December 18, 2010
Did you plan for the Holidays this year? I am not talking about your Hanukkah or Christmas shopping, but rather your Hanukkah and Christmas selling. As Thanksgiving rolls around each year, the kitchen and bath industry typically goes on hiatus until the first of year, although I have heard reports of busy showrooms. Regardless, when business slows, your marketing should increase.
You know that a new kitchen or bathroom is as much (if not more of) an emotional sell, as a logical or price-based sale. So, plan to use the time around the holidays to take that to your customers. When putting together your 2011 marketing plan, remember that dropping off the grid in December may influence how effectively you hit the ground running in January.
This is a great time to utilize email or your Facebook and Twitter accounts, as those connections/customers expect to hear from you and your message will not get as lost in the shuffle of holiday greetings and sales.
Some emotion-based ideas for consideration as you develop your message.
- Frustration – “I am tired of trying to cook for guests in this antiquated kitchen”
- Embarrassment – “I hate that my family and guests have to use that old, barely functional bathroom”
- Pride – “next year my guests will love my new kitchen”
- Confidence – “the perfect pie from my perfect kitchen”
- Shame – “maybe I’ll be able to invite guests to my house for a change”
- Intimidated – “I know my in-laws think less of me because of the condition of my kitchen”
Get the idea? Look to the internet for a wide range of emotions and put them to work for your business around the holidays! Need some guidance? We are available to assist. (info@kitchenmarketing.com)
+++++++++++++++++++
The Kitchen & Bath Channel Mobile Apps are almost ready for launch! http://www.kitchenbathchannel.com/join.html – sign up today. Give your business a leg up in 2011!
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Leave a Comment » | 
Android, Blogging, Integrated Marketing, iPad, iPhone, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, Mobile Apps | Tagged: blogging, blogs, facebook, improved business, Integrated Marketing, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen design sales, kitchen marketing, kitchen sales, kitchen showroom, showroom marketing, social media, twitter, web marketing | 
Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
October 9, 2010
It always seems that I find a blog topic at the 11th hour– this week I want to talk about blog postings themselves. Yesterday a wonderful client asked me to review a blog posting they had prepared. It was a five paragraph sales piece touting the benefits of two cabinet manufacturers’ rebate and sales incentives, and very little about the benefits of the client themselves. That got me thinking… is there a simple “rule of thumb” for what to post. Yes. Read on.
Blogs – this is an opportunity to talk about yourself, your company, the art of kitchen and bath design, the intricacies of the process, etc. Make it educational, informative and yes, self-serving.
Read the postings on this blog (www.TheKitchenBlog.com). I try to provide information regarding all aspects of marketing your kitchen and bath showroom, while attempting to show that you would clearly benefit from the services provided by Z promotion & design. I also toss in links to my various websites (such as www.KitchenMarketing.com) to help with SEO and overtly invite you to visit to get a better look at who we are and what we do.
As a kitchen and bath professional, you are the expert – flaunt that on your blog. Post your sales incentives and specials to your website, your Facebook page and Twitter.
++++
YouTube’s Kitchen & Bath Channel is growing everyday! Visit. Subscribe. Email me to participate.
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Leave a Comment » | Blogging, Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, YouTube for Kitchen and Bath | Tagged: blogging, blogs, facebook, improved business, Integrated Marketing, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen and bath social media campaign, kitchen dealers, kitchen design sales, kitchen marketing, kitchen website marketing, showroom marketing, social media, video marketing, youtube, youtube marketing | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
August 21, 2010
It’s been about month since I launched the Kitchen and Bath Channel on YouTube and I want to revisit the concept with the specific intention of gaining additional subscribers and a larger selection of videos. So, if you are in the kitchen and bath industry, or know consumers who love watching HGTV, DIY and the Food Network please pass the blog along to them – let’s test the viral capabilities of the Internet!
Since July 24, the Kitchen & Bath Channel has received a total of 769 visits with 442 videos viewed; that’s just over 27 visits and almost 16 views each day… not too shabby, but we can do better. We have 13 videos from 7 different companies, and are being found primarily through links to the page and YouTube searches.
