“We are constantly amazed at Judy’s continuous influence in the industry and are thrilled when she is recognized for it,” said Jeff James, Vista14 Creative Technologist. “We are so very grateful to work alongside such a devoted and compassionate individual!”

In addition to serving as the president of Vista14, Lakin is currently a board member of PickleJar, serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston, on the Executive Board for Houston Media Classic, as Director of the SnowDrop Foundation, as a Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and as an esteemed member of the Country Radio Board of Directors. Past experience includes roles at Cox Media Group, Clear Channel Radio and New York Life. Lakin continuously maintains a successful track record of experience in high-profile leadership positions with nationally recognized sales achievements from the media, marketing and advertising industries.

“This is truly humbling to be recognized among such an esteemed group of accomplished individuals,” Lakin said. “I am honored.”

As Vista14 President, Judy Lakin works to expand overall growth and services across key practice areas and disciplines including marketing, advertising, corporate communications, data, analytics and media. Vista14 strives to bring out the best in all their clients’ brands, and Lakin helps make this happen.

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About Vista14 Holdings:

Vista14 is a team of brand, creative and development experts with innovation at the core of our business values. We focus on loyalty, conversion and activation of the end customer throughout their journey with our client’s brand. Founded on the core principle of convergence, we deliver a high-level of creativity, strategic thinking, organization and in-depth understanding of proven marketing and advertising techniques to create truly compelling content and successful online and offline campaigns. From startups to accounting firms to restaurateurs, we share a common goal with all our clients – to bring out the best in their brand. Learn more at Vista14.com.

About the American Advertising Federation (AAF):

AAF-Houston is the local chapter of The American Advertising Federation (AAF). Established in 1905 and headquartered in Washington, DC, AAF is the only organization that represents all facets of the advertising industry and acts as the “Unifying Voice for Advertising.” AAF is divided into Regions and Districts. AAF-Houston is in the Central Region and District 10, which includes all AAF clubs in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Northwest Louisiana. AAF has 100 corporate members that comprise the nation’s leading advertisers; advertising agencies; media companies; a national network of nearly 200 local clubs and federations representing 40,000 advertising professionals; and more than 200 college chapters with more than 5,000 student members. Visit www.aaf.org for more details.

The post VISTA14 PRESIDENT, JUDY LAKIN, NAMED AAF-HOUSTON’S 2023 LIVING LEGEND appeared first on Vista14.

Why, you ask? Let’s dive a little deeper.

First and foremost, understand that your bounce rate does not generate any income. Sure, there are instances where the two are connected, but more often than not, your bounce rate has little to no affect on revenue-creating results (conversions) or an increase in sales for your business.

Does your website contain a blog? If so, that is probably contributing to an increased bounce rate. Contrary to popular marketing belief, a blog almost always increases your bounce rate primarily because the nature of blog readers is to read and then leave. They have no intention of lingering or taking action once they have finished reading what they came for. The important number to look for in terms of your blog is the number of visitors. Even if they only remain on your site to read the most recent blog, odds are they will come back to your blog page time and time again. With that in mind, blogs are a great location to place inbound links.

So, is there any value in looking at your bounce rate? Sure. Bounce rates can help diagnose more specific problems. For example, if one page is underperforming in conversions, a bounce rate can help figure out what exactly is going on. Just remember that bounce rate is a signal and a diagnosis tool, not an end-all-be-all number to stress over.

Looking to gain more insight into your web analytics? Our team is at the ready! Contact us to get started today.

The post Should You Be Worried About Your Bounce Rate? appeared first on Vista14.

“After a spirited season of balloting, our voting members have selected twenty broadcast professionals to join the group of Lone Star veterans who have distinguished themselves in the radio industry,” said Doug Harris, Executive Director of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. “This list of inductees represents award-winning sellers, programmers, on-air talent, and production aces along with masterful ratings and revenue generators across the industry, representing a variety of formats.”

This year’s inductees will be honored at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, Texas on November 6^th, 2021. See the full list of inductees here.

“There is no one more deserving than Judy for this recognition,” said Al Alverson, Vista14 Vice President. “She is one of the best leaders and hardest workers I’ve ever met. She gives her all to every task, big and small.”

