Saffire Blog

SXSW Recap: Social Storytelling & Building a Narrative for Your Brand

I attended a session on Monday presented by Helen Klein Ross, the creative mind behind @bettydraper, a twitter account that maintains the voice of AMC’s mega-popular character Betty Draper, played by January Jones, in the hit show Mad Men. Everything about this twitter account is spoken in the voice of the character from the show. … Continue reading “SXSW Recap: Social Storytelling & Building a Narrative for Your Brand”

I attended a session on Monday presented by Helen Klein Ross, the creative mind behind @bettydraper, a twitter account that maintains the voice of AMC’s mega-popular character Betty Draper, played by January Jones, in the hit show Mad Men. Everything about this twitter account is spoken in the voice of the character from the show. Not the actress, not the writer, but the character is perpetuated in this easily accessible and massive platform.

She provides a connection for several thousand fans of the Mad Men brand, and gives them an opportunity to interact with her in a way that helps them feel personally connected to the show.

Social media allows you to stay connected to your consumers, but it’s not just about having a twitter account or Facebook page. Those are simply the platforms for building a connection with your brand. You have to give consumers a REASON to connect, because just being present in these spaces is typically not enough.

Whether it’s maintaining your brand recognition and story throughout the off-season when consumers may “forget about you,” or just perpetuating your brand in new arenas, it’s a way to broaden your market and at the same time strengthen your connection with your existing fan base. Creating content that engages your consumers creates an emotional connection and gives them a reason to want to share that experience.

As you begin to craft your story, consider your audience. Think about who you are trying to reach, and instead of considering how many people you are trying to connect with, think about WHICH people you are trying to connect with. Think about the stories you can tell that will resonate with your customers, and if you’re ever in doubt, use Betty Draper’s recipe for successful storytelling.

Create the content (the more the better), keep a consistent and continuous voice for your brand, keep it simple and always make it easy for others to share it with their friends.

Join our Webinar “Marketing on a Budget”

Marketing on a Budget Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/890304078People say you have to spend money to make money. But for fairs and rodeos, there isn’t always a lot of money to spend, so you need to make every penny count. From this Free Webinar you will learn: Where you need … Continue reading “Join our Webinar “Marketing on a Budget””

Marketing on a Budget

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/890304078People say you have to spend money to make money. But for fairs and rodeos, there isn’t always a lot of money to spend, so you need to make every penny count.

From this Free Webinar you will learn:

Where you need to be spending your marketing budget
Why your website plays an important part in the success of any event or business
How to get people to engage with you on mobile during your event
6 free tools you can use to enhance your online presence

Register now to join Kendra Wright, President of Saffire, and Cassie Roberts, Manager of Sales and Partnerships, as they answer these questions and help you get the most bang for your marketing buck.

Title: Marketing on a Budget
Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Have we got a deal for you!

Last week, one of our friends in the fair industry introduced us to a wonderful company called Consistent Computer Bargain and we wanted to share this resource with all of you! We hear from events all the time that money is tight, and we understand that when finances become available, there are often more pressing … Continue reading “Have we got a deal for you!”

Last week, one of our friends in the fair industry introduced us to a wonderful company called Consistent Computer Bargain and we wanted to share this resource with all of you!

We hear from events all the time that money is tight, and we understand that when finances become available, there are often more pressing issues than updating your technology. That’s where CCB comes in.

They provide reasonable pricing to non-profit organizations to stay up-to-date on the latest available technologies including brands like Microsoft, Apple, Dell, McAfee, HP and more.

If your event is a 501(c)(3) Organization, we encourage you to see what CCB can do for you! Please know, you will need to be able to prove your tax status with documentation to verify your current status as an accredited charitable organization to take advantage of this opportunity.

Is Email Dead?

When you hear that 188 billion email messages are sent each day, you may think the title of this post seems a little silly. But the truth is, this is a topic of conversation among online marketers every day. People are obviously still using email, so that is not the problem. The question is: can … Continue reading “Is Email Dead?”

When you hear that 188 billion email messages are sent each day, you may think the title of this post seems a little silly. But the truth is, this is a topic of conversation among online marketers every day.

People are obviously still using email, so that is not the problem. The question is: can your customers filter through the massive amounts of messages they receive to take action? You’ll hear different opinions on this, but we believe email is worth the effort.

We think the image below proves email is still an important part of your marketing mix. The spikes you see are increases in online sales on days when a company sends an email. We often compare the increase in web traffic and sales after an email send to a heart monitor, and you really can’t argue with dramatic statistics like that.

A great example of an event that takes advantage of email marketing to drive ticket sales is Rodeo Austin. In the email below, you’ll see that they sent a visually appealing email on the day they announced their 2012 concert line-up. They created a sense of excitement for their customers, and it made an impact on their ticket sales.

When we look back at our clients over the years, the most successful ones have a clear common denominator: they regularly communicate with their customers via email. This keeps your event fresh in the customer’s mind and keeps them coming to your website to learn the latest information.

So, is email dead? We don’t think so…as long as you’re doing it the right way.

