Blog

ODEA Joins ResponsibleSteel

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Why would a marketing firm become a member of a global non-profit whose vision is to maximize steel’s contribution to a sustainable society? Because it is the right thing to do. If you know us ODEA-ites, you know we love to geek out about industries others often consider dull, like steel. We are proud to say we’ve had a steel client, or a few, on our roster for as long as we’ve been in business. We also wholeheartedly support organizations that emphasize the importance of ESG (environment, social and governance) pillars, which we believe are the lens consumers now use READ MORE >>

Meaningful Metrics: Understanding and Using UTM Codes

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In our last blog, we talked about how sometimes the clicks reported by LinkedIn, Facebook or other digital advertising platforms don’t always jive with what you see in Google Analytics. In this article, we are going to tell you about a nifty little tool – the UTM code – that will make it easier for you to track those ad clicks (and more!) through to your analytics. There’s a very good chance that you are interacting with UTM codes, and you don’t even realize it. Once you know what to look for you can spot them hiding in plain sight READ MORE >>

One of These Things Is Not Like the Other: LinkedIn Metrics vs. Google Analytics

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After weeks of hard work, you’re finally to the finish line. Your LinkedIn campaign is set and running. Now it’s time to sit back and watch that hard work pay off as your LinkedIn engagements increase and Google Analytics metrics climb. Break out the bonbons! But as you compare those LinkedIn clicks to Google Analytics sessions, things aren’t matching up. It’s a relatively small discrepancy, but it’s still a discrepancy that has left you scratching your head. The good news? It’s nothing to worry about. The even better news? We have an explanation for the mismatched analytics. It all comes READ MORE >>

Oops, We Did It Again: BOLD Marketing We Admire Part 13

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There are so many milestones over the years that we look back on and smile about. One that immediately comes to mind is the time ODEA’s podcast, Brain Lava, received an explicit rating all because Prez Patty let a curse word (or two) fly. We were so proud in that moment. (*Wipes away single teardrop.) You see, BOLD is what we’re all about. No matter if we’re writing a blog or social post, recording a podcast, creating an ad, or developing an entire brand, BOLD is always a part of our formula. And that sometimes leads to these memorable moments READ MORE >>

Looking For Our Next Out-Of-This-World ODEA-ite!

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We Want You: Graphic Designer WHO WE ARE A small-but-mighty virtual marketing firm with team members spread from Illinois to Ohio to Michigan to Arkansas. We execute branding, marketing strategies and niche projects for (mostly) B2B clients clustered in areas like manufacturing, industrial tech, professional services, family businesses, niche start-ups, etc. Our focus is on brand and storytelling via digital and the free/earned media side of the biz; web, content marketing, media relations, event marketing, nurture, social, marketing automation, etc. We serve as the outsourced marketing department for many of our clients – developing brands, strategies and plans then sticking READ MORE >>

BOLD Marketing We Admire Part 12

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If there’s one thing the ODEA-ites are known for, it’s our love for BOLD Marketing! Our favorite blog of each quarter is back and we think the BOLD is better (and bolder) than ever. While it’s a true struggle to pick just one, we mustered up the strength. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.  Bring on the BOLD! Chelsi’s pick… Skittles Pride Packs Why is it BOLD? We all know Skittles’ brand for its catchy “Taste the Rainbow” tag. But this June, the brand gave their colorful packaging and rainbow-colored candies the boot in honor of READ MORE >>

3 Things to Know Before Working with an Influencer

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When you think of influencer marketing, what comes to mind? Most people jump to beauty bloggers and fashionistas from social media. We’re here to remind you of the bigger picture! Influencer marketing is formally defined as “a form of social media marketing involving endorsements and product placement from influencers, people and organizations who have a purported expert level of knowledge or social influence in their field.” Influencers don’t just exist within the beauty and fashion atmospheres, they’re everywhere! Whether you’re into cooking, sports, organization, or anything in between, odds are there’s an influencer within that realm. These figures are really READ MORE >>

Socially Savvy: 5 Must-Haves for Your Social Media Policy

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There’s no denying that we live in a digital world. And as much as we try to separate our work lives from our personal lives, it’s certainly hard to do, especially online. With more than half of the world on social media, you can find content ranging from a detailed description of lunch to a reminiscent post about vacations past to the adorable furry friend recently added to the fam. You may even find people posting about the company they work for. It’s estimated that 98% of employees use at least one social media site for personal use. And of READ MORE >>

The Lowdown on CDNs: Everything You Should Know to Optimize Your Website

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Hey you! Welcome to our latest blog series, Brain Snacks! In between our longer-form content, we will be incorporating shorter blogs in the mix to give your brain a quick-read to munch on. To kick off our new series, we’re giving you the run-down on all things Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): what they are, how to use them, and why you should know this info!  Waaaay back at the beginning of 2021 (which simultaneously feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago), the ODEA-ites watched a video by Neil Patel on How Digital Marketing Will Change in 2021. We decided to READ MORE >>