Welcome to Equator Blogs. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
Hello world!
February 25th, 2009 by forsuree-Wasted
February 6th, 2009 by forsureNo, e-waste does not refer to our favourite techy geek after two wine coolers. It’s what our old electronics become when we throw them out as they are obsolete and although it only accounts for about 2% of garbage in landfills, it represents 70% of overall toxic waste (these are American figures taken from here: http://www.dosomething.org).
The environment has always been a passionate topic for me – even oh 15-ish years ago when I was Treasurer of our high school environment committee. And now that I have children environmental concerns have become an integral part of our daily lives. Of course we do the regular every day recycling and turning off lights when we leave a room. But we also went to lengths such as moving to a house half the size of our previous and making it extremely energy efficient. This might sound clichéd but just looking at my children makes me want to do anything I can to help them have a better future.
Because technology evolves so quickly and equipment becomes obsolete in a flash, e-waste is growing into an ever-increasing problem of monster proportions. Also as technology costs less and less we are discarding our old stuff faster. It almost seems as though tech pieces are becoming disposable (how many of us have lost a mobile phone and been just a bit put-out – would that have happened 15 years ago when mobile phones weren’t mainstream?).
So in our biz e-waste is something we can help with. Whenever there is a clean-out of old equipment Equator employees are asked if they want the kit otherwise it is sent to charities so that takes care of the re-using of equipment.
What else can we all do?
To recycle your mobile phone: http://www.tradeinmymobile.co.uk/consumer/index.asp some models even get cash for recycling (or £2 to Save the Children).
To recycle all other electronic items can be dropped off at local Designated Collection Facilities (find yours here http://www.recycle-more.co.uk/banklocator/banklocator.aspx). There is no cost for dropping the goods off and the DCFs make sure that the items are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.
Or hang on to that piece of technology just a little bit longer. Who needs the latest mobile phone when polar bears are dying? (I do realize this is an extreme way of thinking btw but I think this is what we are going to have to do to move toward). As Greenpeace says, the best way to handle the e-waste is to not produce the dangerous chemicals in the first place.
We can support this by buying products from manufacturers that are committed to removing toxic chemicals from their products. In Dell’s quest to become “the greenest technology company on the planet” that exactly what they’ve done. Furthermore they have committed to eliminate 20 million pounds of desktop and laptop packaging over the next four years through revolutionary packaging methods.
Let’s all do our part – at home and at work.
Blogger me Green
January 6th, 2009 by forsureWith the move beyond traditional (can we call it this now?!) CPM advertising, advertisers are grasping at any method they can to get eyes looking at their brand. One of these is advertisers approaching popular bloggers to get a mention. I’m not talking about the I’ll-send-you-a-sample-and-if-you-like-it-then-write-it-up concept. Totally fair, totally straightforward and for the most part blog readers know this is widely done.
Where this gets a little blurry is on the ethics of bloggers accepting compensation for mention. It kind of follows along the line of advertorials, with the main difference that advertorials must be labeled as such. So do we regard this blogging for cash concept as a new way forward for online advertising, filling a need? Or is it simply unethical?
The good girl in me is screaming “this can’t be right”. The whole idea of blogging is to get people’s unadulterated opinions. With compensation there is an inevitable sway in position. People are looking for a relationship with the “truth” hence the popularity of blogs to begin with. But I know several bloggers who give mention for the sake of selling advertising on their space – its part of the package. I suppose this is where the line starts to get blurry. And this is also where peeps like be-a-magpie.com step in, making the whole process easy while trying to bring it mainstream. I can’t help but speculate… were the beginnings of affiliate marketing not similar?