Lakin’s distinguished career as a strategic and results-oriented leader includes roles at Cox Media Group, Clear Channel Radio and New York Life. In addition to serving as the president of Vista14, Lakin is currently a board member of PickleJar, serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston, on the Executive Board for Houston Media Classic, as Director of the Snowdrop Foundation, as a Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, and as an esteemed member of the Country Radio Board of Directors.

“I am truly honored to be selected into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame along with an esteemed group of broadcasters,” stated Lakin. “I have been so blessed with working with amazing talent throughout my career.”

Credited as a trailblazer and helping to set the standard for outstanding women in advertising, marketing, and the media, Lakin continuously maintains a successful track record of experience in high-profile leadership positions with nationally recognized sales achievements from the media, marketing, and advertising industries. As Vista14 President, she works to expand overall growth and services across key practice areas and disciplines including marketing, advertising, corporate communications, data, analytics, and media.

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About Vista14 Holdings:

Vista14 is a team of brand, creative and development experts with innovation at the core of our business values. We focus on loyalty, conversion and activation of the end customer throughout their journey with our client’s brand. Founded on the core principle of convergence, we deliver a high-level of creativity, strategic thinking, organization and in-depth understanding of proven marketing and advertising techniques to create truly compelling content and successful online and offline campaigns. From startups to accounting firms to restaurateurs, we share a common goal with all our clients – to bring out the best in their brand.

About Texas Radio Hall of Fame:

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame, led by Executive Director, Doug Harris, honors the broadcasting legends within Texas. Over the years, the organization has built a strong team of advisors to help chart a meaningful, relevant future. Leading with experience, strength, and balance, the organization strives to recognize the contributions of worthy broadcasters in every format, every Texas market, and every job description in which exemplary performance is present.

The post VISTA14 PRESIDENT, JUDY LAKIN, INDUCTED INTO THE TEXAS RADIO HALL OF FAME appeared first on Vista14.

“Judy is truly deserving of her recognition by Country Aircheck, and I am thrilled that she is being recognized,” said Al Alverson, Vista14 Vice President. “Her passion and devotion shine through in every task she takes on, and I am so pleased to be working alongside her and getting to see her hard work pay off.”

In addition to serving as the president of Vista14, Lakin is currently a board member of PickleJar, an emerging peer-to-peer cashless tipping platform for artists and content creators, serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston, on the Executive Board for Houston Media Classic, as Director of the SnowDrop Foundation, as a Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo, and as an esteemed member of the Country Radio Board of Directors. Past experience includes roles at Cox Media Group, Clear Channel Radio and New York Life. Lakin continuously maintains a successful track record of experience in high-profile leadership positions with nationally recognized sales achievements from the media, marketing and advertising industries.

“I am so honored to be showcased as one of Country Aircheck’s “Women in Country,” Lakin said. “I love the work that I do, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that this industry has given me over the years.”

As Vista14 President, Judy Lakin works to expand overall growth and services across key practice areas and disciplines including marketing, advertising, corporate communications, data, analytics and media. Vista14 strives to bring out the best in all their clients’ brands, and Lakin helps make this happen.

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About Vista14 Holdings:

Vista14 is a team of brand, creative and development experts with innovation at the core of our business values. We focus on loyalty, conversion and activation of the end customer throughout their journey with our client’s brand. Founded on the core principal of convergence, we deliver a high-level of creativity, strategic thinking, organization and in-depth understanding of proven marketing and advertising techniques to create truly compelling content and successful online and offline campaigns. From startups to accounting firms to restaurateurs, we share a common goal with all our clients – to bring out the best in their brand.

About Country Aircheck:

In August 2006, Country Aircheck was launched by Lon Helton as a multi-faceted news and information source. Country Aircheck has quickly gained traction with the same quality of widely respected news, analysis and Mediabase-powered charts as those which Helton directed during a 23-year run as R&R Country Editor and Nashville Bureau Chief. He continues to oversee the official Mediabase Country airplay charts.

The post VISTA14 PRESIDENT, JUDY LAKIN, NAMED ONE OF COUNTRY AIRCHECK’S “WOMEN IN COUNTRY” appeared first on Vista14.

With over 6,000 entries received from across the world, the Communicator Awards, an organization dedicated to acknowledging excellence, effectiveness, and innovation across all areas of communication, is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring creative excellence for communication professionals. The awards are administered and judged by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA), an invitation-only member-based organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts, dedicated to recognizing those companies that excel in the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media. Entries are judged on their distinction in creative work and campaign implementation.

