http://blog.marathonpress.com/index.htmlHot News!enuser@domain.comCopyright 2011 user2012-02-14T10:42:56-06:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:04:06 -0600user@domain.comBlog2012-02-14T10:42:56-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/67fa94e86abb0cf72394824767238a1d-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/67fa94e86abb0cf72394824767238a1d-49.html#unique-entry-id-49Sherri Peterson, Marathon’s Director of Customer Service, thought she was on a routine assignment to oversee a Marathon booth during the tradeshow at the recent PhotoPro Expo in Kentucky.]]>user@domain.comBlog2012-02-15T15:37:41-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/706fb950a95cc3c63d6c479ad17b1dad-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/706fb950a95cc3c63d6c479ad17b1dad-48.html#unique-entry-id-48Social media has become a game changer for many retailers. Some have gone as far as slashing their traditional advertising budgets to the bone, electing instead to rely almost entirely on social networks to carry their company’s marketing message.

]]>user@domain.comBlog2012-02-10T14:29:14-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/3c294861a6fc8321a47114006ccaae30-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/3c294861a6fc8321a47114006ccaae30-47.html#unique-entry-id-47At Marathon, we love "handmade." Handmade things mean that PEOPLE care... that PEOPLE stepped out of the rat race long enough to give something of themselves... that PEOPLE still value individual attention as much as discounts.]]>user@domain.comResources2012-02-06T15:55:21-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/de3915d1d123cdfdd0f07619fbcf4b84-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/de3915d1d123cdfdd0f07619fbcf4b84-45.html#unique-entry-id-45Building a Successful Business
By Judy Grann, M.Photog. CBM, ABI, VP SuccessWare Inc.

Every business needs a plan to run successfully. The information provided in this series will help you understand business success fundamentals.]]>user@domain.comCharitable Markeitng2012-01-25T14:16:52-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/8208ec01b1eb8eae9c99753b566f2d60-42.html#unique-entry-id-42http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/8208ec01b1eb8eae9c99753b566f2d60-42.html#unique-entry-id-42What do most of the top-earning studios in the country have in common? They know that charitable marketing is one of the best ways for all photographers — from rookies to veterans — to connect with the kind of consumers who are willing to spend disposable income on photography.
]]>user@domain.comInspiration2012-01-12T11:33:29-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/9f46aca50e9da436ba054a422555775f-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/9f46aca50e9da436ba054a422555775f-41.html#unique-entry-id-41“For Your Inspiration” is an ongoing series of once-a-month posts showing examples from PPA’s Loan Collection and Showcase books focusing on a specific subject matter.
]]>user@domain.comBlog2012-01-11T12:19:59-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/fb79dc8d7dec0af81e2dc0d3ac33c646-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/fb79dc8d7dec0af81e2dc0d3ac33c646-40.html#unique-entry-id-40If you’re heading to New Orleans for Imaging USA (January 15-17), stop by the Marathon booth #1331 to take a look at some fantastic new marketing products to make your 2012 marketing SO much easier.
]]>user@domain.comBlog2012-01-11T09:39:57-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/795362d4afd061e7bbfecc2c94ad7ed1-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/795362d4afd061e7bbfecc2c94ad7ed1-39.html#unique-entry-id-39Stop by Marathon booth #1331 on Sunday, January 15th.
]]>user@domain.comHolidays2011-12-30T10:30:41-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/3494cf13e10cf3d28dd12eabab57cd80-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/3494cf13e10cf3d28dd12eabab57cd80-38.html#unique-entry-id-38For those countries and cultures around the world that celebrate the arrival January 1 as their new year, not all celebrate the ringing out of the old and the ringing in of the new in the same manner. ]]>user@domain.comInspiration2011-12-27T09:19:35-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/cfe97881a2f91353472fc7519b02efaf-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/cfe97881a2f91353472fc7519b02efaf-37.html#unique-entry-id-37“For Your Inspiration” is an ongoing series of once-a-month posts showing examples from PPA’s Loan Collection and Showcase books focusing on a specific subject matter.
