Archive for the ‘social media promotion’ Category

Is Social Media Made for businesses?

The advent of social media has made a strong impact on the way businesses market on the internet.  We’re seeing entire industries change to accommodate online users in this amazing internet phenomenon.  Could the online marketing industry be due for a change as well?  In a market that is seemingly created by end users for end users, businesses will have to reconsider previous ways of marketing on the whole. 

Online marketing agencies will have to rethink their standard marketing techniques and get creative in order for their clients to compete in the realm of SMM.  Essentially, current perceptions of tactical media buying have to give way to strategic media channel planning.  No longer is it about buying advertising time and creating a compelling ad, but rather, it’s become about creating a marketing strategy that establishes a deeper, emotional connection with consumers.

With so many social media avenues becoming available on an almost weekly basis, online marketers must now create a tailor made plan to that is specific to the technology, product or service being sold (even if it’s for free).  This will require knowledge of what types of media are out there and how they can be used.  an online marketer must know the difference between two media sites that are seemingly the same type of site.  They must know that using a social bookmarking site such as Digg will produce different results than using StumbleUpon.

The focus on the customer must be stronger than ever before in order to use social media sites effectively.  Online marketing agencies must learn the “rules” of SMM in order for their strategies to be effective.

Online marketing agencies also learn how to integrate all aspects of the social media strategy to produce the desired effects.  Mastering this skill will become a quality in demand for any successful agency.

Targeting consumers must be done with more care and precision than ever before.  With the variety of media that’s out there, broad spectrum SMM tactics just won’t work.  Like we said earlier, it’s not like general advertising.  Having accurate and up to date demographics on both consumers as well as social media sites will become increasingly necessary and vital part of any strategy.

accountability takes on a new role in social media marketing.  Social responsibility must be at the forefront of any good marketing strategy.  The online agency must know how to respond and teach their clients how to respond in this quick paced environment.

Social media is definitely changing the scope of the marketing industry.  Thought of initially as just a fad, SMM has proven that it’s here to stay.

Photo credit: Jim Hedger.

Is Social Media Made for businesses?

The advent of social media has made a strong impact on the way businesses market on the internet.  We’re seeing entire industries change to accommodate online users in this amazing internet phenomenon.  Could the online marketing industry be due for a change as well?  In a market that is seemingly created by end users for end users, businesses will have to reconsider previous ways of marketing on the whole. 

Online marketing agencies will have to rethink their standard marketing techniques and get creative in order for their clients to compete in the realm of SMM.  Essentially, current perceptions of tactical media buying have to give way to strategic media channel planning.  No longer is it about buying advertising time and creating a compelling ad, but rather, it’s become about creating a marketing strategy that establishes a deeper, emotional connection with consumers.

With so many social media avenues becoming available on an almost weekly basis, online marketers must now create a tailor made plan to that is specific to the technology, product or service being sold (even if it’s for free).  This will require knowledge of what types of media are out there and how they can be used.  an online marketer must know the difference between two media sites that are seemingly the same type of site.  They must know that using a social bookmarking site such as Digg will produce different results than using StumbleUpon.

The focus on the customer must be stronger than ever before in order to use social media sites effectively.  Online marketing agencies must learn the “rules” of SMM in order for their strategies to be effective.

Online marketing agencies also learn how to integrate all aspects of the social media strategy to produce the desired effects.  Mastering this skill will become a quality in demand for any successful agency.

Targeting consumers must be done with more care and precision than ever before.  With the variety of media that’s out there, broad spectrum SMM tactics just won’t work.  Like we said earlier, it’s not like general advertising.  Having accurate and up to date demographics on both consumers as well as social media sites will become increasingly necessary and vital part of any strategy.

accountability takes on a new role in social media marketing.  Social responsibility must be at the forefront of any good marketing strategy.  The online agency must know how to respond and teach their clients how to respond in this quick paced environment.

Social media is definitely changing the scope of the marketing industry.  Thought of initially as just a fad, SMM has proven that it’s here to stay.

