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	<title>The Gift Basket Exchange Blog &#187; Marketing</title>
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	<description>Resources for Gift Professionals</description>
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		<title>September 9th &#8211; StomperNet Opens Their Doors Again</title>
		<link>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/september-9th-stompernet-opens-their-doors-again/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/september-9th-stompernet-opens-their-doors-again/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:54:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>adriana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Your Website]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andy Jenkins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brad Fallon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stomper 999]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stomper999]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stompernet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/?p=57</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You don&#8217;t want to miss this. 
When Brad Fallon bought out Andy Jenkins 6 weeks ago, he said we might not recognize StomperNet the next time it opened.
In this case, it&#8217;s kind of like not recognizing the butterfly after it has emerged.
Fact is, they&#8217;re reopening a bigger, better StomperNet at one-quarter of the price. What [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="  https://stompernet.infusionsoft.com/go/SN999/SN147">You don&#8217;t want to miss this. </a></strong></p>
<p>When Brad Fallon bought out Andy Jenkins 6 weeks ago, he said we might not recognize <strong><a href="  https://stompernet.infusionsoft.com/go/SN999/SN147">StomperNet</a></strong> the next time it opened.</p>
<p>In this case, it&#8217;s kind of like not recognizing the butterfly after it has emerged.</p>
<p>Fact is, they&#8217;re reopening a bigger, better <strong><a href="  https://stompernet.infusionsoft.com/go/SN999/SN147">StomperNet</a></strong> at one-quarter of the price. What else do you need to know?</p>
<p>Go see what they have to offer:  <a title="Stomper999" href="https://stompernet.infusionsoft.com/go/SN999/SN147">https://stompernet.infusionsoft.com/go/SN999/SN147</a></p>
<p>It may be just what you need to put your gift basket over the top this holiday season!</p>
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		<title>5 Reasons to Send Business Christmas Cards</title>
		<link>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/5-reasons-to-send-business-christmas-cards/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/5-reasons-to-send-business-christmas-cards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:14:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>adriana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business christmas cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business holiday cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[greeting cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday cards]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/?p=51</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;ve never sent business holiday cards, or don&#8217;t make a point of sending them out every year, here are five reasons why you should start:
1. Meet Expectations. Although the adage, &#8220;It&#8217;s better to give than to receive,&#8221; is a sentimental favorite, those with whom you do business expect to be remembered during the holidays. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;ve never sent business holiday cards, or don&#8217;t make a point of sending them out every year, here are five reasons why you should start:</p>
<p><strong>1. Meet Expectations.</strong> Although the adage, &#8220;It&#8217;s better to give than to receive,&#8221; is a sentimental favorite, those with whom you do business expect to be remembered during the holidays. Holiday greeting cards help smooth your business relationships during the rest of the year by meeting expectations during the Christmas season.</p>
<p><strong>2. Improve Customer Relations. </strong>Whether you have a business-to-business enterprise, provide a professional service, or own a retail store, chances are that your success is built upon maintaining relationships with your customers and clients. Christmas cards show your customers and clients that you appreciate their business, and that you want to share the spirit of the season.</p>
<p><strong>3. Cost Effective.</strong> Perhaps you already buy holiday gifts and remembrances for your best customers or clients, but business holiday cards allow you to reach many more people for relatively little money. You can purchase personalized business holiday cards for as little as $1.40 each, including options to select among many different styles and verses, several colors of ink, and imprinted envelopes. This is an excellent investment in your business.</p>
<p><strong>4. Excellent Return on Investment. </strong>Chances are, you and your company receive business Christmas cards from your vendors and suppliers. So, you understand the warm feelings that arise when you read their holiday cards, and you probably experience a &#8220;carryover&#8221; positive impression when you do your purchasing in the New Year. If you doubt that business holiday cards generate an excellent return on investment, ask yourself this: All other things being equal, which company would you choose to do business with &#8211; the company that sent you a holiday card every year or the company that only contacted you when it was time to reorder or collect payment?</p>
