What's New

The BLU Group - Advertising and Marketing chosen to strengthen the HSSR brand through website design, social media, and search engine optimization. New website to serve as primary source for program donations and volunteer coordination.

La Crosse, Wisconsin - May 06, 2012
The BLU Group - Advertising and Marketing (TheBLUGroup.com) is proud and honored to announce they were selected by HorseSense for Special Riders (HSSR.org) to strengthen its brand and grow its organization through the design, development, and optimization of a new website and additional strategic initiatives.

The new website features content organized by volunteer opportunities, support and donation capabilities, and an events calendar to keep visitors up-to-date on future events. In addition, HSSR is partnering with The BLU Group to help develop and execute a social media and search engine optimization strategy for the upcoming year.

“HorseSense is a very special and inspirational organization, and we wanted that to be reflected in the new website.” said Tony Roberts, President at The BLU Group – Advertising and Marketing. “In addition to...

The BLU Group - Advertising and Marketing chosen for website design and development to strengthen Features’ brand and drive more traffic to the website, sports bar, restaurant, and bowling alley. Social media, search engine optimization, and e-mail marketing to play a stronger role in 2012 to help achieve goals.

La Crosse, Wisconsin - April 20, 2012
Features Sports Bar and Grill (FeaturesSportsBar.com) selected The BLU Group - Advertising and Marketing to strengthen its brand and grow its business through the design, development, and optimization of a new website that highlights Features’ four key offerings – dining, bowling, sports, and special events. Additionally, Features has charged The BLU Group with leading its search engine optimization and social media strategies for the upcoming year.

“Features is known for putting together some of the most entertaining events in the area and it was important that the new website reflected this commitment to fun and...

Franchise owner partners with The BLU Group - Advertising and Marketing to provide customers with a better overall online experience. Website design strengthens the B.A. Burrito brand and encourages customer engagement.

La Crosse, Wisconsin - April 13, 2012
The BLU Group – Advertising and Marketing recently redesigned and developed a fresh, new website for B.A. Burrito Co. — a delicious and contemporary burrito destination with two locations in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The website now offers customers the option to place orders online, offer their own menu suggestions, and hire B.A. Burrito to cater their next event. In addition to the website, fans of B.A. Burrito will also be kept up-to-date with promotions and “what’s new” through the company’s social media and e-newsletter campaigns.

“We recognize that B.A. Burrito’s customers value convenience and a great burrito. What better way to give that to them than by offering the entire menu online and allowing them to order for pick-up...

Family-owned business hired The BLU Group - Advertising and Marketing to help strengthen their brand and provide customers with a better overall experience online.

La Crosse, WI - March 30, 2012
The BLU Group – Advertising and Marketing recently designed, developed, and launched a new website for Drugan’s Castle Mound, a family-owned golf course, supper club, and banquet destination in Holmen, Wisconsin.

The new website enhances the visitor's experience by giving them the ability easily identify and navigate to the area of Drugan’s business they are most interested in. Each key area of Drugan's is highlighted and designed with content that mirrors the actual experience at Drugan’s Castle Mound. Plus, the golf section of the website features a detailed calendar, including past and future tournaments, positioning Drugan’s as the resource for golfers in Southwest Wisconsin.

“Drugan’s is a great place for getting together—whether it’s a wedding, business meeting, or round of golf and dinner” said Tony Roberts, President and Brand Builder at The BLU Group – Advertising and Marketing. “The new website reflects these areas much better than before and is organized in a way that increases ease of use for...

Wisconsin-based advertising agency expands its Account Services division by adding an experienced client-driven professional.

La Crosse, WI - March 29, 2012
The BLU Group – Advertising and Marketing announces the hiring of Brittany Lough as Account Executive. Lough joined the team March 12, 2012 and will be serving the advertising needs of clients to help them strengthen their brands and grow their business. In her new position, Lough will be responsible for establishing and maintaining highly effective relationships with small-medium sized businesses throughout the United States.

“We have aggressive goals to grow our agency and reach new markets across the country. Brittany will play a vital role in growth of our company and the development of future campaigns for our clients.” said Tony Roberts, President and Brand Builder at The BLU Group – Advertising and Marketing. “I believe her experience working in Los Angeles with the Lakers and dedication to providing our clients with strategic advice and incredible service is just what we need to take BLU to the next level.” said Roberts. "She is going to be a real asset to our company and our clients.”

