The 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing Blog

Think About Deliverables, Act With Receivables Exchange September 27, 2010 – 4:14 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Receivables Exchange, LLC was a recipient of a 2010 Technology Innovators award from the Wall Street Journal for its unique e-commerce mission.  The New Orleans-based firm runs an online marketplace where small and mid-sized businesses can auction receivables that need capital.  In a credit market that still remains tough, Receivables Exchange provides a platform for auctioneers to generate liquid cash to invest in new technologies and production equipment.  As a result, businesses can leverage their debts into long-terms assets, critical especially for nascent technology firms who want to research mobile ventures.  Qualified applicants gain immediate access online to the marketplace and can post their invoices, where bidders come to the forefront with offers.

The website design is fairly crisp, with a small Flash banner scrolling corporate news along with a rich level of interactive marketing tools such as an email newsletter, client testimonials, online application, and a video. The website also provides opportunities to request a live demonstration at your office setting and a list of special events supported with webinars on their portfolio.  Reviews have come in droves from leading news sources, so the enterprise is clearly on the rise during this economic period.  For more information, click on the logo above.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in blog, Business News, eCommerce, Flash, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Small Business, Website Design, World | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner, Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency nyc, e-commerce agency ny, mobile marketing agency nyc, receivables exchange, receivables exchange wsj award winner, web development agency nyc

The Darwinian Evolution of Photoshop September 22, 2010 – 10:15 am				Abdul Fattah Ismail

The headline says it all.  Adobe’s Photoshop recently turned 20 years old, leaving adolescence in the rearview mirror.  It is hard to believe that Adobe’s seminal program has not only become the de rigeur term for graphic design, but also the code word for image enhancement, especially within the world of photography.  I first used Photoshop way back in 1995 as an entertainment editor for my high school newspaper.  The Yearbook staff was the principal user, but I did not hesitate to tailor images on my spare time.

Nowadays, I need to verse myself again, as digital image software has elevated by a light year since the program’s inception.  I find it fascinating that Adobe has continuously added features over the years, such as a Camera, JavaScript Support, MacroVision copy protection, Bristle Tips, and a Content Aware Tool (?!) without compromising its integrity as a doctor of digital imaging.  Some harbor ill with what Photoshop has done to photography as technique, but the proof is in the pudding, and its impact on website development and publishing is undeniable.  The complexity of these features allows one to really let your imagination run, and magazine photographers are happy to fly with it. Last week, Adobe released this entertaining infographic of Photoshop’s evolution, and used a Darwinian motif.   If you haven’t dabbled in Photoshop, then join the revolution. What are your experiences with Photoshop?

Infographic: The Darwinian Evolution of Photoshop by Tech King

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in blog, Blog Marketing, Content Marketing, Flash, Graphic Design, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, web development, Website Design | 1 Comment »
Tags: adobe, adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop, Blueliner Marketing, darwinian evolution of photoshop, digital marketing nyc, infographics, ny web development agency, photo editing programs, photo editing software, website design agency ny

Visa Launches Small Business Network September 20, 2010 – 5:17 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Small business owners are the generators of our national economy. In today’s interconnected society, access to network along with the tools to distribute content is paramount for long-term success. Standing by their tested campaign slogan of being everywhere you are, Visa has launched the Visa Small Business Network.  The Visa Small Business Network is a free website aimed to connect small business owners everywhere with one another through a viral portal rich with presentation and content. The owners can use the website to not only develop network channels for sales opportunities, but also seek advice on a plethora of topics. Here are some examples:

1.  Business Goal Toolkits – unique step-by-step “how to” guides that lead small business owners through the process of setting and achieving business goals. The interactive toolkits correlate with goals which small business owners have identified as being the most relevant to the challenges they face in growing their business – from best practices for promoting their business on Facebook and other social networks, to developing and delivering email newsletters to reach new and existing customers.

2.  Small Business Mentor Program – small businesses get personalized help and guidance from other successful small business owners. Having faced similar business challenges, these seasoned mentors offer advice and perspective to help Visa Business Network participants achieve their goals.

3.  Question & Answer Forum – members are able to collaborate by asking questions related to their goals and receive personalized advice and responses from small business peers and mentors with experience across a wide range of industries.

4.  Content Ranking – this feature provides small businesses with quick access to the resources and articles fellow small business owners have declared most useful.

As mentioned, the website offers a voluminous depth of interactive marketing, ranging from social media connection, podcasts, video from small business owners, and a library section with written content from luminaries such as Richard Branson. I also like the simple navigability through subsections and the flash content is fluid, rather than intrusive on comparable portals.  For small business owners who want to find resources to manage their business, Visa is everywhere for you as promised. Read more here:

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Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Blog Marketing, Business News, Digital Media, Email Marketing, Flash, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, search engine marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Small Business, Social Media Marketing | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing nyc, interactive marketing ny, michael lee, visa business credit, visa small business network

Live! On You Tube! Streaming Video! September 14, 2010 – 4:12 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Google Inc. is struggling to gain market share in social media, but they are continuing to make strides with YouTube. Yesterday, according to reports, the search advertiser started a two-day trial of streaming live content through four Web video sites. Some of the networks include Howcast, Next New Networks, Rocketboom and Young Hollywood.

