Stern PR™ Marketing-Omaha NE

July 11, 2010

Susan Stern-Omaha

Filed under: About Susan Stern,Branding Essentials,Copywriting,Graphic Design,Public Relations,Video Marketing — Susan Stern @ 1:00 pm
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  •  Stern PR™ – Web Design – Affordable & SEO-Effective
  •  Web Video Commercials - Boost Google Page Rank
  •  Photography - Magazine Quality 
  •  Copywriting – Keyword Rich
  •  Graphic Design – Custom

STERN PR™ handles total name-branding, building & maintenance for primarily Omaha NE businesses – on & offline. Susan Stern caters to medium and small companies that search for effective, yet affordable marketing.

Susan Stern brings to the table – a broad range of experience – in advertising, marketing, public relations & broadcast journalism.  By crafting tasks single-handedly, she passes on the savings to her clients.  “Without breaking the budget, I cater to businesses in need of a polished image that net results. Let’s face it. Big or small, companies need a marketing professional to streamline, maintain & control – their image,” emphasizes Susan Stern. So, run your business. Outsource advertising, marketing, public relations & journalism to Stern PR™

 

Professional Services Galore…

 

  • Website Design, Copywriting & Photography  View    View    View    View
  • Internet Video Marketing  View
  • Internet Video Search Engine Optimization
  • Email Marketing
  • Marketing Mailers  View   
  • Web Landing Page – A Website Alternative  View
  • Blog Management View   View   View
  • Photography View
  • Flyers & 6 Panel Brochures
  • Newsletters Front   Back
  • Online Journalism Articles  & SEO  View
  • National Press Release Copywriting & Distribution  View Here      View Here
  • Custom Bizcard Design
  • Banner Design  View
  • Custom Logos
  • Event Mailers Front  Back
  • Invitations  Front  Back     Front   Back
  • Event Memory Slide Shows
  • Online Invitations  View
  • Sales Pitch Letters
  • Contract Writing – Legal
  • Custom Designed Promotional Merchandise
  • Event Planning incl. Business Fairs
  • Resume Writing, Cover Letters & Distribution 
  • Crisis Management
  • Competition Tracking & Analysis 
  • Speech Writing
  • Radio/TV Advertising Scriptwriting & Talent
  • Media & Print Buying 

              Online Video Marketing Commercial Samples Below…

 


   

Biography – On a personal note, Susan Stern enjoys a lot of activities: photography, guitar lessons, abstract art, fine-tuning her graphic design talents & inline skating. Topping the list of her favorite’s – keeping her young daughter healthy, happy & active! Says Susan, “Motherhood is my greatest joy in life!” Her career is also important.

Along with ten years in P.R. & Marketing, Susan offers a decade expertise in broadcast journalism & advertising production, primarily radio & TV including CBN Radio, Standard News Radio Network – Washington, D.C., Omaha’s KKAR-AM, KOIL-AM, ESPN-Radio 1620 AM, WOW-AM/FM, KVNO & WOWT, KTCB of Council Bluffs to name a few, both news & commercial aspects. Her work – has appeared on Nebraska Public Radio & CNN, too. She’s done countless radio and TV ads.

Susan even scored a small movie role as Cindy Lindstrom, a TV reporter in the Miramax/Disney film “Citizen Ruth”.

In 2006, Susan Stern  of Stern PR™ unveiled this professional business blog to write frequent industry news & showcase her work.  The site boomed in 2009, around the same time Susan launched a revised, clean logo after teaching herself graphic design. Thanks to Susan’s acquired SEO skills & the work she generates for a variety of clients with discriminating needs, now this business blog surpasses the 10,000 visitor mark. ”I am very optimistic about 2010!”

Susan Stern holds varied memberships:

  • National Association of Professional Women
  • Ezine Articles – Designation as “Expert Author.”  – New as of October 2009!
  • Screen Actors Guild
  • Omaha Press Club
  • Ironwood CC

Contact Susan Stern Now!

Stern PR™. All Rights Reserved. Omaha, NE. 2010.  sternpr@gmail.com Contact (402) 212-7489

Gibson PR Crisis-OP

Filed under: Opinion,Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 11:08 am
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Embattled Hollywood actor Mel Gibson has got a major public relations crisis on his hands. There is little, if anything that his handlers can do to control the backlash, but to let the dust settle & issue a carefully scripted statement while the attorneys pursue legal action. For now, at least, Gibson’s career appears highly troubled.

The new round of horrible publicity is triggered by allegations that tape recordings were made of Gibson spewing hate-filled speech while threatening violence against former Russian girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his child.  Celebrity website Radaronline obtained the alleged Gibson/Oksana tape recording, the authenticity of which has not been verified. In the recording, Gibson reportedly states, “You’re an embarrassment to me. You look like a f***ing bitch in heat, and if you get raped by a pack of n***ers, it will be your fault.”  He further berates Oksana, calling her a “whore” and a “c*nt” and calls a Latino worker a “wetback.”

Wow, these statements, if factual, have the potential to adversely impact the outcome of the messy custody battle, and, of course, his career. However, if Gibson takes the appropriate steps now, he may have time to repair his image. 2006 Mug Shot above – courtesy of LA County Sheriff’s Dept. 

Since the tape’s release, the dominoes continue to fall on Gibson.  Agent William Morris Endeavor Entertainment reportedly fired him. National civil rights organizations have condemned Gibson in the harshest ways. Now, the L.A. County Sherriff’s Department is reportedly investigating Gibson for domestic violence.

Gibson’s alleged racist rants aren’t his first. In 2006,  Gibson, while being arrested for DUI, made anti-Semitic remarks to a California Police Offer, who is Jewish. The remarks touched off a firestorm of controversy. Gibson later apologized. With his latest alleged tirade, certainly his past apology does not appear authentic.

So what’s his publicist to do? When and if he hires one, he or she faces an uphill battle. His publicist, in conjunction with Gibson’s attorney, may consider encouraging him to stay out of the public eye, while, at the same time, release a strong statement.

In public relations, there are two smart ways to approach any crisis situation:

1) Quickly address and resolve crisis issues before they escalate, (something that has not been done PR-wise)
2) Demonstrate that your client cares; and (something that has not been done PR-wise)
2) Seek possible ways to turn your crisis into an opportunity. (open to discussion)

One possible statement, which should have been immediately released, might read:

Mel Gibson is wholeheartedly remorseful for the remarks he inadvertently made to his former girlfriend. But it’s Gibson’s position, that the comments were taken way out of context since both parties were in a heated custody battle over their daughter. He was angry. Certainly, anyone can understand how stressful custody issues are, especially when the other parent is disgrunted & maliciously attempts to take his fatherly rights away, for no valid reason other than a bitter relationship ending, which is Mr. Gibson’s position. Mr. Gibson considers himself a friend of the homosexual, Jewish, African-American and Latino communities and women’s rights in general. He admits to having an anger management problem, and pledges to return to therapy to resolve it. His sincere apologies go out to all who may have been hurt or offended by his statements. He is remorseful and receiving guidance from a religious leader.

Then, his handlers should leak the date & time Gibson can be captured on camera entering an anger management session, which will then be published on & offline. Further, Gibson would be wise to hire a female, Jewish, Latino or African-American publicist & team of lawyers.

Gibson’s PR Reps should not, like it was reportedly done in his 2006 DUI/anti-semitic rant case, use alleged alcoholism as a defense for his alleged profane statements to Oksana.  Due to the highly contentious child custody litigation now underway, an alcohol consumption defense would be adversely used against Gibson in a court of law.

So, in summary, Gibson should lay low for a very, very long time. Stay out of the public eye, except to attend anger management sessions, preferably the therapy would be done bi-weekly or more, both individually and in a group setting. If someone in the group leaks his remarks, let them. The leaks will – keep his attempts at reconciliation – in the news.

