The Tony Soprano guide to social media
It’s that time of the year: I’m considering watching The Sopranos again from the start. I need a week off, some quality Italian food and no distractions from the goddamned Feds.
This urge was the result of a bunch of Tony Soprano quotes that I stumbled upon and – since it’s a Friday - I wondered if any of them could be applied to social media. Turns out that they can…
35 social media KPIs to help measure engagement
Social media measurement is something that I think should be undertaken with a sense of perspective, by standing back and looking at the big picture.
A widescreen approach to social media measurement ultimately looks at the things that really matter: sales, profits, customer satisfaction and loyalty. Besides, honing in on the detail might not be the best use of your time, given the obvious difficulties that arise, particularly with attribution.
But standing back and looking at the bigger picture is not going to be enough for your data-mad boss, is it? It’s a bit too soft focus, right? He or she is going to want to see proof that all this social optimisation is actually working.
If that’s the case, then don’t worry: there are lots of things you can measure...
Why SEM isn't all that
You have to love a contentious headline. In this article, I won't be declaring search engine marketing (SEM) dead. What I want to explore are the various ways you should support this kind of marketing elsewhere on your website.
Social media stats round up
Here's a selection of recent social media stats, taken from a range of sources, including Econsultancy's Social Media Statistics document, which forms part of the Internet Statistics Compendium, and other reports...
Social media: the best and worst of 2009
Social media growth continued to accelerate this year, with more brands integrating social channels into their marketing campaigns. There are some amazing examples of truly innovative, forward-thinking brands that have effectively used social media to connect with their customers, build engagement and create buzz.
However, with just as many companies jumping on the proverbial bandwagon (in an arguably over-hyped space), it’s clear that some brands still “just do not get it".
Here we look back at some of the best (and worst) examples of social media in 2009.
Is social media marketing making search campaigns cheaper?
Have you been wondering why Google's make such a big push into display and social over the last few months? Well The Wall Street Journal has a theory: Google's revenue growth is down 25% this year and marketers are getting more bang for their buck in search. Meaning that Google has to look to other revenue streams if it wants to continue the impressive growth its experienced over the past decade.
When social media attacks: learn from others' mistakes
As a social media marketeer, I'm very aware of how tricky it can sometimes be to prove the value of social media to a brand, particularly a brand with a self-deprecating view of their public perception.
I lose count of the ways I've heard a brand tell me 'Not everyone can be 'the Meerkat' or sexy like Nike', which in some ways is true, but that shouldn't put you off.
What should make a brand nervous is the prospect of getting it wrong, as in the examples I've gathered together for you here...
Pew: More internet users are reading status updates (and marketing messages)
It looks like Twitter can be carefully taught. According to the Pew Internet And American Life Project, internet users are becoming more comfortable updating their statuses online.
The report found that 19% of internet users polled say they use Twitter or another service to share updates. That's one in five internet users. And good news for marketers.
Do speakers need to weave social media into their presentations?
Earlier this year I attended an event at which one speaker used Twitter to gather audience questions and then answer key themes at the end. He did not allow this to interrupt the presentation but it was made clear that questions would not be a 'hands up' affair. More and more speakers are now aware of and monitoring their presentation 'backchannel' (a new marketing buzz word for the bingo card).
Yesterday, I read an interesting article from Jeremiah Owyang outlining how speakers should integrate social into their presentation. Whilst I don’t agree with all of Jeremiah’s points (I will elaborate), I think speakers need to be aware that the penetration of social apps on mobile devices is making real-time commentary increasingly relevant.
Q&A: Gary Vaynerchuk on branding and the new thank you economy
Gary Vaynerchuk transformed online wine sales at his parents business through his passionate and entertaining wine videos online. The New Jersey based wine retailer took to the web in 2006, and since then his popular Web video series “Wine Library TV” has boosted both Gary's public profile and his parents' liquor store — from a $4 million annual business into a $45 million one.
His video blog attracts an average 80,000 viewers for daily tastings and commentary, and Gary has appeared on mainstream media outlets from Conan O'Brien to The Today Show. His unconventional approach to wine (he convinced O'Brien lick a rock and to get at some of the notes common in wine) has earned him a cult following.
This week, he released the first book in his ten-book deal with Harper Collins. "Crush It! Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion" advises readers on how to turn their hobby — through enthusiasm, hard work and the power of the Internet — into a successful career. I caught up with Gary to chat about how he built his business on social media and why successful people who advise against working hard are lying.
Holiday shopping forecast 2009: a lot like 2008, with more coupons
The NLA explains why it is going after the news aggregators
Web 2.0
Graham Charlton
Strategy & Planning
