I came across two photos the other day with some ordinary people doing some extraordinary marketing campaigns, and generating phenomenal results via Facebook. Continue reading “Marketing Strategies: Facebook Campaigns”
Category: Technology
Introduction to FourSquare
In the generation of the iPhone, Apple users are always looking for new, interesting, and most importantly, free apps to explore. Joining the popular Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is Foursquare, a check-in app and website that makes the most of where you go. FourSquare, like many social media options is “fun,” but it’s also a practical option for businesses hoping to connect with various audiences. Continue reading “Introduction to FourSquare”
Boosting The Power of Social Media: Taking Risks Without Getting Burned
What have you posted on your social media sites lately? Anything substantial? Anything risky? Anything controversial or challenging that you thought might provoke a response–even a contrary response–from your audience?
A key to engaging with audiences online and encouraging interaction with them is provoking an emotion: making them care. In the process you reveal something about who you are and what you believe in. Regardless of the business you’re in, the first thing that your potential customers do when seeking information on products or services they may be interested in is Continue reading “Boosting The Power of Social Media: Taking Risks Without Getting Burned”
Are You Listening to — and Learning From — Your Web and Social Media Analytics?
I spent my first 10 years in the field of direct marketing which, at that time, was very measurable compared to other forms of advertising. Today, online marketing allows marketers to gather even better and more immediate results on how they’re doing. Surprisingly, though, (at least to me) there are still a number of organizations–large and small–that are not using analytics to evaluate how they are doing in terms of connecting with, engaging and influencing their target audiences. And, in some cases, they are not acting on the information they attain.
Continue reading “Are You Listening to — and Learning From — Your Web and Social Media Analytics?”
Will Ebooks Replace Traditional? I Don’t Think So.
My husband bought me a Kindle when they were originally released several years ago now. As an avid reader and book lover it wasn’t a product I would have thought that I would want, use or like–but I was wrong. I’ve found the Kindle to have a multitude of benefits, most notably as a tool when traveling. My Kindle (and now my Android which has a Kindle app) cuts down significantly on luggage weight! I also like being able to get access to information immediately. When I hear of a book I’m interested in, I can simply buy and download it. No need to find, travel to or spend time at a bookstore.
On the other hand, I’ve also found over time that Continue reading “Will Ebooks Replace Traditional? I Don’t Think So.”
Practical Applications of QR Codes
Ever since I heard of them I’ve been enthralled with QR codes. Not so much the traditional (and rather “boring”) applications where they simply take users to a web site, but more creative and practical uses that really leverage this technology to convey information and, in some cases, accomplish tasks.
Most recently, for instance, while on a trip and going through the airport security check-in, I spotted another passenger Continue reading “Practical Applications of QR Codes”
Don’t Be the Victim of Disruptive Innovation!
- VHS tapes.
- Landlines.
- Encyclopedias.
- Film (the Kodak kind).
All examples of products that have already, or will probably soon, disappear from use. Why? Because they were made obsolete due to new advancements, replacements or changing consumer demand that led to their demise. That kind of evolution is happening all of the time. Sometimes slowly. Sometimes rapidly. Just as Continue reading “Don’t Be the Victim of Disruptive Innovation!”
Starting a Business on a Shoestring Budget
Not every business is capital intensive which is good news for the many people out there right now interested in starting a business, but feeling hampered by lack of capital. There are a number of things that many would-be small business owners — particularly service-related business owners (e.g. consultants, accountants, attorneys, etc.) can do these days to start their businesses on a small budget. Continue reading “Starting a Business on a Shoestring Budget”
“If a tweet enters the Twittersphere and nobody’s there, does it make a sound?”
Recently released research from Pew should send a wake-up call to all marketers who have been–or may find themselves becoming–overly enamored of the “power” of social media.
Don’t get me wrong. I think social media has its place among any marketer’s arsenal of *potential* communication tools. But, I also think that too many marketers are far too eager to jump on the social media bandwagon without appropriate consideration to whether or not a significant percentage of their audience is out there. “If a tweet enters the Twittersphere and nobody’s there, does it make a sound?” Sadly, no. Continue reading ““If a tweet enters the Twittersphere and nobody’s there, does it make a sound?””
Example of QR Code in Print Ad
I’m still fascinated by QR codes! Recently came across an ad in a magazine I was browsing through that included a QR code. It was an ad for “Hearts on Fire” and includes a QR code in the lower left corner, with copy that reads: “Scan the QR code with your smartphone to view styles, share, and become a Facebook.fan.”
This YouTube video talks about the ad and gives a good, brief, overview of the use of QR codes.
“Hearts on Fire” use of the code is a good example, I think, of illustrating how these simple codes can be used to easily provide additional information to consumers while sending a signal that the company is “techno-savvy.”
Have you seen example of QR codes in use? Would love to hear about other examples – please share!