Archive for the ‘ effectiveness ’ Category

Why can’t we be “friends?”

Image courtesy of http://www.evolve-research.com

Having trouble keeping your Facebook “fans?” Forbes.com Blogger Susan Breslin has some insight into why. According to Breslin, end-users see right through you. In her article, she discusses five main reasons why you are losing fans, and because I would hate to keep you in suspense, I’ve included those reasons below:

  1. You don’t own your page.
  2. You’re trying too hard.
  3. You don’t get it.
  4. You’re boring.
  5. You’re a control freak.

I have to admit, reason number four kind of stings. Ouch. Don’t take these personally, though. Instead, remember what social media is all about. Engage your fans and get to know them. Don’t be overbearing. Social media allows you to be more flexible with your content and responses. Although you cannot control the conversation, you can definitely monitor and contribute to it. By contributing, you can alter the direction of the conversation.

People are going to talk about your brand online. Wouldn’t you rather they include you in the conversation by tweeting your company directly or posting on your Facebook wall?

In an April 2011 post, I also outlined a few reasons why your social media friends and followers aren’t following you back. Some of Ms. Breslin’s same comments apply. I outlined a few new ones as well. Take a look for yourself and feel free to add to the list.

Read my blog post.

2011
10/24
CATEGORY
blogging
communications
effectiveness
Marketing
public relations
Social Media
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Blogging Tips: 8 tips to help you make a living from blogging

Blogging TipsYou spend countless hours in front of your computer researching, writing, brainstorming and editing your blog and blog posts. Now, it’s time to see financial gain as a result of your hard work.

The New York Times recently highlighted a few bloggers who are making a living from what used to be their hobby. Based off their feedback, PRDaily has put together a list of eight tips for anyone looking to make a living from blogging.

1. Choose a book- or movie-friendly topic for your blog. Most of the bloggers who are raking in the most dough are those whose journeys have been optioned for the bookshelves and big screen.

2. “My advice is to choose a topic you’ll never get tired of,” Stephanie Nelson, founder of CouponMom.com, told the Times. This makes sense. If nothing becomes of your blog, you might not be making money, but at least you’ll have some fun along the way.

3. Learn how advertising happens on the Web. A major source of income for paid bloggers comes from ad revenue. For most writers, however, the business side of publishing doesn’t come naturally. Learn how Google AdSense works, and become familiar with companies likeBuySellAds.com and Federated Media, which help sites generate revenue.

4. Incorporate video on your blog. This ads another vehicle for advertisers, and it increases your potential exposure.

5. Sell memorabilia. According to the Times article, Hak5.org blogger Darren Kitchen makes $5,000 a month selling stickers, T-shirts, computer hacking tools, and baseball caps through his site.

6. Charge for premium content. One blogger told the Times he brought in $150,000 a month by charging for tutorials and e-books.

7. Ask for donations. As long as you don’t mind resorting to the Web’s version of panhandling, it’s apparently OK to ask readers to donate to your cause.

8. Organize events. Bloggers are charging to lead destination workshops attended by readers.

2011
05/31
CATEGORY
blogging
communications
effectiveness
Marketing
public relations
Social Media
working
TAGS










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It’s not you, it’s me: 5 reasons your brand’s followers have stopped following

Using social media for business is as much about relationship building as it is marketing and branding. As marketing and public relations professionals, do our best to “woo” new Twitter followers and keep that spark going with our current ones. But, like any interpersonal relationship, there are highs and lows, beginnings and ends.

Why do consumers fall out of love with your brand on Twitter? According to The Social Break-Up report by Exact Target and cotweet:

  • 52% leave because…
    • Content became repetitive or boring
  • 41% leave because…
    • Twitter stream became too crowded with marketing posts
  • 39% leave because…
    • Company posted too frequently
  • 27% leave because…
    • Company didn’t offer enough deals
  • 21% leave because…
    • Tweets were too promotional

Don’t take it personally. According to this report, nearly half of all consumers who created a Twitter account no longer use Twitter. They aren’t just breaking up with brands, some are leaving Twitter altogether.

So, how do you get back that loving feeling? Don’t use Twitter, or any other social media platform, as an online billboard for your company. Take the time to monitor what your followers or people on Twitter in general are saying about your company. Listening to consumers or brand enthusiasts online creates the opportunity to try new tactics that might send former followers running back into your brand’s arms!

What are some other methods your company has used to engage or re-engage your followers?

2011
04/21
CATEGORY
blogging
communications
consumer trends
effectiveness
Marketing
organization
PR 101
public relations
Social Media
TAGS




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