Brittany has a Communications Degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Her experience in marketing and sales with the Los Angeles Lakers and BDA Sports Management has prepared her well for the fast-paced world of...

La Crosse, Wisconsin-based advertising agency uses intuitive programming and customized content management system to increase website usability and efficiency through multiple user access points and automatic updates.

La Crosse, WI - February 28, 2012
The BLU Group – Advertising and Marketing recently designed, developed, and launched a new website for Northern Elite Football League (NEFL), an Adult Amateur Semi-Pro Football League serving Minnesota and Wisconsin. The new website strengthens the NEFL brand through strong graphic elements, new photography, and individual pages to promote the league’s teams. In addition, the website was developed with a customized content management system that has the capability to be managed by multiple users who have differing access privileges and updates key statistics throughout the site when changes are made.

The Northern Elite Football League joined forces with The BLU Group to enhance the NEFL brand and fan experience by delivering easy access to team schedules, providing up-to-date rankings of statistical leaders, and creating a more cutting-edge image that represents...

Campaign developed by The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing eliminates “The Unknown” through social media, television, billboard, print, website, and e-mail marketing. Wisconsin and Minnesota customers have until March 31, 2012 to take advantage of this offer.

La Crosse, WI - February 23, 2012
The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing recently launched a new campaign for Coulee Bank to promote their limited-time $600 closing costs offer on 15-year home mortgages. Headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin and with branches in La Crosse, Onalaska, Wisconsin, and St. Paul, Minnesota, Coulee Bank is a locally-owned, community bank that provides a variety of products and services for their personal and business banking customers.

The new advertising campaign was developed around some of “The Unknowns” that exist in the world around us. Coulee Bank’s fixed closing costs are not one of them. The BLU Group will be using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, billboard, television, print ads, banner ads, and e-mail marketing to promote this offer to customers in the Wisconsin and Minnesota markets.

“It all begins with a big idea that resonates with Coulee Bank’s target...

New website designed and developed by The BLU Group - Advertising and Marketing, strengthens Caledonia Haulers' brand, highlights service offerings, and allows drivers to apply online.

La Crosse, WI - January 20, 2012
Caledonia Haulers, Caledonia, MN, recently launched their new website to help strengthen the company’s brand nationally, grow their business in the bulk-liquid food industry, and recruit quality over-the-road drivers. The new website, designed and developed by The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing, includes a secure, custom application that allows prospective drivers to apply online 24/7 for the many opportunities that Caledonia Haulers has available.

“Caledonia Haulers has grown from just hauling canned milk to now transporting dozens of food grade products including milk, cream, juice, water, corn syrup, yeast, yogurt, liquid smoke, and more” said Tony Roberts, President and Brand Builder at The BLU Group. “They haul to all 48 states and Canada and have trucks in Florida, New Jersey, and California every week. Future growth plans include a second Midwest terminal and the new website and accompanying marketing should help accomplish this goal sooner.”

In addition to the new online application and detailed information on Caledonia Haulers’ capabilities, the website offers...

New promotion from The BLU Group - Advertising & Marketing provides three free months of website hosting with a standard transfer. Twelve free months of website hosting when accompanied by a website design and development project.

La Crosse, WI - January 05, 2012
The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing recently announced its New Year's website hosting and website design promotion. The new promotion provides businesses of all sizes the opportunity to save hundreds of dollars a year on their website hosting services when they make the switch to The BLU Group. Two great options are available for companies to choose from.

For companies that like their website and are simply looking to save money, this Wisconsin-based advertising agency is offering to transfer their website(s) free of charge and provide three (3) free months of website hosting with the purchase of a full year. With many web services companies charging $25-$30/month for hosting alone, companies can save up to $280/year by switching to The BLU Group for this service.

For companies ready to enhance their online presence by having BLU's award-winning team design or redesign their website, a special twelve (12) months of free hosting is available to them.

“It is our goal to help companies of all sizes...

