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/562442078 The buzz about Saffire is spreading far and wide! Now is your chance to find out what we’re all about and why so many fairs, festivals and rodeos around the country are joining our movement to improve … 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/562442078

The buzz about Saffire is spreading far and wide! Now is your chance to find out what we’re all about and why so many fairs, festivals and rodeos around the country are joining our movement to improve the event industry’s online presence.

From this Free Webinaryou 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 Cassie Roberts, Manager of Sales and Partnership, and Rebekah Hardage, Marketing Manager, 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, August 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

Should you be using Text Marketing?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: our goal is to help improve the overall online presence of the event industry. One of the ways we try to keep up with the needs of fairs, festivals and rodeos is by surveying our current clients to find out what is important to them. Earlier … Continue reading “Should you be using Text Marketing?”

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: our goal is to help improve the overall online presence of the event industry. One of the ways we try to keep up with the needs of fairs, festivals and rodeos is by surveying our current clients to find out what is important to them.

Earlier this spring, we asked what feature they would most like to see incorporated into Saffire and the overwhelming answer was text message marketing!

After we saw this infographic, we were sure glad we took their word for it and now provide SaffireText.

But that’s enough about us. Let’s talk about why text marketing is an important step for the event industry.

This infographic breaks down why text message marketing just might be the best way to reach customers. You can’t really argue with the fact that 98% of text messages are opened!

Most Americans look at their phones around 150 times per day, so going where your users are has taken on a whole new meaning. Not only should you have a presence on sites they already visit, but you can now go directly into the palm of your customer’s hand with the latest information and updates about your event.

Text messaging is still considered to be mainly a personal form of communication, so you don’t want to just add text marketing to your mix and look like a bull in a china shop. Here are a few tips to consider as you get started with text marketing.

Text messages should be short, simple and personal.
Text messages are not billboards, so make sure to include a call to action so your point is clear.
Timing is everything, so only send messages when they will be considered valuable to the customer.
Respect your customers and don’t send too many messages. Remember, texting is a relatively new form of marketing so give customers a chance to tip toe in without scaring them off.

If you haven’t considered text marketing before, I hope these statistics show you that this new marketing technique is something your event should consider.

Join Our Webinar “Trends in Online Marketing”

Trends in Online Marketing Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/917753470 The web changes so fast that keeping up with the latest and greatest online trends can seem like a full-time job. But since none of us have that kind of time, join Saffire for a fast-paced session to learn what … Continue reading “Join Our Webinar “Trends in Online Marketing””

Trends in Online Marketing

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/917753470

The web changes so fast that keeping up with the latest and greatest online trends can seem like a full-time job. But since none of us have that kind of time, join Saffire for a fast-paced session to learn what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve with online marketing. We will discuss fair websites, social networking, ecommerce, mobile, email marketing and other must-haves that will help you increase revenue for your event.

The team at Saffire has done online marketing since 1995 for clients like KEEN Footwear, Nike, Jeep, Intel & Panasonic; they’ll tell you what you can learn from those huge companies to help your fair be most successful.

From this Free Webinar you will learn:

Four new must-haves for your event website
Five things you could be learning about your event from Google Analytics
How to put the “social” in social media
What is three-screen marketing and should you use it?

Register now to join Cassie Roberts, Manager of Sales and Partnership, and Rebekah Hardage, Marketing Manager, as they help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to event marketing online.

Title: Trends in Online Marketing
Date: Tuesday, July 17, 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

Join Our Webinar “Is Email Marketing Dead? (No, and we will tell you why!)

Is Email Marketing Dead? (No, and we will tell you why!) Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/631659158 Saffire is excited to bring you the first in a new series of webinars where we will partner with successful events around the country to bring you the insider’s guide to effective online marketing. Since … Continue reading “Join Our Webinar “Is Email Marketing Dead? (No, and we will tell you why!)”

Is Email Marketing Dead? (No, and we will tell you why!)

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/631659158

Saffire is excited to bring you the first in a new series of webinars where we will partner with successful events around the country to bring you the insider’s guide to effective online marketing. Since Rodeo Austin was our first Saffire partner, it only seems right that they are the first co-presenters in the series.

Rodeo Austin has been a leader in online event marketing for years. They were a pioneer in email marketing for events and have achieved great success with campaigns, contributing to their overall success. Other events always ask us about Rodeo Austin emails and want to know, “How do they do it?” Now is your chance to get the inside scoop directly from Rodeo Austin!