But first, Gibson needs to hire a publicist, preferably a Jewish female specialist, who would help repair his image, step by step, day by day. Undoubtedly, it will be a long & winding road, but eventually, after a carefully-crafted action plan, Gibson’s reputation may be put back together.

“The secret to crisis management is to be prepared before news reporters knock on your door. Technically, many businesses, government & educational institutions, celebrities & politicians should hire an outside consultant to prepare a plan of a action, to properly handle trouble – should it arise. However, if you have not made preparations, it’s not too late.”

Editor’s Note: The author of this article is Susan Stern of Stern PR, a public relations practitioner in Omaha NE. Ms. Stern personally condemns Mel Gibson’s alleged racist diatribes. Yet, Ms. Stern views Gibson’s crisis as one that underscores the necessity of public relations consultation.  For more information on crisis management planning contact Susan Stern at 402-212-7489.

July 9, 2010

Business Streamlining

Filed under: Branding Essentials,Internet Marketing,Website Design — Susan Stern @ 8:18 pm

Call Omaha Marketer Susan Stern Now!
Total Business Name-Branding – Done Affordably
Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations & Journalism – On & Offline

Learn more here

212-7489 Omaha
email: sternpr@gmail.com

July 7, 2010

Web & Video Design

Filed under: Internet Marketing,SEO,Video Marketing,Website Design — Susan Stern @ 6:03 pm
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Website Design Sample       Website Design Sample      Flash Website Sample   

Website Design Sample

Sign on by August 1st & receive 20% OFF Web Design/Corporate Video. Get Coupon Code Now!

WEBSITE/VIDEO COUPON OFFER

STERN PR™ handles complete name-branding, building & maintenance for primarily Omaha NE businesses – on & offline.  Susan Stern caters to medium and small companies that search for effective, yet affordable marketing. Call Susan Now! 212-7489 Omaha Blog

July 6, 2010

New Logo 4 Client

Filed under: Graphic Design,SEO,Video Marketing,Website Design — Susan Stern @ 5:59 pm
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(Omaha, NE)  –  Stern PR™ Omaha NE developed a new logo (left) for customer All Clear Windows™ Omaha NE.  “I took my client’s old logo & streamlined it – giving it a more polished look,” notes Susan Stern.

Additionally, the old logo (as seen here on the right) was problematic. It did not reproduce well on small printed items like letterhead, magnets, stamping, etc. Notes Susan “logos should be scalable to all sizes without losing any of the image’s integrity.”

“So, I eliminated the intricate window details & modernized the font. Further, since All Clear Windows™ offers more services than just professional Omaha window cleaning, I added “Windows & Services” to the final logo. Plus, I established logo ownership & public notice thereof, by adding the TM symbol. I think the overall look is great!”

Omaha website designer Susan Stern just revamped All Clear Windows’ ™ website. Out with the old, in with the new. “The site is done!” (left – home page screen shot).

Stern PR™ also set up facebook, twitter & business blog accounts for the client.

Over the past year, Stern PR™ also created an internet video commercial for All Clear Windows™ & optimized it for search engine rank. Name-branding, building & maintenance to the highest level – with an eye-catching/informative video commercial & powerful SEO. Stern PR™ Omaha NE – a one-stop shop for marketing on & offline. Call Susan at 402-212-7489 now!

 

June 19, 2010

Corporate Video/SEO

Filed under: Internet Marketing,Public Relations,SEO,Video Marketing — Susan Stern @ 5:09 pm
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(Omaha, NE)  –  Do you run a business? Then, you gotta have a Corporate video.

Video, if done the Stern PR™ way, exudes professionalism & helps catapult your company to the next level! Plus, it’s yet another piece of the name-branding, building & maintenance – pie. 

Video production by Stern PR™ will help your organization professionally market your product. Play your video to prospective customers. Mail it to them. Run it on a big screen at a trade show or play during a round-table meeting. Notes Susan, “Video makes a lot of sense. For one, most people have short attention spans & they’d rather watch a TV commercial than read text. Plus, Video has become one of the most effective SEO approaches to date.” Great news!
Stern PR™ creates signature-style videos & optimizes them for search engine rank.

Stern PR™ offers a proprietary search engine video marketing technique that will put your company on the first pages of Google. So, when a web surfer enters your industry’s keywords in search engines, your video will rank high. Video SEO works!

Stern PR™  Serious Strategy. Really! Call Susan Stern Now! 402-212-7489

http://www.solarframeworks.com Golden, Colorado-based SolarFrameWorks “Solor Sisters” reflect on their partnership with Johns Manville.JM, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, penned an agreement with SolarFrameWorks in 2010 to supply & market the SolarFrameWork BIPV CoolPly™ solar panel product across the United States. Produced by Susan Stern. Stern PR™ Omaha, NE sternpr@gmail.com

May 21, 2010

Publicist On a Pinch!

Filed under: Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 1:00 pm
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(Omaha, NE ) — Need a publicist on a pinch? Contact Omaha Marketer Stern PR™.

Based on the effective website SEO that Stern PR™ does & the website portfolio that showcases Susan Stern’s work, Denver-based SolarFrameWorks contacted Susan Stern during the Omaha Berkshire Hathaway™ meeting! CEO Patrina Eiffert sought public relations representation – like immediately. About an hour-and-a-half after the Saturday late-morning call, Susan, armed with a professional video camera, a positive attitude and a keen eye for detail & focus – descended on the Omaha Qwest Convention Center – ready to go!

“I thrive on adrenaline-fueled deadlines. As a former TV/Radio reporter, I’m use to last minute everything. That’s the nature of the news business. So, if a call comes in with seconds notice, like it did here, it’s no problem. For SolarFrameWorks, I quickly multi-tasked by arranging a babysitter, grabbed my gear & got moving,” emphasizes Susan Stern, who wears many hats as a publicist, marketer, advertiser, web & graphic designer, videographer/photographer & copywriter – all in one.

Stern PR™ went into this project blinded per se, i.e., extemporaneously, with zero time for background research. Of course, lack of info was not an impediment. As a former Omaha TV/Radio Journalist, Susan Stern had faced countless on-the-spot newsworthy events.  In the case of SolarFrameWorks, spontaneity proved challenging, yet doable.  

Stern PR™ made it happen – off the cuff & with immediacy. “When I approached the Johns Manville™ (JM) booth, where my new client, SolarFrameWorks was stationed, I got down to business – right away. I briefly chatted with the owners/inventors, who, by the way, are two incredibly educated & business savvy siblings known in the industry as the “Solar Sisters.”  I asked them questions to determine my angle. Turns out that the pair invented a revolutionary weather-resistant, solar panel membrane system called Coolply™ that attaches to the roof without damaging the roof itself. Wow. What a great product. What a great company to represent!”, remarks Susan Stern.  

For SolarFrameWorks, Susan Stern produced a nationally released news release that was published on businesswire.com and a corporate video.

Quality work. Quick turn-around. A Stern PR™ forte. Notes Susan Stern. “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for my one-person company to grow beyond the big O.”

Editor’s Note. Omaha-based Publicist Susan Stern may be reached at 402-212-7489.

May 7, 2010

Stern PR™ Style

Filed under: Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 10:17 am
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(Omaha, NE) –  Stern PR’s™ public relations background is quite extensive, thanks to being on the receiving end, i.e. vetting news releases for newsworthiness – as a TV/Radio reporter/producer for more than a decade. Says Susan Stern, “I know what’s newsworthy and what stories contain all the right elements. On a typical day, our newsroom would receive 20 so-called PR Flak faxes. Those that were well-written & contained newsworthy elements, made my newscast.” 