“Words cannot express my joy over receiving nine Communicator Awards this year,” stated Judy Lakin, Vista14 President. “It is so gratifying to receive recognition for all of the hard work that our extraordinary team puts in day in and day out.”

This year, Vista14 was honored to receive two Excellence awards, the competition’s highest honor: PickleJar received an Excellence award in General – Entertainment for Mobile Apps/Sites and Astaria Global received an Excellence award in General – Medical/Pharma for Websites. Additionally, Vista14 was recognized with seven Distinction awards: PickleJar received Distinction awards in General – Entertainment for Websites, Features – Best Technical Achievement for Mobile Apps/Sites, Campaign – Social Media for Marketing Effectiveness, and Individual – White Paper for Branded Content. Astaria Global also received Distinction awards in Campaign – Business-To-Business for Branded Content, Visual Appeal – Aesthetic for Websites, and Alpha2EQ received Campaign – Products & Services for Branded Content.

***

About Vista14
Vista14 is a team of brand, creative and development experts with innovation at the core of our business values. We focus on loyalty, conversion and activation of the end customer throughout their journey with our client’s brand. Founded on the core principal of convergence, we deliver a high-level of creativity, strategic thinking, organization and in-depth understanding of proven marketing and advertising techniques to create truly compelling content and successful online and offline campaigns. From startups to accounting firms to restaurateurs, we share a common goal with all our clients – to bring out the best in their brand.

About The Communicator Awards:

The Communicator Awards are the leading international awards program honoring talent in this highly competitive field. The Communicator Awards is sanctioned and judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts, an invitation-only group consisting of top-tier professionals from acclaimed media, communications, advertising, creative and marketing firms. AIVA members include executives from organizations like Amazon, Big Spaceship, Chelsea Pictures, Conde Nast, Critical Mass, Disney, ESPN, GE Digital, IBM, The Nation of Artists, Nextdoor, Spotify, Time, Inc., the Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones, and Wired. To learn more about the AIVA please visit www.aiva.org.

The post VISTA14 RECEIVES HIGHEST RECOGNITION FROM THE 27th ANNUAL COMMUNICATOR AWARDS appeared first on Vista14.

However, this time period can also be viewed as an opportunity to get creative with different sales tactics, product/service offerings and building a stronger presence within your community. Fear and irrational decision-making never helped anyone – especially when it comes to your business. Instead, focus on what you can control, which is working to keep your business running in the highest capacity possible while keeping the safety of yourself and others as a top priority. We’ve compiled a list of ways to keep your business running strong right now so that uncertainty can be traded with productivity, community outreach and positivity.

1. Be Empathetic and Transparent
   • Empathy is critical and your brand’s voice is being scrutinized now more than ever. People will take note of the ways you present your company during this time. From donating to nonprofits to contributing to healthcare workers to simply expressing thoughts and concern on social media, all of these actions help to create a positive reputation for your company as well as build respected relationships with other businesses in your community.
2. Connect with Clients on a Virtual Level
   • Technology is a wonderful thing and can be used for any business, even those that are exclusively service based. Take a note from doctors, many of whom are conducting virtual assessments via video consultations and phone calls. You may also consider refreshing your social media accounts and increasing contactless engagement with new or former clients through video calls, webinars or virtual conferences. It might just take a little thinking outside of the box!
3. Consider Print Materials
   • Sure, we’re all shifting more into the digital realm, but that’s what makes print pieces stand out! Dimensional print pieces, such as brochures or mailer cards, still function as a means of message delivery while also giving the customer an interactive and memorable experience.
4. Consider E-Commerce
   • Maybe you’ve had an online shop for years and are wanting to expand it or maybe you’re looking into the e-commerce marketplace for the first time. Whatever the case, it is important to think of online sales as a chance to build out an additional revenue stream in a way that meets your customers where they’re at right now.
5. Plan for the Future
   • It may still seem out of reach, but COVID-19 will end at some point. With many businesses experiencing a little more down time, right now is the perfect time to carve out a piece of your day and dedicate it to evolving your business or marketing plan and revaluating your budget. Use this time to think about how to grow and pivot your business during the next month or year. It’s important to note that even in a post-COVID world, consumer behavior will shift, and you may see an increasing in digital or remote communication and commerce.
6. Communicate
   • Last, but probably the most vital, COMMUNICATE! Consistent and engaging communication is fundamental, especially during a time where face-to-face interactions are limited. Whether it’s updating your staff on a regular basis or speaking with clients on what changes your company is implementing to adapt to the times, communication is a key component to the longevity of any business.

