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Feeling the Vibe on the Value of Digital Media

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Kristen Ackerly

Kristen Ackerly, Co–Editor in Chief

Communicate with them as you would someone in person. Stay in touch and that will put your business ahead of the others. – Kristen Ackerly

In 2005, Kristen Ackerly and Diana Ackerly, two sisters from Westchester County, NY, began a media company called Feeling the Vibe. The company consists of three different facets including Feeling the Vibe Digital Magazine, Westchester Connect Digital Magazine and Feeling the Vibe Design & Marketing. The objective of the magazine is to bring young readers good messages through great music and lifestyle pieces. Ever since, the company has blossomed into a community of hundreds of thousands of readers connecting with their love of music. Editors of the magazine have been invited to review major headline acts, interview legendary stars, and attend Broadway shows. The magazine has worked with major stars such as John Stamos, the Beach Boys, the Days of Our Lives cast, Drew Steeley, Lauren Conrad, Jesse McCartney, Executive Producer (The Voice, Apprentice, Survivor) Mark Burnett, and many more.

Diana Ackerly

Diana Ackerly – Co-Founder, Co-Editor in Chief

For the company, it is extremely vital to be up-to-date on where the industry is moving in order to bring clients the top value. “Our unique mix of media publications and web design/internet marketing services help us to see what people are reacting to,” Kristen said. “And how in turn it will help our clients.”

As a whole, Kristen describes the digital media landscape as being “an imperative part of business.” Not only do you need to be in the presence of a group of people, as a business owner, but also a group of targeted people who need your products and services. In this way, social media communities are an ideal way to find potential clients who want to hear from you. “Communicate with them as you would someone in person,” she said. “Stay in touch and that will put your business ahead of the others.”

The digital era has both changed and enhanced advertising; ultimately, opening the doors for all business owners but more specifically businesses with smaller budgets. This allows these companies to advertise online and compete instead of being shut out by high costs of print and television advertising. “The fact that you can measure results through digital media marketing puts it ahead in helping a business to see what truly works,” said Kristen. Digital marketing has given their company the opportunity to see exactly which ads online lead to a sale, a phone call consultation, or even an email signup. “By knowing which advertising techniques work, we help businesses continue to build their success.”

How has digital media helped your business get heard in a world of corporate giants with deep pockets?

Rick Bakas on Effective Digital Marketing

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“The rise of the social web and app culture forced the ad world to adapt or to die.” – Rick Bakas

The times have changed and the digital era is turning the Internet as a central medium for marketing. For Rick Bakas, this tactic is essential. Bakas Media, which was started in 2010, was not only to work with clients on social branding needs but also to assist with developing tools and emerging social sites (or apps) through advisory roles or investing. Ultimately, allowing them to own the channels as well as using them for clients needs.

What is Bakas Media doing different to beat the crowd and stay ahead of technology? Their main focus is mobile 24/7. “Everything we do is designed for the mobile experience,” said Rick Bakas. “Desktop, second.”

Something new in the digital landscape that he believes to be notable is video commerce. This is the notion of using video content in order to promote, sell and support commercial products on the Internet. “They embed a store into a viral video, and wherever the video goes, the store goes with it,” he said. “It makes my job a lot more fun when I add that tool into the mix.” According to Bakas, this slowly merging idea will soon be the next big thing. “Nobody has caught on to it yet,” he said. “But I’m seeing conversion rates as high as 7.2% for sales and lead gen for clients and companies using video commerce.”

The advertising world is certainly shifting since the way people communicate is changing. “The rise of the social web and app culture forced the ad world to adapt or to die,” said Bakas. What it really comes down to is that these digital marketing agencies need to know what they’re doing. The companies succeeding are the ones that know how to execute, how to bill clients and how to deliver what the clients want.

 

Summit Takeaways: On Time Transport

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On Time Transport, Inc., a local luxury car service in White Plains, attended the Westchester Digital Summit and overall had a remarkable experience. The company set up their own booth and held high expectations of the event itself.

“We were expecting to expand our knowledge and get more information on how the new era of social media will impact and help our business.”

On Time Transport, Inc. is recognized for providing local, domestic and international ground transportation throughout the NY tri-state area. Prior to the conference, On Time Transport, Inc. sponsored their limousine services for the clients and guests who were attending. They handled these arrangements in addition to having a booth.

What was something that the company took away from the conference, aside from the free coffee and trinkets?

“We enjoyed the guest speakers and meeting new people at the trade show booths.”

Throughout the entire event, On Time Transport, Inc. was not only pleased with the guest speakers but also with encountering new people at the other booths.

At On Time Transport, Inc., social media has immensely impacted their business and makes it relevant and accessible to those who need an escort service immediately. They believe it’s important to attend events, such as the Westchester Digital Summit, because it is an opportunity to network, grow and learn about the social media world.

Looking ahead, On Time Transport, Inc. hopes to continue to gain further insight on how social media affects the day-to-day life.

Jeff Pearlman’s Thoughts on the Inaugural Westchester Digital Summit:

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Jeff Pearlman, who writes for Sports Illustrated and whose books have been named as a New York Times Best Seller, was beyond satisfied with the Westchester Digital Summit. Seeing as he spends most of his days in coffee shops writing, he was uncertain and rather hesitant on what to expect as a speaker on panel one. So he dressed for the occasion and made his way to the Westchester County Center, which is located in White Plains, NY. Before panel one kicked off, he recalls sitting in the green room, which was quiet and stilted. He thought to himself that this might be dreadful and awkward; however, once he hit the floor the discussion became detailed and mind opening. “I thought it was great,” he said. Pearlman felt extremely confident during the panel while sitting next to Fox News Anchor, Dari Alexander. “I felt like we were the two media representatives,” he said. “And sort of shared a philosophy on Twitter and its impact on the press.” He was immediately blown away by how engrossing and enriching the panel was. “I was bragging about Chris for days afterward,” he said, “just a symphony of joy.” Pearlman finds himself on the cusp of trying to understand the new age of digital media while still holding on to his old school perspectives. The Westchester Digital Summit addressed the importance of social media in the business world. Looking ahead to the next Digital Summit, Pearlman predicts double the attendance. “This thing was amazing,” he said. “And word of mouth is awfully powerful.”  Follow Jeff on Twittter @jeffpearlman