From this FREE webinar you will learn:

• Why your event should do email marketing
• New ideas for powerful subject lines and effective messages
• 8 steps to creating and sending an email
• How to measure the success of an email campaign
• First-hand experience from our Q & A with Rodeo Austin

Register now to join Kendra Wright, President of Saffire, and Jennie Richmond, Manager of Rodeo Austin, as they explain the importance of email marketing and how to integrate it into your marketing mix.

Keith Smith at Central Texas State Fair says, “I’ve come to lots of Saffire’s webinars and always learn something useful from their team. I recommend you sign up!”

Title: Is Email Marketing Dead? (No, and we will tell you why!)

Date: Wednesday, July 11, 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

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/527639294 The buzz about Saffire is spreading far and wide! Now is your chance to find out what we’re all about and why so many fairs, festivals and rodeos around the country are joining our movement to improve … 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/527639294

From this Free Webinaryou 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!)

Title: Increase Event Revenue with Better Online Marketing
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 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

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Visitors (or more!)

The success of social media outlets like Instagram and Pinterest has proven what we’ve been saying all along: photos are the hook for your website! Facebook finally jumped on the bandwagon with their timeline overhaul that gives more profile real estate to images. Let’s go over a few facts that prove images are the king … Continue reading “A Picture is Worth 1,000 Visitors (or more!)”

The success of social media outlets like Instagram and Pinterest has proven what we’ve been saying all along: photos are the hook for your website! Facebook finally jumped on the bandwagon with their timeline overhaul that gives more profile real estate to images.

Let’s go over a few facts that prove images are the king of online content:

Pinterest is the 3rd most popular form of social media with over 17.8 million users in the month of February.
Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion in order to have access to Instagram’s unique photo editing tools.
67% of consumers say that a product’s image on a website will affect their purchasing decision.

Our belief that images drive traffic and engagement is just one of the reasons the Saffire software has such a focus on photos. We include a photo gallery on every event page, and even offer a gallery view so you can look at photos as you browse events.

Unfortunately, we often hear from events that getting quality photos isn’t easy. That is a serious problem and we need to find a solution, because it is essential to the success of your event to have great photos! If your staff is too busy to take pictures during the event, consider assigning that duty to an intern or even working out a sponsorship opportunity with a local photographer.

Whatever you do, we encourage you to make photography a priority at your event this year. Your content online could be great, but it won’t really matter if it’s not attractive.

And just a little tip from us: the best and most shared photos are the ones from your visitors, so allow them to share photos with you online. Who knows, you might find the next face of your fair on Facebook!

5 Tips to Building Your Event’s Brand Online

The creation of your event’s brand has been a process that has taken years, if not decades! As with any new brand, there was a period of trial and error to fine-tune what it means to be associated with your event as you found your identity. For some of you it means supporting youth livestock … Continue reading “5 Tips to Building Your Event’s Brand Online”

The creation of your event’s brand has been a process that has taken years, if not decades! As with any new brand, there was a period of trial and error to fine-tune what it means to be associated with your event as you found your identity.

For some of you it means supporting youth livestock scholarships. For others it means staying on the cutting edge of the fried-food craze, while others are focused on creating the ultimate concert lineup. Whatever it may be, there is an immediate thought that comes to mind when someone hears your event’s name.

Over the years, we have found that many events are sure of who they are, but just aren’t quite sure how to translate their brand to the web. Check out these 5 tips to help you enhance your online marketing to truly reflect who you are as an organization.

1. Make your website the online front gate to your event.

The moment people arrive at your website, they should feel like they have stepped onto your event grounds. If there is a specific theme or color associated with your event, make sure that plays a part in the look and feel of your site. People may only visit your grounds once a year, but visiting your website is an experience they can have daily, so make sure you make it memorable! Honestly, I can’t be on the Rodeo Austin website for very long before I can “taste of the dirt” of the rodeo.

2. Strut your stuff!

Your event is unique and has a personality all its own, so don’t be afraid to show it. The Tulsa State Fair has fun to spare on their website! Their mascot, Dizzy the goat, pops in and out showing off different aspects of the fair. From food to livestock, they highlight different aspects of their event with a twist. They also incorporate their colors in a great way by creating a bright, eye-catching design.

