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The Art Of Marketing You wallpapers part 2, ReBlog This?, featured marketing posts

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Before reading this post, if you missed The Art Of Marketing You with wallpapers part 1 now would be a good time to check it out so this post will make more sense.

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Before getting into the technical points about designing great looking wallpapers that will be wanted, useful and downloaded, the first thing we should look at is why use wallpapers for marketing?

The obvious and simple answer is FREE EXPOSURE! Think about it, the first thing most us do each day either from home or from the office is we go online to check emails, the news and of course Active Rain! It's just a habit like making coffee, brushing our teeth or taking a shower.

So if you're able to connect with people, even in the most subtle of ways with wallpaper images, you'll be in constant contact with them each and every time they turn on their computer. How many hours do you spend online each day? How many times do you log on? And the first thing most of us see before we go online is the wallpaper on our computer screen, it's just there.

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I've been doing this for years with my art website and it's probably my favorite and least expensive marketing tools for several reasons...

- people get free images for their monitor (what's in it for them)

- my name is branded into each wallpaper in a very subtle way (what's in it for me)

- they're free to download so people often share and tell other people about them (viral marketing)

- whether 10 or 10,000 people download them it costs me absolutely nothing to give them away

- because I add new wallpapers/calendars every month, people keep coming back to my site for more

So the benefits are obvious even if their application to real estate isn't. That's coming soon!

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To successfully market yourself with wallpapers, you always have to keep in mind what's in it for them! People don't download wallpapers to see ads or you trying to brand yourself.

The sooner you understand that, the more success you'll have with this idea. Other than your immediate family or your boyfriend/girlfriend... most people don't want to see you or your biz on their screen everyday.

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So if you're in real estate. can this marketing tool be used to expose and brand you or your business? The answer is YES but not in the same way I use it for my art website.

In the next installment I'm going to show you some very simple (and free) ways that you can use wallpaper marketing to create and build relationships in your town, city or community. I'll also get into some of the technical things you should know before designing wallpapers and ideas on where you can get an almost unlimited supply of photos and artwork to use on your own wallpapers.

And last but definitely not least, to help get you started I'm going to design and give you some classy, elegant templates that you can use for your own wallpapers!

ReBlog This?, garaughty graphics, blog design, wordpress

ReBlogging Rain posts...

A lot of us started our day by logging into Active Rain to see another new feature... Reblog! If you don't know what this is take a look at the overview and feedback about Reblog in the posts...

- reBlogging: Whoops, there it is!! by Bob Stewart

- Blog Blog and Now Re-Blog by Brad Andersohn

- Re-Blog...Good? Bad? What Think You? ROAR! by TLW

- Why I Think Re-Blog It Is A Good Idea (With Some Reservations) by Michelle Minch

- reBLOG, Will The Original Active Rain Post Please Stand Up? by Lenn Harley

As usual, the feedback was heard and changes were made quickly in response to Rainers concerns. As with the recent changes to Localism, relax, let things work themselves out, everything will be fine. When in doubt...

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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...

- More on the Land Rush ....Creating YOUR OWN Communities by Sally Cheeseman

- Localism against Trulia and Zillow COMBINED: Month 1 by Jon Washburn

- Localism - The Next Steps by Brad Andersohn

- Localism Strategy - REvealed by Lane Bailey

- Adding Photos to Localism just got WAY better by Georgina Hunter

- Localism My communities and Google knows by Missy Caulk

- Accelerated Marketing - aka Auction - Your Seller Needs Options! by Margaret Rome

- The Second Commandment of Blogging (Learned the Hard Way) by Margaret Woda

- Viewing homes is easy at Realtors® to Go! by Jessica Horton

- What is Your Advertising Communicating About Your Product or Service? by Steve Scheer

- Use Yourstreet News Site For More Backlinks and Blog Readership! by Bill Gassett

- It's Your Reputation. Manage it by Jeff Turner

- How to write a good newsletter by Russ Ravary

- Buckle Up !!!! -- You think it's bad out there now? by Jeff Belonger

- Loan Officer Dances For Business!!! Hilarious! by Callie Thompson

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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...

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

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Posted by marti garaughty on 08/11/2008 03:11 AM

Comments (78)

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

Originally posted at: The Blog Artist: The Art Of Marketing You wallpapers part 2, ReBlog This?, featured marketing posts

Post is included in group: Blogging & SEO
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78 Comments on The Art Of Marketing You wallpapers part 2, ReBlog This?, featured marketing posts

AUG

2008

Hi Marti - I'm off to go check out your wallpapers post - I never thought about using them like that. I might just have to now!