These networks will get advertising in the form of sponsorship opportunities shortly. Other live-stream providers such as Ustream and Livestream will offer more content for major concerts and events, such as a recent U2 concert, while Facebook has been livestreaming their product launch conferences.

YouTube’s foray into commercial programming is a positive step for Google, as their new TV service beckons this fall to compete with Apple. They can run several test pilots for certain communities and sell advertising space for prospects of future earnings. Once those pilots pass muster, then they can push them individually into their service as original programming. I feel that the music industry should make a concentrated effort to utilize YouTube’s portal this way in order to attract listeners and persuade purchases, which may include more exclusive content available for streaming.

Weezer is currently doing this through the MusicTuesday channel, and more should follow soon.  On some level, the sector must combat the rampant file sharing, otherwise labels will fall by the wayside even more so than in the present day. Either way, YouTube must remove themselves as the space for random, uncoordinated channels and offer a more professional collection. It could be a first step for strengthening their social media grip from the wealth of Facebook’s personal data.

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Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in blog, Content Marketing, Flash, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Podcast Production, Video Sharing, Website Design | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner, Blueliner Marketing, Digital Media, video production agency, web advertising, you tube link, you tube livestreams

The Lucky Machine, Brought To You by Uniqlo September 10, 2010 – 1:12 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Uniqlo, the casual fashion label run by Fast Retailing, Inc, has made serious business ventures within the retail sector over the past few years.  Back in 2006, they debuted a stateside store in Soho (New York) that is relentlessly filled with tourists and fashion purveyors. Plans are also forming to open a second retail venture on Fifth Avenue in 2011, as customers look to maximize their income without sacrificing style and quality.   Patrons rave about their multichannel promotions with labels such as Jilsander and Velvet, using a full range of interactive media.  The brand took a new angle with promotions for the opening of their UK online store.

With a reach into social media and Flash, The Lucky Machine is an online pinball game that gives you three balls to gain points, unlocking into exclusive prizes and discounts.  You must use your keyboard to control the flippers and smack the ball into bouncing pads. Passing the game around through tweets and likes will gain you more points for future use.  Since New York is engaged in Fashion Week right now and London’s time is in two weeks, the company should reap the benefits of this game for quite awhile.  I would be curious about their earnings statement come October. Play here…

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Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in blog, Business News, Flash, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Website Design | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner, Blueliner Marketing, internet marketing agency nyc, ny website design agency, social media marketing agency ny, uniqlo, uniqlo lucky machine, uniqlo uk online store

The Wild West of Mobile Advertising August 16, 2010 – 5:16 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Apple rolled out a mobile advertising platform this summer to much fanfare, and had several strong partnerships on the docket. According to the Wall Street Journal, only Unilever PLC and Nissan pushed campaigns this summer. Other companies have slowly unbundled their platforms, with little evidence of a great impact.
From a distance, one could wonder if Apple’s penchant for proprietary control could catch up with them in the mobile advertising market. Their battle with Adobe over Flash has silenced in the public, but nobody is convinced that HTML5, despite its open source adaptability, can surpass the reliability of Flash video. Adobe executives are incensed at Jobs’ effort to monopolize interactive content. The Android has used Flash Interactive to great affect and continues to creep up the sales chart. Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle, served Google with a suit in the District Court this past Friday, accusing Google of copyright infringement in the Android open source platform. Google had a secret dalliance with Verizon that grew criticism from the cyberworld to the hot dog vendor on Seventh Avenue by FIT.
I spoke with a woman this weekend who was a marketer for Johnson & Johnson, and we both agreed that the rate of interactive advertising growth has exploded beyond comprehension. As I type on this keyboard, the technorati is looking to claim their space within the cloud sector by all means necessary. Government agencies like the FCC may need to rule on intellectual properties with little legal precedent. The platform distribution ranges from television to personal computer to mobile phone to display stands.

It is unclear if the absolute freedom of digital space remains in jeopardy. On another level, one cannot quantify at this point the value of mobile marketing. The potential for revenue is strong if marketers can get applications available quickly. Apple could learn this lesson as they attempt to eliminate third-party applications.

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Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in blog, Content Marketing, Flash, Mobile Applications, Mobile Marketing | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner, Blueliner Marketing, iAds, Mobile Applications, Mobile Marketing, oracle

Cyberhealth Search, M.D. July 22, 2010 – 5:11 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Once upon a time, not too long ago, we visited the doctor to keep us from eternal woe. Your doctor could have been John or Jack Doe, for all we cared. In the new millennium, things are a little different. We have a national health care plan, although the possibilities of redemption will be told on a future date.  Healthcare consumers are going online to access information and services.  Insurers such as Aetna and Oxford have comprehensive statistics and resources for patients.  Couriers and freelancers have a long-running joke that WebMD takes their temperature.

