Digital Media Integration

Posted on August 17, 2011 by

Let’s make somethin’ happen, shall we?

Triple Happiness Every Day 3p-6p!

I made a comment when co-presenting with Michael Taylor of BIA/Kelsey at New Media Dayton on “Go Mobile & Stay Local” which I continue to think about the brand possibilities: “imagine the power of Foursquare and QR Codes”. I followed that today with an “imagine the power of digital marketing!” when I did a “Where’s Waldo?” (well, where’s Vicki) check-in on Foursquare, created a QR Code that I then posted on Facebook. All within less than 60 seconds. A friend responded in less than 2 minutes.

Let’s use my actual location as the brand (which can only be revealed by scanning the QR Code J) and how this can work for businesses – small, medium and large..oh my!

Action

Impact

Exposure
Check-in on Foursquare add comment “Triple Happiness everyday 3p-6p” All connections see this, (those local to you and have alerts on will see immediately), know about promo, may invite others and put on calendar 90 friends
Choose “Share this” option (before or after check-in) Options to send location name, address and Foursquare link via email, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Text and QR Code – I chose QR Code)  
I chose….Share this text or URL as QR Code (on Facebook) “Sharing” the “attached image” on “Facebook” to upload as an image that expands my message to my FB connections 300 friends
Share with on Twitter As part of your normal check-in, include in message “Triple Happiness every day 3p-6p across the country!” 1,800 followers

Potential exposure resulting from my 60 seconds?

 2,200 people*

* There will be some overlap in connections however the message may only be seen on one – if message is seen in more than one application, the repetition builds brand/message awareness.

It’s all about exposure – and the expenses associated with these initiatives would be minimal: marketing person and online brand tracking software.  Each location should have someone monitoring the Foursquare, Facebook places, Gowalla, SCVNGR, etc. check-ins and responding accordingly.

Where was I? More importantly…can you envision the power of integrating digital media?

Posted in Location Based Services, Marketing, Mobile, Twitter | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

10 Items: Google+ vs. Facebook

Posted on July 13, 2011 by

An early comparison…as I’ve been on Google+ (G+) for a full day now. Here’s what I’ve experienced compared to Facebook:

Google+ is kind of like a mashup between Facebook and Twitter. Or applying the Twitter model to Facebook. With a twist. Like Twitter, you can “follow” anyone without an approval by the other person. Like Facebook, you can easily follow the newsfeed of information of your connections. But, G+ is taking it further and making information exchange and communication easier. And there is forethought into the strategy that will differentiate and attract users and engagement.

Creating “circles” or groups such as Friends, Family, Automotive, New Media Dayton, Digital Media Gurus, etc. is a great starting point and allows you can easily segment your messages to the appropriate group/s. Here’s some more deets:

Google+                                                               Facebook
“Walls” don’t exist                                                Walls allow spam, unsolicited messages
    (post to a comment so others see it)                 (info you may not want others to see, is)
Drag and drop people management                  Custom groups, individual creation
Messaging: post to one, groups or both            Messaging: post to wall, groups or both
    (disable reshare)
Post-message edits and delete                           Delete only
Video chat (hangout) with multiple peeps        Video chat one-on-one via Skype
Google features integration                                No other apps/features to integrate
Personal profiles only                                          Business/personal profiles
No advertising (yet)                                            Advertising but only once mature
App for that (on Android, anyway)                   Available on Android, iOS, RIM
    (pending iOS approval)
Privacy – people trust Google with info            Privacy issues

People trust the Google name. And it’s new. So early adopters will try it and might eventually migrate from Facebook. Facebook currently has the upper hand with mobile access on all platforms (It’s a matter of time before check-ins, deals and online payments are integrated). Check out these stats to show why mobile access is important.

For those already on and using G+, what do you think:

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

What to expect at a Digital Media meetup

Posted on June 8, 2011 by

As a New Media Dayton board member, we thought it would be fun and interesting to post something that shows expectations and a walk through of arriving at a New Media Dayton event. So, here’s what you can experience on Friday, June 10, 2011 (FAO – for attendees only :-) )

1) Upon arrival –> Free digital avatar/head shot provided by Kelly Ann Photos. Who doesn’t need a new, updated or different head shot for one of your social networks? 

2) Badge pickup –> A “must have” for networking (includes Twitter handle. Didn’t include during registration? No problem – we left some space for ya to add it.)

3) Network, network, network! –> One of the many great things about attending New Media Dayton events is the diversity of people and experience. Such creative minds!