Ann

You said In the next installment I'm going to show you some very simple (and free) ways that you can use wallpaper marketing to create and build relationships in your town, city or community. I'll also get into some of the technical things you should know before designing wallpapers to give away and I'll give you some ideas on where you can get an almost unlimited supply of photos and artwork to use on your own wallpapers.

I say... yea never knew wallpapers could be used for marketing. Can't wait to learn how!!

Thanks again for the mention.

Ann... hi there, stay tuned because I have some very cool stuff coming out specifically for RE. Thinking outside the box but in very practical ways. Have a great weekend!

marti.....thanks for all the insight and forward thinking on marketing. i just love your work. thanks again.

mARTi,You are such a master of marketing. You so get IT! What's in it for them? I love your wallpapers and using them as a calendar and changing every month would keep the marketing fresh. Now I have a lot more reading to do!

Missy... hi, I use wallpapers to spread my artwork all over the net but they can also be used in the RE biz but in a different way. As with my blog design series, I'm doing this step by step but the next post will have samples & details to get you going. Have a great weekend and congrats on your results/success on Google, powerful stuff!

Pam... hi there, I'm waiting for a pic of your puppy for a future Rain wallpaper (hint, hint). Also I forgot to answer your question about my fonts/text.

It's not the software I use it's a technique I developped where I take hi-res digital photos of my paintings and digitally spray paint them onto the font. The software has nothing to do with the look. Have a great weekend.

Margaret... it's really simple, if we do what's best for our clients/potential clients it starts the relationship. Doing what's right for them is also what's right for us. I know you understand that better than anybody. It shows in your testimonials. Later my friend...

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I am somewhat of a Newbie (less than a month) and I certainly was raised before the computer generation. I love all the input in your post even though I find it overwhelming. I hope I can look back a few months from now and say "whew, that was easy!" I definitely will read your posts on a regular basis and attempt to learn from you.

Linda Mae... we were all newbies at some point. Take a look at my earlier posts, I do these tutorials step by step in plain English (no geek speak) and if you have any questions, just ask! Welcome to the group, nice to "meet" you.

mARTi, I was so impressed by your post and all the information, that I did not realize that my post was mentioned.. a great big thank you. Back to reading

Marti.... thanks for the polite mention, considering that it wasn't placed in your marketing group. Again, another nice breakdown. thanks

jeff belonger

Marti, I love your "look," and also have read some of the ones you mentioned. So much good stuff each day. I haven't decided what "my" look is - other than red....but I'll figure it out. So far, the favorite that you did was for William in San Diego. I really, really like his. ;-)

Margaret... you're more than welcome, I'm just trying to highlight the best, on topic posts I can find so others can catch up. Nite.

Jeff... when I read your post I had to add it here, great stuff as always, thx!

Teri... hi, I'm not sure what my look is anymore, it seems to change every week. ;-) William gave me some basic guidance and then he basically let me do my thing so it was easy. Have a great weekend T.

Marti, I LOVE what you do. Thank you so much. I'm looking into the wallpaper.

Marti: Thank you for mentioning my post regarding Re-Blogging. I can't wait until it is up and running. And thank you for your always concise Week In Review.

Best regards,

Pam... you're totally welcome, enjoy. Lots more on the way re wallpapers. Nite!

AUG

2008

Michelle... I thought you did an excellent post on Reblog, nice to read both sides of the debate. Later...

I have to catch up on reading...busy week...

I have time tomorrow....got it bookmarked....

Thanks for your info, your dedication and your caring to bring us a load of info every week.

I had never thought about wall paper this way. I am intrigued and will look forward to more information,.

Sally... welcome to the club, busy seems to be the theme for the week. Also thx for the excellent post on Land Rush, enjoy your Sunday!

Christine... hi, the wallpaper concept in real estate will be very different from how I use it but I'll be posting examples in the next part of the tutorial. Nite!

Hi Marti, thank you once again for all the goodies. I tend to be spending more time on other websites right now, and appreciate being 'caught up' by your posts. XXOO

Marti, I always enjoy reading your posts. I can catch up on things I missed

Thank you for the mention! I don't know how you keep up with so many posts, but I'm glad you do. It's a good "must read" list, and I have some catching up to do!

Hi Marti, I can say that the outside blog header you created for me is gorgeous! I have gotten many compliments on it. Now I need more help, I'll send you over an email. Your untechy friend, Carole

Thanks for the mention. I try (but don't always succeed) to be on topic when I post to a group.

I'm really curious about using wallpapers for real estate...

