1. The New Rules of Facebook Marketing
     

    November 8th, 2011

    It is no secret that we live in the Facebook era. What’s private is public and what’s yours is shared. The value of an online community of an estimated 800 million users actively posting, “like”-ing, and sharing is undeniable. Its ability to spark revolutions and organize flash dance mobs speaks to our own innate drive to connect socially and to the cathartic nature of info-sharing.

    Herein lies mega opportunity. Businesses are flocking to Facebook to do some sharing of their own, forever changing the way that brands and consumers interact. With the platform to showcase their business in a language and format that is all too familiar to the Facebook masses, businesses of all sizes, from Coca-Cola to your local diner, are all on Facebook and looking for your “like.”

    But as Paul Gillian explains in his article Facebook Tips for Midsize Businesses, many businesses are not fully harnessing the potential reach of Facebook. He refers to David Brody, managing partner of North Social, a company that helps businesses enhance their Facebook presence with a number of different apps. Brody explains that it is not all about “likes.” To the prom king’s dismay, a successful social presence is more than a popularity contest. Research shows that only a small percentage of Facebook users who “like” a page actually return to it. With the traditional rules of marketing rocked by constant changes to social, how do brands achieve a loyal and motivated fan base–one that comments, purchases, shares, and ultimately returns?

    Creating relevant content is especially important. Special offers, online stores, and contests are instrumental elements of any fan page. Brody recommends being creative with promotions and getting fans involved with games and giveaways. The experimental nature of social allows businesses to be relevant and to adjust; to be interesting, exciting, and engaging. These are the new rules.

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  2. Thank You To Our Great Customers!
     

    June 29th, 2011

    In case you don’t already know, we have been giving away Free Posters to all our followers who like Pixxlz’s FB Page. Don’t you want this awesome offer? All you have to do is head to facebook.com/Pixxlz, “Like” our page, submit your image by clicking on the Free Poster tab, and Boom- you are going to get a Free Poster(12×18)! This is our way of giving back to our followers and letting them know that we appreciate their love!

    We have gotten a great response from college students and mothers. They all are ecstatic by the limited giveaway and we appreciate the feedback. There is nothing that we love more than hearing back from our customers. We received a variety of photos that are going to make awesome posters. Some are so spectacular that they can be used to decorate and style up your home.

    Not only can we make posters of your favorite photos, we can print your pictures in the following sizes: 5×7, 8×10, & of course poster size- 12×18.  We even made ordering photos easy by incorporating the upload featured in our FB Page.  So go ahead and capture your son, your daughter, any of your relatives’, and all of your friends’ special moments. It is truly amazing when memories are shared as decoration around a home. In addition to printing a variety of personal moments, we have also been printing photos of stunning artwork. These posters are going to make great art in someone’s home. In addition, we print all of our work using a high quality, commercial printer vs. a regular home printer that has lots of limitations.

    We at Pixxlz, want to thank you for blowing up our print center with all your remarkable photos! Remember that “Sharing is Caring” so suggest our page to your family and friends so they can print whatever their hearts desire!!

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  3. A Look into the new Social Life
     

    June 28th, 2011

    In 2010, it was recorded that the average American spent thirty-two hours a month on the Internet. As the popularity of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter increases, so does the amount of time people spend online. But why do people spend hours on end cruising about the Internet and what are the elements we users find so addicting? This suction cup called social media is addicting because it is current. People love current. The Internet has conditioned us to stay plugged in, so to speak. If something’s going on, posted, tweeted about, uploaded, we need to see it and we need to see it now. Other people’s lives unfold before our eyes, as we watch our screen refresh and update. New information inundates our newsfeed and timelines. People stay online because other people stay online. Together, we form a community of addicts, all addicted to each other. This is our new definition of social. How ironic that social media is the term used for online correspondence. So, as I sit here on Facebook all day, consider my social life enviable.

    Celebrities and companies have taken notice: people are always on Facebook. Why not target people in a place they spend thirty-two hours every month? This part makes sense, but what’s so important about having as many followers/ fans as possible? What’s the benefit of having a high number? It’s simple: viral recognition. Like fashion, Facebook has trends- certain pages become popular at certain times, based on who likes them. The more people like your page, the more user pages your fan page shows up on, increasing the chances of more people viewing your page.