The Concept: The Kitchen & Bath Channel is a destination for consumers looking for designers, ideas, innovations, new products and more. The intent of the Kitchen & Bath Channel on YouTube is to collect an array of kitchen and bath industry related videos – from showrooms, designers, manufacturers, and more to “whet the appetite” of the consumer. The more videos we have, the easier we will be found! As the Kitchen & Bath Channel gains popularity, all participants will benefit.
…enter Google TV… as Google TV takes hold in the coming months, The Kitchen & Bath Channel will be live in living rooms throughout the US, Canada and the world! Wouldn’t you like to be part of that?
Visit The Kitchen & Bath Channel to subscribe. If you have a video to add, contact me directly (phil@kitchenmarketing.com). If you need some assistance producing a video for the channel, Z promotion & design can work with you on that too – email or call me (919-932-4600).
But most importantly, pass this information along to your friends… I’ll give you updates in coming weeks.
Also… join us on Facebook
Like this:
One blogger likes this post.
Leave a Comment » | Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, kitchen and bath photography, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, Kitchen and Bath Web Marketing, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, marketing with video, Social Media for the Kitchen & Bath Industry, YouTube for Kitchen and Bath | Tagged: facebook, Integrated Marketing, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath social media campaign, kitchen design websites, kitchen industry websites, kitchen marketing, kitchen showroom, kitchen website marketing, NKBA, selling kitchens online, showroom marketing, social media, video marketing, web marketing, youtube, youtube marketing | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
July 31, 2010
I had an interesting conversation this week with a couple of professional photographers. As kitchen and bath design professionals, you may or may not be aware of the [potential] complexity of copyright rules and your rights to use professionally shot photographs – so a couple of “rules of thumb”… And I encourage any and all professional photographers to add to the discussion.
- Typically, photographers retain ownership of the photographs they shoot.
- When you pay for them, you are licensing the images for your own marketing and self-promotion.
- Talk to your photographer about how you intend to use your photographs to be sure your intentions do not infringe on copyright laws.
- If a third party (cabinet manufacturer, trade association, supplier) wants to use your design, and therefore photography for marketing their product, DO NOT supply it – put the third party in touch with the photographer, as they will likely have to compensate the photographer.
- Professional photographers are professionals… like you. Support them by providing credit on your marketing materials, including links to their website from yours.
- Professional photography is the “life blood” of kitchen and bath marketing – from Facebook to YouTube to your brochures and beyond!
Are you in need of a professional photographer for your architectural designs? I can recommend these -
Steven Paul Whitsitt Photography – http://www.whitsittphoto.com/
Chipper Hatter Photography – http://www.hatterphotographics.com/
Ray Strawbridge Photography – http://www.strawbridgephoto.com/
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Leave a Comment » | kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, kitchen and bath photography, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, Kitchen and Bath Web Marketing, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, marketing with video, photography, YouTube for Kitchen and Bath | Tagged: architectural photography, bath photography, facebook, Integrated Marketing, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen design sales, kitchen design websites, kitchen industry websites, kitchen marketing, kitchen photography, photography, professional photographer, video marketing, youtube, youtube marketing | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
July 17, 2010
I recommend that everyone create a blog – make it free-standing site linked back to your website. In theory, I never get an argument… in reality, [almost] everyone says “I don’t know what to write about” and the blog remains empty.
As a kitchen and bath professional, you are an expert in your field – no less so than a 7-figure lawyer, a brain surgeon or a mathematician. Lawyers, doctors, and professors come to you to design, install and otherwise guide them through a kitchen or bath renovation – from start to finish they need your knowledge and expertise!
A blog is all about flaunting your expertise to the world. Think you have nothing to write about? Talk about the things you do every day – discuss the differences in cabinetry – stock versus custom; what are the benefits? What kind of lighting is best for my kitchen? What is the difference between Silestone, Caesarstone, and Granite… and what about concrete – is that really an option for my kitchen countertop?
Step back from what you do every day – consider that “oh, everyone knows that” is not a true statement… YOU know that because YOU are the expert!
I recommend you carve out time each week for self-marketing. This is your time to write your blog postings, take care of your Facebook page, update your website and otherwise indulge in marketing your business.