La Crosse, WI - December 23, 2011
The BLU Group - Advertising & Marketing recently designed, developed, and launched the Life Notes newsletter website. The new website, which includes an online shopping cart, is the second major phase of Life Notes’ roll-out plan in 2011 and is targeted at financial advisory professionals throughout the United States that are looking for a higher quality newsletter program that will help strengthen their brand and connect with their clients.

The monthly Life Notes newsletter is a quick, easy, and powerful way to show clients that their financial advisor understands there is more to being happy than having a strong portfolio. When advisors purchase this program they will receive:

• 12 professionally-designed, smartly-written monthly issues - customized with their company information
• Matching inserts to use for monthly insights, thoughts, market updates, etc.
• Custom, company branded envelopes

“The launch of LifeNotesNewsletter.org represents a huge step for this company and we are blessed to be a part of it,” said Tony Roberts, President and Brand Builder at The BLU Group. “Life Notes is unique in the fact it focuses on helping clients live a balanced life and it is extremely well done – from the writing and design...

New website includes a custom, fully-integrated shopping cart and enhanced content for search engine optimization.

La Crosse, WI - December 22, 2011
The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing recently re-designed, developed, and launched ABEE’s website. The new website includes a custom online shopping cart that is completely integrated into the main site to allow for a seamless experience for ABEE’s customers. In addition, The BLU Group utilized current search engine optimization best practices to help drive organic traffic to the site and will be implementing a monthly SEO program to strengthen ABEE’s online presence, increase sales, and monitor key metrics.

“We are very proud of ABEE's new website and are looking forward to seeing positive results from it,” said Tony Roberts, President and Brand Builder at The BLU Group. “Our web design and development team worked closely with ABEE to ensure that we created an online experience that embodied what they are all about – fun and adventure,” said Roberts.

ABEE, a Wisconsin based company, is a full-service Challenge Course and Canopy / Zip Line Tour company that provides services in adventure education and experiential program design both nationally and...

Save $200 on Registration - Today Only! Camp for Girls Based in Winter, Wisconsin Encourages Families to Give the Gift That Will Benefit Young Women for the Rest of Their Life.

La Crosse, WI - November 30, 2011
WeHaKee Camp for Girls, situated in the beautiful northern Wisconsin town of Winter, is encouraging a different type of giving this holiday season - giving the gift of life-long relationships, confidence, and empowerment to young women. A WeHaKee girl is inspired to become a woman whose life embraces the values of community, compassion, justice, truth, and peace.

WeHaKee Camp for Girls is offering a special, one day registration offer - $200 Off Summer Camp! To purchase what is sure to be an incredible experience for the young woman in your life, visit their website to learn more about what the camp has to offer and then register online. Only a deposit is required at this time to take advantage of this special offer.

"It amazes us how much the single-gender camp environment allows girls and young women to blossom in ways not...

City Specific Websites Created to Increase Backlinks and Position Company for Future Growth in the Midwest and Southwestern Regions - Website Traffic Already on the Rise

La Crosse, WI - November 30, 2011
The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing recently launched twenty-one (21) new websites to strengthen their search engine optimization program, enhance their backlink strategy, and begin their entry into new markets. Specific states and cities were chosen for the initial launch based on their proximity to The BLU Group's headquarters in Onalaska, WI and the company's long-term goal of establishing a second office in the Southwestern United States. Visit ScottsdaleAdvertising.co for an example of the websites.

“Having quality backlinks is a key component of any strong search engine optimization program." said Tony Roberts, President and Brand Builder at The BLU Group. “Our web development team created a series of websites that can easily be duplicated when we want to add a new location. It literally only takes 5 minutes and we can have a new, optimized website for any city we choose." said Roberts.

So why so many backlinks? Backlinks are links that are pointed to your website. The number...

New radio spot and online ordering delivers the gift of savings to the Coulee Region

La Crosse, WI - November 14, 2011
Sullivan’s Supper Club, Trempealeau Wisconsin, is kicking off the holiday shopping season with its annual gift certificate specials.

“A lot of restaurants offer the typical “Get $30 for $25” special so we wanted to do a little more,” said Sullivan’s Owner, Lisa Colombo. “Our patrons can get $30 for $25, but they can also get $60 for $50 and even $100 for only $85.”

