In part of my ongoing research for latest and emerging trends for mobile marketing, I have researched the use of QR codes and whether they are an effective means of delivering targeted marketing campaigns. At first glance, QR codes are definitely an enticing way to engage audiences who are active mobile users, and should definitely be explored as a way to expand into mobile marketing. In fact, in a recent social media / interactive strategy that I developed for a major retailer, I included an entire section of how QR codes can be used to engage tweens, since they consume more mobile media than any other demographic. But, as comes with the territory of technology, the adoption rate is dependent on an infrastructure that supports it. The adoption of QR Codes is slow in coming because of two big caveats: 1) a QR reader is required; and 2) the QR reader isn’t native to mobile devices. Read the full post >>
Original Source: A Social Media ‘How To’ for Retailers, By: Maya Swedowsky, Associate Research Director, Online Division, The Nielsen Company
Though 96.5% of retail sales are still made in brick-and-mortar stores, the Web holds huge influence over buying decisions, Nielsen’s Maya Swedowsky writes. She suggests retailers use social media to engage with customers to learn about their shopping experiences. Zappos, Wal-Mart, Starbucks and Best Buy all provide handy models for building engagement, Swedowsky noted.
As social media continues its meteoric ascent, newly empowered consumers wield more control than ever before. Although retail sales are dominated by brick and mortar stores, the influence of the Internet on offline purchases is becoming increasingly important. Retailers must listen to and engage their customers through social media by participating and encouraging conversations. The end result will improve customer service and will help turn loyal customers into passionate advocates. Read the full post >>
I love hearing how social media is changing the way businesses relate and interact with their customers. Personally, I remember a time, when I worked for an internet provider company, where I would cringe when people approached me with customer service issues. Friends and family would want to tell me their technical issues or complain about how slow the service was. My standard response became, “call customer service!”
However, social media has provided a completely new approach to customer service… where employees who are enthusiastic about their company’s products / solutions and also passionate about social media are being employed to not only be brand evangelists, but to provide expertise and advice on product information all the way through to the actual purchasing decision. Read the full post >>
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Phonecasting, a rising trend in mobile communications? | CloudRecruiting.net
Ok, so I know what you’re thinking… another buzzword. So, what in the world is Phonecasting?
Phonecasting, also known as phlogging or phone-blogging, involves the ability to use your phone to broadcast directly to the internet, live. Phonecasting combines the popularity of podcasting with the ubiquity and ease of use of mobile devices.
How does Phonecasting differ from Podcasting?
Well, for starters, podcasters typically use a microphone and recording software to create their programming. In contrast, phonecasters use the phone as the microphone. In addition, unlike traditional podcasting, phonecasting does not require recording software but simply phonecasting service (or application) that allows users to dial a number and record. Read the full post >>
by Traci Armstrong, Social Media: A Brand’s Best Friend Or Worst Enemy? (Three Minds On Digital Marketing @ Organic)
In mid-April 2009, two Domino’s pizza employees decided it would be funny to pull a little YouTube prank. One employee prepared sandwiches for delivery while putting cheese up his nose and blowing nasal mucus on the sandwiches – all while his co-worker provided up-close camera work and a play-by-play narrative. Within 24 hours, over a million people had viewed the video. The incident brought a whole new meaning to brand reputation “nose-dive”. Domino’s sales plunged overnight. Read the full post >>
In my research for creating my own company’s Facebook page, I came across a couple of really good articles for optimizing a corporate Facebook page. Below is a mash-up of the best of the recommendations.
Sources: How to Create a Powerful and Engaging Facebook Page [corporatedollar.org], Five Tips for Optimizing Your Brand’s Facebook Presence [Mashable]
Facebook is undoubtedly one of the most popular social media services used by individuals, businesses and non-profits to connect with people. Groups and Pages are excellent options to leverage the large network and reach of this popular platform. Lately, Facebook Pages have become quite popular among businesses to show their presence in a much better way building engaging and long lasting relationships with users and fans. Let’s see how to make an interactive Facebook page that gives a reason to your fans to stay, interact and promote your cause. Read the full post >>
IBDF’s first ‘Annual Report Card’ of the most valuable retail brands in the United States, plus the top 5 in Canada and Mexico. It’s an assessment of the companies that are most successful at managing their brand, as well as a look at those that didn’t make the cut.
I am in the process of developing a Facebook page for my company, and in my research came across this very informative article on 8 essential apps for a Brand’s Facebook page. Clearly, you will need to assess what applies to your business’ objectives; however, this is a fantastic list of apps that any brand should consider.
Source: 8 Essential Apps for Your Brand’s Facebook Page, Mashable
Not even a year ago, Facebook was still being dismissed as a silly site intended to help college kids slack off. Indeed, that is what helped the social network take hold with a large number of users, but it has proven its worth in business and by now, nearly everyone is on board. Companies of all sizes are scrambling to get on the site and reach both new and current customers with a Facebook (
) Page, the Facebook preferred method for user interaction with a brand, company or public figure. Read the full post >>
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Study: Retailers Shift Marketing Dollars Towards Social Media, Mashable
Although many retailers are reducing their online marketing budgets, spending on social media is falling at a slower rate than spending in other online marketing channels.
Moreover, amongst companies that are weathering the current economic storm and expanding marketing budgets, investments in social media are generally on the rise. This according to a new study released today by The National Retail Federation’s Shop.org and Forrester Research.
Overall, the study found that 30 percent of retailers plan to reduce their online spending this year, while 24 percent plan to increase it and 46 percent are keeping their budgets the same. However, the stats get more interesting when you drill down to how both the successful and the struggling retailers are allocating their marketing dollars. Read the full post >>
Source: Ignoring Social Media could be the worst business decision you ever make – Ecademy.
Some people thought that the telephone was a fad. The founder of IBM himself failed to see the long-term possibilities of the computer. Others believed that TV would never catch on and still others thought that email would never replace letters and postcards. There are also those who say that Social Media is just a phase, a passing trend that will be gone in a few years.
As a digital marketer, a web presence architect and an Internet professional who is deeply involved in creating and implementing Social Media strategies for my clients – a variety of businesses of all shapes and sizes – I see firsthand the variety of responses to this new Internet paradigm. Read the full post >>