    So is there a right or wrong way to utilize social media to one’s professional advantage?  Or are we all figuring it out as we go? There’s a reason why there is no Facebook rulebook- that reason being that Facebook changes regularly. Elements are constantly added- different features, layouts, and capabilities, etc. As technology advances, so do the social media sites that rely on it. And for this reason, there is no guidebook instructing companies how best to use Facebook- because using Facebook to better one’s business has never been done before. This resource of exposure is revolutionary, and each day more people learn it is a skill worth learning. Millions of fan pages exist, and each fan page hopes to rack up their “likes”- because they want to be recognized. They want to be seen by the masses, and the masses use Facebook. Perhaps on the day that progress can no longer be made, and developers have done all that they can to advance the world wide web, a rulebook can be written.

    Julie Daniels

     

    Source:

    http://www.comscoredatamine.com/2011/01/average-time-spent-online-per-u-s-visitor-in-2010/

     

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  4. Measuring social media ROI, What about Non-Profits?
     

    June 17th, 2011

    Many uncertainties and complexities still lay within the realm of social media, most typically ROI and the ability to calculate it. According to many academics, ROI has become, in a sense, the holy grail of social media. Businesses want to be sure of ROI within social media and therefore still need many questions answered. Organizations find themselves asking, “Are we doing the right things? Targeting the right people? How can we tell?” One common finding is that traditional metrics are non-compatible within the social media arena. They simply do not work.

    To demonstrate ROI in social media terms check out Oliver Blanchard’s witty presentation in the link below:

    www.slideshare.net/thebrandbuilder/olivier-blanchard-basics-of-social-media-roi

    One must not underestimate the power of social media. DEI world study showed that 70% customers visited social media sites about information and almost 50% made purchases based on this information. This is huge! Given these statistics there is no wonder why Lady Gaga launched her new line of products are under her grey label tab on her page and include items such as an instant mobile printer and photo-snapping glasses.

    One thing is very clear for businesses- social media is where current and potential customers are interacting. Both Lady Gaga and Barack Obama demonstrate the limitless benefits of a strong social media presence. Combined, the two icons have a staggering 60+ million followers. In order to drive their overall popularity, revenue and, ultimately, success, both use social media as a powerful resource.

    In terms of Non Profits and Charities, where do they stand within the frenzy of social media sites?

    Lady Gaga recently joined forces with Robin Hood Foundation giving away $1million and using different contests to increase the number of Facebook likes and followers for the foundation. The exposure offered by a celebrity Fan page, of which 38.6 million people follow at 6/17/11, is a groundbreaking opportunity for any foundation.

    The 2011 nonprofit social networking survey, released by NTEN, provides compelling data on how charities are using social media. One distinct finding is the recent growth of social media and its use for online fundraising. Of the charities surveyed (over 11,000 nonprofits) it showed 9 out of 10 nonprofits (89%) reported a presence on Facebook in 2011. Nonprofits are undoubtedly getting savvier at growing their social media presence. The average number of Facebook followers for nonprofits rose 161% in 2011. The level of fundraising threw social media channels have also increased substantially. The number of non-profit groups successfully generating a small fundraising stream on Facebook is rising steadily and has the potential to revolutionize how charities fundraise.

    What do all of these statistics tell us? Put simply, nonprofits can no longer afford to be without a social media presence. To all the non-profits, if you are not on Facebook, other Non-Profits are, making friends, receiving donations and forming relationships with their followers and supporters. The key to succeeding in the era of social media can be put simply- keep up!
    - Pixxlz

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  5. Capturing Boston’s History
     

    June 15th, 2011

    Boston, Pixxlz’s home city, has always been known for its great history. Millions of tourists travel from around the world to experience the monuments from our nation’s early history. Boston is one of the top 10 tourist cities in the country. There are a number of free museums that offer a great range of interesting information that has made Boston such an intriguing destination for tourists. From the sports to political history, Boston offers a great experience for anyone.

    The Boston landmarks are truly a sight to see. The New State House at the top of Beacon Hill has breath-taking architecture that is a must see for any tourist. The dome covers the top of building in a 23.5 carat gold leaf. The building was built in 1795 on land originally owned by John Hancock. This still remains the home of Massachusetts legislation and is a pillar of Boston’s history.

    Of all the landmarks, the Paul Revere House, which is the oldest house in New England, located in downtown Boston is the most historic. In 1775, this is where Paul Revere set out on his famous midnight ride to warn the city that the British were coming. The house still contains the 17th and 18th century furnishing and memorabilia, even some of Revere’s personal belongings.