Gift certificates can be ordered online at SullivansSupperClub.com or purchased in-person at Sullivan’s.

About Sullivan’s Supper Club - Since 1968, Sullivan's Supper Club has been considered one of the finest restaurants in the area. Located next to Perrot State Park, Sullivan's overlooks the beautiful Mississippi River in the historical town of Trempealeau, Wisconsin. Just a short beautiful ride from La Crosse, Wisconsin or Winona, Minnesota!

A scenic setting is only one of the many wonderful characteristics Sullivan's Supper Club has to offer. Their excellent service and delicious menu are what truly make us one of the best restaurants around. Bring your friends and your family, and join them for a classic dining experience...

New Ad in M Music & Musicians Magazine Marks First Step in New Campaign

La Crosse, WI - October 25, 2011
String Swing, Ontario, WI, is promoting its love for music and dedication to creating high-quality musical instrument displays with a new ad to be featured in M Music & Musicians Magazine.

The campaign, created and developed by The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing, emphasizes the musicians’ and retailers’ desire to do more than just hang their instruments…they want to display them. And when it comes to displaying these musical works of art, nothing beats an authentic String Swing.

“We are very excited about the new CC01K and the opportunity to reach this highly targeted audience through M Magazine,” said String Swing President, Travis Thieman. “This magazine represents the best of the best and that’s what String Swing is all about. High-quality, American-made products, created by people that love what they do.”

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the original String Swing has satisfied millions of music enthusiasts around the world. Its low-profile design is attractive and cradles guitars comfortably and securely. The CC01K is an updated version of the original String Swing. Its narrow fit, deep cradle design ensures perfect placement of instruments in between jam...

New refinance campaign emphasizes savings in interest and monthly payments

La Crosse, WI - September 30, 2011
Coulee Bank, with the help of The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing, launched their new campaign promoting the enormous savings that home owners can experience if they refinance in the near future. Mortgage interest rates are at 50-year lows and people that have an interest rate at 4% or above on their mortgage could save tens of thousands of dollars in interest and/or reduce their monthly payments if they refinance before rates go up again.
 
A bank working hard to help people save money?! You better believe it. This is what makes Coulee Bank better and it’s why customers across the nation are now able to bank with confidence.

About Coulee Bank - Since 1961 Coulee Bank has been providing financial products and services for business and personal banking customers alike. The bank looks to continue their long-standing tradition of excellent service backed by leading-edge products as it ventures into new markets. Visit...

Website design, logo design, and collateral pieces recognized as some of the best in the industry

Onalaska, WI - September 14, 2011
The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing (TheBLUGroup.com) announced today they have been chosen as an eight-time winner in the 2011 American Graphic Design Awards competition. The American Graphic Design Awards is Graphic Design USA’s (gdusa.com) flagship competition open to the graphic arts community. Running for nearly five decades, the competition received over 8,000 entries filling 23 categories from print and packaging to online and interactive design from advertising agencies, corporate and institutional designers, design firms and other media outlets throughout the country. A very select percentage is recognized as award winners.

The BLU Group was selected as a four-time winner in the Internet Design category from some of the best creative professionals in the country. They were awarded this title for their design and development of websites for Coulee Bank (CouleeBank.net), U-Bake (UBakeUSA.com), Point of Grace Community Church (ptofgrace.org), and their own website...

Seamless Design and Enhanced Navigation Improves Customer Experience

La Crosse, WI - August 17, 2011
The BLU Group – Advertising & Marketing (www.TheBLUGroup.com) launched Coulee Bank’s completely re-designed website today. The new website’s cleaner, more functional design featuring an improved navigation will get visitors where they want to go faster and easier. With just one or two clicks they will be able to quickly connect to the information and resources needed to manage their finances, check interest rates, research various accounts, and watch tutorials.

The updated site (www.CouleeBank.net) is divided into two main areas - Personal Banking and Business Banking – to easily direct people to the information they are looking for faster than ever before. The website also features two of Coulee Bank’s newest services - Provent Identity Theft Protection to watch over customers online and offline and Debt Protection to help with payments when life takes an unexpected turn for the worse.