Photo credit: Jim Hedger.

Online Training for Social Media Marketing (SMO)

The first of my five classes on the basics of Social Media Marketing has been released at xTrain.com. Head over the xTrain.com and join up for any or all of the classes with promo code "gio" for a 15% discount as a little gift from me to my readers!

This first class is a bit of an introduction to Social Media. Titled "Overview, Origins, and basic Ingredients" I cover the following topics:

• Introduction
• Forums, bulletin boards, Chat Rooms, Instant Messaging, blogs, TXT, Presence apps, Wikis
• Photo Sharing, Video Sharing, Streaming Live Video, Episodic Online Video, Episodic Online audio, Media Sharing, Video Chat
• Corporate Intranets, Social Networking, Virtual Reality, Events, News aggrigation, Social bookmarking, Onling Gaming, MMOG’s
• Wrap these all together. Marketing is relevant.

Upcoming classes will cover text-based social media (Class 2), audio (Class 3) , video/images (Class 4), and communities (Class 5).

We will also be releasing 5 classes on podcasting soon!

Online Training for Social Media Marketing (SMO)

The first of my five classes on the basics of Social Media Marketing has been released at xTrain.com. Head over the xTrain.com and join up for any or all of the classes with promo code "gio" for a 15% discount as a little gift from me to my readers!

This first class is a bit of an introduction to Social Media. Titled "Overview, Origins, and basic Ingredients" I cover the following topics:

• Introduction
• Forums, bulletin boards, Chat Rooms, Instant Messaging, blogs, TXT, Presence apps, Wikis
• Photo Sharing, Video Sharing, Streaming Live Video, Episodic Online Video, Episodic Online audio, Media Sharing, Video Chat
• Corporate Intranets, Social Networking, Virtual Reality, Events, News aggrigation, Social bookmarking, Onling Gaming, MMOG’s
• Wrap these all together. Marketing is relevant.

Upcoming classes will cover text-based social media (Class 2), audio (Class 3) , video/images (Class 4), and communities (Class 5).

We will also be releasing 5 classes on podcasting soon!

Social Media Marketing Intern

DexterityMedia (www.dexteritymedia.com) is seeking interns for its social media practice in Little Elm, Texas. We are looking for a razor-sharp social media enthusiast who combines technology passion and good writing skills to target the appropriate online communities and web markets for our clients' promotional campaigns. We will teach you how to organically infiltrate forums, communities and groups to help clients in their branding and promotional efforts.

To be considered you must thoroughly understand the blogosphere and social networking. We need a self-starter who thinks outside the box without forgetting about everyone inside. The right person must be comfortable working with a tight knit group and not afraid to bring fresh ideas and challenge the old.

You will work directly with our agency partner who heads up all our social media campaigns to optimize the effectiveness of our nontraditional and guerilla social media marketing campaigns. We’ve achieved great success for ourselves and our clients with our viral releases, but we need your help to build on those successes.

You should have an understanding of sales, marketing, PR, copywriting, but not necessarily have a resume to kill for in these areas. We are particularly fond of UNT Marketing students when considering this position due to our existing relationships with the university.

To apply:
Please send resume, and cover letter, indicating "Social Media Intern" in the subject line to giovanni [@] dexteritymedia[.]com.

about us:
DexterityMedia is a diversified digital agency founded on a firm strategic tradition and a history of exceeding client expectations. as a leading Social Media Production, Search Engine Optimization Firm & Interactive Marketing agency based in Little Elm, Texas (a cute little town just north of Dallas), DexterityMedia is dedicated to honesty, accountability and fiscal responsibility. The founding members of DexterityMedia are seasoned interactive advertising and technology veterans committed to providing clients with outstanding customer service and incredible results. For more information please see www.dexteritymedia.com.