4) Meet our sponsor –> Cake Hope & Love (custom, personalized cakes and baked goods just the way us “sweet tooth” folks like ‘em)

5) Say cheese! –> Julie Walling from Walling Photography does a fabulous job capturing our events. Mix it up a little and grab your friends, colleagues and new entrepreneurial acquaintances for a digital memory.

6) Snack, please! –> Enjoy the coffee plus special goodies provided by our sponsor, Cake Hope & Love: breakfast cupcakes (yum!!).

7) Now what? –> Jeff Long of Exit Row Productions will be our meeting moderator, and will provide opening/closing comments as well as announcements and any last minute stuff (like using #NMDayton in your Twitter posts during the meeting)

8) 3, 2, 1….action! –> Shawntay Fields, Vice President of Information Technology at Comtactics will present and engage us with her expertise and 5 “sexy” ways you, business owners and consultant can use QR Codes for your business or your customers.

9) E & T –> Engage & Tweet! So much will be learned and shared during our short time together.

10) Parting is such sweet sorrow –> But not really! ‘Cause we’re connected on Twitter! If you aren’t already, follow us @NewMediaDayton for all the latest and greatest. If you want to be part of the “in” crowd (and who doesn’t, really), text NMDayton to 90210 and you’ll instantly become part of the ICOG (inner circle of goodness).

Two meeting tips from the NMD board:  1) Network & engage and 2) document two (2) take aways you can put into action upon leaving. Have fun and don’t forget to exchange contact information.

That’s it! 

Posted in Mobile, Professional, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Local and Mobile Search

Posted on May 31, 2011 by

“To facilitate any transition, a critical success factor is understanding your target market.”

As brands realize the power mobile serves as a personal productivity device (PPD), the investment they make in reaching this group shifts. According to comScore, as of March 2011, there are 72.5M US owned smartphones, up 15% from last year. That’s a lot of people that have changed, or are changing, their search habits!

We know as consumers how we find information. The way each person searches for information is as unique as they are. What’s important from a business standpoint is to understand how to find that group of ideal customers. For a company to capitalize on this they need to market their brand in various ways in an effort to be where the seeker is. Here’s an interesting article from ClickZ that shows “mobile movement” as of April 2011.

Searching from a computer (work or at home)
Primary source: using a search engine; secondary source: Facebook, email.

  • Situation:  Local search, whether using Google, Bing or Yahoo! “how” a search occurs is very personal. The way I think to find information isn’t the same as how you think to find the same thing.
  • Solution:  Embrace the uniqueness of how people think, act and find information. Number of scenarios far outweigh any company’s budget. Through analytics select long tail keywords which are very targeted and although will result in less traffic, will be less expensive, have a higher CTR and generate a more relevant audience to engage in your brand afterwards through email subscription or Facebook “likes”. Money saved can then be moved to other forms of lead generating tools such as LBSs, Facebook ads, “daily” savings companies like Groupon or Daily Deals.

Businesses: Reach audience by geo targeted and/or keywords business established
Shoppers: Find information with long tail keywords, Facebook, email

Searching from a mobile device (anywhere, anytime)
Primary source: app; secondary source: mobile web (post coming soon on this)

  • Situation: My search habits aren’t the same on my iPhone as on my laptop which makes targeting me different throughout the day, every day. I’m a moving target, literally. And I’m complicating the process and keeping businesses guessing. It can be fun :-) .
  • Solution: Stop what you’re doing, how you’re investing in your brand and the tools you’re using. Ask these questions:1.  What am I trying to accomplish?
    2.  Who is my target audience?
    3.  Where is my target audience finding what I offer?The answers to these questions determine where you invest marketing $$ and the most efficient ways to be found.

Personal example:
I actually use apps and Safari depending on what I’m looking for. If I seek information, I use Safari. If I’m looking for a specific brand or location, I’ll use Foursquare or Yelp. Sounds crazy, but true. I was in an unfamiliar area for a sporting event and needed to get rid of my headache. I used Foursquare to locate a nearby pharmacy. I was going to check in there anyway so as a time saver, I streamlined my efforts. I’ve also used Yelp to find a particular restaurant. I was looking for my latest favorite Hot Head Burritos and had no idea where the nearest location was. Yelp helped.

Businesses: The “how” to find new customers is not as obvious as it use to be. Why the 3 questions above are so important.
Shoppers: So many options that we use what we’re comfortable with. Such diversity and is constantly changing, i.e. moving target.

Next steps
Refer to the solution above, reflect on the three questions then have a team of people in your company (or subject matter experts) to develop the strategy. Assign tasks to people who are stakeholders who understand and want to be part of the success.

