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The Art Of Marketing You with wallpapers(new series), meet Bruno

garaughty, the blog artist

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One of my favorite and most effective online marketing tools is giving away free wallpapers and calendars. Not the kind of wallpaper that messes up your kitchen walls but the kind you download from the net and use as a background image on your computer monitor.

garaughty blog design, graphics, wordpress, marketing, branding

Since I've had some questions and a lot of great feedback about wallpapers I've posted on Active Rain in the past few months, I thought it was about time to take a closer look at The Art Of Marketing You with wallpapers. So in addition to my ongoing blog design series, I'll be posting tutorials on The Art Of Marketing You with wallpapers including...

- why they work so well

- some of the technical aspects of putting an attractive wallpaper together

- how they can be used as a simple but powerful way to keep your name in front of potential clients

- how they can be used by real estate agents, stagers, etc... without looking like advertising

- why adding a simple calendar to your wallpapers can dramatically increase it's effectiveness

- where to get a free template to create your own wallpapers/calendars

- examples of wallpapers that would work well in any local community

- and anything else I can think of

garaughty blog design, graphics, wordpress, marketing, branding

One of the questions I hear most often is "I'm not an artist or a photographer so how can I use wallpapers in my business?".

So we'll take a look at ways that pretty much anyone in any kind of business can use this concept to build relationships, generate buzz and more exposure for you and your biz!

If you have any questions about technology, blog design, building web presence, branding, marketing, etc... don't be shy to send it to me at marti@garaughty.com and I'll try to answer as many of them as I can.

Meet Bruno

garaughty blog design, graphics, wordpress, marketing, branding

Before I start the wallpaper marketing series, I thought I'd introduce Bruno to the group. I "met" Bruno a couple of days ago in a post English Bulldogs!! by Tinker Hulsey of Century 21 Indian Realty and apparently Bruno was thrilled about being featured so here he is.

You can download this image at... Active Rain Wallpapers

garaughty blog design, graphics, wordpress, marketing, branding

If you have a photo that you think would make a great AR wallpaper, send it to marti@garaughty.com and mark Active Rain wallpapers in the subject line. We can't promise to use them all but would love to feature more pics from our talented Rain members.

garaughty graphics, blog design, wordpress

Sorting through everything being posted in The Art Of Marketing You group can be a real challenge so... here are a few of the must read (on topic) posts from the past few days...

- Touch Points...Building Localism into the Communal Landscape! by Lola Audu

- Sometimes LESS Is More! by Adam Waldman

- What We Learned from Our Lemonade Stand by Christine Donovan

- What's That Magical Something Around Seasoned Bloggers? by William Johnson

- Why Is The New Housing Bill A Joke and Why Did NAR Lobby For It? by Katerina Gasset

- Competing with Commission Cutters and Discount Brokers -Any other ideas? by Russell Lewis

- Avoid 5 Common Listing Mistakes by Kellie Pillors

- Your Real Estate Agent In The Front Line by Loreena Yeo

- Being Exposed in The Rain by Duane Marlink

- Localism - How to Add Photos & Why Quality is Essential by Brad Andersohn

marti garaugty, the art of marketing you

If you would like to participate in any of our upcoming marketing projects, branding partnerships or tutorials on creative ways to use new medias and technologies like widgets, etc... please subscribe to our blog using the button below...

the art of marketing you, marti garaughty

For more info about how we can help you stand out from the crowd, contact GiselleStCyr@garaughty.com

TheBlogArtist.com TheArtOfMarketingYou.com The Ultimate Closing Gift garaughty.com

Posted by marti garaughty on 08/06/2008 12:52 PM

Comments (83)

wallpapers, calendars, marketing, branding, the art of marketing you

Originally posted at: The Blog Artist: The Art Of Marketing You with wallpapers(new series), meet Bruno

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83 Comments on The Art Of Marketing You with wallpapers(new series), meet Bruno

AUG

2008

Wow marti, you are on a roll ! Two in one week, getting ready for vacation.

Marti, Nice blog. I do, however find wordpress to be challenging. I am slowly, but surely learning new technology everyday. Video is another!

Missy... hi, tell me about it. Just changing my routine a bit, Instead of one long weekend feature I'll probably be posting things in more "bite sized" chunks. ;-)

Hey Marti....I love it!! My wallpaper on my 'puter is generally a photo of my grandchildren or daughter. I do have lots of photos I've taken, such as clouds, mountains, rivers, flowers, trees, snow, etc., but I enjoy seeing the cute faces of my grandchildren...;-) On a professional level though, I'll have to give it some thought. I took no less than 100 photos on the way up to our mountain hideaway today....awesome! Love taking pictures...;-)

Lori... thx. If you need help or have questions about Wordpress just ask. My blog design series is covering all the basics (nothing too techie) and I'm always willing to add more info if people want more details on anything. Later...

Bruno is SWEET! I'll be interested to hear about how you use the wallpapers.