    *  Location: Little Elm, Texas
    * Compensation: $10/hr – 1099 Contract
    * This is a contract job.
    * OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities
    * Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
    * Please, no phone calls about this job!
    * Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Photo Credit: Elaine Vigneault

Social Media Marketing Intern

DexterityMedia (www.dexteritymedia.com) is seeking interns for its social media practice in Little Elm, Texas. We are looking for a razor-sharp social media enthusiast who combines technology passion and good writing skills to target the appropriate online communities and web markets for our clients’ promotional campaigns. We will teach you how to organically infiltrate forums, communities and groups to help clients in their branding and promotional efforts.

To be considered you must thoroughly understand the blogosphere and social networking. We need a self-starter who thinks outside the box without forgetting about everyone inside. The right person must be comfortable working with a tight knit group and not afraid to bring fresh ideas and challenge the old.

You will work directly with our agency partner who heads up all our social media campaigns to optimize the effectiveness of our nontraditional and guerilla social media marketing campaigns. We’ve achieved great success for ourselves and our clients with our viral releases, but we need your help to build on those successes.

You should have an understanding of sales, marketing, PR, copywriting, but not necessarily have a resume to kill for in these areas. We are particularly fond of UNT Marketing students when considering this position due to our existing relationships with the university.

To apply:
Please send resume, and cover letter, indicating "Social Media Intern" in the subject line to giovanni [@] dexteritymedia[.]com.

about us:
DexterityMedia is a diversified digital agency founded on a firm strategic tradition and a history of exceeding client expectations. as a leading Social Media Production, Search Engine Optimization Firm & Interactive Marketing agency based in Little Elm, Texas (a cute little town just north of Dallas), DexterityMedia is dedicated to honesty, accountability and fiscal responsibility. The founding members of DexterityMedia are seasoned interactive advertising and technology veterans committed to providing clients with outstanding customer service and incredible results. For more information please see www.dexteritymedia.com.

    *  Location: Little Elm, Texas
    * Compensation: $10/hr – 1099 Contract
    * This is a contract job.
    * OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities
    * Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
    * Please, no phone calls about this job!
    * Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Photo Credit: Elaine Vigneault

Connectivity Issues in Social Media

Why is it that 99% of social media sites aren’t able to monetize themselves beyond $100? as we rant and rave about how great social media and networking is, the truth is that it’s a long process that takes work. Sure there are a lot of benefits, but there are “rules” of the game that everyone who participates must follow. Just one question comes to mind. are you having connectivity issues with your audience?

Social media sites are revamping industries and the way internet marketing is done. With SEO, you can market your way to the top and purchase everything from key word articles to links. With social media marketing (SMM), you really can’t do that – at least not at this time. SMM is about making a sincere connection with your audience. Who can buy or sell sincerity? There was this article the other day where an author of a blog post wanted his audience to know who he was first before making a connection. There’s nothing wrong with wanting that. after all, that’s what SMM is all about. However, the problem was two-fold – that the audience member didn’t know the rules of SMM and that the author didn’t understand that perhaps his audience didn’t know the rules.

Connectivity issues in social media occur because people don’t understand the perceptions of impressions they leave if they leave anything at all. In another post, the woman was vigorously posting as well and had virtually no audience. Isn’t this like the teacher who continues to teach while her class falls asleep? Just what has she really accomplished when class time was over?

If we find that we are not seeing the explosive results that SMM can bring, are we failing to realize what social media is all about? Connectivity issues arise because we fail somehow to make a meaningful connection. You can join all the communities and social networks on the internet, but without any participation or rapport with one other person, it’s all in vain. at the same time, whenever you’re responding, sincerity and genuineness as well as posting something that truly makes sense and benefits others is very much needed.

Social media operates on an entirely different playing field than SEO techniques. That may seem obvious, but it may be also so obvious that we somehow miss the point of it all. SMM is about creating your own audience. We find that what relationship marketing is for salespeople, SMM is for the internet. When we understand that, we understand how we need to handle our interactions on the web and focus our time on making sincere connections with people.