Try incorporating some of these tactics and see how much they help your business maintain a sense of “normalcy” during these very abnormal circumstances. Remember, we’re all rooting for each other right now and Vista14 is here to help you during this difficult time. Whether to bounce around ideas or potential opportunities, our team is on standby to help anyway we can! Schedule your free consultation here.

The post 6 Marketing Tactics to Implement During COVID-19 appeared first on Vista14.

“It is with great honor and appreciation that we accept this marketing makeover,” stated Erin Green, President of Verify!. “I am proud of our entire team for working tirelessly to drive the value we provide to our clients, while investing in our team and in our community. I am looking forward to all that we can accomplish with Vista14 and Sun Broadcast Group!”

As part of this exclusive package, Verify! will have their entire brand “renovated” by Vista14’s award-winning design and interactive marketing teams, including website design, social media platforms, and visual identity assets. Verify! will also receive customer experience audits, online and offline marketing plans, cross-platform communications, sales enablement, and more from the Vista14 and SBG executives.

“We are thrilled to award this $50K Marketing Makeover to Verify!,” added Judy Lakin, President of Vista14. “Giving back and leaning into businesses during this difficult economic time is a big part of Vista14’s mission.”

Jason Bailey, President and Founder of Sun Broadcast Group added, “SBG is honored to be a part of this fantastic initiative. It truly speaks to the core of who we are as a company, and we couldn’t be happier for the Verify! team.”

Powered by the VeloCiti Program, an optimized marketing model that helps business achieve greater visibility, credibility and relevancy in hyper-local markets, the Brand Impossible Marketing Makeover will give Verify! the boost they need to take on the year feeling more “brand confident” and ready to drive new sales.

About Verify!

Verify! is an industry leading, telecom expense and project management firm, leveraging over 80 years of expertise to meet client’s ever-changing needs. Services include strategic management of voice, data services, cellular services, and more for clients across the nation. Created in 2006, the company was intended to satisfy founder Erin Green’s two key passions – creating a workplace that people would love to work in and providing world-class services to a variety of clients.

About Vista14

Based in Houston, TX, Vista14 is a national full-service agency with an “Inspired by Possible” approach that bridges the interactive, social and traditional mediums. Services include strategy, analytics and creative messaging combined with integrated channel communications and branding to achieve award-winning campaigns and true sales convergence. With clients across numerous industries, Vista14 is a team of experienced brand, creative, development, and advertising experts with innovation at the core of our business values. Visit www.vista14.com for work examples, case studies, and awards.

About Sun Broadcasting Group

Named one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc Magazine three years in a row, Sun Broadcast Group is a national radio network reaching over 250 million listeners through its more than 6,000 affiliates in both English and Spanish-language. With offices in New York City, Boston, Cleveland and Boca Raton, FL, Sun offers ad sales representation, syndication and programming support to producers, hosts and other radio networks nationwide. Its growing program and sales offerings include the Sun Select RADAR® Network, Paul Shaffer’s Day in Rock, The Michael Baisden Show, Express VO, The Jim Brickman Show, MeTV-FM, The Rooster, Country Fried Mix with DJ Sinister and many more.

The post Vista14 and Sun Broadcast Group Announce the Winner of $50K Marketing Makeover Sweepstakes appeared first on Vista14.

With over 6,000 entries received from across the world, the Communicator Awards is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring creative excellence for communication professionals. The awards are administered and judged by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA), an invitation-only member-based organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts, dedicated to recognizing those companies that excel in the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media. Entries are judged on their distinction in creative work.

“I am beyond thrilled to receive not one, but five, Communicator Awards this year,” stated Judy Lakin, Vista14 President. “We’re thankful for the wonderful clients and accompanying projects that we get to work with that truly push us to think more strategically and creatively.”