Susan Stern also “gets” both sides of the fence. As a Public Relations Practitioner, Susan Stern helped catapult an Omaha-based business to the national spotlight by crafting timely news releases – on a public health issue. Time and time again, she obtained free coverage in targeted markets nationwide, and at media outlets in Omaha, NE: OWH, KETV, KMTV, WOWT, KPTM, KKAR & KFAB.

Stern PR™ is called upon to represent organizations that seek free media/print news coverage for – events galore.  Companies call on Susan Stern to craft news releases via fee-based distribution channels, too. As usual - Susan Stern’s wordsmith abilities net results. “I am a journalist at heart. I view the world through the eyes of a reporter. So, I am able to effectively spot a news story in every corner. I transfer this perspective to the business world and the products/services a business wants publicity for,” notes Susan Stern.

Sample May 2010 National Release

As a publicist, Susan Stern fine-tunes the client’s image via the marketing materials she produces. She works with the client to craft the most accurate news releases before each is published. Expect an eye-catching headline that inspires interest. As an Omaha-based corporate communications practitioner, Susan Stern acts on behalf of the local, regional and national organizations she represents, working in her client’s best interests with other corporations, news distribution services and the like. It’s a fact. ”Every company needs a public relations specialist to protect, refine & control their image. I will do so with the utmost professionalism, while working alongside a client’s partners,” emphasizes Susan Stern.

Susan Stern wears other hats, too. As a publicist on behalf of her client, this one-woman image firm, schedules news interviews; purchases media ad time; writes, directs & voices broadcast commercials; photographs events;, produces corporate videos, among other tasks.  Name-branding, building & maintenance.  Stern PR™. Serious Strategy. Really!

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Of course, to be publicity-worthy, a business or event must offer one of the following to - make the news!:

  • unusual product, service or event
  • innovative product, service or event
  • announcement of a partnership or agreement
  • release of a survey, poll or study
  • service impacting public health & welfare
  • business working with the government
  • companies that are committed to  “green” environment solutions
  • contains all elements of an interesting people story
  • localize a national news issue or holiday 
  • goodwill ventures including launching a fundraising drive

Name-branding, building and maintenance takes more than marketing & advertising. Public relations, an under-utilized mode-of-operation, should be an essential part of any business plan. Earn industry respectability & credibility. Public relations is an effective tool for an organization to create and maintain a positive image.

Contact Susan Stern Now! 402-212-7489

May 5, 2010

Redefining Design

Filed under: About Susan Stern,Advertising,Branding Essentials,Copywriting,Graphic Design,Internet Marketing,Public Relations,SEO,Video Marketing,Website Design — Susan Stern @ 12:07 pm

Susan Stern creates professional business websites - complete with a signature, clean style. Expect more than website design, copywriting, photography & website video commercials. A key feature of Stern PR’s™ work is that during the design process, Susan Stern streamlines a company’s entire image. If there’s no company slogan, Susan Stern creates one. If a logo needs fine-tuning, Susan Stern handles it. After conducting extensive background research, Stern PR™ finds the right industry words to effectively target the customer base with the objective of propelling profits. “What ultimately happens is that a company will end up having me handle all their marketing materials, since I have a comprehensive understanding of their products or services, & how to effectively market them. For image consistency, that’s the right move,” says Susan Stern.

As for web design specifically, Susan Stern completes the entire process including working with the client to pick an SEO-friendly domain moniker, set up web hosting & email accounts, while maintaining content additions for years to come. “I’ve been in the communications business for close to two decades, so I am here to serve my clientele for now and in the future,” emphasizes Susan Stern.

All in all, Stern PR™  helps companies catapult their business – to the next level. ”I offer a total package of marketing services. I am a one-person band, per se. So, you don’t have to hire a web designer, copywriter, photographer & marketer to handle your website design & image-building.”

Stern PR™ does it all. In one person. That translates into consistency & affordability. Stern PR™. Serious Strategy. Really!

April 30, 2010

Drive Site Traffic

Filed under: Internet Marketing,SEO,Video Marketing — Susan Stern @ 10:23 am

By Susan L. Stern

(Omaha, NE)  –  Video, video, video – one powerful solution to drive traffic to your business website.  Omaha Internet Video Marketer Stern PR™ helps catapult websites to the search engine forefront by creating a custom video commercial & posting it in mass - on a monthly basis - to social media sites beyond just youtube.  ”I highly recommend video SEO to all my clients. It’s an effective way to boost search engine rankings, inspire interest in your product/service while propelling profits,” notes Omaha Marketer Susan Stern.

Nowadays, the search engines give more credit when video is used, i.e. ranks your website & business listing higher – ahead of competitors. Video marketing is a potent tool that nets results. “Plus, it’s ahead-of-the-trend SEO, not to mention business savvy, to post a video commercial on a company website,” remarks Susan Stern. 

At the right price, Stern PR™ Omaha creates a high-quality, informative video commercial which targets a company’s demographic. Marketer Susan Stern crafts the video using industry keywords, mimicking the way tags work. She organizes the video in the correct category, while promoting the video spot – on social media sites galore.   

“Video is one powerful piece of the pie to increase a website’s search engine position!” emphasizes Susan Stern. 

Contact Susan Stern in Omaha Now!

April 29, 2010

Wowable Websites!

Filed under: Website Design — Susan Stern @ 2:03 pm

 

 

(Omaha, NE)  — Count on Stern PR™ Omaha NE to create business websites with *flash & circumstance! 

*While SEO is possible, Stern PR™ rarely designs full flash sites because of the penalties search engines give them. Notes Susan Stern, “basically, the search engine’s spiders look for text. All flash, however, is read like an image.”

Omaha Marketer Susan Stern offers an eye-catching solution: flash banner websites, a.k.a. flash intro websites. “A little bit of flash, but not too much & plenty of relevant keyword-rich copy allows a website to be properly classified for SEO,” emphasizes Susan Stern.

Website Design Sample 1

Website Design Sample 2

Flash Website Sample 3

Flash Website Sample 4

 

April 25, 2010

Business Blog Benefits

Filed under: Copywriting,Internet Marketing,SEO,Website Design — Susan Stern @ 11:38 pm
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(Omaha, NE)  –  Businesses reap – numerous search engine optimization (SEO) benefits from having a Blog. Most companies should have one, emphasizes Omaha Internet Marketer Susan Stern of Stern PR™.  Here’s why:

  • Boost page rank
  • Inform customers about new company products & services
  • Serves as a mechanism for customer comments & company replies
  • Gain industry credibility
  • Provides Brand Awareness
  • Offer real-time news

Stern PR™ defines a blog for business as a regularly updated online website containing industry-related information and opinions. It is often used to compliment a company’s official website, serving as another tool to increase search engine ranking. What sets blogs apart from other online writing, IMHO, is their dynamic nature (as opposed to static Web pages) & their voice (copywriting style).

Stern PR™ offers blog set up, maintenance and management for Omaha-area businesses – at a reasonable rate.

 

View a partial list of Stern PR™ blog clients:

Stern PR’s™ professionally written Blog articles, crafted with a journalism flair & a public relations slant, help business build/maintain customer relationships. Credibility. Trust.  Susan Stern 402-212-7489. Stern PR™. Serious Strategy. Really!

 

April 9, 2010

Slogans

Filed under: Advertising,Copywriting — Susan Stern @ 10:13 am

 (Omaha, NE)  –  “Every business needs a slogan or motto,” notes Omaha Marketer Susan Stern of Stern PR™. What is it? It’s a catch phrase expressing the aims or nature of a business or organization.

“Businesses should consistently use the same slogan in all advertising ventures. This gives a company name-branding identity, an essential aspect of name-branding, building & maintenance,” says Susan.