Photo credit: Oinster

Connectivity Issues in Social Media

Why is it that 99% of social media sites aren’t able to monetize themselves beyond $100? as we rant and rave about how great social media and networking is, the truth is that it’s a long process that takes work. Sure there are a lot of benefits, but there are “rules” of the game that everyone who participates must follow. Just one question comes to mind. are you having connectivity issues with your audience?

Social media sites are revamping industries and the way internet marketing is done. With SEO, you can market your way to the top and purchase everything from key word articles to links. With social media marketing (SMM), you really can’t do that – at least not at this time. SMM is about making a sincere connection with your audience. Who can buy or sell sincerity? There was this article the other day where an author of a blog post wanted his audience to know who he was first before making a connection. There’s nothing wrong with wanting that. after all, that’s what SMM is all about. However, the problem was two-fold – that the audience member didn’t know the rules of SMM and that the author didn’t understand that perhaps his audience didn’t know the rules.

Connectivity issues in social media occur because people don’t understand the perceptions of impressions they leave if they leave anything at all. In another post, the woman was vigorously posting as well and had virtually no audience. Isn’t this like the teacher who continues to teach while her class falls asleep? Just what has she really accomplished when class time was over?

If we find that we are not seeing the explosive results that SMM can bring, are we failing to realize what social media is all about? Connectivity issues arise because we fail somehow to make a meaningful connection. You can join all the communities and social networks on the internet, but without any participation or rapport with one other person, it’s all in vain. at the same time, whenever you’re responding, sincerity and genuineness as well as posting something that truly makes sense and benefits others is very much needed.

Social media operates on an entirely different playing field than SEO techniques. That may seem obvious, but it may be also so obvious that we somehow miss the point of it all. SMM is about creating your own audience. We find that what relationship marketing is for salespeople, SMM is for the internet. When we understand that, we understand how we need to handle our interactions on the web and focus our time on making sincere connections with people.

Photo credit: Oinster

blending Your SEO Practices with Social Media

I had a discussion this afternoon that made me think about how much I use basic SEO practices in our social media promotion campaigns. Social media has changed the face of internet marketing. at the same time, SEO techniques still must be employed to give your site a proper foundation. One of the questions that may arise is how can SEO techniques be adaptable to this new marketing phenomena? SEO will have to change as social media develops.

One of the things that will happen is that linking strategies will become more social in nature. The benefits of buying and trading links is already in dispute industry-wide. This practice will become a thing of the past sooner rather than later. buying links and reciprocal linking strategies will fade because using social media strategies delivers a higher quantity of links and in some cases higher quality links than buying and/or trading links never could have delivered. "Traditional" methods of acquiring backlinks just can't compete from an ROI standpoint with getting them via social media promotion and social networking.

adding to the demise of these linking strategies that are soooo 2006: they just look spammy and social networking (apart from social media promotion techniques) will provide for adequate links because of the process itself. Either way, linkages will be made through a site’s content and through comments and blog roll sections.

Pay-per-click sites will find a way to sell top bookmark and tag rankings to social media users. PPC companies will need to learn how to manipulate these rankings in order to monetize it.

Social media sites currently leave no room for direct sales of PPC as we know it. However, some of the top ones plan to take advantage of PPC programs from Google, Yahoo & Microsoft-MSN-Live.com. Will this put them out of business if they can't drive enough revenue via these advertising platforms? Not necessairly. They will have to adapt and find a dependable method to monetize their services in order to keep their virtual doors open though. Let's face it, at some point the stupid money coming out of the bay-area has to dry up.

Network sites have become mini hubs for niche marketing thus, making targeting a specific audience easier to do. as advertisers begin to capitalize on the social networks, we will begin to see conversational advertising and marketing strategies gain consumer support. While targeting the audience will be easier to do, engaging the audience by keeping the interactive marketing approach fresh and appealing will be a must do for any business to survive long term.

