This week we discuss what happens when the social web fails. Facebook was down for a record amount of time, Foursquare crashed for nearly two days, and we all have our favorite “fail whale” jokes from the years of spotty Twitter service. Holly and Kendra debate whether our expectations of free services are too high, and what over-dependence on any one platform can do to your marketing and business. We also discuss what’s making us happy this week – among them, MailChimp and integrated conference schedules.
Brands that look out for her family's welfare are on the average mom blogger's mind.
Last week’s mommy blogging post focused on building a relationship with mom bloggers to build a brand. Many moms are taking their opinions to the internet so its crucial for businesses to listen to this particular demographic. But there is another essential way companies can cultivate a lasting relationship with this niche of the blogging world: advertising.
Many mommy bloggers offer ad space in their corners of the internet and claiming that space for you and your business should be considered when developing your online marketing strategy. But IF (and only if) you have something mom bloggers are interested in. As Helen Legatt notes in BizReport :
Don’t bother advertising products for mom on mommy blogs. It was clear from the survey that moms put their kids, and their family’s stomachs, first.
The survey Helen refers to is Unicast’s 2010 Back to School survey that determined moms welcome ads that speak to their economical and familial senses. In other words, if it’s geared toward their family and will save them pennies in the process, moms are willing to buy what you sell.
Still not sure? How about considering the two main positives to advertising on mom blogs:
Instant audience. Mom bloggers bring in a target audience: other moms. By advertising on a mom blog, you reach out to a vast audience of mothers who are looking for the right products/services for their families.
Support. Like any other group, mom bloggers are opinionated and if they don’t like what you’re selling, they’ll be sure to write about it. What better way to get the support of these bloggers than to make your presence known on their home pages?
What it comes down to is this: you’d rather have moms on your side than against you. Just ask Old Navy.
Make sure your business "wins" the social media game.
With businesses, small and large alike, using social media as their own personal playground, who can possibly get ahead of the pack?
The articles in this week’s round up will teach you how to play the social media game and beat out your competitors while still satisfying your customer base.
Be on the lookout every week for news, tips from pros, reviews, emerging technology, and a whole bundle of thought-provoking articles on this ever-developing, exciting world of social media.
Holly spoke with employees of various non-profits today to discuss ways social media usage can shine a spotlight on their causes. Here she is discussing what Neovia Solutions does for clients:
What does changing a dirty diaper, blogging and the corporate world have in common?
Each one has the power to make or break a brand.
The mom blogger is a largely influential consumer who has an opinion on everything from baby wipes to baby food makers, and she’s taking that opinion straight to the internet. According to an article written by Tralee Pearce at the Globe and Mail, “A study done last year by the website BabyCenter found that 60 per cent of U.S. women’s online conversations include a mention of brands or products. A growing number of those mentions can knock brands back on their heels. “
And budding businesses need to listen up. Tailoring a product to please consumers is the name of the corporate game but if companies aren’t listening to their buyer demographic, then people won’t purchase. Or worse, they’ll be raked over the coals on the internet.
This is why making friends with the mommies is a must. Moms are given an incredible outlet through blogging to promote (or poo poo) a product they deem suitable for their children. From product reviews and giveaways to casual forum talk, moms have been given the green light to market your goods for free. And some mothers are taking their online presence in person to get-togethers like MommyParties where women meet to view and discuss the latest and greatest in merchandise. So if you want to be tweeted about in a positive light, keep these moms happy.
And changing a diaper or two couldn’t hurt either.
Hello everyone! Let’s kick start October by narrowing down the best tools businesses can utilize to increase company profit. From books to mobile devices to office work spaces, there are a variety of ways businesses can positively influence their employees and increase productivity. And we could all use a little more help when it comes to being productive. More coffee anyone?
Be on the lookout every week for news, tips from pros, reviews, emerging technology, and a whole bundle of thought-provoking articles on this ever-developing, exciting world of social media.
10 Ways to Use Mobile Devices to Run Your Business Having the ability to operate from any location is key for a business to be successful. Learn the different ways a mobile device can get your business ahead.
10 Dead Simple Gmail Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts Email is a necessary tool whether its used for business or used personally. Get the most out of your Gmail experience and learn how it can make networking that much easier.
The awesome crew over at the Tech in Twenty podcast asked Holly to appear on this week’s show. Jennifer Navarrete and Luis Sandoval Jr., our social media brethren (and Holly’s mentors), run a great live podcast every Thursday evening at 8 p.m. (CST) that covers the latest in tech news and gadgetry. Check out this week’s episode, featuring Holly discussing strategy, agility, and how to overcome challenges in social media. You might also want to subscribe to Tech in Twenty in iTunes.
