March 4, 2010
Posted by Jason Clewell
Social media has been a hot topic lately, and for a very good reason. The phenomenon is changing the way brands communicate. More and more breakout brands are noticing the impact of social media, and they’re looking to capitalize on this relatively low cost tool to gain exposure. They’ve heard of the technologies: Twitter, Facebook, forums, customer reviews, etc. Middle market brands finally understand that having an interactive strategy is as important as their overall branding strategy. The challenge for these brands doesn’t come from implementing social media, it comes from executing and administering it. Their ability will determine whether a community will succeed, fail or worse become notorious.
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July 2, 2009
Posted by Bob Shaw
Jason brought the article linked below to my attention today and I’d like to share a few thoughts on it:
Twitter Promotion Done Right: #moonfruit
- The first ones out of the gate, clever – when Twitter becomes filled with this stuff, it will lead to a backlash.
- Twitter IS an excellent tool for basic consumer sweepstakes – which is essentially what this is – because unlike traditional sweeps, it includes the viral element automatically UNLIKE the annoying email “free stuff” campaigns of a few years ago, you don’t hate your friends for forwarding it to you and wasting your time.
- I’d personally like to see the viral component evolve for more brands beyond having to give stuff away – which to me is the least creative default (it seems to suggest that the story isn’t compelling enough without bribery which is untrue). I’m sure this will evolve.
May 27, 2009
Posted by Jenna Oltersdorf
Twitter defined: Micro-blogging. You can say anything on Twitter as long as it’s 140 characters in length. So as a breakout brand, why should you consider Twitter? By tweeting, you have the opportunity to build brand supporters and connect with them in a very unobtrusive way. Twitter naturally allows conversations with complete strangers who happen to share common interests.
To get started, how do you tweet? Set up an account on Twitter. Find people with similar interests and begin following them. Listen in on the conversations to get a good feel for how Twitter works.
You can tweet from the Twitter web site, but I’ve found it to be much easier to install a desktop program, like Tweet Deck. It’s always running on my desktop along with my instant messenger program, Adium.
With all forms of social media, it’s important to be seen as a contributor, not a leader. Be authentic and transparent with your audience.
Here are some great DOs and DON’Ts of Twitter from a recent PRNewswire webinar I attended:
Twitter DOs
- Do listen
- Do be transparent
- Do be a good citizen
- Do contribute value
- Do be authentic
- Do follow people in your industry
- Do join the conversation
Twitter DON’Ts
- Don’t be a robot
- Don’t be a broadcaster (meaning: interact with Twitterville. Join in on the conversation)
- Don’t self promote ad nauseum
- Don’t forget a tweet is forever
- Don’t be negative about others
- Don’t forget the value of being human