3. Don’t lose sight of what you’re all about.

Make sure you feature the mission of your organization. For example, the American Royal Association highlights right on their homepage that they give over $1 million annually to support youth and education. While lots of people visit their site to learn about events like the rodeo or World Series of Barbecue, they want to make sure that you know right from the start the heart of who they are and the difference that want to make in Kansas City.

4. Create a community of fans and supporters.

You hear us harp all the time on the importance of social media, but an event that seems to really “get it” is the Florida Strawberry Festival. They have over 36,000 Facebook fans and over 5,000 Twitter followers. The often run contests and post pictures to spark conversation among their followers, which are great ways to create a sense of community.

5. Don’t be afraid to try new things.

I think we can all agree that fairs, festivals and rodeos aren’t always the first to jump on board with new online trends. For example Pinterest is the fastest growing website in history, but only a few fairs, like the Kansas State Fair, have actually created accounts! If you’re late to trends, you are missing out on free, primetime marketing! We encourage you to pay attention to the “buzz” you might hear about new online marketing tools, and don’t be afraid to take the plunge. What have you got to lose?

The Anatomy of a Sponsorship

As the marketing mix continues to evolve, businesses are looking for new ways to reach their customers, which means they are more likely to spend money on sponsorships than ever before. In fact, it is estimated that this year companies in the US will spend close to $18.9 billion dollars in sponsorships on events like … Continue reading “The Anatomy of a Sponsorship”

As the marketing mix continues to evolve, businesses are looking for new ways to reach their customers, which means they are more likely to spend money on sponsorships than ever before.

In fact, it is estimated that this year companies in the US will spend close to $18.9 billion dollars in sponsorships on events like sports, philanthropy, community events, arts and entertainment. Lucky for the fair, festival and rodeo industry: You are just what they’re looking for!

As a community event that gives back, you encompass several of the criteria businesses are looking for in a sponsorship opportunity.

I know that events depend heavily on the support of local businesses for their event to continue to thrive in the current economy. With funding disappearing left and right, sponsors are the ticket to the future of your event.

In order to keep the sponsors you have and find more, you need to know the benefits they are looking for. Sponsorship is a two way street, so make sure you’re giving them what they want in return.

Don’t be afraid to try something new and update your sponsor package with online opportunities. On-site signage is great, but make sure to include prime real estate on your website, too! Linking to their site from yours will also improve their Google ranking.

The audience who comes to a fair, rodeo or festival is a unique combination of individuals from all walks of life. An event like yours crosses all demographics to give the sponsor a new and diverse audience to reach. Make sure to mention that you will include their company in your social media posts during the event.

And the best part about these ideas? They are free for you! Nothing like not having to spend money to make money.

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/656110086 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 … 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/656110086

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 Webinaryou 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 Partnership, 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, April 10, 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

Social Media & Your Event

In our webinar this afternoon, we will be discussing how-to market on a budget and one of the best ways to save money is to take advantage of social media. If you let your customers market for you, its a win-win situation! You don’t have to pay for marketing, and they feel involved. And the … Continue reading “Social Media & Your Event”

In our webinar this afternoon, we will be discussing how-to market on a budget and one of the best ways to save money is to take advantage of social media. If you let your customers market for you, its a win-win situation! You don’t have to pay for marketing, and they feel involved.

And the truth is, having your customers share information about your event won’t be a stretch. Take a look at how much time the average user spent on social media in January 2012.

A great example of an event that has taken advantage of Social Media is the South Texas State Fair in Beaumont, TX. At the beginning of their 2011 event, they didn’t even have a Facebook page. And today, they have 1,139 fans!

Part of what has helped increase their fan base is that each post encourages interaction. Whether they are asking for feedback, suggestions or a simple “like,” their fans feel that they are doing their part to help and promote the event.

They also cover a wide variety of topics. Make sure you aren’t just talking about the same event all the time, but also discuss new fair foods or events that are taking place each day.

Have fun with social media and feel free to offer incentives! If you want to increase your fan base, say you’ll randomly choose 2 fans to win a prize once you reach your goal number. This will get your fans to tell their friends about your page, and your numbers will skyrocket. Trust us! We’ve seen this happen more than once.

Don’t be afraid to try new things with social media and make a commitment to finding the right formula. And if something doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day!