And people are using blogs now for so much more than just expelling their thoughts and opinions. Exhibit A is the Equator blog and with that comes a sign of the times and the evolution of blogging. So why not monetize it? Let’s face it – the mere popularity of the blogosphere opens it up to commercialization. Where there are people there’s advertising potential. So let’s sink our teeth into this meaty opportunity and grab hold of some eyeballs before the next guy gets ‘em. But that might just be the bad girl in me talking…
I guess the issue is long-term considerations. Something to consider is that I would assume over time the blog would also lose credibility. Kind of like when a magazine lists a product as one of its favourites then you happen to spot the full page ad 20 pages down. Whether their product review was spot on or not I naturally discredit the product. But that doesn’t stop me from buying the magazine again. I would think the key to using this method of advertising is to properly intersperse ads within worthwhile content for long-term sustainability.
The Ole Switcheroo
January 6th, 2009 by forsureAfter a bit of a hiatus I’m now back at work, proudly displaying a picture of my bouncing baby boy:
So Fifi McAffiliate and I have pulled the ole switcheroo. While she’s taken over Affiliate Marketing, I’ve gone on over to media. Loving it so far and it will mean that I’ll be blabbering (not baby style I hope) about media stuff instead of affiliate stuff.
Bhs – a merchant who just gets it
March 14th, 2008 by forsureOK highlighting a mistake or a problem is not usually the way most people go about things. However, I’ve just been working with a merchant who gets affiliate marketing – even though they’ve only just launched their programme – and wanted to tell a positive story. We had given an affiliate partner a discount code and were contacted by her to say there was something wrong with it. Bhs looked into it immediately and at first found nothing. The next day the error was spotted – the IT team had misspelled the voucher when they created it. Having fixed the error right away, Bhs contacted us immediately, issuing huge apologies with an offer to extend the voucher and refund their customers directly the discount they should have received.
Now mind you, as with most errors, it is not an ideal situation. But here is a great example of a merchant who understands the importance of 1) the traffic generated by our affiliates and 2) the relationship we have with our affiliates. On top of that they are a pleasure to work with, are open to ideas and I think this is the beginning of a bea-u-tiful relationship!
Bhs Launches Exclusive Wedding Range
February 21st, 2008 by forsureJust a bit of a heads-up that Bhs is introducing their new wedding range, available online tomorrow February 22nd. They are marketing it as “Pure Elegance, Couture meets the high street” with the Art of Elegance created by designer Elizabeth Emanuel.
It’s well known that Bhs has a great range of wedding gowns, accessories and shoes, not to mention pretty bridesmaid dresses, pageboy outfits and stylish groomswear. The brilliant news is that Bhs now has an exclusive new range called Art of Elegance created by designer Elizabeth Emanuel.
The dresses in the collection are made from only the very best fabrics with gorgeous details. The four styles are made of soft tulle, beautiful satin and delicate organza with intricate diamante detail. With all the gowns in the collection priced at just £495 in sizes 8-16, brides who love to shop on the high street can now buy themselves a little couture-style for their wedding day, at just a fraction of the price online.
You will be able to find the deeplink to this page in your management area on Affiliate Window or CJ and please do let me know if you need any more info for this range or any other.
One Affiliate Marketing Co-Ordinator with a side of fries please!
February 19th, 2008 by forsureKnow of any Affiliate Programme Co-ordinators looking to affiliate programme co-ordinate? Equator is looking to hire someone who has the right attitude and skills but we’ll train you up for the experience part. Unless, of course, you are already an Affiliate Manager Extraordinaire! In either case please contact us and we’ll chat. martin at eqtr.com or tara at eqtr.com
The fries are just my pregnant belly crying out for more any chance it gets…
Ramada Jarvis Update and Voucher Code
February 10th, 2008 by forsureJust some updates on the Ramada Jarvis programme, starting with a voucher code:
Stay 2 Nights, Save 15% with Special Code!
Ramada is offering out a special voucher code for 15% savings on a 2 night stay. This code will be active for all bookings made in February for stays up until August 31st 2008. Please have your customers enter OTASR2 in the promo code box to redeem this fantastic discount.