In 2020, Vista14 was honored to receive three Excellence Communicator Awards, which are presented to entries that receive a 90 or above on a 100-point scale. Work done for Astaria Global received an Excellence award in the category of Campaign-Health, Wellness, & Pharmaceuticals; the “Greatest Moments” video for Red Balloon Studios received an Excellence award in the category of Individual Public Service; and the “Adventures of Tweet D” website received an Excellence award in the category of Websites-General Branding. Additionally, Vista14 was recognized with two Distinction awards, which are presented to entries that receive a 70-89 on a 100-point scale. The first was in the category of Design Features-Overall Design for work done with Centennial Pediatrics and the second in the category of Mobile-General Health & Wellness for the creation, design and development of the BodyPeace mobile app.

About Vista14
Vista14 is a team of brand, creative and development experts with innovation at the core of our business values. We focus on loyalty, conversion and activation of the end customer throughout their journey with our client’s brand. Founded on the core principal of convergence, we deliver a high-level of creativity, strategic thinking, organization and in-depth understanding of proven marketing and advertising techniques to create truly compelling content and successful online and offline campaigns. From startups to accounting firms to restaurateurs, we share a common goal with all our clients – to bring out the best in their brand. 

About the Communicator Awards:

The Communicator Awards is the leading international awards program honoring creative excellence for marketing and communications professionals. Founded by passionate communications professionals over two decades ago, The Communicator Awards is an annual competition honoring the best digital, mobile, audio, video, and social content the industry has to offer. The Communicator Awards is widely recognized as one of the largest awards of its kind in the world.

The post VISTA14 RECEVIES HIGHEST RECOGNITION FROM THE 26th ANNUAL COMMUNICATOR AWARDS appeared first on Vista14.

Below are a few tips and instructions on how to create and implement a successful virtual event:

• Strategize and Plan: Treat the virtual event the same way you would a physical event and plan accordingly. Define your theme, messages, guests and timeframe. But because the event is not an in-person one, thought will have to be given to how you interact with attendees. Strategize how, and with what technology, to best translate your ideas and event outline into an engaging virtual event.
• Get the Word Out: Promoting a virtual event takes a different level of communication than a live event because it requires keeping your audience engaged the entire time leading up to the show. A few ways to do this include a promo video, speaker announcements, agenda teasers, user-friendly registration, commercials, etc. Creating a thorough editorial calendar prior to the event is monumental in making sure enough communication is being put out.
• Post-Event Content: Your virtual event has the opportunity to provide you with numerous valuable content to use post-event. Plan ahead to gather this information, such as presentations, FAQs, quotes from speakers, event analytics and more to use in your marketing plan going forward.
• Continue to Be a Valued Source of Content: This is your chance to use content marketing around your virtual event to build an online presence and community. With more branded content at your fingertips, a continuous stream of post-event interaction can be crafted for your audience. Offering an event recap in the form of an email or blog post, making event presentations available on-demand, sharing audience testimonials, or repackaging content into other usable formats are all ways to keep engagement high.

Virtual events are having a big moment right now, but we believe they will always have a place in a successful content marketing plan. Interested in hosting one? Vista14 can help you with all of your digital marketing needs, including virtual events!

The post Virtual Events Marketing appeared first on Vista14.

Receiving over 2,500 entries, the AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes outstanding work by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media. Categories of entry include audio and video productions, website development and design, branded apps, interactive social media sites and more. The awards are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), which consists of individuals within the production, marketing, communication, advertising, public relations and freelance industries. These judges look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

“With any award, it is always great to see our hard work being showcased and appreciated,” stated Judy Lakin, Vista14 President. “It is extremely gratifying to be able to recognize our team and all of the time they spend crafting great projects. Awards like this are things we are proud to receive, but even prouder to show to clients – new and old.”

In 2020, Vista14 was honored to receive two Platinum AVA Awards, which are presented to entries judged to be among the most outstanding submissions in the competition. One was given for the development of the “BodyPeace” mobile app and the other for the video production of Ticket to Dream’s “Greatest Moments” video. Additionally, Vista14 received one Gold AVA Award, which are presented to those entries judged to exceed the high standards of the industry norm. This award was given for the design and development of the “Adventures of Tweet D” website.

About Vista14
Vista14 is a team of brand, creative and development experts with innovation at the core of our business values. We focus on loyalty, conversion and activation of the end customer throughout their journey with our client’s brand. Founded on the core principal of convergence, we deliver a high-level of creativity, strategic thinking, organization and in-depth understanding of proven marketing and advertising techniques to create truly compelling content and successful online and offline campaigns. From startups to accounting firms to restaurateurs, we share a common goal with all our clients – to bring out the best in their brand.

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