Join our Webinar “Why Mobile Marketing is No Longer Optional”

Why Mobile Marketing is No Longer Optional Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/874663118 It is estimated that by 2014, more people will access your website via a mobile device than a desktop computer. This means that the future of the web is in the palm of your hand, and it’s … Continue reading “Join our Webinar “Why Mobile Marketing is No Longer Optional””

Why Mobile Marketing is No Longer Optional

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/874663118

It is estimated that by 2014, more people will access your website via a mobile device than a desktop computer. This means that the future of the web is in the palm of your hand, and it’s time to make it a priority.

From this Free Webinaryou will learn:

Why mobile is a “must have” for any event
Strategies to successfully market through mobile
How to get people to engage with you on mobile during your event
Tools you can use to enhance your mobile presence
The Great Debate: App vs. Mobile Site?

Register now to join Kendra Wright, President of Saffire, and Cassie Roberts, Manager of Sales and Partnerships, as they discuss the future of mobile marketing and why it is essential to the success of your event.

Title: Why Mobile Marketing is No Longer Optional
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo: More Than an 8 Second Ride

Hi readers, Cassie here. As per the norm when I jump on the blog, it’s because I can’t wait to tell you about my latest rodeo adventure. Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo for the first time. If you’re not familiar, the San Antonio Rodeo … Continue reading “San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo: More Than an 8 Second Ride”

Hi readers, Cassie here. As per the norm when I jump on the blog, it’s because I can’t wait to tell you about my latest rodeo adventure. Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo for the first time.

If you’re not familiar, the San Antonio Rodeo is one of the most prestigious in the business. About 1.3 million people visit the grounds every year, and the show has won PRCA’s “Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year” for the last seven years. After having the chance to go myself, I can see the reasons why…the show was fantastic!

From the first laser beam in the opening scene to beautiful livestock and rugged cowboys, this was all around one of the best rodeos I’ve ever attended. Then, to top it all off, Keith Urban played a great set that really had the crowd on their feet.

The show was great, but I think what makes San Antonio’s show stand above the rest is something outside of the rodeo arena. After speaking with the locals, everyone from San Antonio goes to the rodeo because it’s the just the right thing to do. It seems like everyone I talked to had a personal tie to the event in some way, including several that proudly compete in the barbeque cook off.

One local vendor told me he’s been working the event for years and people specifically seek out his booth from year to year. Everyone seemed to have a story or a personal tie, and the San Antonio Rodeo is built around the community.

While we may not all be the size of San Antonio, we all can create what they have in some form or fashion. Think about what is important to your community and incorporate those elements into your event. Give people a niche and a place to feel at home. Then, your attendees will begin to feel invested in your event.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to our friends at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. You showed me an example of southern rodeo hospitality that I will not soon forget. Can’t wait for next year!

Join our Webinar “Increase Event Revenue with Better Online Marketing”

Increase Event Revenue with Better Online Marketing Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/992140230 If you have attended the IAFE, WFA or TAF&E conferences recently, you likely saw our bright blue jackets and heard people talking about Saffire. Now is your chance to find out what the buzz is all about. … Continue reading “Join our Webinar “Increase Event Revenue with Better Online Marketing””

Increase Event Revenue with Better Online Marketing

Space is limited.

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/992140230

If you have attended the IAFE, WFA or TAF&E conferences recently, you likely saw our bright blue jackets and heard people talking about Saffire. Now is your chance to find out what the buzz is all about.

From this Free Webinar you will learn:

How easy it is to manage your website content with Saffire
Five ways to integrate social media that you may not be using
The answer to the question “Is email dead?” and what to do about it
How to have a mobile and tablet strategy… without going crazy!
Three easy things you can do to enhance your Google ranking
One thing you MUST do to increase online sales and why it’s critical (hint: RAIN!)

Register now to join Kendra Wright, President of Saffire, and Cassie Roberts, Manager of Sales and Partnerships, as they answer these questions and provide a free overview of how Saffire stretches your online marketing dollars while boosting revenue.

Title: Increase Event Revenue with Better Online Marketing

Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements

PC-based attendees

Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees

Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Convention 2012

We were happy to be invited to attend the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Convention in Baton Rouge, LA over the weekend. And one thing is safe to say: Louisiana folks know how to party! It was great to see a few old friends from IAFE and make lots of new connections in the … Continue reading “Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Convention 2012”

We were happy to be invited to attend the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Convention in Baton Rouge, LA over the weekend. And one thing is safe to say: Louisiana folks know how to party!

It was great to see a few old friends from IAFE and make lots of new connections in the industry.

Kendra presented on “The Latest and Greatest in Online Marketing.” We may have drawn the short straw, as our time slot was at the same time as the evening gown competition of the Queen of Queens Pageant. But I mean really, who can compete with all of this!

All jokes aside, we had a great conversation and hope that we provided some fresh, new insight to the industry. Thanks again to all of the attendees who took time out of their busy day to listen to our presentation.

And a big thank you to the LAFF for their hospitality. We were glad to be a part of the weekend’s festivities!