Social News: Customer Opinion Now Louder Online

Owners Using Technology to Boost Satisfaction

Online surveys and social tools creating conversation

When it comes to new technology, especially online technology, many businesses are slow to embrace new forms of communication, while others using these tools to successfully drive new business while improving products and services. For example, Happy Goat – a San Francisco based company specializing in caramel – went straight to their online social audience for tips to improve their product.

Using online surveys, Happy Goat was able to touch base with clients for tips to see what they were looking for in the perfect caramel treat. By using online surveys rather than hiring a consulting firm, the small business saved thousands of dollars while contributing to a growing industry.

The industry of online surveys has drastically grown, reporting north of $2.4 billion in 2011. With such competition in place, the online survey product just keeps getting better by providing more usable, trustworthy data than before. At the top of their game currently is: SurveyGizmo (the SD Professionals choice), SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, and Google Consumer Surveys. Of course there are others, but we are most familiar with these four.

As businesses collect helpful data to improve or maintain their products, some are going a step further to keep the conversation going. Bonobos, an online men’s clothing company, took to surveys and social networks looking for the right design for their consumers. Using customer dialogue as a means of growth, the company got great insight for designing fits, colors, and even descriptions of products. Bonobos continues to be active on social media urging their customers to share photos and opinions while rewarding them with exclusive offers and helpful style guides. And for a while, you can even share your Bonobos story for a chance to be featured in a marketing campaign and win great prizes.

Online surveys and social media tools are easy to use, provide quick results, and are extremely inexpensive. Finding the right product can be a bit daunting, especially with so many options. That’s where we come in. The team here at SD Professionals can facilitate the process by recommending options we’ve tested and approved. Even better, we can guide you through how to use these strategies to your advantage by creating great content for your business, sharing your content with a demographically targeted audience, and by engaging your audience. After all, an audience interacting with you is more likely to purchase a product or service. It’s great to have the latest and greatest tools, but it’s even better to have a trusted local company to hold your hand along the way.

Want to know more about what SD Professionals Social Media Marketing can do for you? Call us today to schedule a free no-strings consultation.

For more on Happy Goat, Bonobos, and others, check out this article in USA Today.

Social News: Customer Opinion Now Louder Online

Samsung to pay Apple more than $1 Billion in damages

Not A Bad Apple

As evening fell on Friday, August 24th, 2012, the jury in the (US) case of Apple versus Samsung reached their verdict which awarded Apple more than $1 billion in damages. We saw the story break first on macrumors.com and 9to5mac.com.

As of the time of this posting, more details were found on USA Today’s website.

As graphic designers, we always appreciate the work of others. It fuels our passion to create and inspire, it’s what sets us apart. Perhaps in this case Apple felt their work was a bit too inspiring to Samsung.

No matter if that’s the case, we’re sure Samsung will appeal the decision and the legal battle will continue.

Samsung to pay Apple more than $1 Billion in damages

Back to School Tech Ideas

Back To School and College

Top Tech Must-Haves, Best Value

It’s that time of year again… College towns are starting to buzz as coeds are returning to campus. If you or yours is headed back to school, grab some of these great gadgets to stay connected. While you want to assume all of these devices will be put toward a higher education… a lot are just awesome to have in the room. Boost your college experiences with these hot tech items.

Computers

Apple’s sleekest notebook, MacBook Air, is a perfect fit for any student. It has all the functionality a college student needs and it’s easily the most attractive. The latest updates to the MacBook Air include the newest Intel processors and graphics, with faster storage. Models start at $999

A great machine for those preferring Windows is the Dell Inspiron 14z Ultrabook. Nice and thin with incredible speed, this is a notebook worthy of everything from online gaming and web performance down to simple note taking. You can fully customize your Ultrabook to increase speed and memory. The 14z starts at $649.

Tablets

By now, who isn’t familiar with Apple’s iPad? The third generation of this tablet is the company’s most impressive. With retina display, 5MP iSight camera, and available 4G LTE, everything in the palm of your hand looks phenomenal and lightning fast. Need apps for the classroom? Simply visit the App Store and grab what you need. Customize your iPad for a starting price of $499.

Followers of our blog know we’re fans of Google’s Nexus 7. This tablet is sure to be helpful in, and out of, the classroom. For just a 7-inch tablet, it’s perfect for students on the go. Also the Google functions are very helpful when taking and sharing of notes … or other sweet links, videos, songs, or whatever college kids are into these days. Put the Nexus 7 in your bag for only $199.

If textbooks ever move to a digital format, you might want one of these. Amazon’s Kindle Fire is the hottest e-reader on the market (no pun intended). Like the Nexus 7, the 7-inch tablet carries well and operates perfectly for the web, apps, games, and books. Download an endless stream of media and store all of your Amazon content with free cloud storage. It truly is great for reading and a host of other entertainment as well. Find yours for $199.

Gaming

Let’s face it, for most guys, college comes with a healthy dose of video games. OK, maybe not “healthy” but there’s no avoiding picking up a controller, pointing a finger a buddy down the hall, and issuing a challenge. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 4GB Console might be the perfect platform to do so. With wireless connectivity, HD graphics, countless games, and so much more, this is the perfect study break. Figure in the addition of Kinect

and get off the couch to put yourself in the game. The basic 360 console starts at $199.

Sony’s PlayStation 3 160GB System has stolen many of the 360’s fans with amazing graphics and no subscription needed for online play. Many games are available on both platforms, so really it comes down to personal preference. The addition of PS3 Move technology is similar to that of the 360’s Kinect, but still requires a controller. It’s hard to go wrong with the main question being, “Are we going to play or not?” The PS3 system starts at $249.

Gadgets

Get all the TV you want that the dorms are giving you. Apple TV uses a Wi-Fi connection to give you all you need: Netflix, sports, music, movies, HuluPlus, and more. Just sign in with your Apple ID and check it out. Even use other iOS devices to view media on your television. Maybe Apple TV’s best feature… the $99 price tag.

Perfect for a dorm room or apartment, the Epson Stylus NX430 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Copier, Scanner is everything it claims to be. It’s designed to be a simple device and meets all needs. With print, copy, and scan features, the biggest concern will be your roommate using up all your ink. Oh! and it’s only $80, so take advantage while they’re still on the shelves.

The ultimate point and shoot for the college kids. Try the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS and experience great photos with little effort. We know you got a camera on your phone, but it’s not like this. All your images will look great …until they get posted on Facebook. Share with caution. Estimated retail is $249 but Amazon has it for under $150.

 

 

Back to School Tech Ideas

"Childhood Inspiration" - SD Professionals Holiday Greeting 2011

Each year, we produce a video for our friends and clients as a unique way of wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from us! Our 2011 video was one of our all-time favorites.

Starting with a simple drawing from our Graphic Design team, the idea slowly came to life. As the team continued to develop the ideas, the drawings and rendering also grew in detail. After hand drawings were completed, it was time to bring them to life! The process from hand drawn characters to movable actors on screen is always incredible to watch.

As you can see, nothing was lost throughout the creative process. From pencil to pixels, the ideas and personalities of all our characters transferred perfectly. Our graphic design staff and video animators worked closely together to find out what drawings translated well to motion graphics and what needed to be left out. In the end, we think they found the perfect mix of textures and illustrations to take an idea and bring it to life! What a talented team!

We couldn’t wait for the process to be complete so that our whole team could wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We know it’s not something to be hung over your fireplace, but that’s not our style! Be sure to follow along with us next year and check your email for our way of passing along good tidings and well wishes.

Check out  the finished product!