These elements have forced consumers to become more empowered with personal health care.  Pharmaceuticals have acted accordingly, securing record profits with aggressive online campaigns and sharp website design with comprehensive facts.  According to a 2009 study by Harris Interactive, 78% of US Internet users searched online for health information.  Social media definitely integrates the personal health experience into a far more communicative, enlightened venture than its clandestine past.

It begs to ponder the value of search in our medical experiences.  We can access information from endless sources, but it’s difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff without a specialist.  In turn, the specialist loses value if he or she is inaccessible to citizens who need their routine services.  Specialists also lose value with informed patients, and must be willing to engage in critical discussions to ensure a healthy relationship.  The medical field, unlike others, has been slow to embrace mobile technology in supporting operations.  You may love the WebMD Sports Injury Reports on Fox, but if you’re covered, go see the doctor.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in blog, Digital Media, Flash, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Website Design | No Comments »
Tags: aetna insurance, Blueliner Marketing, Digital Media, harris interactive market research, healthcare, internet marketing nyc, new york social media agency, oxford health care, pharmaceutical websites, web md

AT&T Nets Augmented Reality June 29, 2010 – 2:16 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Augmented reality is a form of online advertising that is gaining traction. The World Cup, which has seen record figures of advertising revenue, has also become a test board for many firms, including AT&T.  The communications giant created a banner with Zugara’s Augmented Reality motion capture technology called ZugMO.  The banner is an innovative form of Flash and other properties.  It has you heading crosses towards to goal straight from your webcam. The user gets five shots to score as many goals as possible. In the future, we’ll get more in depth about the creation of these banners and their effectiveness in segmentation.  But for now, begin to head for goals here!

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in Flash, Interactive Marketing, Marketing | No Comments »
Tags: AT&T augmented reality banner, augmented reality, banner campaign, BBDO, Blueliner Marketing, digital campaigns, Digital Media, Flash, online banners, zugara augmented reality

Stupid Is Following The Conscious and Unconscious May 26, 2010 – 5:07 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Back in 2004, I interned with the Press Department of Diesel U.S.A.  My experience was very unique, as I became acquainted with the inner workings of an apparel giant whose influence at the time remained strong with the dynamic and creative.  Despite the high price tag of their denim, sales flourished due to their innovative marketing strategies.  Nowadays, the brand has lengthened their portfolio to the higher end of the spectrum, with a flagship store on Fifth Avenue and the collection Diesel Black Gold.

The decade moved along, with Diesel reaching its thirties. Suddenly, the brand is in competition with an endless labels selling similar apparel.  Recently, Founder Renzo Rosso and his management team decided to recoup market share with a new interactive campaign called Be Stupid.  The message is pretty straightforward, aiming to cultivate those who are not familiar with the brand and its roots in denim.

The website is a tour de force of Flash design.  A streaming video of slogans flow with “Honeytrap” from British dance rock group We Have Band.  After that, we have an application mimicking Upwords, where you can put together various words into your own sentences and share them through social media sites. Here’s my poem.  

That is simply the first part of the campaign.  Once you move on to the video catalog, you get a dance performance with models wearing the spring/summer 2010 collection. If you pause and click on the head of each model, you get a quick bio along with links to their personal social media pages.  You also can click on the clothing to get more depth on where to purchase those pieces, either online or your local store.  The video continues playing “A Hundred Lovers” by Spanish group Josep when you move the arrow off the photo.  It’s a comprehensive use of Flash, and well done.

The website lastly has a contest where you can upload your stupid images and win chances at trips to South Africa, Las Vegas, and other places.  We’ll see the effects of this interactive rush in the future, but Diesel clearly is fueling the consciousness, seen and unseen.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in Business News, Flash, Website Design, World | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner, Blueliner Marketing, diesel spA, diesel usa, eCommerce, Flash, Interactive Marketing

Pac-man Starts Life At 30 May 21, 2010 – 1:17 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

One particular football player won’t grow up because he’s a Toys ‘R Us kid, and other unmentionable things. But his father ages gracefully.  Today, Pac-man celebrates his 30th birthday after years of chasing pellets, big and small, to get the affection of his female cohort.  Google commemorates the celebration with this kitschy website design where you enter a coin and can play with Mr. and Mrs. Pac-man at the same time.  It’s an ingenious blend of marketing and synergy of the iconic, beloved arcade game.  It remains one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and its influence on postmodern society along with the digital age remains strong to this day. I remember playing at the barber shop on Saturdays in between cuts as a boy, and I could never get to the same level on subsequent trips.  I would climb several levels in one visit, then get nowhere the next time.  It is a game dependent on memory, hand-eye coordination, and perception. These skills can be applied to any medium in life, beyond video games. I think this explains its durability in an era of Grand Theft Auto, Wii, and Xbox. Pac-man has endless brand equity.  Before you start playing, flex your fingers because they will get a workout from pounding the arrow keys.  Click on the retro illustration to the right and get started.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in Business News, Digital Media, Flash, Graphic Design, Website Design | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, brand equity, google pacman, Graphic Design, Marketing, pac-man 30th anniversary, pac-man news, Website Design