“You need to know that the new homepage rocks and is an awesome improvement over the old format!” C. Bowman

With the new layout and custom programmed expandable product and service sections, visitors will enjoy easy access to the forms...

Web Designer / Developer

We are currently looking for a Web Designer/Developer to join our team. As a member of Team BLU, the ideal candidate will be drawn to the fast-paced challenge of working for an agency dedicated to excellence. He or she will think the casual work environment is good, the diverse workload is better, and that their killer designs/code are the best.

Candidates should be enthusiastic, innovative, and skilled in the areas of visual, user-centric, and web-based design and programming. Strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment are a must. Extensive knowledge regarding web application opportunities and limitations, as well as an attention to detail with self-pride in quality of work, are essential. Individuals must be able to manage several projects at one time and successfully meet all expectations and deadlines.

Requirements

• (X)HTML & CSS mastery
• Significant PHP/MySQL experience including working with Content Management Systems

Ideal Experience

• Development
  1. Theme and plug in development PHP based Content Management Systems, such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla
  2. Have worked with CSS3, HTML5, XML, AJAX, JSON, etc.
  3. JavaScript, especially regarding jQuery and AJAX interactions
  4. MyPHPAdmin and database scaling a plus...

Image-driven design and custom content management system built for success.

March 11, 2011 - Onalaska, WI
Empire Development & Construction is an award winning team of hardworking individuals who take great pride in their work. Their commitment to cleanliness, service, timely completion, and quality above and beyond definition, make them a cut above the rest. Their recently redesigned website now embodies this same commitment to excellence.

The new and improved EmpireDevelopment.com, designed and developed by The BLÜ Group - Advertising & Marketing, launched on March 10, 2011. The new website clearly defines Empire Development & Constructions two key areas of expertise, remodeling and new construction, and takes advantage of an enhanced photo gallery to showcase their work. In addition to bringing the most relevant information to the home page and highlighting their social media connections, EmpireDevelopment.com has a custom content management system that provides their team with ability to make quick and easy changes to their website.

The final component needed to position the new website for success was a comprehensive search engine optimization program. Empire Development & Construction choose The BLÜ Group's...

La Crosse, WI - March 21, 2011
BLU is happy to announce that the ALINE-SET from Simmon's Innovations is now on Facebook. If you haven't heard of the ALINE-SET before now, it is the perfect tool for straightening, plumbing and leveling walls, floors, beams and concrete forms. It can be used in residential, multi-family, commercial, industrial and road construction as well as for pole buildings, ag buildings, decks, fences and more. The ALINE-SET was developed by a contractor, and is the new must-have tool for carpenters, contractors, concrete professionals and do-it-yourselfers.
 
Now fans of The Perfect Gauge Block can not only Like it on Facebook, but also find retailers on the Find A Retailer tab, see all the different uses on the Using ALINE-SET tab, and connect with Gary and Brian - the creators of this great tool. New information will be posted on the...

The Best Value on Web Services?

Every week we receive dozens of calls asking how we can help companies save money on their website hosting, domains, and other online services. The reason for this is because we offer the best pricing on these services and have a team of experts on-staff to make the transfer process as easy as possible. On average a business will save $150-$250/year by switching just their domains and hosting to us, but the savings don't end there.

Hourly rates at our agency for design, programming, and search engine optimization, although maybe not the lowest around, beat many of our major competitors. And when you combine what you pay for what you get, The BLÜ Group offers the best value around.

Not sure what you're currently paying? Check your last invoice, ask accounting, or contact your current provider. Due to the increased demand for our online services, I have included the most common items below for you to review.

Online Services - Pricing and Details

Domains  

.COM, .NET, .ORG, .INFO, .BIZ, .WS, - $9.99/yr
.CO- $29.99/yr
.MOBI - $14.99/yr

Domain Transfers - Price noted above. FREE one-year extension included plus all the time remaining on your existing...

New campaign launch increases enrollment in bank services

La Crosse, WI - October 1, 2010
The Coulee Bank Team launched their new campaign promoting their Online Bill Pay Service. The campaign will give away $500 dollars in cash each month from October – December 2010 simply for using Coulee Bank’s online Bill Pay service and paying two bills with it during that month. Smart design and strategic placement was used in the combination of both print and electronic materials to encourage enrollment and increase participation in the service.