Susie... it sounds like you're super busy, enjoy the new goodies, more on the way. Later! ({xo}

Russ... hi, thx for the feedback and the excellent posts on newsletters!

Blog Artist...

That whole reBlog thing is going to go down as one of the biggest fiascos in the Rain :)

By the time I voiced my rather strong and not so humble opinion the first reBlog tool had been taken down. Many of the Members never had the opportunity to see the first 'accidental' release. When I saw it...I FREAKED! Talk about the proverbial can-o-worms :)

My Blog on the topic was totally out of character for me. But you of all people already know that. The idea that another Blogger could make The Crap-A-Rama public left me feeling like a cat on a hot tin roof. OUCH :)

P.S. I kinda enjoyed all of that. It got my blood pumping and we both know that's a good thing in my little world. And thank you. You've no idea how much I appreciated that little surprise in my e :)

TLW...ROAR!

Margaret... I'm powered by cookies, coffee and lots of help from other moderators. Thx the for excellent post!

Carole... so nice to hear that, your blog header definitely stands out from the crowd. And you know I'm around for your tech ? anytime, have a great weekend my untechy friend!

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Good...

I just checked. This is not reBlogable. Smart move :)

I'm going to relax by the pool and have a cookie now. Maybe later I'll go in and update my post or not :)

TLW...ROAR!

Lane... that was a great post on Localism, totally on topic. Thx for adding it to the group, I appreciate it!

TLW... obviously you weren't alone about reservations on ReBlog. I realize that anything can be reblogged with a backlink or even an RSS feed but I was more concerned about posts being reblogged for points, etc...

Glad you enjoyed the surprise, I was also happy to get your note. Enjoy your cookie by the pool. ;-)

Looking forward to hearing more about your wallpaper ideas for marketing Marti. Thanks for the mention as well.

Steve... morning and thx for the excellent post. I should have the demos and tutorial for RE wallpapers done later this week. Thx for stopping by!

Marti - Thanks for the recap - especially on REBlog. I have been absent for a few days so I guess I have a lot of catching up to do!

Marti, another beautiful Sunday morning reading your post. I wonder what happened to the Sunday paper.... Thanks. Now back to more posts. AJ

Leesa... welcome to the new "new thing", controversy seems to be the topic of the week. ;-)

AJ... no kidding, I haven't read a newspaper since my last trip to Dubai. All my news comes thru the net and BBC World News on PBS. Have a great Sunday!

Hiya Marti - Great Highlights and mentioning Personal Branding with your Expertise are in Art, its clever intuitive ideas like these that make people successful. I just want to thank you for your weekly recaps I can always count on your recap posts to keep me up to speed even though I have been M.I.A these past couple months, thank you!

Hi marti- Darn.....I'm waiting and waiting for my wallpapers.....now I guess it doesn't count that I still haven't gotten you the picture I like LOL :) Anyway....I love this idea....and reading this my mind is going whirl, whirl, whirl......Wordpress Plugin :) Set your price friend.....and have a good day.

marti AR is/was acting up....I was singned in when I made the above comment on waiting for wallpapers, and worpress plugins......I really ment Calendars though :)

Justin... nice to see you again, it's been awhile. Have a great weekend!

Mystery Guest... thx, for stopping by! Glad you like the wallpaper concept.

Kathy... I just saw your 2nd comment, thx. Wallpaper & Calendar templates are both in the works, should be out soon. Enjoy your Sunday K!

Interesting I never thought of my own wallpaper. Thanks for all the info and top posts. Great help.

AUG

2008

I like the idea of re-blogging. This gives us more exposure

Marti I like your mention of "time challenged". That is certainly the case for me many times. This is one of the great benefits of reading your posts as it makes it easy to find all the best material in one place!

Marti: As always, I have ALOT of homework to do after reading this post! I do have one question about wallpaper--is there something in some of the blogger's wallpaper that is causing them to upload at a snail's pace? Some of them are bloggers that I used to always read but, now I can't stand the delay in loading time so, I just move on. Every one of those has added wallpaper to their blogs recently. I got so many complaints that I finally took mine off. I loved it and would love to add it back but, don't want it to slow down load time. Any advice?

Also, congratulations on that little gold star! Gotta go do my Marti homework!!

Debe in Charlotte

Marti, another wonderful review. I always look forward to reading your posts and seeing your latest wallpaper. Looking forward to the next in your series!

Hi Marti -- the good news -- I had a very busy week and I appreciate your recaps each week because I only read about 1/2 of these posts and would never be able to find the rest again -- the bad news -- I have a lot of reading to do. Thanks for taking the time to do this and to share your marketing expertise. It is most appreciated.

