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.
Q&A: First direct's Lisa Wood on its social media campaign
As reported earlier today, first direct has launched a social media campaign which invites comments from consumers about the brand, as well as tracking sentiment from social media sites.
I've been talking to the bank's head of marketing Lisa Wood about the thinking behind the firstdirectlive campaign...
First direct opens up to customer comments
Online bank first direct has launched a new social media-based campaign which showcases customer opinions, good or bad, on a microsite.
While it isn't quite as 'brave' as the Skittles decision to turn its site into a massive social media experiment (which it is still doing), it does at least link to it from straight from its homepage.
20 tweets that show how travel firms use Twitter
I recently tried to answer the 'but what can we tweet about?' question for an online retailer by way of a list, entitled 'The 27 varieties of tweet used by online retailers'.
A quick scan across the Twitter feeds managed by retailers proved that there's more to tweeting than simply pushing out deals and special offers. Examples of tweets included communicating website downtime, driving in-store visits, casting calls for TV ads as well as the more obvious coupons and time-limited offers.
So what would the average travel company tweet about? Again, there's huge scope for airlines, hotels and travel operators to use Twitter in a variety of ways, to boost engagement, satisfaction and sales. Let's now look at some examples...
Social media: the best and worst of 2009
Email marketing: six steps to improving customer engagement in 2010
Web 2.0
Graham Charlton
Strategy & Planning