Ramada Manchester: Injection of £18 million
The Ramada Manchester Piccadilly has just undergone a £18m refurbishment. The updating is nearly complete and we thought we would offer you a sneak peek at the page that Ramada Jarvis will be using to promote the property which is due to open 1 April 2008: www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/manchester. Deals at the fabulously trendy property will start at £59 per person per night. The hotel will now be the most up to date and largest Ramada hotel in the
UK offering up 280 bedrooms, all of which have been completely redesigned with flat screen LCD TVs, crisp cotton linens with billowy soft new pillows and comfy duvets. The beautiful new Arts & Grill restaurant on the third floor secures stunning views overlooking Piccadilly gardens as well as mouth-watering modern cuisine. And the fun and friendly bar offers up fantastic laid-back atmosphere to unwind.
2 Nights B&B with Dinner on the First Night
Another promotion going on this month is the package deal for 2 nights stay from just £119 per couple. This fantastic rate includes a scrumptious breakfast on both mornings PLUS dinner on the 1st night. Customers can easily make it a family break as children stay free when sharing with two full paying adults. The deal can be booked for Monday-Sundays until March 31st 2008.
Ramada’s Fabulous Country Collection
Ramada Jarvis offers the best of both city and country stays. This month our focus is on escapes to our country retreats. We have six properties to choose from starting at £85 per person B&B. Guests enjoy exploring natural beauty spots with strolls through private grounds, free use of the Health Club with pools, spa baths and exercise equipment, and afternoon tea in the lounge. Our country collection includes properties in:
Ascot – The Royal Berkshire Ascot – from £90
Near Bristol – Ramada Grange – from £90
Burton upon Trent – Ramada Newton Park – from £85
Gloucester – Ramada Bowden Hall – from £105
Newbury – Ramada Elcot Park – from £95
Fairfield Manor in York from £112
You can find deeplinks to each of these hotels in your management area on Buy.at or Tradedoubler.
January Banner Competition
Closing up the January banner competition for a £300 and a £200 cash prize for top banner sales we would like to thank all those who have participated. Winners were contacted last week and congratulations!
That’s it for now – next update in March!
Bhs Launches!
January 28th, 2008 by forsureOhhhhh I’m so excited that we have just launched the Bhs affiliate programme!!! It’s on Affiliate Window and Commission Junction and it’s going to be great! Here’s a bit of stuff about them:
As you likely know, Bhs is a well-known retailer that offers stylish fashion and homewares at prices that represent outstanding value. They have been recently revamping their site to include:
• A wide range of womenswear
• The latest in menswear
• The tammy line for 8 -16 year old girls with ever changing ranges
• Cool and cute childrenswear including sleepwear and schoolwear
• A wide range of homeware – indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, accessories, beds and bedding, kitchenware, dining, bathroomware and curtains
• Weddings with bridalwear, lingerie, bridesmaid dresses, menswear, pageboys, accessories and shoes.
Bhs is paying an introductory commission of 8% on all sales however please note this rate will change on April 30th 2008. Commission will be 5% thereafter.
As a launch initiative we are giving away £25 Bhs in-store vouchers to the first 10 affiliates to put up a Bhs banner or link (site or PPC). Please email your link, address, phone number and affiliate ID to tara@eqtr.com and I’ll let you know if you’ve won.
We will be offering more competitions, bonuses and vouchers throughout the year and a feed will be up shortly – we’ll let you know as all this happens. Also, as ever please just let me know if you need anything to help you promote this fantastic retailer.
Bhs
December 21st, 2007 by forsureWell well well as we round up near Christmas we’ve got something special spinning around in the Equator cogs. We’re warming up to launch the Bhs affiliate programme. We’re just in the testing stages now and it’s set to be a whopper! Be prepared to hear about this one as soon as the new year hits - it will be on Affiliate Window and Commission Junction paying out a launch rate of 8% (which will turn to 5% 3 months after launch). We’re also launching with some quick prizes to win. If you’d like me to contact you when it launches please just post a comment or email me at tara(at)eqtr.com
Happy holidays everyone from snowy snowy cold Canada!!!