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June 2009 - "Starting Your Own Business", Source: Marketing Magazine
Marketing Magazine

Starting your own business comes with a lot of excitement, fun and freedom. It also means that the ultimate success or failure is dependent on you and the steps you take to market yourself and get noticed.

You should always be promoting: start promoting in every situation you are in. It's all about building relationships with as many people as possible. Get to know the natives: identify key channels such as industry events, blogs, websites, forums, industry magazines or anywhere where your target market is. The key at these events and channels is to meet an industry native and hope that they will give you a tour around and introduce you to different people. One fast way to get attention is to interview key people in the industry and write about them on your site.

Find your niche in the market and work out a way to make it your defining attribute. The main goal is to start writing articles and publishing content that the industry may be interested in. Start by writing a blog and creating a database of subscribers, even if it's small. The long-term idea is that you formulate a good thought leadership session about your niche that you can then start speaking on.

Finally, consolidate. Once you have a number of well-written, interesting articles it's time to put them into a book, publish it, promote it and get more speaking spots. Hopefully now you should have a little momentum and people will start to recognise your name and see you as an expert in your field.

Story by: Fred Schebesta - June 2009


February 2009 - "Aust business switched online", Source: Adnews
AdNews - Australia's top selling advertising, marketing and media magazine

SYDNEY: Nearly half of surveyed Australian businesses consider internet marketing a key component to overcoming the challenges faced by the economic downturn, according to a major report released today (4 February).

The report, Analysis V Action, was conducted by web analytics company WebTrends, which surveyed 50 online marketing managers in Australian businesses with more than 250 employees, as part of a worldwide survey that also included UK, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden.

The survey found that 67% of Australian businesses believe that online advertising is important in generating visits to a website, an attitude that correlates with the expected growth of the nation's $1.5 billion online advertising industry.

The industry is experiencing nearly 30% quarter-on-quarter growth, according to the latest Interactive Advertising Bureau figures.

The report also found that 68% of Australian respondents believe that more sophisticated web analysis would boost online sales.

"The Australian market is incredibly switched on when it comes to web analytics," said WebTrends territory manager Mark Allison.

"Australian businesses are very aware of the need to spend less time looking at their online data and more time putting their analytics into practice.

"From our experience, businesses that use sophisticated analytics to influence their online marketing strategies achieve greater success than other online businesses.

"Australian businesses appreciate the importance of cultivating meaningful online relationships with their customers.

"They are willing to try new tactics, explore new opportunities with online advertising and are driving the uptake of highly-developed online strategies to engage and understand their customers," Allison said.

In other highlights, of Australian businesses surveyed:

  • 41% said they struggled to understand their web-based audience and are not effectively capitalising on internet sales opportunities because of it.
  • 76% placed a high importance on the analysis of data generated by their website or online marketing activity to aid better business decisions.
  • 48% considered internet marketing was a way to overcome challenges presented by the current economic downturn.
  • 68% capture online data, with 54% modifying their website as a result of traffic analysis and 52% modifying e-marketing content as a result of user analysis.

Story by: Matt Porter - 04 February 2009


December 2008 - "Get on the Digital Map", by Fred Schebesta (as seen in the December edition of Australian Anthill Magazine)
australian anthill - where ideas and business meet

7 THINGS SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESSES DO ONLINE

Search online for any product/service and you will find a plethora of small businesses offering it for sale, either through their own virtual shop-fronts or other avenues such as eBay. These operators have flourished thanks to the low-cost of the internet as a sales channel. On the surface, many of them seem to follow the same basic rules for success. But as we know, some are gaining far greater ground than others.

When you really take a deep look there are significant differences between many of these apparently similar virtual stores. They are usually minor things that often take a long time to do. Here are seven key ingredients that contribute to successful online SMEs.

1. Make it easy to distinguish your company's business.

When a potential customer lands on your page it should be quick and easy for them to see what your company does. Websites that are a cryptic designer's creative dream might look funky but they are no good for online business.

Also, delete that long winded mission statement from your front page and describe in two or three words only what your business does: For example, "Executive training", "Natural therapy", or "Public Relations consulting". Not only will this do wonders for your customers but also boost your natural search engine ranking. Search engines love seeing your main keyword on the page.