    Tourists are constantly taking pictures throughout the city to capture their own moment with the history of Boston. Most tourists only take photos with their digital camera and cannot print them with any good quality. They must also buy post cards to send to their friends and family that are commodities and impersonal. Pixxlz however can print quality photos. The photos can easily be uploaded through our website or Facebook and be delivered within 2-3 days before their trips are done! We can print in 8×10 or 12×18 whether they want to frame them or just keep them for memory sake. We also print customized post cards that they can send to their families and friends with their personal photos to share their moment! It would be a pleasure for us to help all the tourists experience the beauty of our great city.

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  6. Pixxlz evolves
     

    June 13th, 2011

    2004

    Lauren, Matt, and I were lying on my bed playing Nintendo 64 (Diddy Kong Racer to be precise). Since there were only two controllers, Matt sat at the edge of the bed playing around on Lauren’s laptop.

    “You have Facebook set as your homepage?” Matt was laughing.

    “It’s so addicting!” Lauren said.

    I was fourteen years old. Lauren was eighteen. When I asked what Facebook was, she attempted an explanation.

    “It’s like this thing where… you can like see people that go to the same college as you.” That was it. How informative. Then she and Matt began stalking Lauren’s future freshman roommate. “I wonder if she likes country music. She doesn’t look like the type,” said Lauren. “Message her and ask,” said Matt.

    Lauren’s generation was the first to form relationships (and online “friendships”) prior to meeting one another. For decades, the summer leading up to freshman year of college was plagued by the anticipation of The Roommate. For Lauren, the anticipation lasted only a few hours- the hours it took for Stephanie to accept her pending friend request.

    2005

    For the first year of Facebook’s life, every high school student envied college student’s membership to this cool club. Facebook existed for high school students, but it wasn’t nearly as developed nor popular as the college version. In addition, high schoolers and college kids were incapable of ‘friending’ one another. The GREAT divide. And so came the day when the bridge was gapped, and us wee one’s were finally able to connect with the big kids. Intergenerational stalking.Soon after, everyone was allowed to have a Facebook; providing a school email address was no longer mandatory. I remember feeling territorial, as did my friends (literal friends and online friends- big difference). Facebook was the land where we posted pictures of house parties and updated each other on the latest and most outrageous YouTubes. Adults had no place making themselves part of the Facebook community

    2011

    Why bring up all this Facebook nostalgia, if Pixxlz is Pixxlz and not Facebook? The answer: like Facebook, Pixxlz has evolved. In fact, our evolution is now intertwined with that of Facebook’s. For years now, Facebook has provided it’s users with the ability to upload pictures. The aim of photography has changed: now, people take pictures with full intent of posting them online, where hundreds of other people will view them/ comment on them/ “Like” them. Gone are the days of taking pictures just for the fun of it- for the most part. Facebook has conditioned us to crave an audience, and what better way to please our audiences then to provide visuals of our Thursday nights/ trips to Nantucket/ semester abroad? This is where Pixxlz comes in. As a digital printing company AND as a new technology, our aim is to materialize the memories (print picturesà make posters) and remind photography of its original purpose: quality images made to last.

    Julie Daniels

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  7. A Wall is a Terrible Thing to Waste
     

    May 20th, 2011

    If your house says something about the person you are, then what do your walls say about you? Every building has plenty of them, whether you like them or not. The month of May is one of the busiest months for people to change residences. College students are moving out of their dorms or apartments, families are moving into their summer home, and many are starting a new lease in a new location. With all of the chaos surrounding a move-in or move-out, many forget the essential step of dressing-up the one thing that takes up most of the space in their home: their walls.

    In today’s society, the poster market is a bit undefined. There are no stores that specialize solely in the sale of posters, and the retail stores that carry them don’t usually carry a broad selection. The sale of posters in abundance lives largely online, but that too does not come without its drawbacks. When ordering online, you run the risk of purchasing from an untrustworthy seller, receiving damaged goods, and being overcharged with taxes and shipping. In a world where technology rules, it seems that the poster industry is lagging significantly. I yearn for the day when I can walk into a friend’s dorm or apartment and see something other than a Bob Marley or John Belushi “College” poster. That day may come sooner than I thought.

    At Pixxlz, we value creativity as much as we do printing. We believe that the two go hand-in-hand. Having said that, we wanted to provide a platform for our customers to create original posters from any image of their choice and we’ve been successful in creating such a platform. Being able to use this online platform, via Pixxlz.com, Facebook, or your mobile device, you can submit any image to be made into a poster. Say goodbye to traditional posters like Scarface and Aubrey Hepburn. And say hello to your new poster of your creation that includes memories of you and your friends at the Prom or that crazy day at the beach. Pixxlz is expanding the horizons of the very limited poster market for you and all your “Wall-Space.” Control goes back to the people who have to live in the wall and look at the wall everyday: You.