As always, if you want to discuss in greater detail call me – 919-932-4600 or shoot an email to info@KitchenMarketing.com.
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
1 Comment | Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, Kitchen and Bath Web Marketing, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, Social Media for the Kitchen & Bath Industry | Tagged: facebook, improved business, Integrated Marketing, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen and bath social media campaign, kitchen dealers, kitchen design websites, kitchen industry websites, kitchen marketing, kitchen website marketing, social media, web marketing | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
June 26, 2010
It seems the whole world is turning to online social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn at the expense of a traditional marketing plan and traditional media. That’s not a bad thing, but it is short-sighted.
Online social networking should be part of a complete, well thought-out, integrated marketing plan. One of the most successful Kitchen and Bath Industry Facebook pages Artisan Kitchens and Baths of Buffalo, NY incorporates its social media with an aggressive TV schedule, radio and print ads – each advertisement leading the potential client to their website (with a link to the Facebook page) or directly to their Facebook page. It has resulted in over 1000 fans and a number of sales attributed directly to the social networking site.
Every Kitchen and Bath professional should still put together a full marketing plan considering the same criteria as always; budget, demographics, geography, message, brand, etc. The difference in 2010 and into 2011 planning is that you have another medium to utilize – online social networking.
Z promotion & design offers some guidance at KitchenMarketing.com – and we are available to discuss the specifics of your showroom(s) with a call or email to our office in Chapel Hill (919-932-4600).
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Leave a Comment » | Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, Kitchen and Bath Media Buying, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, Kitchen and Bath Web Marketing, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, Social Media for the Kitchen & Bath Industry | Tagged: facebook, Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath adwords campaigns, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen and bath social media campaign, kitchen design sales, kitchen design websites, kitchen industry websites, kitchen marketing, kitchen sales, kitchen website marketing, media buys, showroom marketing, social media, web marketing | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
June 5, 2010
Kitchen and Bath professionals: think about your website as your showroom and your Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Blog, Yelp, YouTube and myriad of other social networking sites as your company’s trucks, yard signs, salespeople and other analogous ways you reach your customers.
Each is a stand-alone marketing piece designed to drive your client to the showroom (your website).
Your website should be designed to make the customer comfortable that you are the only logical professional to remodel their kitchen or bath – driving them to your bricks and mortar website. Be sure you display a variety of projects, give them information about your background, credentials your working process and testimonials. Many people include lists of their vendors for those looking specifically for Viking, SubZero, Meile or a specific cabinet manufacturer. And don’t forget to give them an easy way to contact you… and links back to all your social networking sites.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
New website for your convenience: www.GetListed.org – this site will help you get listed on the ever increasingly important local listings on Google, Yelp, Bing and Yahoo! – as well as Best of the Web.
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Leave a Comment » | Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, Kitchen and Bath Web Marketing, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, Social Media for the Kitchen & Bath Industry | Tagged: facebook, improved business, Integrated Marketing, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen and bath social media campaign, kitchen dealers, kitchen design sales, kitchen design websites, kitchen industry websites, kitchen marketing, kitchen sales, kitchen showroom, kitchen website marketing, showroom marketing, web marketing | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
May 22, 2010
Read the rest of this entry »
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
2 Comments | Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, Kitchen and Bath Web Marketing, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, National Kitchen and Bath Association, NKBA, Social Media for the Kitchen & Bath Industry | Tagged: facebook, Integrated Marketing, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen and bath social media campaign, kitchen dealers, kitchen design sales, kitchen design websites, kitchen industry websites, kitchen marketing, kitchen showroom, kitchen website marketing, National Kitchen and Bath Association, NKBA, showroom marketing, social media, web marketing, youtube | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
April 10, 2010
It is home show season once again and like many kitchen and bath professionals you struggle with participation – is it worth it? Participation means time away from the showroom, additional expenses, and the hassles of transporting your “booth” and samples, the list goes on – and for what? To schmooze with a handful of tire kickers looking for a deal, homeowners with dreams, but no cash or media reps looking for new advertisers.
