The cost of books is outrageous. The majority of students spend upwards of $500 per semester on books. They are heavy, burdensome to carry around, and students only need them for a short period of time. However, with new devices like the iPad and Kindle, students are able to rent/purchase books at an affordable rate. Currently, eBooks purchased off of iBooks are $14.99 or lower. Also, they can easily store every book on one easy to carry device. As a result, this will save innumerable trees.

Despite access to this great new technology, a few problems still exist. First, iPads and Kindles can be very expensive. Also, the iBooks store and Amazon bookstore don’t have every textbook, but their publication list is growing every day. Lastly, reading a book can sometimes be refreshing after countless hours in front of a screen.

These minor issues notwithstanding, educational institutions, professors and students must embrace technology. With continuously rising costs in education, students are graduating with the financial equivalent of a mortgage, not just a diploma. With the extensive amount of technology available, you would think that education costs would be plummeting. After all, institutions can teach more students in more efficient ways than ever before, yet costs continue to rise. But, embracing technology, like the iPad or Kindle, can save students mucho dinero.

This being said, the upside for marketers is that these technologies provide infinite advertising opportunities. But, we will save that topic for a different discussion.

James Williams

Media Intern

Mood: Anxious

Once inside the conference hall, I was greeted by a touchscreen directory that pointed me to the downstairs meeting area. Before reaching the staircase, I saw projected on the wall the DHCX logo:

The floor was bustling with college and university researchers, digital media gurus, vendors, agency reps, conference organizers, champagne servers, and photographers. But I quickly found the AdEase posters just beyond the entrance. Nestled among a sea of academic posters heavy on theory and hypotheses were the AdEase presentations, focused on actual results delivered by carefully crafted integrated marketing campaigns.

The Digital Health Communication Extravaganza (DHCX) organizers were so impressed by AdEase’s work that two campaigns were featured: Healthy Works and It’s Up To Us. The presentations focused on the social media, web development, online advertising, and email marketing aspects of these full-featured accounts. Onlookers paid special attention to the results of AdEase’s research-driven strategy – increased quality site traffic, incredible campaign reach, and target audience engagement – while strolling among the myriad of posters.

I met a great deal of incredibly intelligent and capable digital health communicators at DHCX. Many are part of pioneering programs, like text message smoking cessation, and impressive research that represent innovative and creative uses of digital media in the health care industry.

It was a humbling experience and one that AdEase was proud to be part of.

This sentiment is a common one. Globalism has made a lot of us long for simpler times, for personalized customer service, for hometown pride. And this desire for what is “local” can work in a couple ways as an advertising tactic:

(1)    Obviously, capitalize within your own community if you are an independent and local business. Most of the billions of daily transactions are not global; they are done face-to-face, buyer-to-seller. Remind consumers of that fact, and promote hometown pride in your business. Join together with other local or independent businesses to promote each other. Work your angles and highlight personalization of business. For example, Buying Local is an Investment in Your Community.

2)    When your situation necessitates a large-scale approach, manipulate this sentiment to gain the trust of your customers. Often, good customer service is the best kind of advertising in which a company can invest. Consumers have come to expect poor quality service from massive corporations; but business—big or small—happens one transaction at a time. So when customer service is efficient, personalized and positive, they will surely take note. Think of HSBC’s slogan, “The World’s Local Bank”—combining access to international and global advantages with the personalization and knowledge of local place-specific situations.

Remember that consumers want to feel like people rather than transactions. And taking a Small World approach can help to reap Big World results.

Katherine Timm
Director of Business Development

With the GACP designation, AdEase is confirmed as a full service marketing agency able to help companies with a wide range of internet marketing services from interactive marketing, SEM/SEO and pay-per-click advertising to analytics, social media marketing, email marketing, and website development. The final step in the GACP certification process was the individual certification completed by Rachel Brown, AdEase Digital Services Project Manager, who received her Advanced Search Advertising qualification status on January 17th, 2012.

“As a Google Certified Partner we are proud that our agency has added this accolade to our credentials and accomplishments,” said Stacey Nelson Smith, AdEase President/CEO. “We are also excited to pass on the value and benefits of this partnership to our clients.”

The reasons surrounding the split stemmed from the creative advertising Pedigree was using to highlight the plight of homeless dogs in need of adoption. Westminster stated “Our show is a celebration of dogs… When we’re seeing puppies behind bars, it takes away from that.”

