FORGE | where ideas take shape

Why Social Media Matters to Your Company by Libby Whittaker

There’s a lot of talk about social media today. It’s quickly becoming obvious that it’s not going away. Social media isn’t a fad––but rather a way we communicate. In 2010, an estimated 96% of Generation Y uses social media. Facebook and Twitter have given marketers a powerful tool to target people in a way that was unimaginable even ten years ago. Companies today are trying to figure out the best way to get involved in the conversation, but often shy away.

How to Select a Website Design Firm, Part 2 by Ben Callahan

Finding an organization with the technical skill to manage your project can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a technical background. The field of website development is constantly changing and growing. Taking the time to find a trustworthy and technically savvy firm will pay it’s dividends many times over.

Marketing: An Investment, Not an Expense by Chad Mullins

This article contains two portions from the fifth presentation by Chad Mullins.

The quote, “I know that half of my advertising budget is wasted, but I’m not sure which half,” is credited to John Wanamaker. These words may have been uttered almost a hundred years ago, but the message still holds true today.

Social Media by Ryan Clark

Social media and email have a broad reach, but they must be focused and targeted in order to be effective. And in order to focus your social media communications you must first figure out the type of conversation you want to have, who you want to have it with, where you want that conversation to take place, and how frequently it will happen.

Online Giving Usability by Ben Callahan

What nonprofit wouldn’t like more money for their organization? Though the process of raising funds may not be pleasant, the reality is that nonprofits need money to run.

Advancements in technology and services can help nonprofits take fundraising to the next level: the Internet. There are many resources that your organization can use to help receive money from donors.

Visually Communicating the Brand by Jeremy Loyd

This article is derived from the second presentation by Jeremy Loyd
Communicating your brand doesn’t stop with the completion of the brandmark or logo. In fact, it never really stops. Absolutely anything––a pamphlet, a sign, an employee, a website––communicates your brand. The technical term is touchpoint, and it’s any way a potential client or donor comes [...]

Effective Brand Messaging by Jän Ostendorf

When presenting the concept of branding, it can quickly get complicated––which is exactly what branding tries to avoid. Upon hearing the word “branding,” some people may think of burning a symbol on a cow’s rear, but it has evolved into something much more intricate and involved over the years.

Free Branding and Marketing Lectures by Maria Norman

Here at FORGE, there’s a little bit of professor in us all. So we relish in any opportunity to give informational presentations. On Friday, April the 12th, FORGE gave a talk that was hosted by the Troy Chamber of Commerce.

How to Select a Website Design Firm, An Introduction by Ben Callahan

Part one of a series of articles with detailed information on how to select a website design firm that you can trust, that knows their stuff, that’s easy to work with and who can give you results.

Education First by Chad Mullins

At FORGE, we understand and embrace the necessary role of educating our clients about branding and marketing. As a small business owner, you must be an expert in your field, not in ours. This article highlights how our approach to education can truly benefit your organization.