2. Secure top ranking in the search engines.

The best performing small businesses rank highly in the search engines for their main keywords. As this is the first reference tool for most prospective customers, it is highly valuable for small businesses to work hard at getting or buying their way into the search engines. It is so lucrative that many small businessses designate search engines as their single source of advertising and do really well.

3. Send our relationship-building emails.

Don't just flood your customers with offers and discounts. Instead, give your potential and current customers valuable emails that help them with their business. For example: '5 ways to choose your perfect travel agent' (travel agency), '4 things to be aware of when looking for a house' (mortgage broker) or 'Turn your garden into a sanctuary' (landscape architect). These types of articles are valuable to your customers and make them feel that your company cares more about them than just making a profit. In return, they will be more inclined to consider you as a first place of purchase.

4. Answer enquiry forms promptly.

This is simple, but the best online businesses know that any customer that contacts them needs to be followed up quickly. This is the internet. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People visiting your website want to be answered quickly. Many leads go stale because they weren't answered fast enough. Don't let yours be one of them.

5. Make it easy to find your contact details.

Many small businesses that aren't performing well on the internet may find that their contact details are impossible to find. Small business operators are often concerned that their privacy will be violated and they will get hundred of customers calling them to ask questions. This is a tragedy. You must speak to your customers as they will spend money with you. Every single one of those telephone calls is a potential opportunity to make money. It's also important to give your customers the peace of mind that they can just pick up the telephone and contact you.

Display proof of your credibility.

Build trust and credibility with potential customers visiting your website. Before committing to an online purchase, customers need to know that you are a real company and you are not going to take their credit card and engage in internet piracy. Put a photo of yourself on the 'About us' page. Add a real biography. Add their-party logos that endorse your company. And clearly display your contact details.

7. Keep your content fresh.

If it's December and you have a new item from March on your website homepage, you are shooting yourself in the foot. Successful small online businesses have always got something fresh on their site. Even if it's just adding a Christmas hat to your logo for that period. The most successful sites change or modify their website every day or, at worse, every three days. I understand this is a lot of work and not really core business but if you can get a little news story up there every two weeks you will start to see the difference.

If you implement these seven small changes to the way you do business online, you will reap significant rewards. They do take time and effort but it is well worth the commitment to stand above the crowd.


December 2008 - Freestyle Media listed in Dynamic Business' "Standout Businesses of 2008"
DYNAMICBUSINESS.com - The No.1 resource for growing businesses

"Fred Schebesta started Freestyle Media in 2001 while he was studying at university, then built it into a fast growing online marketing agency. It was acquired in 2007 by listed company Q Limited.

Freestyle specialises in driving traffic to websites and converting online customers into purchasers of products and services. The company ensures clients' web presence intelligently generates leads, develops relationships and increases sales. Its team's insights and practical application of search engine strategies, online advertising and consumer-driving websites realise a valuable return on marketing spend. Major clients include 3 Mobile, Hutchison, Sanitarium, Virgin Mobile, NRMA, Constellation Hotel Group, University of Newcastle, McDonalds Australia, Acer Computers, and Rabobank across Australia and New Zealand.

Freestyle Media won the 3 Mobile online marketing account, which involved managing the extensive range of online direct marketing projects and campaigns for 3 Mobile's consumer products as well as creating new online traffic.

Schebesta wrote and launched his first book How to create an Online Marketing Campaign that Sells. The book acts as a practical guide and discusses six stages that are crucial for marketers who want to see their campaign achieve results."

Click here to view full PDF document


October 2008 - When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

In light of the current economic crisis, it is important to maintain focus and recognise the need for consistent and strong messaging in order to stay afloat. Fred Schebesta - Freestyle Media's resident online guru is all too aware of economic downturns and their consequential effect upon marketing spends. Schebesta's latest article "Targeting the Market" published in the October 24 'MySmallBusiness' section of the Sydney Morning Herald gives marketers strategic tips on reaching out and targeting core consumers in harsh economic conditions. Freestyle Media and Schebesta are realistic of competitive market forces and prospective opportunities for brands to emerge as leaders. So don't let tough times bring you and your business down, our advice is to get going and use your marketing dollars wisely. Remember tough times call for more experimental, creative and optimised marketing solutions that will see your business emerge as a market leader!

