpose of this article is to discuss our most recent client success story so lets get started.
Posted by Tom Polanski in Marketing, Success Stories, Tom Polanski, eBrand Interactive on September 8th, 2008
Tom Polanski interviews BuzzBack Executive, Carol Fitzgerald
By Tom Polanski, EVP, eBrand Media and eBrand Interactive
Folks, I’m pleased to be able to spend some time with Carol Fitzgerald, President of BuzzBack, a full service online market research company which has developed several really innovative ways to do research. BuzzBack helps a company to understand the likes, dislikes, passions, interests and attitudes of their customer base for a number of purposes which include, but not are not limited to; optimization of the website for improved end-user stickiness and increased conversion rates, introducing new content, products/services based on what customers/clients want and what they’d find compelling and memorable. There are many ways that BuzzBack’s market research can be used, but the long and short of it is this; the research the company provides helps companies become more efficient, which in turn lowers operating costs and enhances ROI.
Tom Polanski: Hi Carol, how are you today?
Carol Fitzgerald: Great, thanks. I appreciate your having me here.
Tom Polanski: You were an English and French major in college. When did you discover a passion for technology?
Carol Fitzgerald: Dartmouth was a beta site for the Macintosh when it was first introduced. I have one of the original Mac’s and used it in college. When I attended my first MacWorld Expo for work, I fell in love with technology — from there I wanted to work for a software company.
Tom Polanski: Carol, before we discuss BuzzBack in further detail, I think it would be of great service if we could maybe discuss what it’s like to be a woman, a mom, who’s President of a company. You have twins, right?
Carol Fitzgerald: Yes, that’s right. They’re 11 years old now, so it’s a bit easier than the early days. But life is a constant juggle and balance. Finding the balance is tough for any Mom, working or non, as time to yourself becomes non-existent. For me, our exciting growth as a company makes it more stressful, but it’s super-motivating also.
Posted by Tom Polanski in Interviews, Tom Polanski on August 4th, 2008
Tom Polanski introduces Carol Fitzgerald, President of BuzzBack Market Research
Hi Everybody,
On Monday, August the 4th, we’re finally publishing our long awaited, exclusive interview with Fitzgerald regarding BuzzBack and the services her company offers. We’re almost fanatical in our belief in research. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies over the years and only a few understand what makes their customers tick, click and stick (Neiman-Marcus comes to mind). Rather than invest in the type of intelligence that BuzzBack provides, these decision makers continue to burn through their budgets testing new and unproven media.
That’s not to say new advertising media opportunities and testing are not important. They are. But it seems clear to us, after eight years of launching and managing campaigns, that once one is able to identify the friction points that are inhibiting conversions, every site could provide a better, more positive shopping experience. Let the customer teach you how to sell them. And they will, if you ask the right questions in the right way.
Posted by Tom Polanski in Advertising, Tom Polanski on August 1st, 2008
Diana Nelson, CEO of Kazoo Toys, discusses business trials and triumphs with Tom Polanski
By Tom Polanski, EVP. eBrand Media and eBrand Interactive
Tom Polanski: Folks, I’m very pleased that Diana has found the time to spend a few moments with us today. Hi Diana, I hope that you’re doing well.
Diana Nelson: Thank you Tom. I am and how are you?
Tom Polanski: I’m doing great. Thanks for asking. You bought Kazoo Toys didn’t you?
Diana Nelson: Yes. I purchased Kazoo & Company is 1998 and launched Kazoo Toys in 1999, The Good Toy Group Catalog co-op in 2000 and Kazoo Global in 2008.
Tom Polanski: Why did you target Kazoo Toys for purchase?
Diana Nelson: I looked at an assortment of companies. Franchises, coffee shops, box and tape companies and nothing felt like a good fit. Nothing felt like coming home. I also looked at corporate positions within Fortune 500 companies and going back into the corporate fray. That did not feel right because I knew I needed to find a firm that allowed me time with my sons and cash flow. Nothing fit easily. One conversation led to another and I approached a business (Kazoo) that was not on the market and it was NOT for sale. Of course they stated no they were not interested and not for sale. My comment to them was: “The best things in life are not for sale. Can’t we talk?”
Posted by Tom Polanski in Interviews, Tom Polanski on July 30th, 2008