A lot of small and medium-sized businesses in Omaha don’t have a slogan nor understand the importance of a catch phrase for marketing. Stern PR™  does.

Examples of Stern PR™ Slogans:

  • Snell Heating & AC™. Service to the Highest Degree!
  • ISG™. Quality, Security & Integrity
  • Stern PR™. Serious Strategy. Really
  • Amtech Auto Care™. From Start to Finish.
  • Hand it to Mr. Granite™
  • Sparks Computerized Car Care™ High-Tech Repair. Honest. Fair! 

& much more.

Contact Susan Stern today for more information on slogans, website development, logos & much more. 212-7489 Omaha.

Click here for Wacky Slogans

February 20, 2010

Boost Google Rank

Filed under: Internet Marketing,SEO,Video Marketing — Susan Stern @ 11:15 pm
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(Omaha, NE)  – Web Video Marketing by Stern PR™ Works to Boost Google Page Rank.  This past year, Stern PR™ Omaha NE discovered the potency of web video marketing/SEO in Omaha - with proven results.”The hottest ahead-of-the-trend SEO approach I now use is – web video & mass submission. I design professionally produced video commercials, code the content, then handle the rest. I am able to catapult an Omaha business onto the 1st page of google, sometimes within 24 hours or less. It works!” notes Susan Stern, of Stern PR™ in Omaha NE.

Most Omaha businesses remain completely unaware of internet video’s power to boost a company’s search engine rank. “I haven’t heard of anyone in town doing what I do. Fortunately, I share my SEO strategies to my marketing clients. Once they jump on board, they too achieve desired results.”

For Home One Roofing™ Omaha NE, after producing a great video, Stern PR™ uploaded it to specifically-targeted sites in mass, using keyword rich titles, descriptions and tags. A mere 24 hours later, my client’s listing appeared on the 1st page of Google –in the top three– search engine terms. The stone installer beat out 119,000 others.  Wow!”

Adds Susan Stern,”for my own business, a search for ‘Email Marketing’ resulted in a 1st page google ranking. So, Stern PR™ beat out approximately 319,000 so-called competitors. Now that is an ideal resultm, as are the calls from companies who found me on page one of Google!”

For Mr. Granite™, an Omaha kitchen/bathroom installer, Stern PR™ catapulted the company to the first page of Google by properly coding the outstanding video she produced & sending it in mass to relevant social media sites. See the snapshot below.

Stern PR™ is one of the only Omaha-area internet marketers who has discovered a highly effective way to propel a business to the top pages of Google!  With 60% of consumers going online before purchasing a product or service, obviously, search engine placement matters.  Stern PR™ has a keen eye on the future.

Analysts predict that web video marketing will grow exponentially in 2010. The clues are everywhere. Take  Google for instance. Not only did it purchase YouTube, but nowadays the powerhouse search engine gives websites with video higher page ranking. Further, Google recently announced that its spidering techniques now convert a video’s audio into text – yet another puzzle piece that helps complete an organization’s search engine placement.

Stern PR™. Susan Stern’s  tools of the SEO trade help Omaha businesses go where they belong – onto the 1st pages of Google.

Contact Omaha marketer Susan Stern - for affordable web video production rates & monthly SEO. 402-212-7489 Omaha NE

February 8, 2010

SEO Biz Tips Galore

Filed under: Advertising,Copywriting,SEO,Video Marketing — Susan Stern @ 2:50 am
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1165440_39445166Omaha Internet Marketer Susan Stern offers not only advice, but provides all of the below listed SEO services to Omaha NE businesses. “I can help your organization boost its online presence – in search engines – to gain market traction.” Here’s how:

  • Produce an internet marketing commercial
  • Upload video commercial to website
  • Upload video & create keyword-rich Google, Bing and Yahoo Listings 
  • Optimize your Web Video Commercial to sites including Youtube & 70 others 
  • Create a business blog
  • Link Website to Blog – Professionally managed by www.sternpr4less.com
  • Create a correctly coded, search engine-friendly website
  • Fix an incorrectly coded, search engine-unfriendly website
  • Set up Twitter & Facebook business accounts
  • Craft an awesome website that’s modern, easy-to-read & nets results
  • Recommend sharing affiliate links of client websites, i.e. link-building
  • Buy entry into recognized Web Directorys – low-cost
  • Tout specials & coupons via a Twitter account
  • Set up business listings via directories – some paid, some free
  • Write industry articles 4 online directories
  • Send out professionally-written internet press releases that net results! 

“None of these strategies listed above include pay-per-click,” emphasizes Susan Stern.  “However, I am not ruling out PPC, which involves choosing the right keywords. So, until I completely test PPC, I shall hold off endorsing it to my clients.” 

The fact is, many search engine marketing methods work! Stern PR™ offers proven strategies.  “At this time, I am a fan of  online business listings, blogs & twitter.”   I also recommend Web Video Marketing. The results are outstanding!  In less than 3 hours recently, I uploaded a client’s video to targeted sites, using  proper keyword titles/descriptions/tags  - and boom. My listings appear in on the 1st page of Google  ahead of - 399,000 others.  WOW!”

Contact Omaha Internet Marketer Susan Stern to implement these effective SEO techniques. Remember…”Stern PR™. Serious Strategy. Really!”

 

 

January 22, 2010

Email Marketing Power

Filed under: Advertising,Copywriting,Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 12:00 am
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Professionally-crafted email marketing for Omaha businesses – is effective & affordable – to achieve brand awareness & purchase action. ”Companies searching for innovative ways to reach their target clientele or pursue leads – should get on the email marketing bandwagon now,” notes Omaha Internet Marketer Susan Stern. 

The potential impression rate is high. After all, most people check their email several times a day – at least. So, as long as your copywriter crafts an attention-getting headline,  it’s nearly guaranteed that an existing customer & potential one will open the email.  Of course, to keep them interested – you’ll want to offer an incentive - a call for action.  If done right, customers would be able to print a coupon or receive a rebate, etc.

This is not to say that traditional print advertising should cease. Notes Susan Stern, “hard copy mailers remain necessary for the older generation who may not be internet-connected.” Instead, Stern PR™ recommends that Omaha businesses use a mix of both print and email marketing methods. Once you build your email list, you can reduce the number of hard copy mailers, thereby spending less on printing & postage costs.

Of course, not just any email marketing letter will do. Omaha businesses need to hire a professional copywriter, graphic artist and branding strategist to get the job done right. Template-based programs for do-it-yourself emails – look amateur. That is not the image you want to project! Run your company. Let Stern PR™ Omaha NE – handle the rest.  

 

Note: Susan L. Stern of Omaha, NE is a one-person practitioner specializing in marketing, advertising, public relations & journalism, on & offline.

 

December 11, 2009

Lower 2009 Biz Taxes

Filed under: Advertising,SEO,Video Marketing — Susan Stern @ 2:53 am
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(Omaha, NE)  –  If 2009 turned into a – profitable year and your taxable income is too high - your business accountant may recommend that you lower your tax liability before January 1, 2010. With less than a few weeks left, the time may be now according to Omaha Marketer Susan Stern to – spend, spend, spend - on the following effective internet-driven business marketing expenses:

  • –  A new and/or improved website
  • – Professional Search Engine Business Listings
  • – Creation of a Blog & Management of;  and,
  • – An Internet video commercial touting your products/services

Stern PR’s Susan Stern can set up any of the above-listed services for your business – in Dec. 2009 - for 2010- so your business may receive an entire-year write-off.

Call Susan Stern today! 402-212-7489   sternpr@gmail.com 

 

Editor’s Note: Check w/your accountant to see if this plan benefits your company.