For more information please view Fred Schebesta's article at: http://smallbusiness.smh.com.au/starting/sales/targeting-the-market-906713258.html


April 2008 – 3 gets Freestyle with DM

Online marketing agency Freestyle Media has bagged the online direct marketing work for 3 Mobile.

The account was not put out to pitch. Freestyle replaces Euro RSCG which had previously managed the business.

Freestyle Media director Fred Schebesta said: "Freestyle Media will be focused on assisting 3 Mobile acquire new customers by implementing cost effective online campaigns."

The agency will be involved in managing online direct marketing projects and campaigns for 3 Mobile's consumer products as well as creating new online traffic through banner advertising, eDM, affilate and search engine optimisation.

Freestyle Media will be responsible for the direct online marketing of numerous 3 Mobile campaigns including the Nokia series, Sony Ericsson, Skype phone and mobile broadband. They will also be responsible for offline campaign integration.


March 2008 – Freestyle Media Wins 3 Mobile Online Direct Marketing Account

Online marketing agency Freestyle Media has been appointed to the 3 Mobile Online Direct Marketing account.

Freestyle Media Director Fred Schebesta said he was thrilled to win the 3 Mobile Online Marketing account.

"It is a privilege to be working with well known brand 3 Mobile. We will have the opportunity to use our online direct marketing expertise to take 3 Mobile to the next level."

"Freestyle Media will be focused on assisting 3 Mobile acquire new customers by implementing cost-effective online campaigns," said Mr Schebesta.

Freestyle Media will be involved in managing the extensive range of online direct marketing projects and campaigns for 3 Mobile's consumer products as well as creating new online traffic through banner advertising, eDM, Affilate and Search engine optimisation.

"This contract win shows that Freestyle Media is going from strength to strength with well known brands recognising the success of our new online marketing techniques. This is an enormous opportunity for Freestyle Media and is evidence of the enormous growth in the online marketing sector," said Mr Schebesta.

Freestyle Media will be responsible for the direct online marketing of numerous 3 Mobile campaigns including the Nokia series, Sony Ericsson, Skype phone and mobile broadband. They will also be responsible for offline campaign integration.

Freestyle Media is a fast-growing online marketing agency with 15 full-time staff and group revenues exceeding $3M annually.

3 Mobile launched Australia's first 3G mobile network in April 2003. Their customers enjoy services such Mobile Broadband and face to face Videocalling.

For further information or interviews please contact:
Melissa Pack, CP Communications
P: (02) 9922 1063 E: melissa@cpcommunications.com.au


21st Jan 2008 - Freestyle Media invites You to Exclusive "Online traffic workshop"

B & t magazine Our Director Fred Schebesta would like to invite you to his exclusive "Online traffic workshop" As featured in B&T magazine

If you've ever wanted to get a handle on online marketing and make a powerful impact on your business, here is your chance. With only ten places available for this seminar, participants will get hands on experience that will improve you online marketing abilities and enable you to start marketing like a professional online marketing agency.

An effective online marketing strategy is more than SEO, email marketing, or even optimising your website. It involves a number of activities that, when combined, result in a dramatic increase in sales.

Over seven years Fred has learnt the essential secrets to online marketing success and developed the Online Marketing Hierarchy. During the workshop he will show you what your online marketing strategy should contain a specific mix of:

  • Online
  • Branding
  • Banner
  • Advertising
  • Email marketing
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Conversion optimisation
  • SEO and PPC
  • Website and content creation

Details Date: Thursday, 28th of February 2008
Time: 9am-1pm
Location: Level 3, 4-16 Yurong St, Darlinghurst, 2010
Limited Spaces: Maximum 10 participants
Price: $699

Register now for our exclusive "Online traffic workshop"


18th Jan 2008 - Freestyle Media's Fred Schebesta quoted on NineMsn NineMsn

Sydney online marketing expert Fred Schebesta said the lack of comments is a worrying sign for the start-up business. "If it is actually decent content, the users should be engaging," Mr Schebesta said, adding that it does not necessarily mean the site is not popular with non-commenting visitors.

"The subject matter is definitely a niche - not mainstream here or in the United States.

"Probably only 0.1 percent of the entire business community is interested in this sort of thing."

Although high-brow content has a proven track record online - Wikipedia, for example - Mr Schebesta said the market is already saturated. "I predict it will be difficult because there is already a huge amount of [intellectual] content out there."

