Elixir Interactive Predicts Sales Growth for Retailers Using Search and Social Media this Holiday Season

(PRWEB) November 16, 2008 -- Elixir Interactive, a leading digital marketing agency headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, predicts retailers actively using search and social media as an increasingly significant component of their overall marketing strategy will see significant gains over competitors clinging to traditional direct marketing tactics this holiday season. Elixir Interactive cited trends amongst both consumers and local businesses to affirm this prediction.

"Consumers are more digitally savvy this holiday season than ever before," said Sean Warren, VP of Sales and Marketing at Elixir Interactive. "They are using web and mobile technologies because online shopping is convenient and provides quick access to the best deals in these tough economic times. If retailers want to maximize their sales and growth potential this year, they need a strategic digital marketing plan to effectively reach their target market."

Elixir identified Fairytale Brownies, a Phoenix-area bakery that took their direct-mail brownie selling business online several years ago, as a local company using digital marketing to generate growth. Natural and paid search techniques, including website optimization and pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements, have been used by Fairytale Brownies to attract potential customers to their business. For the fiscal year ending in June 2007, 59 percent of the company's orders came from their website. One year later, at the end of the fiscal year in June 2008, 62 percent of the orders were conducted online.

This year Fairytale Brownies began a social media campaign, complete with a blog on their website and an expanded presence on other social websites, such as Facebook. Consumers are using these interactive tools to read reviews from other consumers, connect with companies for additional information and as a mechanism for receiving timely customer service. Building brand equity and energizing the company's most enthusiastic customers to promote their brand online are key benefits for businesses. "We're very committed to it," said David Kravetz, co-founder of Fairytale Brownies. "It's still evolving, and we want to stay one step ahead of our direct competition."

By increasing the buzz for a company, businesses expect to see increased sales as a return on their investment in interactive marketing. "I definitely think it will be [a driving force for sales this holiday season], because more and more people are getting recommendations online," Kravetz said. "People are going to rely on those reviews to make their purchasing decisions."

About Elixir Interactive:
Elixir Interactive is a digital marketing agency that focuses on search and social media. For the past five years, Elixir Interactive has helped businesses build and grow their customer relationships online from their headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. They offer a full-suite of interactive marketing services that help companies extend the reach of their brand, better understand customers, and connect with targeted audiences. For more information about Elixir Interactive, visit http://www.elixirinteractive.com or call (602) 494-6326.