Keyword and targeted keyword phrase strategies remain a premiere way to achieve top rankings and drive traffic with SEO and SMO. Content remains as one of the primary ways to keep and maintain a site's rankings both with SEO and SMO strategies. Keyword stuffing won't be as prevalent, necessary or effective in the future. Creative and appealing content along with interacting with the consumer has become increasingly needed. Web marketers should still focus on developing content that is geared towards retaining audience members and obtaining new ones. In addition, features need to be built into company and organizational internet properties that allow consumers and clients to interact directly with a organization's online presence. as these strategies are employed we'll see web sites develop a more stable and loyal audience base as long as they are able to engage effectively and transparently with their visitors and provide what the consumer wants.

Natural SEO practices are here to stay, but they will change in light of social media and will get shiny new acronyms. Strategies and tactics that were once must-dos for any site will become second nature and will incorporate social media practices as online marketing and advertising evolves. Learn to blend and balance your SEO strategies with your social media strategies to obtain the best results.

Photo Credit: altogether Digital.

blending Your SEO Practices with Social Media

I had a discussion this afternoon that made me think about how much I use basic SEO practices in our social media promotion campaigns. Social media has changed the face of internet marketing. at the same time, SEO techniques still must be employed to give your site a proper foundation. One of the questions that may arise is how can SEO techniques be adaptable to this new marketing phenomena? SEO will have to change as social media develops.

One of the things that will happen is that linking strategies will become more social in nature. The benefits of buying and trading links is already in dispute industry-wide. This practice will become a thing of the past sooner rather than later. buying links and reciprocal linking strategies will fade because using social media strategies delivers a higher quantity of links and in some cases higher quality links than buying and/or trading links never could have delivered. “Traditional” methods of acquiring backlinks just can’t compete from an ROI standpoint with getting them via social media promotion and social networking.

adding to the demise of these linking strategies that are soooo 2006: they just look spammy and social networking (apart from social media promotion techniques) will provide for adequate links because of the process itself. Either way, linkages will be made through a site’s content and through comments and blog roll sections.

Pay-per-click sites will find a way to sell top bookmark and tag rankings to social media users. PPC companies will need to learn how to manipulate these rankings in order to monetize it.

Social media sites currently leave no room for direct sales of PPC as we know it. However, some of the top ones plan to take advantage of PPC programs from Google, Yahoo & Microsoft-MSN-Live.com. Will this put them out of business if they can’t drive enough revenue via these advertising platforms? Not necessairly. They will have to adapt and find a dependable method to monetize their services in order to keep their virtual doors open though. Let’s face it, at some point the stupid money coming out of the bay-area has to dry up.

Network sites have become mini hubs for niche marketing thus, making targeting a specific audience easier to do. as advertisers begin to capitalize on the social networks, we will begin to see conversational advertising and marketing strategies gain consumer support. While targeting the audience will be easier to do, engaging the audience by keeping the interactive marketing approach fresh and appealing will be a must do for any business to survive long term.

Keyword and targeted keyword phrase strategies remain a premiere way to achieve top rankings and drive traffic with SEO and SMO. Content remains as one of the primary ways to keep and maintain a site’s rankings both with SEO and SMO strategies. Keyword stuffing won’t be as prevalent, necessary or effective in the future. Creative and appealing content along with interacting with the consumer has become increasingly needed. Web marketers should still focus on developing content that is geared towards retaining audience members and obtaining new ones. In addition, features need to be built into company and organizational internet properties that allow consumers and clients to interact directly with a organization’s online presence. as these strategies are employed we’ll see web sites develop a more stable and loyal audience base as long as they are able to engage effectively and transparently with their visitors and provide what the consumer wants.

Natural SEO practices are here to stay, but they will change in light of social media and will get shiny new acronyms. Strategies and tactics that were once must-dos for any site will become second nature and will incorporate social media practices as online marketing and advertising evolves. Learn to blend and balance your SEO strategies with your social media strategies to obtain the best results.

Photo Credit: altogether Digital.