older woman using smarthphone

How “Digital” is Each Generation?

Our primary focus at Hanson is user-centered design, and we’re always looking to deeply understand the very specific users and their needs before creating any brand experience. But it’s also useful periodically to take a look at broad audiences in general, and consider how their social characteristics and attitudes might shape their relationship to technology.
Lt. Matthew Hertzfeld is public information office for the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department

Social Media in the Public Sector: An Interview with Lt. Matt Hertzfeld of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department

Last year, Hanson partnered with the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department to develop a beautiful, responsively-designed website, along with a presence on Facebook. They’ve been tremendously successful, thanks in no small part to Lt. Matt Hertzfeld, Public Information Officer. He recently took the time to chat with us about his experience developing the department’s digital properties and some of the lessons he’s learned.
Trade shows are a great opportunity for social engagement

Why Trade Shows are Great Opportunities for Social Engagement

Trade shows have long served as a breeding ground for innovations and relationships. And while many brands and industries have spent decades perfecting their trade show strategies, social media is a relatively new addition to these strategies. As more companies continue to develop an active social presence, many are realizing that trade shows are great opportunities for social engagement. Here are a few reasons why.
Social media panel at the 2013 Sebo Series

Social Economics at the Sebo Series in Entrepreneurship

There’s something so invigorating about being on a university campus, especially when you’re participating in an event to inspire current and future business leaders. That’s what happened last Friday when the Hanson team and over 650 registered guests descended on the campus of Bowling Green State University for the 2013 Sebo Series in Entrepreneurship.
Why Niche Social Networks are Good for Business

Why Niche Social Networks are Good for Business

The social web is huge, and it isn’t going away. But as social media fatigue sets in, a growing trend is emerging: some users are abandoning their larger networks in favor of smaller, interest-based social networks. Here’s why the rise of niche networks makes sense—and why they’re good for business.
5 Things Your Social Media Team Wants You to Know

5 Things Your Social Media Team Wants You to Know

Us social media guys are pretty easy-going. We get to assist clients with some of the most fun projects in the agency. And we really hate to be downers and get all Social Media 101 on you. But it’s also our job to educate people about what being social in a digital world really means—because it’s not always as obvious as it seems. So in case you’re wondering what we consider the key principles, here are 5 things you should know about social media...

Going Social with the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic

I once sold lemonade to Jamie Farr. Or, I tried to. I grew up across the street from Highland Meadows Golf Course, which—if you know anything about Toledo—has long been the home of the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic. It was a tradition of my childhood that every summer for one week, LPGA players and fans took over my neighborhood to have fun and raise money for local children’s charities...
Memes Community and the Evolution of Communication

Memes, Community and the Evolution of Communication

Have you seen the latest Dos Equis commercial? It quips that the most interesting man in the world “has inside jokes with complete strangers.” Beyond the inherent funniness of the concept, it made me laugh for a different reason---the enormous irony that the Dos Equis guy has become one of the most popular memes ever, and the fact that memes are, indeed, an inside joke with complete strangers...
What Being in a Band Taught Me About Marketing

What Being in a Band Taught Me About Social Media

Musicians spend countless hours and dollars crafting their music and the vast---and I mean vast---majority of them fail. The good news is that like most things in life, some of the greatest learning comes from failure. After I hung up my professional musician hat, I realized how similar the marketing life is to the musician life. Here’s what being in a band has taught me about branded social media...