Business Tools for the Toy Industry

Google Analytics. You’ve signed in a few times, it’s working, but now what? Lets dig into what the data is really telling you. Every business and website is different so I’m going to briefly walk you through the basics and let you determine what the data means based on your unique goals and marketplace. But, by walking you through some overall quantifying indicators (like bounce rate) … [Read more...]

If you're like most businesses, building a remarkable product is your primary focus. This is sound logic, because by offering something remarkable, you’ll stand out amongst your competition. What makes your product remarkable? Ultimately, after the marketing smoke clears, the consumer decides if your product is remarkable, through sales. I know, I know...this is common sense, but nonetheless … [Read more...]

This article was originally published in the 2013 Toy Fair Times, and is republished on PlayHappens with permission from the author. A trade association can do what one individual company cannot do on its own – speak with a united voice on behalf of an entire industry to lawmakers, regulatory bodies, NGOs and the media at the state, federal and global levels. Within the Toy Industry … [Read more...]

This article was originally published in the 2013 Toy Fair Times, and is republished on PlayHappens with permission from the author. By David Becker You presented your product to your retail buyer.  He likes it.  A very necessary first step.  Now, he wants a meeting to see what you’ll do to support your brand.   Uh oh... As a toy marketer these days, there is a lot of pressure thrust … [Read more...]

This article was originally published in the 2013 Toy Fair Times, and is republished on PlayHappens with permission from the author. By Brett Klisch For generations, the toy industry was dominated by big businesses with very “corporate” corporate headquarters and production facilities that could clearly be labeled “factories.” Well, in part it’s still like that. But in the age of … [Read more...]

This article was originally published in the 2013 Toy Fair Times, and is republished on PlayHappens with permission from the author. By Craig Weiner, Esq. What do you do if you are a toy company and you learn that counterfeits of your toys are being sold?  This is a common concern for all toy companies, no matter the size.  It is a situation each toy company hopes that it never has to … [Read more...]

Business listings (citations) are not only important to help your website rank well, but essential for your potential customers to find you. Example: Yarn Store An alpaca scarf that I spent weeks knitting last winter was stolen from me this weekend. After bumming out like a big baby, I decided to grow up and move forward. Besides, whoever stole my scarf probably needed it more than me, … [Read more...]

::Marketable Content Edition:: I’d bet my lucky dollar that if you’re on this website, you are indeed creative. Perhaps it comes in waves, great ideas between lulls. Or maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who’s bombarded by creative thoughts all day and into your dreams. Regardless of your creative nature, you still need limitations in order to execute creativity. “creativity is often … [Read more...]

You’ve heard it time and time again, “Content is King!”...the cheesy phrase now makes you cringe. You’re business savvy, punctual and would do whatever it takes to increase your sales. But, what does content have to do with any of that? Everything. E-commerce and online businesses need sales. In order to acquire sales, you need to attain a certain level of traffic. In order to … [Read more...]