<p><strong>5. Limitless Choices.</strong> With the rise of Internet and ecommerce, companies have an unprecedented opportunity to select business Christmas cards that reflect their company&#8217;s image and values. The best online sources for business holiday cards have a wide variety of high quality card designs. In addition, the best online greeting card companies offer a free choice of verse, free coordinated foil-lined envelopes, free samples of Christmas cards, and a multitude of choices for personalization.</p>
<p>In today&#8217;s business world, you need to take advantage of every opportunity to differentiate your company from your competition. Sending business Christmas cards is a small gesture than can mean improved customer relationships and an excellent return on investment. You really can&#8217;t afford not to send holiday cards to your customers, clients, and associates.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Five Reasons Creating Discount Codes for Your Website is a Good Thing</title>
		<link>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/five-reasons-creating-discount-codes-for-your-website-is-a-good-thing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/five-reasons-creating-discount-codes-for-your-website-is-a-good-thing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:30:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>adriana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/five-reasons-creating-discount-codes-for-your-website-is-a-good-thing/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Discount codes give cost savings to customers while providing valuable data and inventory control to the seller. Here are five reasons that creating discount codes can benefit an etailer&#8217;s business:

Bring in new customers. When a consumer is ready to buy and knows of multiple sources for the product, price is often the deciding factor. Consumers are attracted [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Discount codes give cost savings to customers while providing valuable data and inventory control to the seller. Here are five reasons that creating discount codes can benefit an etailer&#8217;s business:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bring in new customers.</strong> When a consumer is ready to buy and knows of multiple sources for the product, price is often the deciding factor. Consumers are attracted to a good deal. Offering a discount code to new customers provides an added reason to shop at a particular website over all other options.</li>
<li><strong>Encourage repeat business.</strong> Satisfied customers will be more likely to shop again when they are reminded to do so, and given a compelling reason to return. A special discount code can be sent via email at specific intervals as a thank-you for past purchases and to encourage repeat business.</li>
<li> <strong>Increase order size.</strong> Time-limited offers create a sense of urgency and give customers a reason to buy more than they originally intended. Discount codes can be offered for a percentage off the purchase price of a second item, for example, or for free shipping on orders totaling a specific amount.</li>
<li><strong>Tracking.</strong> Gathering data on customer trends is imperative for every etailer. Issuing separate discount codes for different mailings, website promotions and affiliate partners, for instance, provides important information on where customers come from and which marketing campaigns are most effective. This data can then be used to make decisions about future marketing programs.</li>
<li><strong>Control inventory flow.</strong> Physical stores manage inventory flow by marking down items they want to move. Online storefronts can use discount codes for the same purpose. The discount can be offered across the board, or used to bring in new customers with an interest in that particular product category, or sent to previous customers who bought similar products. </li>
</ul>
<p>There are several ways discount codes can be applied. Etailers generally offer a set dollar amount off the normal price of a product, a percentage off the price of a single item, a discount on the order total, or free shipping on orders that exceed a minimum dollar amount.</p>
<p>Discount offers can be extended through a number of vehicles. They can be posted on the landing page of the storefront. They can be emailed to select past or potential customers. They can be introduced on the order summary page to encourage the customer to add items to the shopping cart. Or they can be listed at sites such as currentcodes.com or dealhunting.com.</p>
<p>Many etailers determine the effectiveness of their marketing strategies by tracking the use of discount codes. The information can help businesses achieve the highest possible ROI and sales at the best available rates.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why You Need A Website</title>
		<link>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/why-you-need-a-website/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/why-you-need-a-website/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2007 22:50:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>adriana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Your Website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/why-you-need-a-website/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Believe it or not, there are still many business owners who do not have websites. The Internet has dramatically changed the way people communicate, send and receive information, and shop. If you do not have a website, you are hurting your business.