]]>user@domain.comPoll2011-12-20T13:07:17-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/1c3d8a965f51f44e07336bda282c26c7-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/1c3d8a965f51f44e07336bda282c26c7-36.html#unique-entry-id-36Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season to answer our fun holiday poll. If your favorite movie didn’t make the list, let us know what it is in the comments field. ]]>user@domain.comInspiration2011-12-15T09:40:39-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/f4e85717243db5ceaa7ff79f5638a346-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/f4e85717243db5ceaa7ff79f5638a346-32.html#unique-entry-id-32Have you ever walked into a photographic situation and felt like you didn’t have a creative bone left in your body? Were you thinking to yourself: “If I have to photograph one more set of snarky siblings for a parent who is determined to win her mommy’s group ‘Holiday-Card-of-the-Year’ contest, I’m going to scream?”
]]>user@domain.comClient Acquisition2011-11-30T13:47:59-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/80ae1ce3f321f8f22a10ddd1e471817d-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/80ae1ce3f321f8f22a10ddd1e471817d-27.html#unique-entry-id-27You hear a lot of talk these days about the importance of marketing “buzz.” But what exactly does it take to create that buzz? It takes more than just a quality product; it requires a concerted effort to show clients how much you appreciate their business. It’s the little things you do — some of them unexpected — that get clients buzzing about your business to their friends and family, and it’s more important than ever to be on top of your client-appreciation game during an economic downturn. While you can’t control the economy, you can control what goes on when clients visit your premises. Here are some of those “little things” that pay big dividends in client satisfaction.
]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-11-22T14:48:30-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/f9503001b3ee8cbfa31205f014cd73e1-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/f9503001b3ee8cbfa31205f014cd73e1-26.html#unique-entry-id-26Along with the joy of Thanksgiving comes the frenzy of holiday shopping, so it’s time to remind your clients and prospects that the year-end holidays are the perfect opportunity to bring loved ones together for a family portrait. Remind them that when so many family members are home for the holidays, there is no better time to capture those family memories.]]>user@domain.comHolidays2011-11-22T14:39:59-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/f0f1ea6f4df0a3f7944a8c62ba3f810f-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/f0f1ea6f4df0a3f7944a8c62ba3f810f-25.html#unique-entry-id-25If your family feast includes youngsters this year, you can keep them busy with Thanksgiving projects by going to the Internet and downloading some of the many crafts, puzzles, and games available online.
]]>user@domain.comCharitable Markeitng2011-11-16T11:02:12-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/9c6544d86d6464dba790e8b034486e02-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/9c6544d86d6464dba790e8b034486e02-24.html#unique-entry-id-24Thank you to all of our blog readers who helped to demonstrate the power of viral marketing through their donations and social media posts in support of PPA Charity’s 11.11.11 Campaign.
]]>user@domain.comHolidays2011-11-11T10:18:00-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/fee0fa62a031a241e5fb65d5b47d1d8f-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/fee0fa62a031a241e5fb65d5b47d1d8f-23.html#unique-entry-id-23On this Veteran’s Day, you might wish to participate in an initiative by the National World II Museum in New Orleans. Designed to create “1 Million Thank Yous” for our veterans, their website is encouraging you to “Add your voice by submitting a story, photo or video.
]]>user@domain.comClient Acquisition2011-11-09T11:37:51-06:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/3337bbaf409b366d6ffe2ae4cd316fed-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/3337bbaf409b366d6ffe2ae4cd316fed-22.html#unique-entry-id-22If you are looking for a great way to promote your studio to clients and prospects as THE PLACE for easy, stress-free, one-stop, holiday-gift shopping . . . then a Gift Certificate promotion is the way to go!
