In less than four weeks the end of 2009 will be upon us, and what a year it's been! This is definitely a time for reflection on the year that's past, but it's also a busy time as everyone shifts up a gear to tie up all the loose ends before the New Year. Here at AlterSage, the team is also busy wrapping-up client campaigns and projects in time for year end.

What We're Up To

AlterSage recently got involved with Donate an Hour, an initiative close to our hearts. In short, Donate an Hour is a campaign that chooses an initiative every year for which it tries to make a difference by utilising various online channels. In order to raise money, Donate an Hour asks organisations to donate a billable hour to the cause at hand in order to make a difference.

This year (2009/2010) the chosen initiative is Huis Luckhoff, a care facility for the aged and destitute in Rosebank, Cape Town. Even though Huis Luckhoff is partly subsidised by the Department of Social Development the home is R500,000 in debt and through the Donate an Hour campaign we aim to help raise this amount to ensure that: further nursing staff won't be retrenched, to see to desperate maintenance around the building and to ensure that the elderly residents will continue to receive proper care. Most of the residents have no relatives and the Home is all they have. So please help us make a difference in their lives.

There is an online form on the website with all the details needed to make a donation. All pledges (both corporate and individual) will be credited on the website.

Out and About

October's 27 Dinner took place at the Societi Bistro in Orange Street on 27 October and the venue was packed with industry peers networking and catching up. The photos of the event can be seen here.

Client News

We are currently managing an exciting social media campaign for one of our clients, Taj Cape Town. There are loads of exciting giveaways if you're in the Cape Town area! Prizes include spa treatments, restaurant vouchers and even a two-night stay incl. Dinner, B&B at the luxurious Taj Cape Town. Join their Facebook fan page or follow them on Twitter to ensure you are in-line to win one of these fantastic weekly prizes!

Industry News

Every brand needs a presence on the World Wide Web and a website fulfils this function. Google handles about 235 million searches per day, up from 500 000 searches per day in 1999. This is an indication of how consumer search behaviour has changed. South Africa's Internet usage has shown steady growth over the last few years. Even with high Internet prices and slow bandwidth, year-on-year growth indicates cheaper Internet will fuel South African Internet usage even further. Is your website working for you?

Interesting Reading

In 'The future of the Web: Where will we be in five years' Cameron Chapman discusses the future of the World Wide Web. Whilst no one can say for certain what is going to happen in the future, Chapman makes certain predictions based on indicators and trends. According to him social media and applications are going to be popular for a long time to come. A definite must-read!

'Ten Things Social Media Can't Do' discusses ten important points any brand has to consider before implementing a social media strategy. If you are planning to use social media or already are, take a look at this article, or contact us to discuss your options in a personal consultation.

The Last Word

The AlterSage team will take a short break at the end of the year and our offices will be closed from 18 December - 04 January. But never fear, all our campaigns will be completed and uploaded prior to closing, and all PPC campaigns will continue to thrive throughout the period under the watchful eye of their dedicated campaign manager!

We have seen that a few of our clients are planning their 2010 marketing campaigns during the next few weeks. If you would like a personal consultation to discuss your 2010 online marketing campaign strategy and budget, be sure to book yours asap as available space is limited.

See the possibilities,
Christine and the Sages