News & Views Press Releases

Press Release May 5, 2004

MarketUP, the Bay Area's new small business marketing network, officially launched a scant four months ago with several clients already under their belt. Using their own strategy for growing start-up businesses, they have logged some astonishing results, winning new clients every month.

Four-month-old MarketUP doubles client base Marketing services startup for small/mid business segment finds success in own tactics

Berkeley, CA (PRWEB) May 5, 2004 -- Marketing services firm MarketUP announced today that they have doubled their original client base since their December launch. The 3D Group signed an agreement last week, joining a growing list that includes other new clients - Tech Solutions Plus (TSP), Pinch Me Films, and Beauty Is Science.

“We set our focus primarily on small and mid-size companies in the business-to-business sector”, stated Ms. Donna Lehman, Founder and Principal Consultant of MarketUP “and we have had the most inquiries from companies that fit that profile. However we now work with a broader spectrum, including a non-profit dedicated to social change through instructional media, and a direct marketing group that is part of a $1billion dollar Japanese skincare and nutritional supplements company. The commonality is that all of our clients are small, growing, and seek first-class marketing support.

The expanding client roster is a result of MarketUP following its own prescription for business development. The website is a key avenue for lead generation, so it’s updated regularly with current projects, new results, and an active Blog. To bring more people to the site, MarketUP launched a monthly tips newsletter called Knowbits in January, which has received a great deal of positive feedback and continues to build their contact database using permission-based techniques.

The team also analyzes their own site traffic daily, makes adjustments for search engine optimization and runs online campaigns such as GoogleAdWords and Overture. In fact, two of the new clients came through the Web, easily providing a clear ROI for the entire year’s online advertising budget.

As Donna explains, “We won’t recommend anything to our clients that doesn’t work. And the best way to test new concepts and tactics is by trying them ourselves first. This is a constantly changing world, and we work hard to keep on top of the best options available – and most cost effective.”

While MarketUP is very excited by this explosive growth, they are also concerned with maintaining a high-quality service for all their clients. The focus remains on getting results for each of them, and they have some great early success stories.

Branching into Non-Profit

Pinch Me Films is a fine example of the power of public relations. The Berkeley non-profit approached MarketUP in February to get assistance with PR and distribution of a documentary on teenage sexuality. According to co-founder Julia Robertson, “We heard about Donna and MarketUP from a mutual associate, who told us about all the great things she was doing for small companies. We had made some contacts on our own, but needed someone concentrating on building name recognition for us full time. We were also looking for a focused plan to really get the word out about our documentary and help us bring in sponsors so we can continue our mission.”

MarketUP developed a short-term strategy to raise awareness via a widely distributed press release on March 29th, and by creating a series of events to support the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy on May 5th. They successfully placed Pinch Me Films as a partner on the National Campaign site, re-worked the organization’s website to deliver clear messages, secured announcements in Bay Area newspapers, local radio and even got the attention of Los Angeles CBS affiliate, KCAL, to come cover the Berkeley “Breaking the Silence of Sex” event. Further developments are pending, and at least one funding sponsor has inquired about getting involved.

Launching a Start-up

A similar set of needs drove Wesley Leung, President of Tech Solutions Plus. “I was searching for professional marketing services specifically for start-ups to help launch a new Bay Area distributorship. I found MarketUP through Google, and felt their message spoke to my needs. After contacting Ms. Lehman, we set up a meeting to share more details of the business, and from that she provided a very clear plan outlining a strategy to achieve our goals. I’ve been very pleased and impressed with the responsiveness of Donna and the team, as well as what they’ve created in such a short time.”

Results: In less than two months, MarketUP delivered an integrated package of marketing services to this GPS-based fleet management company designed to get them off the ground fast. A new site, press release, collateral material, tradeshow support, direct mail and email, and more have brought local and national attention.

Extending a Core

The relationship with 3D Group began with a referral based on Ms. Lehman's experience in human resources consulting. 3D Co-founders Dale Rose, PhD, and Michaela Parks, PhD have established a well-regarded consulting group specializing in 360-degree feedback. They are now positioned for healthy growth, and gave MarketUP the assignment to extend their thought-leadership brand and develop new business.

"We look forward to a long partnership with Donna," stated Dr. Dale Rose, "She already works with an associate, Dr. Charles Handler of Rocket-Hire , and a workforce management solution provider - NEOGOV. The fact that she keeps current with what's happening in our industry is a real bonus."

Crossing into Retail

Beauty is Science is an independent distributor of Japanese anti-aging skincare giant, Noevir. While not a household name in the U.S., Noevir has annual sales exceeding $1billion. The challenge was to get the word out that Noevir was available here, via a newly launched website, and also promote the business opportunity which is a direct marketing model. MarketUP wrote a press release that has received national attention since March 9th: 102,314 views, 824 media outlet pickups, several infomercial producers calling, local press inquiries and increased site traffic. And this is just the start of a marketing program.

Additional Clients
See expanded stories about these clients and others, including online school transcript pioneer Docufide, government workforce management ASP NEOGOV, telecom products and services provider National Telecom Services, and online screening and assessment thought-leader Rocket-Hire.

Vendors interested in becoming part of the MarketUP partner Network or other resources, please contact Donna Lehman directly at (510) 525-1474 or dlehman@market-up.com