]]>user@domain.comCharitable Markeitng2011-11-02T08:36:23-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/276f2be350160d39b70b6b6926fff3ba-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/276f2be350160d39b70b6b6926fff3ba-21.html#unique-entry-id-21A unique date — 11/11/11 — comes only once every hundred years. You can make November 11, 2011 really count! Simply donate $11.11 to PPA Charity’s 11.11.11 Campaign in support of Operation Smile. By standing together with other professional photographers, you will be part of a viral marketing effort that will allow Operation Smile to save the smiles of hundreds more precious children. ]]>user@domain.comClient Acquisition2011-10-26T14:11:47-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/cfd228b6090f85069f6a1cbf3fcf5623-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/cfd228b6090f85069f6a1cbf3fcf5623-20.html#unique-entry-id-20This holiday season, Americans are expected to spend an estimated $87 billion on gift cards, making the gift card the number-one present under the tree for the sixth straight year. - moneycentral.msn.com
]]>user@domain.comResources2011-10-18T13:31:13-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/3240bcd1413acfad92c951befa361126-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/3240bcd1413acfad92c951befa361126-19.html#unique-entry-id-19The day-to-day demands of running any business in the arts can occasionally stifle an artist’s creativity. Photographers are fortunate that each year Professional Photographers of America publishes two invaluable resources that will inspire your artistry and feed your creativity.
]]>user@domain.comSales2011-10-12T09:38:48-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/8b5c17fe7f3e63d40513382253281303-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/8b5c17fe7f3e63d40513382253281303-18.html#unique-entry-id-18How important is the packaging in which you deliver portraits and other photographic products to your clients? When you consider that the majority of photographic purchases are either initiated or entirely controlled by women clients, then the answer is clear: Packaging plays a huge role in enhancing your studio's brand!]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-10-04T09:21:57-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/57f542efd845c6e3dd72c9d3dacdecb3-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/57f542efd845c6e3dd72c9d3dacdecb3-17.html#unique-entry-id-17Assuming that your clients and prospects are as stressed as most people are when the holiday gift-giving season rolls around, here’s a way that you can become a hero by helping them check off many friends and family on their holiday gift list:]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-09-27T08:45:41-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/d0ba22a3ef6520877f9f3ca1cff124a7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/d0ba22a3ef6520877f9f3ca1cff124a7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16Have you ever noticed that even in a difficult economy, families tend to loosen their purse strings as the holidays draw near? And why not! As soon as parents start planning for the holidays, family is on their minds, and their thoughts quite naturally turn to gift giving. For photographers, this means that it is Prime Time for Portraits! So it’s not too early to begin nudging your clients and prospects into the holiday state of mind by mailing and emailing them with portrait ideas to brighten the holidays. ]]>user@domain.comClient Acquisition2011-09-21T11:27:24-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/03ab2aeba72093aed29b1d7aa77b4bb7-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/03ab2aeba72093aed29b1d7aa77b4bb7-15.html#unique-entry-id-15While marketing is not selling as such, sales and marketing greatly affect one another: Marketing creates the conditions under which sales can be made. Prospective clients must move through a step-by-step process that leads to the ultimate sale and beyond to client loyalty. This process is profoundly affected by the success of your marketing.]]>user@domain.comClient Acquisition2011-09-14T13:57:05-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/93600470f99c6fdb1e1b9965d74a20e4-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/93600470f99c6fdb1e1b9965d74a20e4-14.html#unique-entry-id-14Sometimes a small idea can bring great rewards. Here’s one to consider: In your community there are literally hundreds of businesses that would love to keep their name in front of the public all year round. You can make this happen for any type of business or professional office, and in the process introduce them to your photography — easily and inexpensively.]]>user@domain.comClient Acquisition2011-09-07T14:24:07-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/0e18cff26984f9684a2e6efe9513ba2f-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/0e18cff26984f9684a2e6efe9513ba2f-13.html#unique-entry-id-13According to Hallmark Cards, Inc., Christmas is the largest card-sending holiday in the United States, with approximately 1.5 billion cards sent annually. Add to that the millions of cards sent in celebration of Hanukah and Kwanza, and it’s obvious that holiday cards represent a huge opportunity for photographers to motivate the public to purchase portraits.