Read more at Sorry Moby, internet not for 'thinkers'

23rd Nov 2007 - Freestyle Media Appoints Online Media Strategist iliana

Online marketing agency Freestyle Media has appointed Iliana Ilieva as its Online Media Strategist to build resources for Freestyle's move into media planning and buying.

In this position Iliana has responsibility for planning and buying online media, developing strategy, SEO and SEM for Freestyle Media's clients

Iliana's impressive experience includes working at Ansearch Media, Sensis MediaSmart and Google in Account Management positions, for Catch as Online Sales Manager and Unwired as Assistant Product Manager.

Freestyle Media's fast-paced office and experienced team attracted Iliana to her new role.

"Working with the young direct marketer of the year and this creative and innovative team is truly a great experience," she said.

"Whether you are looking for SEM, SEO, CRM, display advertising or viral marketing, Freestyle Media does it all and I like working somewhere that has such a comprehensive offering for its clients.

"You can walk up to anyone in the Freestyle office with a question and get your answer instantly, so decisions are made here very fast," she said.

Freestyle Media is a fast-growing online marketing agency with 18 full-time staff and group revenues exceeding $3M annually.


16th Oct 2007 - Freestyle Media appoints CEO james

We have recently promoted James Ward to the position of chief executive officer.

James was previously our chief operations officer for 18 months. He will be responsible overseeing Freestyle Media's profitability and production.

James said: "I am looking for efficient implementation of any recommendations from the newly created online strategy team and I plan to expand the team in line with the expected growth in our business".

"This growth, along with effective management and my plan to streamline web production processes, will result in improved client online results and Freestyle profitability," he said.

Mr Ward has degrees in Mathematics and Law from the University of Sydney. James will still work as account manager and provide web strategy for Sanitarium brands - Weet-Bix, So Good and Up & Go, and Constellation Hotels Group.

In June this year, Q Ltd paid $1.3m in cash and shares for Freestyle, with deferred consideration tied to future earnings of the company until the end of 2009.

Freestyle Media currently has group revenues exceeding $3m annually.


22nd Aug 2007 - Freestyle Media's FMCG division wins Goodman Fielder business

Our expanded FMCG speciality team has won five high profile projects with leading Australian food supplier Goodman Fielder.

Freestyle Media was contracted to build five websites for the food giant to boost its corporate and individual brand images. The agency is building sites for Goodman Fielder Corporate and Goodman Fielder Food Services, featuring the company's 30 food brands.

Freestyle Media's team is also working on three sites for Goodman Fielder brands: Italian garlic bread LaFamiglia; new dips range Copperpot, to be launched late this month; and new product Oilstream Partners, delivering fresh oil to customers and picking up used oil at the same time. The Oilstream Partners website will go live in early September.

"We have vast experience in building FMCG websites and optimising those sites for the food industry. Our work with Goodman Fielder shows online is a great medium to launch new brands, or reinvigorate existing ones," Mr Schebesta said.

"Freestyle Media specialises in building one-on-one relationships between FMCG companies and their consumers."

"We have a depth of experience in FMCG, with many successful campaigns such as the recent Weet-Bix Asia Cup Promotion which will outperform the World Cup Soccer Promotion. FMCG campaigns can be very effective and targeted online, allowing our clients to develop a one-on-one relationship with their customers quickly and cost effectively.

"Online works so well for FMCG brands because it is accountable and translates to the consumer more effectively. They can take immediate action, developing or extending their relationship with the brand immediately," he said.

Fred Schebesta is ADMA's 2006 Australian Young Direct Marketer of the Year. Freestyle Media is a fast-growing online marketing agency with 18 full-time staff and group revenues exceeding $3M annually.

Some of Freestyle's leading clients include Sanitarium, Virgin Mobile, Goodman Fiedler, Constellation Hotels Group, Laser Sight, Rabobank, PMI Mortgage Insurance, Computer Associates and The University of Newcastle.


25th Jul 2007 - Freestyle Media Appoints Two New Senior Managers

We have recently appointed Sanson Lowe as Chief operating officer and Neerav Bhatt as Search Engine Marketing Consultant


sanson

In his position Sanson will be responsible for the execution and delivery of SEO enhanced websites for Freestyle Media clients.