A website makes you look like a solid professional. If you wanted to do business with someone, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Believe it or not, there are still many business owners who do not have websites. The Internet has dramatically changed the way people communicate, send and receive information, and shop. If you do not have a website, you are hurting your business.</p>
<p>A website makes you look like a solid professional. If you wanted to do business with someone, especially if it was business done long distance, you would expect them to have some type of website that gave you information about the type of services they provide. The costs for registering a domain and <a title="Building and hosting a website" href="http://www.gbexchange.net/resource-center/affordable-web-design.html"><strong>building and hosting the website</strong></a> are very inexpensive. Without a website, your business can look second rate. </p>
<p>Another reason why you need a website is so people can find you. If someone is sitting in the office, trying to find a good gift provider, they will more than likely turn on the Internet and perform a search. If you provide waht they need, but don&#8217;t have a website, they cannot find you. And if they cannot find you, they cannot hire you.</p>
<p>Even if you decide to build your business locally, it helps to have a website. You can distributebusiness cards and flyers with your phone number, and you may receive some phone calls. However, if you have a website where people can get a glimpse of what you do, you will earn more business. Plus, some people would rather pop onto your website and email you versus picking up a phone and calling you.</p>
<p>Your website will also let people know exactly what type of services you offer and how much you charge. People do not want to wait for that information. They want to know things now. You can also include an online portfolio where prospective clients can view work that you have completed and read past clients&#8217; testimonials. This can help them decide if you are the person who can handle the project they need completed.</p>
<p>Having a website will also allow for automated ordering. If one of your clients is having a bout of insomnia and decides to surf the web at 2:00 in the morning, they can happily shop for your gifts at home. They don&#8217;t need to wait until the next day to call an order in to you.</p>
<p>Having a website, even a simple one, will only help your business. Without one, you are going to be losing out on many prospective clients and sales.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Boost Your Business With A Press Release</title>
		<link>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/boost-your-business-with-a-press-release/</link>
		<comments>http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/boost-your-business-with-a-press-release/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:26:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>adriana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gbexchange.net/blog/boost-your-business-with-a-press-release/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A press release is an excellent way to gain publicity and exposure for your business. A press release is a document containing information that you would like a media organization to feature, such as general information about your business, a special event that you are holding, or a special incentive you are offering.
By having a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A press release is an excellent way to gain publicity and exposure for your business. A press release is a document containing information that you would like a media organization to feature, such as general information about your business, a special event that you are holding, or a special incentive you are offering.</p>
<p>By having a story featured in a newspaper, magazine, or other form of media, your business will receive publicity and credibility. You can also use the clippings of paper stories and links to stories featured through electronic media as part of your press kit.</p>
<p>You can submit a press release at any time, however you may find that the media features stories about businesses when something special is happening, such as a grand opening, special event, or special offer.</p>
<p>There is a simple format to use when writing a press release. If your story can be published at any time, the words <strong>“For Immediate Release”</strong> should appear at the top left hand corner. However, if the information should only be released after a certain date, use the phrase <strong>“For Release After [insert date]</strong>. Under that, include your contact information.</p>
<p>The next area of the press release is the “body”. This is the part of the press release where you include the information you want to publicize. Try to keep your press release under two pages. If it is more than one page include the word “more” at the end of the first page. At the end of your press release insert three number symbols (###).</p>
<p>As you write the body of your press release, keep it focused, clear, and concise. Try to answer the five basic questions – who, what, why, where, and when. Who are you, and what, exactly, are you promoting? Why is your target market interested in this? When and where is this taking place?</p>
<p>Once you are finished with your press release, you will want to submit it to the media. This can be to your local media outlets, such as newspapers, regional magazines, radio and television stations, or media outlets in geographic areas that you want publicity in. If you are promoting a event that will happen on a specific day, submit your press release early enough so that it has time to be received and facts can be checked, etc.</p>
<p>You can also submit your press release to electronic media, such as newswire services, Internet Talk Radio programs, and more.</p>
<p>If your story does not get picked up, don’t give up on press releases. Try a different media source, or rewrite your press release and submit it when you have something to promote. The media receives many, many press releases and cannot publish a story on every one of them. If you keep trying, you will find publicity.</p>
<p>Here is a quick read for those new to Press Releases: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060081996?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=gifts911-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=0060081996">The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR</a><img style="margin: 0px; border: medium none" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=gifts911-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0060081996" width="1" border="0" /> by Al Ries.</p>
<p>And here are some of the palces you can submit your releases to:</p>
<p><a title="PRWeb - press release submission" href="http://www.prweb.com/" target="_blank">PR Web</a></p>
<p><a title="PR Leap - Press Release Distribution" href="http://www.prleap.com/" target="_blank">PR Leap</a></p>
<p><a title="PR Newswire - press relese distribution" href="http://www.prnewswire.com/" target="_blank">PR Newswire</a></p>
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