Marketing is just so egocentric. All of your time is devoted to your favorite topic — you — rather than focusing on what prospects really care about...like, I don’t know…them? For your marketing efforts to be effective, the majority of your stories must somehow relate to your target audience or you'll start boring them.
Read MoreIt started with a so-called “gift.” A $10 coupon emailed to consumers in October as an incentive to come in and see JC Penney’s new stores. It continued with a three-day event in December. The 110-year-old chain invited friends and family to enjoy yet another coupon — or should we call it a “gift” — for 20% off of purchases. Now, the stores themselves are following suit.
Read MoreI know, I’m starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to social media. But it’s fast becoming the marketing method of choice for many businesses. Twitter, Facebook and all the other social channels are a quick and easy way to stay connected with an audience and help build brand awareness. Unfortunately, the casualness of being social has led many of us to not always think things through. And informality has a way of increasing the chances of making a mistake.
Read MoreData on the percentage of small businesses that are using social media varies by source. But on thing is for sure; it's becoming an essential marketing tool for business of all sizes.
Read MoreSocial media is a fickle, fickle friend. When you’re “besties,” she’s right there helping you get the word out, to generate leads and to develop some real loyal fans. But she can turn on a dime, and the increased exposure you once enjoyed no longer benefits you or your business. That’s what happened this past week to Applebee’s.
Read MoreIllustrates the many benefits of social media for the purposes of marketing.
Read MoreBack in October, I talked a bit about the need for companies to go social with their customer care. Many consumers are already online, using social channels to inform their purchases. And with roughly 33% of social media users now turning to these same channels for support and service, it’s become even more important to the overall success of businesses.
Read MoreLast week, I talked about 4 completely avoidable social media mistakes — a follow-up to my avoiding 4 big social media mistakes. Yeah, I’ve been on quite a kick lately, but I’m not alone. In the February issue of Fast Company, they spoke about the conversation — and the conversation about the conversation — taking place on social media channels.
Read MoreAwhile back, I wrote about Avoiding Four Big Social Media Mistakes. I touched on piggybacking on relevant trends, knowing why topics are trending, and not engaging on social accounts. But I’m totally obsessed with social media — almost in a creepy, stalker-ish sort of way. I get a kick out of watching corporations try to embrace social channels as a way to market their wares.
Read MoreI’ve been on a big social media kick lately. Not sure why. I think a large part of it has to do with its ever-changing landscape. Each day, it seems like a new channel pops up that we must be part of. And with the vastness of social channels, it’s not surprising that we adopt them before we’re ready to use them. We’re often of the mindset that, “If the train’s leaving, we better hop on.” But that’s not always the case, and it can lead to some damaging mistakes.
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