]]>user@domain.comInternet2011-08-30T11:03:43-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/692ba5721e5df290dde0b4092be80c61-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/692ba5721e5df290dde0b4092be80c61-12.html#unique-entry-id-12It’s no secret that email marketing has become an exceptionally powerful promotional tool for photographers. Since emails can link to the content of websites, blogs, and social media, email campaigns and eNewsletters are helping photographers connect with qualified clients they might have missed through other more traditional marketing efforts.

]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-08-23T08:50:52-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/a5a8d215261383e7de13bccc8eacc676-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/a5a8d215261383e7de13bccc8eacc676-11.html#unique-entry-id-11Charity, they say, begins at home; yet for many photographers, supporting local and national charities through their businesses is a key aspect of marketing success, as it puts them in touch with qualified clients who prefer to do business with those who give back to the community.
]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-08-17T13:54:37-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/e559fe6759b4476c453a03131f52ff43-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/e559fe6759b4476c453a03131f52ff43-9.html#unique-entry-id-9When you consider how fast the world turns these days, thank heavens that the year-end holidays allow us to pause for a moment to remember how important family relationships are to us.]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-08-10T12:16:23-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/bbf5224f1f72969bee19b1cdbd7094a5-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/bbf5224f1f72969bee19b1cdbd7094a5-8.html#unique-entry-id-8Now is the time to start planning your promotional activities for one of the most parent-pleasing and profitable promotions of the year: “Fall is for Family.” ]]>user@domain.comMAP2011-08-04T15:35:25-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/e19ae1d1491102a793581c0fa61e847f-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/e19ae1d1491102a793581c0fa61e847f-7.html#unique-entry-id-7This year’s workshop is over and I’m already wishing next years Getaway was here! Without a doubt we had the best ever workshop and a ton of information from a variety of studios all across the country.]]>user@domain.comVideo2010-05-20T16:33:28-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/75bf997d526214d75b86c59856dd542b-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/75bf997d526214d75b86c59856dd542b-6.html#unique-entry-id-6Animoto for Photography is loaded with features designed to support the unique needs of businesses. In addition to Animoto's regular features, you can remove Animoto branding, create unlimited dvd-quality videos, add a custom call to action button at the end of videos and access over 500 free-to-use songs.]]>user@domain.comSales2011-08-02T10:47:30-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/d93af9847d43a7b5f74f6abbd2c0e5e1-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/d93af9847d43a7b5f74f6abbd2c0e5e1-5.html#unique-entry-id-5Acquiring clients is only the first step of marketing and selling professional photography; successful studio owners know that satisfactory selling requires interaction with consumers prior to the portrait session.]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-07-19T11:27:29-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/8395ac941bf0a4199db73da57246f8de-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/8395ac941bf0a4199db73da57246f8de-4.html#unique-entry-id-4Build summer profits and help a deserving charity with Marathon’s Help Us Create a Masterpiece promotion.]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-07-12T11:24:25-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/71c09af5d144ee3d92389042146b91c7-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/71c09af5d144ee3d92389042146b91c7-3.html#unique-entry-id-3Marathon’s Best Friends promotion is affordable, easy and effective.]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-07-05T11:20:06-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/267829e233b897d801748894d3053a93-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/267829e233b897d801748894d3053a93-2.html#unique-entry-id-2Marathon’s Enchanted Summer promotion is affordable, easy and effective.]]>user@domain.comClient Acquisition2011-07-28T13:27:07-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/7e2431ba22a575533c0b04ad6ab69c08-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/7e2431ba22a575533c0b04ad6ab69c08-1.html#unique-entry-id-1When you are out and about in the community, you probably encounter subjects you would like to photograph for any number of purposes . . . to use as studio or advertising samples, competition prints, or simply to practice new techniques on an interesting subject or group.]]>user@domain.comMarketing Campaign Idea2011-06-27T13:26:00-05:00http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/e766898bce98b801699455d938a9b9fc-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://blog.marathonpress.com/files/e766898bce98b801699455d938a9b9fc-0.html#unique-entry-id-0Marathon’s Dog Days of Summer promotion is affordable, easy and effective.]]>