Hardest step to accept is change. Change is good if it’s carefully evaluated and decisions made to support the questions above. Trying something new like Foursquare and offering specials, may surprise you at who’s using this and the value they know in your brand and seek in your offers.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Smartphones – Time for a name upgrade?

Posted on May 4, 2011 by

“Smartphones are order takers. These personal power devices will truly be “smart” when they intuitively and proactively tell me what to do.”

According to Wikipedia, a “smartphone” is a mobile device with more advanced computing capabilities and connectivity than a feature phone.  While I can’t argue with the definition, I can argue that advanced mobile devices should no longer be compared to the original “feature” phones, warranting a new name to differentiate from original intent.  This market share is the fastest growing, 13% increase in advanced mobile device purchases in February 2011 compared to previous three months. One out of every three people in the US own a smart phone.

So….does “smartphone” resonate with anyone anymore? Although the term is still frequently used, I’m confident “cell phone” doesn’t either. I think it’s time for a new name! Refer to this list of top 10 2011 best mobile devices for inspiration. Let’s brainstorm!

Adjectives that describe advanced mobile devices, i.e. iPhone4, Droid phones, RIM devices:

  • Blazing speed connectivity (4g network)
  • Gaming
  • Music player
  • Multi-media enabled
  • Touch screens/ sliding Qwerty keyboard
  • Apps
  • Multi tasking computing
  • Light weight
  • Quick computing, i.e. Foursquare check-ins
  • NFC enabled

Words that, IMO, describe these mobile devices:

  • Performance
  • Personal
  • Portability
  • Powerful
  • Productive
  • Control
  • Choices
  • Style
  • Scalable
  • Functional

Given the above – feel free to add any other words you think should be included – what would be an ideal name for the next generation “Smartphone”?

Posted in Mobile, Statistics, Technology, Trends | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

#FollowFriday: 03/18/11

Posted on March 18, 2011 by

#FFI’m continuing my Twitter #FF blog post! By taking my “FollowFriday” recommendation in a different direction, my intent is to promote personal/professional branding and make it quick and easy to scan info about each Tweeple I follow and find value in every week. Thank you for your educational posts!!

Perhaps there’s an SEO benefit for each, too :-)

Automotive Gurus

  1. Gary May / imacsweb
    1. Description: Building brands, adding substance to businesses that understand what’s happening online (and those that want to). I blog a bit. Yeah, auto industry guy.
    2. Recent Post: The bonus of travel? Meeting some of the most interesting, life-adding people. Time with clients, then a bonus on top!
    3. Website: http://blog.imacsweb.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @imacsweb
  2. Larry Bruce / pcmguy 
    1. Description: Founder / President / CEO MicrositesByU Q2 2010 and a new adventeure left Reynolds after 2 great years of a lot of Big Company fun.
    2. Recent Post: The Larry Bruce Daily is out! http://bit.ly/g8CK4Y ▸ Top stories today via @patrickstrother @ozzmak @jessepappas @bikelife
    3. Website: http://www.pcmguy.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @pcmguy
  3. Matt Murray 
    1. Description: Director of Digital Marketing @ Dealer.com
    2. Recent Post: MUST READ: Cars, Restaurants, Financial Services Top Study Of “Complaint Searches” http://selnd.com/eSg3QT #automarketing #DD10 #AMBC
    3. Website: http://www.dealer.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @matt_murray

Fabulous Females

  1. Mirna Bard / Photographer
    1. Description: Hype-free Social Web & Biz Consultant, Keynote Speaker, Instructor of Social Media at UCI, Internet Addict. Passion 4 life!
    2. Recent Post: 7 Simple #Social Networking #Tips for #Business http://bit.ly/bwS6GB #SM
    3. Website: http://www.mirnabard.com/blog
    4. Twitter Profile: @MirnaBard
  2. Susan Macaulay / Amazing Susan
    1. Description: Funky, fit, quirky maverick, feminist/activist. Passionate re learning, life. Here 2 celebrate, motivate & inspire. Love #PINK, bling, dancing, & cool tweeps.
    2. Recent Post: Media Thinker Johanna Blakley Explores Fashion & #Copyright http://dld.bz/2Ysy #fashion #media #design #TED #TEDx #women
    3. Website: http://www.amazingwomenrock.com
    4. Twitter Profile:  @AmazingSusan
  3. Elisa / ElisaTalk
    1. Description: All-around media chica who co-founded iParenting Media, acquired by The Walt Disney Company. My next venture is launching soon. I also tweet as @30secondmom.
    2. Recent Post: Ad Industry’s new ethics code by IAE takes on brand integration & social media disclosure. Ad Age: http://goo.gl/PztY0
    3. Website: http://www.elisaall.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @elisatalk

