The Belton Blog

Green Rising

Customers are looking to help the environment with their wallet more than ever. Consumers believe that shopping online is better for the environment and actually want to do it more as part of living a green lifestyle.

This is part of an upward trend of thinking green when shopping. Consumers are buying more green products and more green products are being launched year after year. Don't take my word for it, Read all the stats here. 

What's your green angle? Do people know your green products? Do you view them as green? This article shows more then ever that consumers need to know about your business and it's effect on the environment.

6 Secrets For Sucess From In-N-Out Burger

  At a time when many larger corporations are posting losses, closures and staff lay-offs, In-N-out Burger is proving that you can stick to core values and remain successful in any economic climate. Located entirely on the U.S. West Coast, In-N-Out Burger is still very much a 'mom and pop' operation; however, with average annual store sales topping $1.9 million, In-N-Out is trumping the likes of Burger King.

Mathew Scott of DailyFinance.com distills the West Coast outfit's success into 6 key points, points that can be applied to any business.

For example, keeping a relentless focus on quality is a major part of In-N-Out Burger's corporate philosophy. Where other burger joints moved to frozen beef patties and fries, In-N-Out hired their own butchers to prepare burgers fresh and by hand. By remaining true to their 'handmade' roots, they stand out from their competition.

Read the full article here.

Direct Marketing Dip

  For the first time since 1945, direct mail has shown a sharp decline in both volume and spending. While still accounting for over $50-billion a year in business, many marketers are turning from "batch blast" style mailouts to more targeted and focused campaigns.

 Consumers' focus on digital media, and the rising cost of printing, postage and shipping are also eating into "old reliable's" market share.

According to the Winterberry Group, a US research firm, the tried-and-true tactics of massive mailings are turning into lower volume, high value campaigns that target a desired niche of households.

For the full story, see eMarketers full article.

I Hope You're Sitting Down

  A recent post on Toxel shows us that bench advertising does not always have to be boring.

 From Ikea's outdoor living room to the Calgary Zoo's oddly proportioned baby carriage, these benches all illustrate creative ways to approach a traditional and staid medium.

Check out the rest of the benches here.

I Wonder What They Sell?

Talk about store branding! Bonus points if you can spot the Spinal Tap reference.

Originally found by Flickr user hey mr glen.

5 top restaurant trends for 2009

Technomic has released their list of the top 5 restaurant trends for 2009. They forecast that in 2009 the food industry will focus on responding to consumer preferences and demands.

Here's the short and sweet version of the list. To read the full article, visit this MarketWatch article.

1. Experimentation and innovation are the name of the game.
2. Focus on ethnic flavours will continue.
3. Using local food and sources for ingredients.
4. Different/more options for portion sizes.
5. Expanded kid's menus.

Be The Master of Your Marketing Domain

For a show about nothing, Seinfeld has certainly penetrated the North American zeitgeist. Being "Master of your domain," and the "puffy shirt" are just some of the more obvious contributions the show made, but the impact of Seinfeld is even more profound.

Who knew that Uncle Leo could teach you that old school marketing just doesn't cut it with today's empowered audiences, or that Elaine's funny dance can teach us how to keep customers loyal?

Blogger Bill Gammell did, and has bundled seven of his insights on Seinfeld and marketing into a free ebook. Unfortunately, a puffy shirt isn't included.

Raise Your Wine Prices and Your Customers Will Love You!

Roger Snowden from Media Magic sent me an interesting article about the higher the price your wine is listed for, your guests will actually believe it taste better. For those of you not in the F&B Industry please disregard this post and ask your server for a hidden gem located in the back of the cellar.

What Sets You Apart?

I'm out the other day and see a tow truck that pulls into a parking lot. A nice Red & Chrome, Clean, Shiny Tow Truck. The company looks like they'll look after your vehicle, they certainly look after their vehicle and their brand.  What really struck me was what was on the side of the tow truck... 23 1/2 hr service. I think to myself in the world of 24/7, I need it yesterday mind set, these guys are different. I see the owner and ask him why 23 1/2? He tells me its because he knows people will ask. "No fancy marketing degree, I thought it would catch peoples attention".  He tells me business has never been better because everyone knows to call him, he's the guy that only works 23 1/2 hours a day. How could they not, its memorable. What makes you memorable?

Interactive Wine Bar

Of course I love technology so when Springwise posted this article about an interactive computer wine bar at one of the Restaurants located in the famous St. Regis Hotel in New York, I had to take a peak. If you inventory a lot of wine, what a great way for your customers to not only see what you have in stock, the interactive knowledge associated with it would better educate and in some situations reduce the uncomfortable feelings some have about ordering wine. I'm not sure if you would have an extra $20,000 to $30,000 needed as an investment for something like this but a tablet pc might be a great place to start.