This initiated a visceral response from me in full support of Pedigree. As the owner of a rescue mutt, I’m one to err on the side of adopting from shelters rather than supporting breeders; mostly for fear of those less salubrious individuals who are in the business purely for monetary gains. There are some fabulous breeders and Westminster is a perfect showcase for these and their commitment to the canine world. I do recognize that there is demand for purebred dogs but I think it’s remiss to try and ignore the fact that there is also a huge population of homeless animals (a good portion of whom are purebred).

Although I can’t agree with Westminster’s position, given the nature of the event, I can to some extent understand the concern behind the creative but as historic campaigns have proven, the media attention and ratings surrounding the show provide an excellent opportunity for fundraising. Before my blood completely boiled, I happened to hear an interview presenting the fact that the Westminster dog show has donated significant money to the ASPCA. This has in part quelled my anger but above all, I’m disappointed that the two parties couldn’t come to a creative agreement…for the love of dog.

Helen Burdett
General Manager
Mood: Dog-tired

Email marketing is big business, and an important tool for every brands arsenal. But, as we’ve seen repeatedly, simply showing up is never enough. Value is the word of the day, and I’m not talking about discounts on teeth whitening or organic facials. The question for me is what value is your email providing the recipient, and how consistently are you delivering it. When a brand consistently delivers a valuable product in my inbox, I make time for it. Take Nieman Marcus.

I don’t nor can I make a habit of shopping at Nieman’s, but this fashionista can look, no? So, tempted by red bottom shoes and spring’s new printed pants, I happen to surf a lot. And dream about the day I have a personal stylist to pull together outfits that take my style to the next level.

Well, I dream no more – I have a stylist, courtesy of Nieman Marcus. But, instead of going through racks of specially selected clothes in a dressing room and paying for the service, I get it delivered to me, or rather, my inbox.

Now, I understand the inner workings of how they are putting together this “personalized” selection, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful or, shall I say, valuable. They earned the right to be in my inbox by delivering something I was initially surprised by, personal to my own style making it applicable to my life and something I now await.

And in my world where I’m constantly inundated with information overload, a brand has made themselves relevant by providing specific content that is tailored to my taste and my life, as my monthly credit card proves, and my husband can attest, it’s effective.

Kelly Cathleen Hollifield
Art Director
Mood: Broke

Many movies attempt to foresee the future in a 90 minute extravaganza. However, it is only real through the lenses of good editing and Hollywood tricks. Some movies that come to mind are Blade Runner, Back to the Future Part II and Minority Report. How does this relate to the advertising industry? A unique and exciting trend is blending fantasy and reality, similarly to those movies, and alternating the advertising and marketing industries respectively. The appearance and direction of this new technology has the capability of changing consumer perceptions of advertisements and marketing efforts. This new technology will engage consumers as fantasies come alive through their devices. Currently, this is dominantly recognized as augmented reality (AR).

AR, basically, brings objects and the physical environment to life though computer-generated imagery. There is no better way to do this then through a mobile device. With other trends, such as, mobile devices leading the charge of purchases over all computer devices in the past year, it is becoming clear that the future is now. Augmented reality will be a force in marketing and advertising industries.

As a result, outdoor advertising is going to come roaring back in a revolutionary manner. Currently, many real estate companies are using browsers like Junaio to advertise their available units in major cities. This enables users to point their phone at buildings and view current offerings. Also, Doritos recently tested a webcam code on the back of their chip bags. A consumer scans a bag with their device and a small cartoon character appears. Afterwards, the consumer is able to use the character in an online computer game.

This leads into the major issue surrounding AR: Visual Air Rights (VARs). Essentially, VARs will be owned by the brands that sponsor the browsers consumers are using. However, this still creates a problem because many buildings pay for air rights and other out-of-home advertising can be overshadowed. For instance, if an AR image appears for McDonalds over an existing advertisement for Burger King, infringement rights become very interesting.

James Williams
Media Intern
Mood: Intrigued

The Senior Designer will work with Creative leadership to develop smart, strategic concepts across a variety of platforms including branding, print, broadcast and digital. This position will work collaboratively with the internal team and external vendors to produce polished, attention grabbing campaigns and materials. We are looking for someone who is obsessed with great design, is a strong communicator and strategic thinker, and a proactive, detail oriented partner.

