Category Archives: Social Marketing

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

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

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.

Posted in Retail & Consumer, Social Marketing

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

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

9 Ways Retailers Use Hashtags to Promote Branded Content

Retailer Swarovski Uses Hashtags to Promote Brand 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

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

How I Almost Got an MLB Gibby for Orioles’ GM Dan Duquette

influencer marketing to get GIBBY for Orioles' Dan DuquetteIn 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

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