Teri... hi, that bridge photo you posted yesterday was a beauty! What pics I use for my own pleasure is one thing (pets, etc...), what I do on the net to attract clients is another. This can be applied to real estate as well. Stay tuned for part 2. ;-)

Steve... definitely, more info about this topic is in the works. My posts have become way too long so I'm breaking them down a bit for easier reading. Have a great night!

hey thanks... i never really thought about marketing with a wallpaper but i can see the potentials... thanks.. i think i will give it a try...

PJS... thx for stopping by and welcome to the group!

Marti, I liked you highlighting what you thought were some interesting articles over the last few days, many of which I read and agree with you. Putting those recaps in your blog helps us all out. Kind of like a little mini table of contents or week in review snapshot for us all. I liked all your wallpaper marketing thoughts.

Gary... hi and thx for the feedback, the group has way too much content to keep track of everything so my weekly reviews might be replaced by more frequent updates thx to a couple of moderators that are helping me to keep things on track. Have a great night!

I love your tag - the Blog Artist - its so simple, soperfect and so identifiable!...And effective...I can see I'm going to have to come up with something....but what? Anyhow.......I was reading on Midori's blog of a few days ago that it was your birthday! And I missed it! So a belated Happy Happy......personally I've always thought that the 'mother's'.....should get the well wishes......or at least some of them.....:-).i think its more memorable/nostalgic/special....for us often then it is for the kids! My son's 23rd is on sunday - and i'm feeling very 'mushy'...

Marti,

Thanks for using Bruno's photo. Maybe we can use him for a December calender. Bruno could be "Mr. December" with his jingle bell hat. HA! You are so talented!! I love your blog design.

Tinker

Thank you thank you! My blog is much better looking thanks to you!

Liz... I just heard your voice mail, we'll definitely talk soon and thx so much for the BDay wish.

Re The Blog Artist, I try not to be more clever than necessary. It's simple, easy to remember, describes what I do (or one of the things I do) and the search engines love it. Later my BC friend!

Tinker(& Bruno)... thx so much for playing along, you're a hit. I would love to have Bruno back for a December calendar or maybe even sooner. I have some very cool surprises in the works for my Active Rain friends, Bruno could easily be part of it. Stay tuned and thx again!

Susan... that's probably the nicest compliment I could get, I'm glad what I'm doing here has helped your blog. Thx, nite!

Hi Marti, Thanks for another great Marketing post. I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts and insights about virtual wallpaper. Thanks also for including my Touch Points post. I'm just beginning to comprend how expansive and truly engaging this form of connecting can be.

Lola... your post and Sarah's concept is another natural way to engage people we want to reach. It builds the relationship and awareness for what we do whether as an agent, broker, graphics guy or whatever. It's all about creating those connections.

Again Lola, thx for another excellent contribution! You're one of my favorite writers/thinkers here in the Rain!

marti.....you are awesome and modestly creative......thanks for sharing and the post.

AUG

2008

Marti - looks like you've really found your voice and a great niche here on AR. I love your posts, they're are so full of great information and useful tools for members. I thought I was reading every post that comes through the Blogroll, but I see that you have found some I didn't. Thanks buddy, hope all is well. :-)

Pam... thx so much, just doing what comes natural. Nite!

Brad... like everyone else I'm just trying to stand out from the crowd. I can't even imagine reading everything on the AR blogroll, I can barely manage my little group but we sort of have things under control. Thx for stopping by, always nice to see you bud!

Marti, another late night reading all these posts that I missed. But, I am catching on. I must have already 1/3 of them..... Thanks for your effort. It is much appreciated. AJ

AJ... hi and thx, there is so much new content being posted each day I had to break things down even more, glad it helps. Later...

my birthday is in november.....we'll take then? :-)

Liz... did my voice mail scare you? ;-) November??? Mais non cherie, a bientot!

Wow marti you really are on a roll.....and changing things up a bit keep people on their toes.... LOL :) Hey I liked Bruno....I think I will send you one if for no other reason to get your opinion :) I really like the Wallpapers/ Calendars....will look forward to the template also.

Kathy... yeah I got bored doing just the marathon weekend posts plus I have some very cool stuff coming out soon for the RE biz so a lot of changes are on the way.

The wallpaper template will be available very soon. I like to do things right so I'm working out some last minute details before we start anything new. Gotta sleep, nite!

Marti - I love the wallpaper idea and can see great potential for it! You have a wonderful recap this week and I really looked forward to it since I have missed alot this past week! Thanks so much!

Marti,
Bruno, now that is a face I could love! How cute. Regarding the wallpaper, I'm coming over soon I promise.

Marti - Cool looking dog! Of course all the stuff you generate is awesome including wall paper.

Leesa... absolutely, wallpapers can be a great way to get the local community involved, more details & examples on the way. Have a great day!

Cynthia... he's a total cutie, cool, would love to have pics from you too! Later...

Bill... as soon as I saw Bruno I knew it would make a great wallpaper, thx for stopping by!

