Managing your search engine presence is a multi-faceted effort: 1) Search Engine Optimization and 2) Pay-Per-Click Marketing.

1) Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing on-site elements of a website, as well as off-site elements related to the website, in order to make the website appear to be more relevant and trustworthy to the search engines for a group of keywords, which effectively brings the site to the top of the search results.  If your business does not rank in the top 20 of the results returned from a search, there is little to no chance of receiving a visit to your site and therefore, your business.

2) Pay-Per-Click (PPC) marketing allows a site to purchase “sponsored listings” on the side or top of the natural search results. The website is charged a predetermined fee when a searcher clicks on their listing. Pay-per-click campaigns can be launched quickly and they are the most immediate way to get traffic to your website.

Looking at ways to create effective inbound marketing programs is good business.  Remember if you are not utilizing things like search marketing (SEO and PPC) your competition is!

Website visitors will be able to check out the daily-changing menus, see nightly specials and events, as well as, follow daily tweets from the owners on what’s happening in the restaurant.  The “Latest News” nuggets will appear in the footer of the website to let patrons know about upcoming events, fresh new menu items, new wines, as well as, the local dish on staff and regulars.  If you haven’t tried Margaux’s you are missing one of the best restaurants in the Triangle, so check out the new website and head on over…make sure you tell them The DofM sent you!

The site features illustrations or “peeps” which create a visually dynamic feel replacing the text heavy pages of the former site. The site also incorporates video and social media. Jobs are posted daily to the site that in turn auto feed to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Videos are also showcased throughout the site, providing applicants the latest information on new job opportunities.

Accentuate Staffing specializes in human capital for everything from Administrative positions and Light Construction to Accounting, Finance, IT and Scientific. If you are looking for a job or looking to fill positions, you need to check out Accentuate Staffing. They truly live by their tagline “The Power of Positive.”

We are thrilled with the awards and if you have had the chance to visit Se7en, you will know that their space is as special as these awards are for us.  The event rental space is perfect for birthday parties, special events, rehearsal dinners, corporate functions and charity functions.  Take a look at their site and give them a call for a tour if you have any upcoming events this summer!

On Saturday, March 5th from 8pm to midnight,  the coolest party in Raleigh will kick off…it’s called Masqueradium (www.Masqueradium.com).  This event will be held at 7, a boutique event space between downtown Raleigh and 5 Points (www.7Raleigh.com) and will benefit The Continuous Blessings Foundation (www.ContinuousBlessings.org).

Masqueradium is a New Orleans inspired masquerade ball that will have French inspired Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, 6 piece band, a late night DJ and tons of entertainment… There is slated to be mentalists, flying aerialists, tarot card readers, magicians and more.

This is a “can’t miss” event!  Grab your mask and come on out!

It is finally official…Dogleg the Wolf joins “Tuffy The Strutting Wolf” as part of the NC State Wolfpack. We are very proud to be part of this process to create a new mascot/logo for Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State! Dogleg is currently adorning the plastic souvenir cups at the snack bar but plans for apparel are in the works. Dogleg also has been getting some press-check him out in the Triangle Business Journal.

Next time you tee it up at Lonnie Poole look for Dogleg the Wolf.

When creating a logo for our clients we try to adhere to these foundational tenants.
The logo should provide an easily recognizable identity for the business. It not only communicates who you are but what you are. You need a brand that will help to carry out the marketing mission for the company going forward. When creating a logo we try to keep these principals in mind.
1. The first characteristic of an effective logo is that it has immediate impact. The logo should catch the viewer’s eye and hold their attention.
2. In addition to impact, a logo must be good to look at. An effective logo should have the look and feel of “art”, if a logo is not appealing to the eye it will defeat its purpose – attracting attention and providing effective identification.
3. A good logo must also copy well. In any business or organization, the use of a logo becomes ubiquitous – it is ever-present on letterhead, signs, products, promotional items, etc. A good logo will be as effective on a business card as it is on a billboard – small scale and large scale uses.
4. The logo must create or evoke a positive image. “Branding” is a common marketing principle based on product identification growing out of identifying a product with a positive image and a sense of goodwill.
5. Another characteristic of a good logo is that it accurately represents the organization or business. If a company or organization wants to project a serious, professional image, the logo must look professional.
6. The best logos are the most memorable logos.
7. A logo identifies a business or organization so it would be counterproductive to change it because it did not wear well over time. We need to make sure the logo will be “timeless.”
If you follow these simple rules and combine them good solid color combinations you can create a strong logo that will stand the test of time.