Category Archives: Social Marketing
May 20, 2013
Buyer (and Diner and Traveler) Beware the “Customer” Review
As a consumer, I often rely on reviews from other consumers when making my purchasing (or dining or vacationing) decisions. And as a social media marketer and content provider, I also rely on reviews, feedback and public opinion found online to help my clients better understand where they stand with their customers (and potential customers), and how they can build positive relationships with these audiences. Because of this, I know a lot about the various review sites and forums out there, and I know which ones I can trust more than others.
Posted in Retail & Consumer, Social Marketing
April 30, 2013
So You Want to Grow Up to Be a Social Media Manager? What. Ever.
Recently at the hair salon, I overheard someone say to her nail tech, “I’d offer to run your Facebook page and Twitter stream, you know, like be your social media manager, but I can’t manage my own social media accounts even though that’s probably what I’m going to end up doing with my life.” Sigh.
I really wanted to be that lady at the shop, the (slightly) older one who tries to set straight the dreamy ideas everyone else has about the way the world works, the one who instead comes across as crotchety and jaded. “You can’t just grow up to be ‘social media manager,’ dear,” I wanted to say. But I kept my mouth shut.
I held my tongue for a very good reason: I grew up to be a social media manager.
Posted in Social Marketing
April 26, 2013
Motivational Hashtag at Core of Retailer’s Social Media Campaign

Since 75% of social media users now use hashtags, it’s no wonder retailers are using them in social marketing efforts (check out 9 Ways Retailers Use Hashtags to Promote Branded Content). For example, at the core of Dick’s Sporting Goods’ (DSG) “Every Runner Has A Reason” campaign is the #RunFor hashtag.
April 24, 2013
8 Engaging and Innovative YouTube Campaigns for YouTube’s 8th Birthday
Incorporating YouTube into a social strategy is not only recommended for most brands… it’s necessary. In 2005, the video-sharing site launched its first video, and just eight years later, YouTube boasts over 1 billion monthly users. In honor of YouTube’s 8th birthday, here are eight creative, memorable and innovative ways that brands have used the platform to launch campaigns, spread a message and go viral.
Posted in Retail & Consumer, Social Marketing
Tagged BlendTec, Google, marketing for a social world, Red Bull, Tipp-EX, Volkswagen, YouTube
April 15, 2013
Link Roundup: What You Don’t Want to Miss in Social Media and Tech
A collection of social media and tech stories related to Foursquare (which has raised $41 million), Facebook Home (which is now available on certain Androids), Apple’s iPhone (the smartphone of choice for teens), Vine (web embedding now available), mobile apps (downloads on the rise) and Twitter (music service acquisition)…
Posted in Social Marketing
Tagged Apple, Facebook, foursquare, marketing for a social world, mobile apps, Twitter, Vine
April 12, 2013
9 Ways Retailers Use Hashtags to Promote Branded Content

I’m a big fan of hashtags. In fact, they are one of my favorite elements of social media. For one, I have a secret passion for sorting, and hashtags are great filters. In addition, I am one of those annoying people who make up hashtags: #theymakemehappy #sowhatareyougonnado.
Hashtags are already popular on Twitter, Instagram, tumblr, Pinterest, Vine and Pheed, and the word on the street is that Facebook will incorporate hashtags, too. So, wherever you are, there’s an opportunity to play along. As a consumer (and – on the flipside – as a marketer), I even enjoy hashtags in retailers’ hands… as long as they’re deployed skillfully.
While there’s one overwhelming reason retailers use hashtags – to get attention for brand content – there are many ways hashtags contribute to that objective. Here are some common applications…
Posted in Retail & Consumer, Social Marketing
Tagged marketing for a social world
April 11, 2013
Facebook’s Still #1 for Teens, Emerging Platforms Increasing in Importance
Don’t abandon your focus on Facebook just yet! A new study from Piper Jaffray confirms that Facebook remains the most important social network among teenagers, with Twitter narrowly lagging behind in the #2 spot. Instagram clocks in as the third most popular social network, earning about half the votes of Facebook. But popularity of mobile apps like Vine, Snapchat and Kik continues to increase for the demographic.
Posted in Retail & Consumer, Social Marketing
Tagged Facebook, Google, instagram, marketing for a social world, Twitter, YouTube
April 1, 2013
How I Almost Got an MLB Gibby for Orioles’ GM Dan Duquette
In early November, the Sporting News named Oakland Athletics VP and General Manager Billy Beane the 2012 Major League Baseball Executive of the Year. Six other executives received votes. Dan, unfortunately, didn’t earn a single one. I thought to myself, “Are you KIDDING me?!” But I saw hope on the horizon, a chance for redemption for my deserving friend.
Later that month, voting would begin for the 2012 GIBBY – a nickname for the “Greatness In Baseball Yearly” Awards presented annually by Major League Baseball. And unlike the Sporting News award, which was voted on by a small number of baseball execs, the GIBBY award for Executive of the Year would be decided by a broader group, including media and fans.
That’s where I came in. I suggested to Dan that he let me try to tackle this thing head-on with a strong, direct and highly targeted social media campaign. He loved it, and I put the wheels in motion.
Posted in Retail & Consumer, Social Marketing
Tagged Dan Duquette, GIBBY, marketing for a social world, Media Logic, MLB, Orioles
March 28, 2013
When Social Media Content Bombs: Tips from Media Logic’s Retail Social Juice Index Spotlight
If you’re being creative with your social marketing and taking the initiative to experiment, you’re going to find content that really excites your Facebook fans. You’re also, inevitably, going to lose their interest. At some point, you may even launch some real stink bombs into their newsfeeds. Here are some suggestions for how to fine-tune your strategy as you go along…
March 22, 2013
Social Promotion Fundamentals: Tips from Media Logic’s Retail Social Juice Index Spotlight
Long before you decide on the logistics of your retail promotion on Facebook (prizes, duration, how to handle technical issues, who’s responsible for monitoring, etc.), there are some fundamentals you cannot overlook…