Responsibilities:

- Develop and create smart, strategic, conceptual ideas across all platforms including brand identity, print, broadcast and digital

- Excellent knowledge of print production requirements/techniques such as bleeds, crop marks, color conversions and understanding of how to ensure proper delivery of jobs to vendors for printing

- Working knowledge of digital and social media design such as websites, flash animation, Facebook and Twitter

- High energy and can-do attitude

Experience/Skills:

- 5-7 years’ experience in a fast-paced, innovative agency

- Proficient in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and Fireworks

- Comfort with HTML and CSS

- Experience in broadcast production

- Ability to work on multiple projects on tight deadlines and adjust accordingly when corporate directions shift

- Knowledge of best practices for production and agency flow

Please provide salary requirements and a link to your portfolio and any websites designed.

To apply, please fill out the contact form.

To get a better sense of working at AdEase you can like and follow our pages:

Facebook

Twitter

Job Description

AdEase, a fast-paced San Diego based advertising agency, is looking for an experienced account executive to join our team. A strong initiative and drive to succeed is paramount for success in this position as is a strong attention to detail, tenacity, maturity and a pro-active entrepreneurial spirit.

Responsibilities include

- Maintaining relationships and positive contacts with current and prospective advertising accounts

- Managing assigned clients and client-related services including ROI to client and ROI to agency

- Act as liaison between the client and the agency and understand that acting as the client’s advocate is at the core of the job

The ideal candidate will have excellent time management skills, be able to manage conflicting priorities, open to a challenge and resourceful enough to “figure it out” and “find a solution.”

Required skills include

- A solid understanding of all traditional and digital media: television, radio, outdoor, print, SEO, PPC and social media

- Experience with advertising/marketing in multiple arenas (indicate specific areas of experience)

- Proven competence budgeting and managing campaign costs, writing client reports and monitoring effectiveness of campaigns

- Developing innovative proposals and delivering strategic sales presentations

- Establishing client expectations and effectively communicating to appropriate parties

BA degree in Advertising, Communications, Marketing or Business preferred.  Please send salary requirements.

To apply, please fill out the contact form.

To get a better sense of working at AdEase you can like and follow our pages:

Facebook

Twitter

Job Description

AdEase, a fast-paced San Diego based advertising agency, is seeking an experienced Web/SEO Specialist to join our growing team. The primary focus of the Web/SEO Specialist is organizing and managing the development, maintenance, optimization, and delivery of various web projects and SEO campaigns for both new and prospective clients. Tasks will require a hands-on approach as well as utilization of external resources when needed.

Responsibilities include:

Web Project Management

• Managing and leading web/mobile development & other web projects of varying sizes and complexity for all project lifecycles, including: proposals, planning SOW, estimates, execution, deployment, and post-launch support/training
• Coordinating and managing team of developers and resources (in-house and vendors)
• Ability to perform basic web development tasks such as setup hosting, servers, domain configuration
• HTML/Java, CSS, and database edits and troubleshooting
• Tracking the project schedule/budget and owning the process
• Collaborating within department as needed to source external resources, review and communicate technical requirements for projects

SEO Campaign Management

• Defining, prioritizing, and managing execution of key SEO tactical initiatives, including keyword analysis, on-site optimizations, content development, site auditing, link-building, and competitive analyses
• Creating and presenting well written recommendations for SEO performance improvements
• Staying abreast of SEO market changes and new opportunities and forecast cost
• Monitoring com­­petitors SEO techniques and adjust internal strategy

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 3 years of experience in web project management (websites, mobile apps, microsites)
• Minimum 2 years of SEO experience
• Demonstrated track record of working on multiple projects and launching successful web products and SEO campaigns
• Strong knowledge of basic web development/coding principles
• Strong working/hands-on familiarity with HTML coding, CSS, web tools, SQL, and email programs
• Experience with SEO campaigns, guidelines and implementation
• Expert on Google Analytics, both technical and reporting levels.
• Understanding of project management software and reporting
• Experience with CMS’s (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla) and other web technologies
• Strong project management, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines

Please provide salary requirements.

To apply, please fill out the contact form.

To get a better sense of working at AdEase you can like and follow our pages:

Facebook

Twitter