Thanks, Marti for sharing your talents with us. I look forward to hearing from you - I, too, am going to be a Bruno fan. Hopefully, won't make my own Bruno jealous :) - Calie

Awesome stuff. I have always wanted to create my own wallpapers, but I never took the time to really learn anything more than using a photo stored on the computer. I'm looking forward to more.

Marti, as usual you have great and creative ideas to make marketing more interesting and successful. I've never really understood wallpapers, but thanks to you I will. Never thought of putting a calendar up as well, either. Thank goodness we have Marti's Marketing Magic!

Now see Blog Artist...

Here I am and I came through my reader :)

Is there any chance you could be just a little more generous in this lifetime? :)

TLW...ROAR!

Hey...

A star fell on your generous post. Good for you :)

Now I have to go read about the Lemonade stand. I ran across that awhile back and I've been poking around in there :)

TLW...ROAR!

Great way to market! How do I get more information and samples of the marketing tools?

Calie... sooooooooo nice to see you. Your Bruno has no reason to be jealous, tell him to send me a pic and I'll add him as well. I'm a serious animal lover!

Thanks Marti, Bruno is very cute but I'm using your wallpaper this time. My dog Jill would not understand. I'm a very loyal person. LOL.

This is a wonderful post! Thank you so much for all you do here.

Later in the rain~Deb

Jim & Maria... glad you like the idea, I'll be posting more details and giving away a few templates as well. Stay tuned.

Peg... how nice to see your here and also posting again in the Rain. Wallpapers are an amazing marketing tool if used tastefully. Unfortunately most biz people use them like advertising, not a good thing.

The RE biz has lots of potential to use them with local communities so I thought this would be a good time to talk about it, Later Peg!

TLW... so cool to know I made it to your RSS reader. Being generous/helpful is the most profitable strategy on the net. I get back 10 X more than I give. As you taught me well in my early blogging days, it's the relationship that counts.

TLW... (part 2), I'm multi-tasking so I just noticed your 2nd comment. I loved Christine's lemonade post, I think it's how a lot of us got started. Mine was cutting grass & shoveling snow. ;-)

Linda... hi and welcome to the group. What marketing tools/samples are you asking about? Let me now and I'd be happy to help you find what you're looking for.

Debra... there's always room for more puppy pics if you'd like to send me one of Jill. Later Deb in the Rain!

Okay, more blogs to check out. Thanks for the info, as I am always looking for ways to separate myself from all the other agents.

Troy... hi. Standing out from the crowd is something we all have to do. Thx for stopping by.

Marti,

I've read a few of these posts but how you find the time to develop this stuff and the time to answer the questions is unbelievable.

An interesting concept... I look forward to readung more about how to do this.

Marti,

You really have your act together with these ideas. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the photograph visual into my header...just can't seem to get it right.

Marti, Loving the bull dog! How cute! BTW, thanks so much for the mention in your post last week:)

I'm calling you this week about doing some business! You're the best and your information is TOPS!

Thank you! Great post!

Neal... simple, I don't sleep and drinks lots of coffee, actually... I'm well organized, have good moderators heloing me find the gems and the graphics is just what I do so it all works out. ;-)

Garren... nice to "meet" you, lots more stuff about this is on the way.

Diane... let me know the specifics about your blog header problem and I'll help get you set up, it could simply be the dimensions or something like that.

Elizabeth... definitely a cutie, just received another great puppy pic today that will be online soon. Looking forward to talking with you and thx for the excellent contribution, I/we appreciate it.

Charlene... you're totally welcome, thx for stopping by!

As usual I have to bookmark your post because there is so much to review later. Thanks for all the insight.

AUG

2008

Michael... hi and thx for stopping by, have a great day!

Hi Marti! Good reminder. I have to update my AR site with some more customization! Thanks for the summary. Very helpful when we get busy and miss a good post.

Judy... if you have questions about customizing just ask. I'm glad the summary helps, especially with so much new content being posted each week. Later!

I just sent you a photo that is one of my favorites. I'm looking forward to more info on the calendars. I would love to use them as a business tool. Thanks.

Marti, thank you for adding the weeks posts, I like checking them out.

Somehow I missed this one until now...more beautiful images and great links. You are the best!

Sharon... thx, will add your pic to our collection for future wallpapers. More info on using them for biz coming soon.

Leslie... with all the new stuff being posted the updates will happen 2 or 3 times a week from now on. No choice, too much stuff. ;-)

Diane... thx, we have some really nice pics being submitted, I'll use them on future Rain wallpapers and also as marketing examples when possible. Later...

mARTi, There is so much art in you. I love the Active Rain.com computer. I love Bruno. You are a creative genius! Thanks for sharing so much.

AUG

2008

Margaret... isn't Bruno a cutie, I've received more great pics this week that will be coming up in future posts. Thx again for your feedback, you're too kind!

garaughty blog design, graphics, wordpress, marketing

AUG

2008

Marti, great post once again! Thank you for the mention of my post, I have found that tool to be so handy for tracking the visitors to my posts. Foot prints in The Rain!