Pinterest - It’s an addiction; there have been many nights where I look at the clock and somehow over an hour passed while I was pinning.

This interesting article was shared in the office and it particularly caught my attention, Pinterest: Link Building and SEO Strategy.

Think of Pinterest SEO in terms of linkable image assets. Which image properties do you own that people might want to pin. Pinterest is an aesthetic network: what aesthetic content are you creating? What are the keywords associated with your images?

The article also gives key tactics for SEO on Pinterest: 

1. Getting people to pin pictures of your products by adding the “Pin It” button to product pages.
2. Seeding your site images to topical influencers where they are likely to get spread through “repinning.”

Here’s the question: Is it valuable for companies to invest resources in Pinterest?

I say yes - I recently purchased an item from an online retailer I was unaware even existed before I followed the pinned image’s link. Also noteworthy, Pinterest now comes up in my casual conversations, referencing a great product I or a friend pinned.

-Kristin

This past week was a whirlwind. Wednesday through Sunday, more than six months of work came to fruition at:

The Lone Star International Film Festival

Our team provides marketing, PR and a splash of creative support to the festival. If you didn’t make it out - you missed out because it was a SUCCESS! Check out a DFW.com article and learn for yourself.

Above is a glimpse of opening night: Our friends from Red Productions walked the red carpet to support their film Searching for Sonny along with Nick Krause from The Descendents.

Notice the step and repeat? Thought so; compliments of our production artist, Colton. Colton also put all of the print and web ads together.

Despite the many awesome films, my highlight was meeting the great Willie Nelson! Willie was honored with the Stephen Bruton Award at this year’s gala. In between the red carpet and working with the Star Telegram’s photographer, we managed to get a photo.

It’s a little blurry, but you get the picture (pun intended). 

Want more proof of the festival’s success? There’s a lot, but check out these articles:

• IndieWire
• Art & Seek
• NBC DFW
• The Dallas Morning News

Cheers to the Lone Star team and all the volunteers! Now, let’s gear up for next year.

- Lynaia & Kristin

Masks- As cultural objects they have been used throughout the world in all periods since the Stone Age and have been as varied in appearance as in their use and symbolism.  But we just think they’re FUN!

Bailey and Kristin show off their Boo masks.  You can get yours, too.  Just click here!

The Chain of Love

Setting: Blanchard Schaefer agency lunch

Table Conversation:  “Would you rather have the power to fly if you could only fly 2 inches high, or be invisible all except for one hand?” - Kristin Moreno

Answer:  “That’s easy!  I would choose to be invisible.  I would just put my hand behind my back!” - Ken Schaefer

An interesting white paper from Webtrends and Adgregate Marketers was passed around the agency: The Effect of Social Networks and the Mobile Web on Website Traffic and the Inevitable Rise of Facebook Commerce – It’s a fascinating mouthful.

The study examines what level of promotion is necessary for an organization’s website vs. their Facebook page. Much time could be spent discussing different facets of this article, but I’ll focus on one quote:

It is time for brands and retailers to understand that surviving online is no longer about all-in-one websites, but measuring and improving performance in all the social mobile and web entities.

I am in total agreement. Every organization for-profit and not-for-profit needs to make a shift and be more dynamic, enter social networks and be active participants.

Does this mean the traditional website is done, finito, terminado? No, not necessarily. Personally I’m a fan of the traditional page that provides standard organizational history, contact information, etc. 

That said, I am also quick to judge—or discredit—an organization if their involvement on social networks is weak or absent.

So, how do you judge an organization? Is it more important that an organization has a traditional website?  That it’s involved in social networks? Or, like myself, do you prefer the combination?

~Kristin

I’m sure you’ve already checked out her blog posts, but let me formally introduce BSAPR Intern:

Sterling

Originally from Aledo, Sterling has spent most of the past three years in College Station where she is an Advertising/Marketing student at Texas A&M.

Sterling describes going to A&M as a family tradition. At A&M she is the vice-president of Delta Delta Delta sorority, a member of the Aggie Advertising Club and a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society – Whoop!

About her time at BSAPR Sterling says, “I have been able to participate in strategy meetings, media planning, brainstorming and developing new marketing ideas – I have learned so much!”
 
Her favorite part about working at BSAPR is creative brainstorming and learning how an agency functions day to day.

Sterling - the team is so happy you’re here. Your pleasant, polite demeanor and willingness to jump on any project is only part of what makes you a joy to be around.

Interesting facts about Sterling:

• She has a passion for painting - “I took an art credit in high school, and fell in love. I am most interested in painting and photography.”
• She took a watercolor class in Florence, Italy.
• She has a twin sister.
• She thinks a ninja would win in a fight with a pirate.
• She is a trained opera singer.
• She has never broken a bone.
• She is an avid jumper – bridge or bungee.

Ok, so one of those is not true, can you guess which one?

~Kristin

Her best friend would probably describe her as optimistic, loyal, and loud. Meet Kristin Moreno, BSAPR’s new PR Account Coordinator. 

Kristin attended Baylor University where she majored in Public Relations and minored in Spanish.  Her previous work experience includes internships at The Education Service Center Region 12, Profiles International, and Baylor University’s College of Arts & Sciences.  Kristin grew up in Austin and recommends, “If you’re ever in Austin, visit Magnolia Café for the best migas served 24/7, and go to Mount Bonnell Park for beautiful views.”

Visiting her apartment in Fort Worth? I recommend bringing something to eat.  She claims her refrigerator currently has “a Brita water filter, Greek yogurt, pickles, broccoli, lettuce, and lemons…I need to go grocery shopping.”  You may also find boxes full of photographs and sentimental belongings because she loves taking photographs and scrapbooking.

An interesting fact about Kristin is that she almost always has a notepad with her; she loves to make lists.   The two things that frighten her the most: cockroaches and severe weather.  

When asked how many gas stations there are in the US, she estimates about 500,000 and believes a ninja would win in a duel with a pirate.  She is also currently in the market for a new umbrella.  Kristin claims, “ It’s impossible to surprise me.”  Is anyone up for the challenge?

Everyone who comes in contact with Kristin Moreno instantly falls in love with her infectious smile and laughter.  Blanchard Schaefer is so happy to have her as the new PR Account Coordinator.

-Sterling Smith, Intern