In our last post we introduced augmented reality: a new technology that uses computer generated images to blur the lines between what’s real and what isn’t. Augmented reality devices and applications are wildly popular across Europe, but at Madison+Main we’re excited about the Richmond-based augmented reality app that was just released by Scott Harris and his team at ReelVR. “I like to think of augmented reality apps as QR codes on steroids,” says Scott Harris of ReelVR. “This code actually communicates with you; there is an interaction between the user…

By Sarah Dawes, Client Services Coordinator aka @SDawesie What is it? “At Madison+Main, we know the difference between what’s new and what’s next.” We’ve been living by this phrase at Madison+Main since the very beginning, which might be why we’re all completely jazzed about augmented reality: a new technology that uses computer generated images to blur the lines between what’s real and what isn’t. Considered to be an extension of virtual reality, augmented reality differs by actually enhancing one’s current perception of reality. While virtual reality replaces the real world with…

Beginning March 30th, Facebook is making its new Timeline mandatory for all users and pages. Yikes.

Judging from the reaction around the social media world, “change” is not something everyone likes. However, businesses should not be fear the changes but embrace them. These new FB formats will help them more easily market and manage your brand message. Here are some tips from the team at Madison+Main, so your company is well prepared.

The playbook of advertising is constantly evolving and in many ways is turning inside out. Facebook has augmented the social web experience in ways we never imagined a decade ago. The amount of content available for immediate sharing is overwhelming. In time, marketers learned that social sites would provide the widest audiences possible, so they started an outbound marketing strategy by flooding YouTube and Facebook with ads. Sounds like a good idea, right?  After all, that is where most people spend their time online. Not necessarily. These channels are a…

On December 7, 2011 the employees of Madison+Main decided to take a more somber tone for their December field trip by visiting the Virginia War Memorial and taking part in the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. During his poignant keynote speech, Governor Bob McDonnell acknowledged six surviving Virginians who were stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; George Bland, Max Green, Charles Haessig, John Lopinsky, Joe Nuckols and Bill Thornton. A highlight of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day for us was hearing the story of Colonel Van T. Barfoot’s heroism in Italy in 1944. The…

At Madison+Main, we like to mix in a little fun at work. On Thursday, October 27th, we held our 2nd annual employee Chili Cook Off and invited some our clients and agency partners to come by and judge our best efforts. Competition was fierce, as the main-iacs worked hard to take home the big prize. So late Wednesday evening, Dave concocted his “Burns Twice” chili, Josh engineered his “An Italian Name No One Can Decipher” dish, Mike executed his risky “Chicken Chili”, Katie devised her “Too Hot to be Chili”,…

Building an online presence via Google+ is now possible for more than just individuals. The social-networking site launched “Google+ Pages” today as a means of providing profiles for businesses, brands, places, teams and other non-entities. Page holders enjoy most of the same features that are included in personal profiles but are allowed additional features like “direct connect,” where users can type a “+” symbol into Google before a business name and be instantly directed to that business’ Google+ page. Google+, which moved out of its beta testing phase in late…

The Amazing Raise has come to Richmond. This 36-hour online giving challenge encourages supporters to come together and raise money for local nonprofits. The event began at 6 a.m. today and lasts until 6 p.m. tomorrow, October 6. The goal is to raise as much money as possible in 36 hours for hundreds of area charitable organizations. The Madison+Main-iacs are proud supporters of the Central Virginia Chapter of the National MS Society, who are celebrating  their 55th birthday. What better way to help them celebrate than with a $55 (or…

As many of you know, Madison+Main is committed to working towards a world free of Multiple Sclerosis. And as a big supporter of the Central Virginia Chapter of the MS Society, we have volunteered our time and services to help promote their fundraising events. This past spring, several of the Madison+Mainiacs took part in the MS Walk, and our very own Art Director, Jeff Smack, participated in the MS Ride, a two-day, 150-mile bike ride from Richmond to Williamsburg and back. Jeff not only surpassed his fundraising goal of $1,000,…

According to a recent survey in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, only half of the 150 charities surveyed were generating any revenue from social media. Bucking the trend was the National MS Society, which raised an impressive $4.3 Million in 2010, directly through social media. We all know that social media is vital in today’s marketing world, but how do you achieve similar results for your business or non-profit? During the last few years large corporations jumped on the social media bandwagon, but more small businesses and non-profits are recognizing the…