Let me suggest another way to look at your participation… each person approaching your booth is a potential addition to your database… not a room addition, not a new bathroom and not a quick sale, just a name and EMAIL address. Let’s take that information and over time transform yourself from just another kitchen and bath professional to a “friend” to a working business relationship.
Begin by collecting email addresses. Don’t just let someone approach, glance over and leave your booth – capture them. Raffle off something people want – doesn’t have to be kitchen or bath related either… perhaps an HDTV, a gaming system, or some other “luxury” item; something that will get the buzz of the show. To be eligible to win, you need to fill out a form completely – the usual contact info including email and a short form asking why they are at the show – new kitchen, roof, nothing in particular…
You now have a rich database of email addresses to which you can send monthly or weekly email blasts. Use this as the opportunity to introduce yourself and your company. Send specials, ask them to join your Facebook page, follow you on Twitter, hold “members only” receptions or classes at your showroom – you are only limited by your imagination. And, just like the “old fashioned” way of networking – you are keeping your name in front of all these new potential clients – who are they going to remember when it’s time to pull the trigger and get the remodeling project started?
Going to K/BIS next week? If you would like to meet to discuss marketing your business email me – phil@kitchenmarketing.com – I still have some time available.
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Leave a Comment » | Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen design marketing, Marketing | Tagged: facebook, home show, Integrated Marketing, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen dealers, kitchen marketing, kitchen sales, kitchen showroom, showroom marketing | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
March 27, 2010
I have been neglecting my blog for the last two weeks due to travels – last week with the NKBA for Officers Training in New Orleans and the previous week with the SEN Design Group in St. Augustine for the annual spring conference.
I return to Chapel Hill with a few things to report.
The kitchen and bath industry is feeling optimistic. Not to put the kybosh on any national economic recovery, but dealers are reporting more showroom traffic That means if you have not implemented your marketing strategy to get the resurgence of buyers into YOUR showroom – you better get started. Of course we can assist you in your efforts.
Facebook is all anyone wants to discuss. Yes, Facebook is a great way to network with your customers and all kitchen and bath professionals should have a presence. BUT, your Facebook page should be one part of your integrated marketing plan – not the whole thing! And, you want to set up a business page, NOT a personal page in the guise of your business. Follow this link to set up your business page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/create.php
The last thing I want to talk about is in my opinion the most important – that is Social Networking – the old fashioned way. Meeting people face to face, making new friends, bonding with old friends, all without the aid of your computer.
Whether you are member of the SEN Design Group, BKBG, NKBA, NARI, KCMA or any of the other alphabets in our industry, the strength of each organization is the people. If you have not yet experienced the benefits of networking within these organizations [on a regional or national level] consider…
- The ability to discuss your business – your problems and your successes with a peer from another part of the country who is not a competitor. Local chapter meetings, not so much.
- Getting the “inside story” on vendors – new innovations, available deals, customer service, etc.
- Sharing marketing ideas – from new technology to tried and true measures, what are your peers doing successfully.
- Creating bonds that could prove to be beneficial in the future. People change jobs, people grow, people move so perhaps you can help one another at another time.
- I am sure there are more – post your ideas to this blog.
I have been with SEN since 2001 and a chapter officer in NKBA since 2004 – the relationships I have developed and the friends I have made are among the best from a personal, as well as a professional level. Not all are clients, some will never be, other may eventually be – but regardless all contribute to my knowledge and understanding of the “unique and exciting” world of kitchen and bath professionals – thank you.
Now… who reading this will help me get to 200 fans on Facebook?
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Leave a Comment » | Integrated Marketing, kitchen and bath dealer, kitchen and bath integrated marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen design marketing, Marketing, National Kitchen and Bath Association, NKBA, SEN design group, Social Media for the Kitchen & Bath Industry | Tagged: facebook, improved business, Kitchen and Bath Industry, kitchen and bath marketing, Kitchen and Bath Professionals, kitchen dealers, kitchen marketing, kitchen sales, National Kitchen and Bath Association, NKBA, SEN, SEN design group, social media | Permalink
Posted by zpromotion
The Kitchen & Bath Channel – Smart Phone Mobile App
Book: A is for Advertising… B is for Branding…