Since 1961 Coulee Bank has been providing financial products and services for business and personal banking customers alike. The bank looks to continue their long-standing tradition of excellent service backed by leading-edge products as it ventures into new markets. Visit www.CouleeBank.net for more information.

New website paired with coordinating print and web materials help identify potential clients.

La Crosse, WI - August, 23 2010
With today’s economy threatening to take apart your wealth like never before, Welshire Capital provides expert information and guidance in their 24-page financial guide “A Guide to Making Investment Decisions”. To generate interest in the guide and identify potential clients for Welshire Capital’s services, The BLÜ Group – Advertising and Marketing was hired to design a lead generation program. The program consists of a new website – www.SmartPortfolioAnswers.com – and print and web materials, including billboards and banner ads. Eye-catching design and copy was used to drive traffic to the new website where interested parties download the free guide after answering basic questions.

Brent Welch and his team at Welshire Capital have been helping their clients retire with confidence since 1984 . A wealth management solution for high net-worth clients, Welshire Capital provides their clients with effective leadership, clear direction and trust. This combination of this values-based financial planning leads Welshire Capital clients to experience increased confidence, energy and security about their financial future.

New marketing strategy credited with long-standing establishment's success.

La Crosse, WI - August 20, 2010
Like many companies during the recession, Sullivan's Supper Club based in Trempealeau, WI, has not experienced stellar sales over the past couple of years. That was until they hired The BLU Group - Advertising & Marketing to develop their 2010 marketing plan. The new plan which consisted of an updated logo, a new website, e-newsletters, direct mail, and a dedication to Facebook has helped Sullivan's push sales higher than they have been in over a decade. The direct marketing campaign alone generated an 8-1 return on investment. A highly-targeted list, a great offer, and solid creative (including size and paper) all lead to this profitable outcome.

Since 1968, Sullivan's Supper Club has been considered one of the finest restaurants in the area. Located next to Perrot State Park, Sullivan's overlooks the beautiful Mississippi River in the historical town of Trempealeau. Just a 20 minute ride from La Crosse or Winona! A scenic setting is only one of the many wonderful characteristics Sullivan's Supper Club has to offer. Their excellent service and delicious menu are what truly make them one of the best restaurants around. You can dine in, carry-out, or enjoy a cocktail on our beautiful deck overlooking the river. Visit...

New TV spots showcase Coulee Bank's customers and their dedication
to helping them succeed.

La Crosse, WI - July 26, 2010
The Coulee Bank Business Banking Team launched two new commercials promoting their Moving Forward campaign. Based on the premise that in order to succeed businesses need to move forward rather than stand still or pull back, Coulee Bank is highlighting many of its current customers to inspire local companies to take action through the financial products and services that the bank has to offer. Written and produced by The BLU Group - Advertising & Marketing, the new commercials will air throughout the summer and into Fall 2010.

Since 1961 Coulee Bank has been providing financial products and services for business and personal banking customers alike. The bank looks to continue their long-standing tradition of excellent service backed by leading-edge products as it ventures into new markets. Visit www.CouleeBank.net for more information.

New online forms and improved overall design
makes for a better virtual experience.

La Crosse, WI - June 1, 2010
Camp Directors Bob and Maggie Braun are proud to announce the launch of their new and improved website for WeHaKee Camp for Girls - www.WeHaKeeCampForGirls.com. The new website has a variety features to make learning about the camp and signing up much easier, both for parents and campers. Designed by The BLU Group - Advertising & Marketing (Onalaska, WI), the website is the main contact point for individuals and families looking to learn more about what WeHaKee Camp for Girls has to offer. In addition to the website, The BLU Group partnered with Bob and Maggie to design a new logo, develop an e-newsletter, and optimize social networks such as Facebook.

Founded by the Dominicans of Sinsinawa, WeHaKee Camp for Girls is based on universal Gospel values and Catholic social principles. Camp staff and Sisters help each girl realize her uniqueness as an individual person while understanding and striving to reach her own potential. Living in community with girls from diverse religions, cultures, races and economic backgrounds, allows each girl to grow and develop in an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement.