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The Time Is Now: Our December 2019 Newsletter

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The Time Is Now!

To remember the successes of 2019, to reflect on the good in our lives and make a plan towards a banner year in 2020!


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Dear Friends of The Creative Company,

Where were you one year ago? Have you had a chance to really take inventory yet? In what ways have you grown personally? How has your business or organization changed? What lessons were learned? Do you feel as though you spent your time wisely and were you the kind of person you want to be in the world?
 
It’s wise to take inventory of how GOOD life really is and how many opportunities we have simply because we are alive. It's also wise to plan ahead.

As I write to you today, I find myself feeling a great deal of gratitude. I’m thankful for the lessons, the setbacks, the opportunities, and the ways we contributed positively to the world around us in 2019. Our clients have many things in common, including a heart for giving back to the community. We are their partners in carrying that message forward. What an honor and privilege it is to work with people who do more than is expected.

The same can be said for this community. Whether it’s Downtown Madison, Inc.Wisconsin Technology CouncilRotary Club of MadisonBetter Business Bureau of Wisconsin, the American Marketing Association Madison Chapter, the Greater Madison Chamber of CommerceThe Business Forum, the SBA or any of the other organizations we’re a part of, they rise every day to make our lives and communities stronger. We're surrounded by so much good.
 
Then there are my colleagues whom without none of this would be possible. We retained 100% of our team this year and grew it by one plus several talented subcontractors. Because of our clients and this community, we’re creating opportunities for work where there were none before. We also finished the year with an International Gold MarCom Award for our non-profit work for Midwest Environmental Advocates' 20th Anniversary video. And, last but not least, we improved some efficiencies in several key areas and added two certifications in web development and lead generation expanding our scope of services.

Given that this is also our 30th year in business, it’s also good to remember all the people who contributed throughout the years to bring us to this place. Whether clients who needed us for a short time while they built something new or those who have been with us for years, The Creative Company is here because of you.
 
It's wise to remember all that's right in a world that tends to focus on what's wrong.
 
The stories we tell ourselves and others matter. By taking inventory, we’re able to see more clearly. Our vision can get a little cloudy at times, especially as the days are shorter and the nights, longer. By remembering and taking inventory, we can see clearly. It also helps us to move towards a brighter future.
 
Client planning for 2020 is well underway here at the agency. One of the services we provide is the facilitation of brainstorming and planning sessions. It’s one of my personal favorite things to do and clients are overwhelmingly happy with the results. It’s also a way to make sure your team really buys-in and knows they are essential to the mission for your organization. Feel free to give me a call to see how this will work at your company or non-profit.
 
Building a data-centric decision-making pathway for marketing success requires a solid team of experts who can deliver it across channels towards a successful outcome. That’s what we’re here for. When you’re ready to learn more, reach out to me. I’m a life long- learner and would enjoy hearing more about you and where you want to take your company or organization in 2020!
 
All the best and here's to putting together a banner year for 2020, with clarity!

With gratitude,

Laura Gallagher, President of The Creative Company
2019 SBA Women in Business Champion



The Other 98%

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Across industries, the average website landing page conversion rate is about 2%. How can you turn the other 98% of your B2B website visitors into sales leads?

A new service offered by The Create Company helps companies see which web pages, campaigns, site content, emails, and ads are being engaged by new prospects that don’t end up as a “conversion” (picking up the phone or fill out an online form). Would you like to turn those visitors into pre-qualified leads for your sales team?

The benefits of this new service:

  • Identify quality leads from anonymous traffic
    People visiting your website are more likely to buy than someone who’s never heard of you. Turn a cold-call into a warm hello!
  • Connect at the right time
    Research shows, contacting prospects when you’re top-of-mind makes it more likely you’ll close a deal. Contact your prospects before they head to the competition, and beat your competitors to the punch.
  • Qualify and target the pitch with pinpoint accuracy 
    You can see what site pages, blog posts and content your prospects are interested in—then you can use that information in your sales pitch! Anticipate their needs and wants like never before.
  • Know Who To Contact
    See exactly what companies do on your website and how they found you. Use that information to improve your sales pitches and evaluate your online marketing.

How does it work?

Companies are automatically identified by pairing your Google Analytics with this AI-driven service. Leads are then filtered by their activity on your website so that you or your sales team can prioritize follow-up based on how these use visitors engaged with your content.

At this point, the data is enriched with company and contact data and can be directly sent to your CRM. Connect your sales team with decision-makers now and make 2020 a banner year in every way.

Are you ready to learn more about turning website visitors into sales leads? Let's talk today!


Photo of The Creative Company's Google lead generation expert Craig Hadley. Craig is based in Madison WI.

Is your business in need of a new website?

Craig Hadley, our Senior Web Developer, can help you get started today! Connect now!


Welcome, Jodi!

Jodi Lyon-Grams Joins The Creative Company as Producer


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As a former TV news correspondent and producer, Jodi's work has been on Lifetime, Big Ten Network and numerous PBS affiliates across the country. She has specialized in medical news and health & wellness content as well as travel stories for broadcast and web. Effective media pitching is all about finding the right news hook and Jodi's experience helps our clients get valuable media placements.

“Jodi’s decision to join us is a huge boost to The Creative Company. She provides senior-level counseling and expertise that our clients have come to expect,” said President Laura Gallagher. “The addition of Jodi to the team strengthens our public affairs team securing our position to help clients achieve their communication and business goals.”

Previously, Jodi worked as a producer for America’s longest-running travel show Discover Wisconsin, a freelance video producer for corporate clients, an on-air reporter for local tv news and a freelance host/producer at Milwaukee Public Television. She also produced video news releases for major pharmaceutical companies nationwide.

“Whether it’s helping a business build a brand or manage a crisis, I’m thrilled to be working at The Creative Company with a team of talented people who serve our clients well,” said Jodi.

CONNECT WITH JODI TODAY!


And the Award Goes to...

The Creative Company Brings Home Gold!


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Photo of Madison Lee, Publicist at The Create Company in Madison WI Madison Lee
Publicist & Producer

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Contact The Creative Company today!

The Creative Company wins a Gold MarCom Award in the category of Nonprofit Video Production.

The MarCom Awards is an international competition that honors excellence in the fields of marketing and communication. Each year, about 6,000 entries are submitted from dozens of countries around the globe.

Madison Lee, a publicist and producer at The Creative Company, produced the winning video for Midwest Environmental Advocates, a nonprofit environmental law center that defends public rights, protects natural resources and ensures transparency and accountability in government. As a former TV news producer, Madison has extensive experience producing compelling video content and created an impactful marketing tool for Midwest Environmental Advocates.

“It was truly an honor to help MEA tell their story for their 20th Anniversary,” said Madison Lee. “To have our video recognized by MarCom and win a Gold Award made the project even more gratifying. How exciting to receive this award for such a worthwhile project.”

To see the video, click the link HERE.


A Nifty Gifty Holiday Video

Willy Street Co-op and the Power of Video 


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The Creative Company loves this time of year for so many reasons, but the Nifty Gifty Video is an annual favorite!

Our new producer, Jodi Lyon-Grams, worked with Willy Street Co-op on a holiday video: a client who understands the power of video marketing. The Co-op wanted to feature a few favorite gifts and while featuring an actual employee. This 90-second piece turned out pretty sweet!

Is video part of your marketing strategy?

Here are 5 reasons it should be:

  1. 72% of customers would rather learn about a product or service by way of video. (HubSpot)
  2. 81% of businesses use video as a marketing tool — up from 63% over the last year. (Hubspot)
  3. 78% of people watch online videos every week, and 55% view online videos every day. (HubSpot)
  4. A Facebook executive predicted that their platform will be all video and no text by 2021. (Quartz)
  5. Users view more than 1 billion hours of video each day on YouTube. (YouTube)

So what is the take-away here?

People really like watching videos meaning video production should be a part of your basic plan for 2020 and we can help you find affordable solutions. And you're going to have a lot of fun working with us.

Let's call that a wrap!

Is your business ready to increase sales or open new avenues with video?
Let us help tell your story!


Headshot Jodi Lyon-Grams

Jodi Lyon-Grams, Publicist & Producer

Ready to grow your business with video? Let's Talk!


Non-Profits Year-End Appeal

Creative Designs to Help Meet a Growing Need


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Engaging direct mail piece & e-marketing message delivered on Giving Tuesday

Many non-profits make an appeal for donations to help meet program costs and plan for future needs at the end of the year.  NewBridge Madison serves the increasing population of older adults desiring to age at home while staying active and connected to their communities. Their services and programs help empower these adults, but as a non-profit, they must rely on donations to fund their programs.

To increase year-end donations, NewBridge utilized The Creative Company to help its request rise above and be seen through a direct mail, e-marketing, and social media campaign.

Could your business benefit from an increased presence with future customers or donors?

Let our team at The Creative Company help you to be seen!

Tracy Brooks, Art Director

Do you need Donation Marketing help? Let's Talk!