November 4, 2009

Web Video SEO

Filed under: About Susan Stern,Branding Essentials,SEO,Video Marketing — Susan Stern @ 2:21 pm
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(Omaha, NE) — Omaha-area businesses hoping to expand their marketing mix should jump onboard – rather, jump online – with a custom-made video commercial & SEO submission by Stern PR™. Video SEO is an under-utilized marketing strategy capable of leapfrogging your company ahead of your competitors. Most companies remain completely unaware of the power of internet video marketing SEO. In fact, in 2009, Stern PR™  discovered this powerful tool - ahead of the masses. “My advice to most business owners is to hire me to produce a quality web video commercial, as well as handle the search engine optimization.”

Industry analysts predict that the web video market will grow exponentially in 2010 – as more Americans, an estimated 60%, use search engines before purchasing a product or service. Here in Omaha, Marketer Susan Stern of www.sternpr4less.com -  helps businesses reach sales goals via search engine optimization of quality video spots on the airwaves well beyond youtube.com. Notes Susan, “My Omaha clients come to me for high quality creative videos & SEO – minus the high price tag.”

The internet marketing video Stern PR™ produces is sent out in mass to countless video sites utilizing keywords and tags.”So, when someone does a Google search for your product or service, your video ranks high.

Stern PR’s™ signature-style Omaha video production – which she custom tailors to your business – may be embedded on your website or blog. No website? Stern PR will produce a simple, no nonsense landing page for your Omaha business, complete with a lead generator/contact form. See www.home1roofing.com or www.mrgranite.biz

Contact Omaha Marketer Susan Stern, 402-212-7489. Contact Susan Stern Now!

Stern PR’s™ Latest Video. Client: All Clear Windows – Omaha

 

Wowable Web Writing

Filed under: Copywriting,Internet Marketing,SEO — Susan Stern @ 2:01 pm
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Let’s face it. You don’t specialize in writing. Run UR Business! Outsource the No. 1 way to get people to your products/services. Hire a Great Omaha Copywriter/Strategist for your website & off line, too.

Says Susan Stern, owner/one-woman marketer, “Copywriting is a niche specialty. I offer eye-catching writing, with the least words, interesting adjectives, active verbs. I get your customers’ attention. Most importantly, for the web, I write using search engine optimization techniques that work! The average layman has no idea that there’s a science to SEO!”

Stern PR offers a variety of copywriting options catered to your business needs – on & offline:

Name the task. Stern PR. Serious Strategy. Really. 

Contact Susan Stern in Omaha today! 402-212-7489  

 

November 2, 2009

UR Biz Needs A Logo!

Filed under: About Susan Stern,Branding Essentials,Graphic Design,Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 10:50 pm
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By Susan L. Stern

Q. Does someone who runs a small business need a logo?

A. Branding is fundamental whether you run a large, medium or small organization, including a home-based business. You need to differentiate yourself from your competitor. For that reason, without question, you need to have a brand identity! Of course, a logo plays a vital role – in creating a unique brand identity for your business. Additionally, a business logo makes you recognizable to customers. The goal is…for instant recognition of your business, name-branding, building & maintenance.

Q. How soon should a new business start using a logo?

A. Technically, you should secure a professionally designed logo - before you start your business.  However, it can be done backasswords, although it’s not recommended. For those who’ve already launched their business with a half-baked logo, the time is now to hire a professional designer, or your make-shift logo and the image it represents may deter potential customers from doing business with you.

Take note. If you’re budget is tight, spare the money to invest in a logo early on, and then add branding items as you build. Word of advice. Don’t buy logo-creation software – to do-it-yourself.  Besides looking unremarkably chincy, you’ll end up with a logo in limited formats. So, you’ll see pixels when you try to stretch it to a banner size, for instance.

Q. What are some design considerations Stern PR keeps in mind while creating a logo?

A. Stern PR uses the KISS formula (Keep It Simple Stupid) as a first consideration –  in logo design. In addition, it should portray the right message of your business with iconic representation. Fonts and colors should be easily recognizable. Your logo should look great in black and white too.

Q. What format should my logo be in?

A. Vector based images, made up of a set of mathematical equations (format file extensions including EPS, AI, SWF (flash animation) should be the starting point of any logo design process. A vector image can be scaled, re-sized and rotated without loss of quality. So, your logo will not pixelate or appear fuzzy on an outdoor banner for example. Vector file formats are as follows: EPS, AI, JPG, PNG and GIF.

Q. What other formats should I get?

A. Beside EPS format of your logo, your designer should provide you with pixel (raster) based versions of your logo including JPG, PNG, GIF. Of all three, PNG and GIF are ideal for logos, offering solid, contiguous colours without ringing, boxing or blurring. Plus, both formats support saving your logo with a transparent background, which is required for your logo to appear on a colored website background – without a white box. JPG’s are primarily used for photographs.

Here are the recommended formats and versions – that your logo designer should supply you: 
    – A greyscale (halftone) logo version.
    – A Black and White Linear version – best for fax cover sheets, low resolution
    – An EPS Version
    – A GIF or PNG Version
    – Your Logo in PDF 
   

Learn more about how up-and-coming Omaha graphic designer Susan Stern can create an affordable logo for your company. Click Here…

October 18, 2008

Vala’s – Hay Okay

Filed under: Opinion — Susan Stern @ 10:18 am
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By Susan Stern – Omaha

For coupons scroll below

(Gretna, NE)  – Vala’s Pumpkin Patch near Omaha offers fun, not only for the kids, but for adults too. Take comedian www.amazingarthur.com who holds shows throughout the day on stage near the entrance/exit. Oh my gosh. I giggled everytime – he walked and talked. What a cutie pie, with the handsome chiseled jaw and dirty blond hair. Shucks. Yes, he seems absolutely amazing alright. He’s a hilarious man who peppers his jokes with a little bit of salt from the 80′s, great for our generation, and the ADHD-like magician variety of today. Moms may not leave their tree stump. Yes, there’s something other than pumpkins to look at. Sorry single moms. He’s got a ring on his finger. Tee hee.

Beyond Vala’s eye-candy, kids age 6 and up will enjoy the open air bouncy blob – a gigantic trampoline -like jumping device – but safer – which offers loads of fun. The free blob is a great way for children to release their energy. There’s one for tweens/teens too. Mom’s and dad’s may partake. Of course, you gotta take off your shoes. Everyone.

The simple things keep the young ones happy, like climbing on John Deere tractors, and the hay rack ride. These offerings, plus the gorgeous colors of fall, teaming with happy children’s faces, can create picture perfect moments for camera enthusiasts. Don’t forget it!

If you’re looking for a discounted pumpkin purchase - look elsewhere - pumpkin finds here are for entertainment purposes only. Still, it’s a gob of fun to get off the hayrack tractor ride, and comb the field for the first pumpkin that suits your fancy.  But mothers take note. This activity should be the last on your list – otherwise you’ll be lugging a heavy pumpkin around for the day.

For action enthusiasts, there’s a pumpkin cannon shoot demonstration. And, you can fling a giant sling shot. 10 balls for $3.00.

Moms and dads. FYI. Don’t expect a Disney World Adventure here with lights, camera and flash action. It’s low-key country. Sure, there’s roughly 2 hours of stuff to do and see. But be prepared. Some of the sights might bore such as the non-spooky haunted house, storybrook lane and similar scenes. Yawn. But, it’s fun to watch young ones enjoy these activities, including petting the farm animals. 

But hay….Everyone likes the train. Cost $2.50. The pig race kills time. Kinda interestering. If all else fails, you can munch on food like turkey legs, fried Succotash, or Barbecue. Blow some cash, why don’t you?! You can spend some dough if you shop here for Halloween supplies and other goods – gords, jellies, cider, scented candles and such.   