Chocolate chip is my favorite.....great informative post. Tons of info.....I think I need some milk with that though as I read through.

Thanks

Michael... if used tastefully wallpapers can be a great way to build constant awareness/contact with people, as long as it doesn't look like advertising and they're getting something fun out of it.

Lori... I had mixed feelings about ReBlog on AR so I'm testing it out. My main hesitation was people reblogging stuff just for points (that was resolved quickly) or the ability of people to ReBlog off topic posts but... I'm willing to give it a chance to see how it shapes up.

Bill... exactly, a lot of people don't have time to read thru everything being posted so I'm trying to gather it all here a couple of times a week. We're all kind of busy so this eems to help! Thx for another excellent resource.

Debe... re "is there something in some of the blogger's wallpaper that is causing them to upload at a snail's pace?"... That usually happens when the image file isn't optimized for quick loading. If you look at my AR blog it's full of graphics but loads super fast, even on dial up connections.

I also received an email about this a few days ago so I'll try to do a short tutorial about it soon.

Diane... hi and thx, part 3 is in the works. Have a great week!

Joan... thx as well, glad it helps but I know what you mean, that's why I retitled my review section Time Challanged. ;-)

Bo... you have great taste, chocolate chip is near the top of my list as well. Thx for stopping by!

Marti: Sounds good! Let me know. And, by the way, yours loads just fine for me too! That's why I asked--I'm wondering what those folks (and ME!) are/were doing wrong with our wallpaper.

Still trying to make it through your list too!

Debe in Charlotte

Always good information Marti and I love my new blog heading. Keep up the good stuff.

Debe... absolutely and that's the point, files don't have to be large in size to look good, they just have to be optimized properly. A lot of people bring this up so I'll definitely do a tutorial soon. We all hate slow pages. ;-)

Fred... thx so much, I love your new blog header too. ;-)

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Hi Marti, Thanks for your answer to Debe's question. I will look forward to your tutorial on that. You know Marti, with your skill and amazing talent, you are just one of the nicest people. Not only because do really nice things for people but just the way you think and and how open are. It is with a great sense of pride that I acknowledge just how wonderful you are. The world needs more people like you. ARK comes to mind when describing you. (Act of Random Kindness). Life is a little bit better because you are here.

William... wow, what a nice comment, thank you so much. I was wondering which of your comments I should use in the testimonials section of my new blog, this might be the one. As you do so well yourself, I know that helping people out is one of the best ways to network. The rest just falls into place. Thx again Willam, I really appreciate what you said!

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Love the wallpaper idea. I'll have to add that to my list to get to one day. I'm still trying to get to my expired listing campaign!

Lizatte... it sounds like you're as busy as I am, thx for stopping by. Nite!

MartiI subscribed to your blog so I can keep up with the changes that seem to occur at AR daily. Thank you again for the Blog Header. I want to do an "open house" and invite everyone to see how you remodeled my blog!

Thank you again - Russell

AUG

2008

Russell... hi and thx for subscribing, I always appreciate a new member in my "tribe". Looking forward to your blog open house. I'm in love with the new header. We did well...

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Marti:

last week was the firs time that I've posted in about 2 months. So, I don't just comment when I get mentioned! Just been busy, busy, busy and haven't had much time. Excuses. Excuses. I know! =]

Still trying to get a full understanding of the re-blog. Bob helped me some and I think that I get it.

Great post as always! And I've got some reading to do!

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!!!!!!!!!!!! =]

Jessica... welcome back, we all seem to be running on overdrive lately. Thx for the excellent post!

AUG

2008

Thanks for gathering all this great info that I mostly missed this week. Will be waiting for future instructions on the wallpapers, etc that you talked about. Like my head isn't already exploding with the re-blog thingy. :-)

Lyn... hi, more tutorials on the way soon, I have several in the works. Nite!

AUG

2008

How do you get your font like that? I just figured out the background, header, and white space. But I can not figure out the font. I'll check out your page. Thanks!

Callie... the font is digitally "spary painted" onto the font using digital samples of my artwork.

AUG

2008

Marti I do not think there is any doubt that you are a giver! I think most would agree that what you provide the member here is invaluable!

Bill... with all the cool/useful sites you find for us I'd say exactly the same about you. Have a great weekend!

FEB

Marti, I hereby dub thee..,"Marti the Magnificent!" Can't wait to get to your next post and start learning about using wallpaper as a marketing tool. You are one talented man in my books!

Jason... you're too kind, just sharing a few things I've learned along the way.

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