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  8. GPS: Global Printing Services
     

    May 12th, 2011

    “Turn left on Cambridge Street. Go straight on Commonwealth.” We’ve all heard this robotic voice that has become a standard in many vehicles. With today’s constant advancements in technology, GPS can do so much more than routing you from Point A to Point B though. They are not still the bulky windshield ornaments that they once were, either. Today, GPS technology has found its way into the smartphone market, acting as a helping hand to consumers while playing Big Brother for marketers. GPS falls under the broader category of location-based services (LBS), which have become a staple on the mobile platform. A recent article on The Digital Nirvana looks into this fairly new LBS concept that has revolutionized the world of marketing.
    Much of the magic of location-based services occurs unbeknownst to the consumer. Researchers recently announced findings that Apple, Android, and Windows phones contain tracking software. While this may stir up some concerns over privacy, LBS should not be seen as a threat to the consumer but a helping hand. Without these services, consumers would be left without many special deals and promotions that allow them to capitalize in the marketplace. The Sunday flier and supermarket coupon has now become the Foursquare badge and the QR code. Without a doubt, technology makes the life of the consumer easier.
    At Pixxlz, we have taken steps to evolve alongside the location-based technology. Soon, we will be launching Pixxlz Mobile, an application that will completely change the way people go about printing. A service taking place entirely on your mobile device, Pixxlz Mobile will allow for you to take a photo with your iPhone, Droid, iPad etc., send the photo to Pixxlz, customize your project (size, quantity, mailing addresses), and send printed copies of your photos to yourself and loved ones. Grandma will no longer have to wait for you to return from vacation to see photos of her grandchildren at Disney World—she can see printed copies of the trip a few days in. In an increasingly portable world, Pixxlz Mobile eliminates the need of bulky cameras and trips to the One Hour Photo. We know that everyone lives on their phone, and now they can print from it.

    Source: http://thedigitalnirvana.com/2011/04/location-based-services-whats-it-all-about/?utm_source=whattheythink&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WhatTheyThink+Daily

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  9. It’s OK to Print
     

    May 5th, 2011

    As the world rapidly moves towards a digital platform, many are hesitant to engage with many aspects of traditional print. One of the primary reasons for this hesitancy is a fear of taking unnecessary environmentally damaging actions (such as printing e-mails) that are largely preventable with today’s technology. These attitudes stem from many environmental misconceptions, largely perpetuated by the digital vs. print conflict we are in the midst of. Chuck Leavell and Carlton Owen seek out to correct these misconceptions in a recent Wall Street Journal article.

    As a response to many e-mail taglines that discourage against printing, Leavell bookends his letters with this: “Notice: It’s OK to print this email. Paper is a biodegradable, renewable, sustainable product made from trees. Growing and harvesting trees provides jobs for millions of Americans. Working forests are good for the environment and provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Thanks to improved forest management, we have more trees in America today than we had 100 years ago.” Leavell and Owen are tired of all of the anti-printing propaganda that has become a standard in the electronic age. They believe that people should not hesitate to print when they see it appropriate and convenient to do so.

    At Pixxlz, we are using digital technologies to expand printing opportunities. As an online and social media application, we designed Pixxlz as a means for the customer to design and create in completely environmental ways: from the electronic conception to the green printed final product. It is refreshing to see others present an agenda that seeks to educate rather than persuade. Leavell and Owen gave us and many other green printers a voice with their article, and for that we are very grateful.

    P.S. Feel free to print this blog.

    Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704471904576228712797236124.html

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  10. Poster Prints from Facebook
     

    April 21st, 2011

    Pixxlz is re-defining the way consumers interact with and transform their photos. Pixxlz has recently launched a revolutionary Facebook application for the world. Facebook and non-Facebook members alike will have access to the easy-to-use app that allows users to upload photos within Facebook to be printed as posters. Once uploaded, the customer will be able to choose from sizing and customization options, before finalizing their order in a secure PayPal commerce checkout. The Facebook interface caters to all ages: both older individuals who are accustomed to traditional order forms and younger persons who have grown up with Facebook
    With the company’s recent move to South Boston’s Innovation District, Pixxlz thinks that now is the perfect time to unveil the unprecedented venture in the photo sharing and print eco-space. “We understand that print is becoming an end of life product,” says CEO Grover Daniels, “but if we can find ways to work with the technology of today instead of against it, we can still play an important role with people and businesses. And that is exactly what we are doing with the Poster Prints App.”
    The Facebook application can be accessed by all at facebook.com/Pixxlz.

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