As for admission at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, it ain’t cheap, but not too costly either. However, the price went up $.25 cents from last season. In 2009, expect to pay $12.25 per person on Saturday’s and Sunday’s – packed but popular days to go.  

2009 Vala’s Update: For the budget conscious, consider visiting the pumpkin patch after school on Monday’s, Tuesday’s & Wednesday’s where prices drop $3.25 per person to $10 per individual age 3 and older.

GENERAL ADMISSION – 2009
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
$12.25 per person (ages 2 and under are Free)

 

DISCOUNT DAY – 2009
Every Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday
$9.00 per person (ages 2 and under are free

 

Editor’s Note: I discovered – not a lot of coupon options – again this year at Vala’s.

 

COUPONS – COUPONS – COUPONS – COUPONS – COUPONS – VALA’S PUMPKIN PATCH 2009

 

Click here for Free Vala Superpass Info 

 

CLICK HERE FOR COUPONS

 

 

www.valaspumpkinpatch.com

 

 

Article written by Omaha mom, Susan L. Stern. Visit more of her work at www.sternpr4less.com

 

October 23, 2008

Smitfraud-C Bad

Filed under: Opinion — Susan Stern @ 11:34 am
Tags:

(Omaha, NE) — Heavy computer users like myself who download a lot of freeware such as Fonts and converters for advertising may eventually get hit with malware! I did just today, but fortunately – I think – I removed it after several hours of research.

The bug fooled me to say the least. It showed up falsely appearing like a Microsoft Internet Explorer error page. There were two warning-like icons listed on my Start toolbar, located on the right side, toward the bottom by the time clock.

Both icons contained what appeared to be a “real” security-related icon with an X. I clicked it, and unbeknownst to me, I must have installed additional trojans onto my computer. Ug.

I figured out it was a malicious fake because everytime I opened up IE, it went to a security-looking website with a name I did not recognize…

http://ahomepagepark.com/security/xp/ -

The above url is the homepage trickster

…warning me that my computer was infected and that I needed to download the file to remove the virus.

I didn’t. But it was too late. The virus was alive and kicking .

Wow! What a trick.

I downloaded the free Avast, and ran a scan. It displayed the Smitfraud-C virus, but it was unable to remove it.

I ran a scan using Spybot Search & Destroy. I found it, but SSD failed to remove Smitfraud-C.

I ran AVG – it did not locate it.

I did a google search with the headline, Smitfraud-C Removal Tool and found a so-called computer geek website with a related forum and links to removal tools.

For Smithfraud-C removal, I recommend that you click this URL and download the latest fix (the file contains both English and French versions):
http://siri.urz.free.fr/Fix/SmitfraudFix.exe

It automatically saves to desktop. I right-clicked it and followed the easy instructions. I believe the virus is gone. I reset my home page, by going to IE, tools, etc. I tested it, and so far, all appears okay. The warning icons on the tool bar are gone.

Now I am going to run Spybot Search and Destroy and Avast again to verify that it’s removed. Keep you posted….

————-Day 2 ————–

he1*!

————-Day 3 ————–

But as day 2 log above notes, my keyboard went bonko. I pressed an “m” and got a “2.” Luckily my neighbor came by and deleted all the anti-virus, antispyware programs that I over-installed on my computer. She uploaded Cox.net’s free McAfee security program. In the end, McAfee deleted the culprit. New, yes I said, new, computer is up and running again. So, whew! Back to work….

 

 

November 7, 2008

Nancy Disgrace?

Filed under: Opinion,Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 10:17 am
Tags: ,

(November 5, 2008)  –  Ever since CNN’s Nancy Grace hit the airwaves about a missing Florida toddler, Caylee Anthony, my eyes remain glued to the show – nightly. I enjoy when Grace “unleashes the lawyers.” I appreciate the delivery of her prosecutorial mantras including the rants of psychological experts, bounty hunters, blah blah.

Sometimes Grace, a former prosecutor, who always leans toward the State, pisses me off & perplexes me. Recently, she linked a size 5 or size 6 dress found by searchers to the missing Anthony toddler.

Hello! Any mother, except her, knows that a child Caylee’s age (then 18 months reportedly) does not wear Size 5 or Size 6 clothes.

Grace is so out of touch as a mom. Her comments regarding the dress seem surprising. Her lack of education on mommyhood comes from a TV personality who repeatedly exploit’s her twins via her program. Maybe a nanny works for her full-time, thus the reason she didn’t have an “element of doubt” about the dress size fiasco.

During the Nov. 5, 2008 show, the grandparents’ lawyer, whose name doesn’t matter to me, rightfully spoke out against Grace’s pro-State bias and unfairness.

Grace, usually effectively, rips the theories of Defense lawyers whom she invites on her show. Despite his guest status, the defense lawyer for Anthony grandparents, let Grace have it – deservedly! Verbal assault – she deserved. I want 2 throw up sometimes when Grace forgets about the civil rights of defendants. Grace seems like a poster child, per se  - 4 the prosecutorial movement.

If I were a lawyer, I’d work in the private sector, not for the state.

November 24, 2008

OWH Exposing Kush

Filed under: Opinion — Susan Stern @ 11:13 am
Tags:

(Omaha, NE )  –  A retired Husker one-time superstar-turned Omaha furniture business owner got hit with a payback article by Omaha’s only daily newspaper for reported unpaid advertising bills. The Omaha World Herald put Rod Kush & his reported debt information on the front page of the Sun. Nov. 22, 2008 newspaper. The OWH sounds like it holds a grudge for reportedly $100,000 in unpaid bills to IT.

Payback is a bi#*ch. In this editor’s opinion, the Omaha World Herald should have kept this matter private.  The OWH displayed poor taste.

Debt can be a public matter, yes indeed. Sure, citizens have a right to know Kush’s apparent money woes related to his furniture business, since lawsuits are reportedly pending. Sure, Rod Kush is a public man. But in terms of respectability and good taste, these matters should remain private, unless, of course, the alleged debt compromises tax dollars – which it apparently does not.

It’s obvious that the OWH seeks to embarrass Kush, by using its “voice” to get him to pay. 

As a former journalist, I actually feel empathy for this man, whom I never interviewed. As a public relations practitioner, I do not think its article exposing Kush’s apparent debts puts the OWH in a positive light. The Omaha World Herald should not have splashed Kush’s apparent debt – below its masthead.

Editor’s Note: A masthead is the front page of a newspaper, located below the name of the newspaper.

January 13, 2009

PETA a PR Master

Filed under: Opinion,Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 7:24 am
Tags:

January 10,2009 -  I’m no fan of PETA, ’cause I wear fur & leather shoes - LIKE IT. But the organization, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, gets my attention PR-wise, for creating a genius campaign which generated free publicity in its effort to restrict fishing for food.

PETA bombarded the media with news releases comparing edible sea creatures that enter our food chain as “sea kittens.’”

If you think about it, comparing yummy fish to felines, does a psychological number on you, especially if you own cats.

The sea kitten campaign made free headlines on media outlets worldwide – the goal of any organization that tries to push an agenda.

January 20, 2009

Big Love – Sizzling

Filed under: Copywriting — Susan Stern @ 12:09 am

By Susan Stern

January 19, 2009 – Titillating! My eyes -  glued on the season premiere of HBO’s Big Love last night. Wow. It’s super exciting.  What’s interesting is how the producers made the show apropos [ap-ruh-poh] and timely to the current goings-on in America.

Theme No. 1: Bll Henrickson’s retail giant, Home Plus, feels the pinch of the recessionary economy. Theme No. 2: Fundamentalist Mormon polygamists are arrested, charged, and their actions make national headlines.

Big Love delved into real topics with which polygamist members deal, such as the inequalities of a patriarchal male-dominated culture where men, at their own discretion, may choose to abuse their power, their women and children. In the main character’s case, Bill, seems like a kind man, albeit for his insatiable appetite for more and more women, babies and sex.