Sanson brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with previous positions as Test Manager at Commonwealth Securities and Project Manager for Cycle and Carriage Automotive Services. He has worked in IT, specialising in website management, for the past nine years.

"I am looking forward to working with Freestyle Media's clients to create and deliver high quality websites that are also dynamic and relevant," Sanson said.

"Freestyle Media has a great reputation for producing excellent websites and I am excited to be part of that," he said.


neerav

Neerav will optimise existing websites and help design new websites for Freestyle Media clients, with the aim of improving site accessibility and usability. With extensive experience in web development, SEO and web standards, combined with writing and marketing skills gained through blogging and as a volunteer webmaster, Neerav will prove a valuable asset to the Freestyle Media team.

"I've been involved with professional web development for a number of years, some of them as a self-employed consultant," Neerav said.

"I will use this experience in my new role, but I also want to learn new skills in SEO, an industry which is constantly evolving," he said.


7th Jun 2007 - Article Featuring Freestyle Media in The Australian

Today's issue of "The Australian" newspaper includes a feature article about Freestyle Media ...

"Online marketing agency Freestyle Media has gone from a standing start four years ago to annual revenues of $2 million and last month added Virgin Mobile to its client list ... The company's point of difference from many other online marketing agencies is the integration of search disciplines into the overall marketing campaign.

Freestyle recommends at least 20 per cent to 30 per cent of a company's direct marketing activity should be conducted online, and up to 80 per cent for categories such as travel. The firm apparently takes its own medicine: as of yesterday, Freestyle Media ranked first in Australia and internationally on Google under terms such as "internet marketing agency".


Read more of "Young gun hits the mark"

5th Jun 2007 - Freestyle Media Acquired by Q Ltd Q ltd

Online marketing agency Freestyle Media announced today it has been acquired by Q Ltd, a leading Australasian group of companies that provide services within the interactive advertising sector.

Q Ltd has acquired 100% of the share capital of Freestyle, one of the leading online marketing agencies in Australia. Freestyle works with clients to develop online strategies aimed at maximizing the capture and interaction of a brand with its target consumers.

The founders of Freestyle, Fred Schebesta and Frank Restuccia, will continue as joint Managing Directors under a 3-year employment agreement with the Q Ltd Group. The business will continue to operate under the Freestyle name.

"We are looking forward to being part of a bigger group," said Mr Schebesta.

"We will get some more powerhouse campaigns out there that pull millions of customers in for our clients. Keep building great converting websites and keep ranking our clients websites at the top of Google!"

Schebesta said that Freestyle plans on growing to 20-25 by the end of the year and will be opening an office in Melbourne in July. "Freestyle provides outstanding services to its clients, assisting them to cost effectively target, capture and interact with consumers online, ensuring an ongoing relationship not simply a transaction. At Q Ltd, we believe all brands can benefit from the powerful online interactions Freestyle facilitates for clients and we are delighted that they have joined the Q Ltd team" said Q Ltd's Managing Director, Paul G Choiselat.

Kevin Campbell, Q Ltd's Chairman said "Freestyle compliments Q Ltd's expansion with services that continue to add value and breadth to the interactive advertising and marketing services of the Group. We believe there will be strong synergy gains between Freestyle and the rest of Q Ltd and we welcome Fred and Frank as part of the Q Ltd team."

The purchase price comprises an upfront payment of $1,362,000 in cash and Q Ltd shares, with deferred consideration tied to the future earnings of Freestyle through to 31st December 2009. The deferred consideration is to be paid in a combination of cash and by the issue of ordinary Q Ltd shares.


2nd Mar 2007 - Freestyle Media Appoints New Account Manager Simone

Online marketing agency Freestyle Media has appointed Simone Lindsay-Rae as Online Account Manager. In this position Simone will drive the implementation of Freestyle Media's key online strategies to corporate clients with the backing of an experienced production team.

Simone has moved from Perth where she held an account management role within a pharmaceutical company and was a former national publicist for a highly regarded sports individual.

"I am revelling in the dynamic, creative environment Freestyle Media has to offer," Simone said.

"I chose Freestyle Media for their reputation of being experts at e-marketing, branding and leading providers of quality websites and I am excited at my new adventure with one of Australia's best marketing agencies."

"This is a great chance for me to work with - and learn from - Fred Schebesta and the experienced team at Freestyle Media," she said.



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