Notably, the budding relationship of Bill’s new love interest, Anna (On’-uh) on the left, offers a glimpse into his big love for women. What a dog, Bill is. He’s got 3 wives with whom he can have so-called biblically-sanctioned sexual relations. Thanks to Viagra, he’s able to keep up. Soon he may be adding a 4th. Ruff, ruff. Yet, he’s a likable character. He’s good to his wives. He’s kinda hot, all of which makes the story enticing!

While some of the themes are pure Hollywood, this show covers ”normal” issues as well:

  • judgment of others based on appearances without really knowing them
  • envy and jealousy that surfaces when a man loves more than one woman
  • homosexuality
  • growing up & making decisions on whether to follow ones religious upbringing or stray
  • premarital sex and religion
  • the temptations of sin
  • so-called heaven, hell and after-life issues

Big Love – quite a show. Sensational. Sexy. Controversial. Fun. Can’t wait ’til next Sunday!

Learn more about Susan Stern

April 23, 2009

Problematic Printers

Filed under: Branding Essentials,Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 12:00 am
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Update: Over the past year 2009-2010, Stern PR™ has found several online printers with great prices, great products & excellent customer service. Namely, www.smartpress.com, www.123print.com, www.overnightprints.com among several others.

42-15928058(Omaha, NE)  — This marketing practitioner is – FED UP - with low-quality, promise-me-the-world online printers who guarantee delivery, but don’t deliver on time nor produce quality product. Those who tack on unneccessary “art” fees. Printers who don’t proof. Ug. Standard stuff. Some online printers – shall suffice. But for the bulky promotional stuff – I go local, local, local.

THE WORST:  Full Color America, Check Inn Company of America, LLC.,  Printing error on bizcards due to failure on their part to properly communicate regarding Proof 2. Reprinted 500 cards incorrectly in November 2008. A total of 1,000 incorrect cards. I placed a stern order re-do request in January 2009. The manager David York claimed he would reprint the product, but he never did.  Con job? Maybe. fullcoloramerica.com a.k.a., Check Inn Company of America – no good!

AVERAGE PRINTER:  - vistaprint.com - No proofing for any of their products via printing dept. I sent them a high-quality CMYK colored vector graphic bizcard, yet they produced different colors. The bizcards had a white trim cut – that was not cool, nor my fault. Magnets – cheap and off-color. The pen I ordered was a mess, with logo layer mushed into the phone number. UPDATE: However, I ordered labels with my logo on it, and they arrived on-time and the colors turned out perfectly. I may give this low-cost printer another try especially for a client with an extremely small budget. On the plus side, depending on how you view it, expect loads of email offers. 2009 UPDATE: vistaprint.com redeemed itself on several occasions, printing great quality postcard mailers & 3-fold brochures at low prices. If you ask customer service via telephone, you can negotiate discount rates, as I successfully did on several occasions. There is alot of wiggle room on prices.

GOOD BUT PRICEY: nationalpen.com - This online printer redeemed itself after making a few mistakes with my order, but the company made good later. My first complaint is that they failed to pass on artwork to the Printing Dept. for several days after the order was placed. Their excuse - ”we don’t guarantee a delivery date.”  Yet  their website claims delivery will occur within 7-10 days. Then, via email they stated 15 days. Inconsistency. I encountered poor “customer service.” I received unprofessional, snide/rude comments via email. I CANCELLED THE ORDER. Of course, I sent them a note…reminding them that they need to improve their public relations skills, & remove extraneous “art work charges for graphic design that I provided them,  and refrain from making promises – that they can’t keep.  Update - Despite cancelling the entire order – they sent/billed me 150 pens. That I did not authorize. However, I ended up needing them for a client’s business fair. Everything worked out. The pens turned out GREAT. I may reconsider doing more business w/National Pen due to its ease of uploading art work online, provided that I place the order weeks in advance of deadline. Jan. ’09 Update: They periodically send me free pens with my logo on it – without charge. Impressive. I may give them another chance, especially after talking to others who have had “a lot of luck” with nationalpen.com. Advice: order earlier than your deadline, to make certain delivery is per client specifications. April ’09 Update: nationalpen.com periodically sends me free merchandise with my company logo on it including a metal key chain & several pens. Wow! Nice customer relations. Yes, I may do business with nationalpen.com again. February 2010 Update: Customer service communicated well with me when I placed an extensive order. However, they attached several unnecessary “art set up fees” which made zero sense since I created my designs -ready for print. Secondly, prices seemed high and it took several days of communicating back-and-forth combined with firmness on my part – to get the order placed. Thirdly, they kept sending me an invoice for product that was paid-in-full. So, I wasted valuable time sorting it all out.

GREAT SO FAR: PSPrint.com. They actually called to alert me to a low-resolution logo. EXCELLENT Customer Service!  Standard stuff that most online printers - don’t bother to do, namely the sometimes mediocre printer - vistaprint.com.  Another positive review is 123print.com. Decent bizcard product -  a low price. Problem – their high-end bizcard w/ UV coating is thin and not premium, as claimed . Yet, they deliver product – on time.  However, there are no weekend deliveries. So an order on Wed. may not arrive ’til Monday.

GREAT   – International Minute Press @ 76th & Cass- a local printer in Omaha. A salesman friend of mine referred this company to me based on a contact made  at a tips group in Omaha.  Despite my tight deadline obstacle, IMP came through great. On two occasions, I ordered several hundred ice scrapers & pens. The owner, Tom, took his time to communicate with me, sending me prompt email quotes, as well as offering me imput on the quality of the product I ordered. I shall return to International Minute Press.

USE ONLY IN A PINCH. Fed Ex Kinkos. Horrible initially – No Printing Proofing. Yet Excellent Re-Do Efforts - U must see the proofs yourself! Email or fax proofs generally DO NOT DO, from my experience. Namely, 140th and West Center Road, Omaha, NE Fed Ex (Kinkos - name dropped -  buyout transition.) On several occasions, I experienced no printer proofing – on their end including Misaligned copy.  But, on a POSITIVE NOTE, at the drop of a hat, they’ll reprint 4 free the documents that they goofed up. However, u must schlep over there & dictate fixes. Price tends to be higher than most local & online printers. UPDATE: If you’re pinched for time, FED EX is an ideal local printer. If you are printing for a school or other non-profit, even if you don’t have an account, you can negotiate an inexpensive price. UPDATE: FED EX has redeemed itself after continued use by me. I purchased an oversized photograph print, and while it was 2 times more expensive compared to an online printer that I use, the turn-around time was near immediate unlike the online printer which would take a week to ship.

Summary: Oh my goodness. The hassles. The headaches. The stress 4 me. Sooner or later – I will find the best  printer/printers 4 – my clients.Keeping them happy with high quality product- my top goals, as is saving clients money!

May 2010 Update: By far, www.smartpress.com out of Minnesota is one of my favorite printers. The firm offers a designer’s discount, and high quality oversized postcard mailers at a significantly reduced rate compared to other printers. I am completely impressed. In fact, the staff there even initiated a conference call with me to discuss a quote, to express their appreciation of my business, and to explain how their system runs. WOW! Very professional.

Editor’s Note: The Headline, “Problematic Printers – A P.R. Practitioner’s Predicament is an alliteration. Webster’s Defined:  the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables.

March 9, 2009

Shock PR 4 Octo Mom

Filed under: Opinion,Public Relations — Susan Stern @ 10:48 am
Tags:

Editor, Susan Stern, Update: April 2, 2009 - PR Practitioner Victor Munoz conducts crisis management – for himself. Tonight he went on HLN (CNN’s formerly named – Headline News) to repair the poor public image he created after publicly blasting Octo mom Nadya Suleman last month. He spoke as if he cared about the client he once represented. When asked if Munoz hopes Nadya’s a good mom he replied yes, provided “she settles down, and stops doing all these blogs, and interviews.” P.R. Practitioners, like myself, refer to this as Crisis Management.  Ironically, Munoz, who’s hired to maintain, repair images, is forced to repair his own. You know what? It may have worked. Convincing. Although, he does seem like a sleazeball “PR Practitioner” – my 1st and last impression.

(Sun., March 8, 2009)  –  If Saturday’s USmagazine.com exclusive rings true. Shame, shame shame on you Mr. so-called Public Relation’s Practitioner, Victor Munoz. As the story goes. Munoz quit ’cause he couldn’t take Nadya Suleman anymore. Munoz is quoted as describing his former client as “nuts.”

Talk about unethical. Munoz crossed the line.

Excerpt – March 7th – USmagazine.com – EXCLUSIVE: Octo Mom’s New Publicist Quits: “This Woman Is Nuts”

Victor Munoz tells Usmagazine.com that he quit as Suleman’s rep Friday night. “It just got to be too much,” he says. “It’s pretty much a free-for- all over there right now. They are freaking out right now. “Not to sound arrogant, but those people depended on me for everything,” he continues. “You have no idea what I’ve had to do for these people.

“Nadya got real greedy. This woman is nuts,” he adds. “This I can say: what ultimately destroyed the business arrangement was personal reasons.” Munoz — who plans to meet with his lawyers Monday to go over the terms of his contract and confidentiality clause — did not go into further detail. –end–

No detail? Munoz spilled the beans – all over the place – and he went overboard, regarding his “feelings” toward Nadya, when in fact, he should be protecting her image, not bashing it further, even – after – he walked out the door.

Not the kind of PR Practitioner I would refer clients to…

Editor’s Note: My neighbor. Sheila E. quipped, “she must be nuts,” referring to the publicist’s comments about the Octo mom. That made me laugh. While perhaps true, so-called P.R. Practitioner Victor Munoz behaved unethically. Is it possible that maybe the “crazed” Octo mom suffers from Post Pardum Depression to the 8th degree?

Learn more about Susan Stern

August 5, 2009

Online Video Ads

Filed under: SEO,Video Marketing — Susan Stern @ 11:31 pm
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Businesses looking to expand their advertising options should focus on a rapidly expanding market – online video (OV) & traffic-driving (SEO) companies – to tout product/services. Still in its infancy, this niche speciality market is projected to grow exponentially as businesses see value in turning to online video for advertising, branding, eLearning/training & communication. The sooner businesses jump-on-board to push their product/brands – the wiser, in terms of effectively utilizing ad dollars to increase revenues.

Analysts predict that by the end of this year the video ad online market will grow to a $647 million/year industry. Companies like Google are currently tapping this market, evidenced by its recent purchase of YouTube.

Obviously, Google always looks toward the future, and has the history to demonstrate that it’s investments are smart. Now that Google banks on the idea that a major portion of the $74 billion television advertising market will soon migrate – to online video ads, local business owners should take heed.

By Susan L. Stern
www.sternpr4less.com

Editor’s Note: Stern PR at www.sternpr4less.com offers custom-created online videos at a reasonable rate combined with effective Search Engine Marketing.

July 30, 2010

Mini Documentary

Filed under: Photography,SEO,Video Marketing,Website Design — Susan Stern @ 8:43 pm

(Omaha, NE) — Stern PR™ releases another video production, a mini documentary for William C. Keck Jr, an author, recovering addict & founder of the highly successful Siena Francis “Miracles Treatment Center” in Omaha, Nebraska. The author hired Susan Stern as his publicist to streamline his image & to launch a marketing campaign aimed at giving alcoholics, drug addicts and their families – hope.

 

 Presently, Stern PR™ is developing a website for this client: fromaddictiontomiracles.com 
For more information on Stern PR™ contact Susan Stern at 402-212-7489.

July 9, 2010

Web Hosting

Filed under: Web Hosting — Susan Stern @ 2:10 pm
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(Omaha, NE) — It’s official. Stern PR™ Omaha NE offers web hosting & domain purchases backed by one of the industry’s best – godaddy.com. Notes Susan Stern, “I’ve been a satisfied customer of godaddy, consistently referring my customers to them. So, it only made sense to partner with them.”

Customers receive 24/7 support backed by godaddy.com’s team of professionals. Plus, you’ll know your website & domain will be hosted with a company with a long history of success. Should you have a question, feel free to call Susan Stern directly and she can handle your issues with a personal touch.

Great service. Excellent support. Stern PR™ Web Hosting!

Support: (480) 624-2500
Stern PR™: (402) 212-7489

Take Advantage of these great Web Hosting Coupons now!

Opt-in Promo Code Description Start Date End Date
  100CN15 15% discount off any order $100 or more 7/8/2010 7/10/2014
  50CN10 10% discount off any order $50 or more 7/8/2010 7/10/2014
  5NC25 5% discounts on orders $25 and over 7/8/2010 7/10/2014

June 23, 2010

Total Name-Branding

Filed under: Advertising,Copywriting,Public Relations,SEO,Video Marketing,Website Design — Susan Stern @ 12:20 am
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December 1, 2009

Stern PR Mission

Filed under: About Susan Stern,Advertising,Branding Essentials,SEO — Susan Stern @ 11:37 pm
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Why did you start your business?

“Out of a love for creativity & providing services that net results,” notes Omaha Marketer Susan Stern on why she launched her own business. Susan brings to the table more than a decade combined in network/affiliate TV/Radio News as a reporter/producer/anchor. She offers in-depth experience in corporate copywriting, event planning, web content and video production. Susan Stern has tangled in all aspects of broadcasting, from news to commercial. She knows public relations, SEO, on and offline marketing, website design & more.

What makes you different than other similar businesses in your community?

Omaha Marketer Susan Stern, who manages accounts herself, offers a myriad of on and offline services keeping costs affordable for small and medium-sized businesses. Stern PR constantly expands service offerings based on customer need, an evolving internet industry combined with a commitment by Susan Stern to educate herself on new techniques involving graphic design, website design, photography, videography, search engine marketing and more. Quality work, creativity & affordable prices - are Stern PR commitments and client valued. Several commercial customers turn to Susan Stern to handle their own – family-related event planning including postcard/online invitations, photography, video montages and slide shows.

What do you like most about your community?

Based on a vibrant Omaha business community, Stern PR understands that there are countless opportunities to manage accounts within the Omaha metro-area. For one, new companies constantly emerge, and/or, existing ones seek effective internet marketing strategies. Many family-owned companies choose Stern PR because clients deal directly with Susan Stern, rather than a handful of individuals within a large organization. ”I handle tasks myself. My clients appreciate the personalized service that I offer. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done right!”  A one person firm translates into affordability.

To learn how Stern PR can catapult your business to new levels, contact Susan Stern today! 402-212-7489   

Contact Susan Stern Now!

November 7, 2009

Business Fair Branding

Filed under: Copywriting — Susan Stern @ 8:21 am
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Stern_PR_logo_4_email_

Clock ticks
Pressure Mounts
Got a 2010 Omaha Business Fair to Plan?
Don’t fret…

Outsource Planning & Management to – Omaha Marketer Susan Stern of Stern PR

But 1st – Please – Visit Susan’s Online Portfolio…

Can & Do. Stern PR Works 4 U:
-picks promo materials
-handles signage
-creates brochures, flyers
-manages advertising
-co-manages the event – alongside you!
-puts your business in its best light

Contact Omaha Marketer Susan Stern today.
Rates Affordable… 212-7489 

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