Marketing Companies

  1. The Kern Organization 
    1. Description: Like most agencies, we thrive on innovating new ways to build our clients’ businesses. What makes us unique is how we use data insight and data intelligence to drive strategy.
    2. Recent Post: #Mobile #Ads Will Be Bigger than TV Ads Sooner Than You Think. Mobile #Marketing – http://ow.ly/4httM
    3. Website: http://www.thekernorganization.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @thekernorg
  2. Ad Age
    1. Description: Ad Age is the leading global source of news, intelligence and conversation for marketing and media communities.
    2. Recent Post: Microsoft Splits $1B Media Duties Between Starcom MediaVest, Universal McCann http://goo.gl/fb/nZcjO
    3. Website: http://www.adage.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @AdAge
  3. Mobile Marketer 
    1. Description: The news leader in mobile marketing, media and commerce
    2. Recent Post: Are ad agencies holding up mobile advertising? http://bit.ly/hogPMO
    3. Website: http://www.MobileMarketer.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @MobileMktrDaily
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

#FollowFriday: 03/11/11

Posted on March 11, 2011 by

#FFI’m continuing my Twitter #FF blog post! By taking my “FollowFriday” recommendation in a different direction, my intent is to promote personal/professional branding and make it quick and easy to scan info about each Tweeple I follow and find value in every week. Thank you for your educational posts!!

Perhaps there’s an SEO benefit for each, too :-)

Automotive Gurus

  1. Jim Ziegler
    1. Description: I am the consumate entrepreneur and professional speaker
    2. Recent Post: ALPHA DAWG TRIBE…look, Larry Bruce is performing an incredible Reputation Management Webinar http://ow.ly/4aX1R #dd10 #automarketing
    3. Website: http://www.socialoomph.com/profiles/jimziegler
    4. Twitter Profile: @jimziegler
  2. Lebanon Ford/ Jeff Cryder, Jr.
    1. Description: Lebanon Ford is a Ford dealer located in Lebanon, OH. Check out our current Social Media projects TheFordProject.com and Ford-Life.com. Tweets by @cryderja #FTW
    2. Recent Post: #Ford B-MAX Concept Vehicle Debuted http://bit.ly/fx7Nx6
    3. Website: http://www.lebanon-ford.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @Lebanonflm
  3. Glen Garvin 
    1. Description: Automobile professional – Optimistic & somewhat cynical dad, husband, sports nut, business catalyst, teacher & aspiring Christ follower
    2. Recent Post: Nice blog/article from AutoMotionTV on using QR codes at car dealerships. http://bit.ly/eFfnWm
    3. Website: http://www.glengarvin.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @ggarvin

Fabulous Females

  1. Leah Moon 
    1. Description: @scrippsjschool alum. Lover of [Cleveland] sports, music, coffee, organization and all things social media. @PRSANewPros Chair-Elect. Views are my own.
    2. Recent Post: After #quake in #tokyo, phone lines down, Twitter up. An important medium to get information out during disasters.
    3. Website: http://www.linkedin.com/in/leahmoon
    4. Twitter Profile: @StarMoon
  2. Shana Douglas
    1. Description: Marcom Diva|Cupcake Baking Extraordinaire|Social Change Initiator|#Girlintech|@Daytonmostmetro.com Columnist| @CultureMASHYPO Founder |@stateyourcause Band Geek
    2. Recent Post: 7 Deadly Web Design Sins inc.com/guides/2010/10… via @IncMagazine
    3. Website: http://www.culturemash.org
    4. Twitter Profile:  @ShanaDouglas
  3. Carl Weis Hale 
    1. Description: Social Media Strategist @TheC3Group, Co-Creator @CultureMASHYPO, Proud Daytonian, Christ follower, Wine and Food Lover.
    2. Recent Post: There are many ways to help those affected by the tsunami. @RedCross @GlobalGiving @savethechildren @ShelterBox http://reut.rs/eRQRf7
    3. Website: http://flavors.me/carlaweishale
    4. Twitter Profile: @carlaweishale

New Media Dayton

  1. Jeff Zaret
    1. Description: I have fun meeting people, leading the fight against cancer, helping businesses save big money on credit card sales and, yes, doing stand-up comedy.
    2. Recent Post: another great presentation #NMDayton thanks to @Erin_Fagan from @Teradata and also thanks again to @Airport_Toyota for sponsoring
    3. Website: http://www.gonps.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @jeffzaret
  2. Chris Celek
    1. Description: Connect your business with customers using social media. Write. Edit. Publish on web, in print. P.R. Old media, too.
    2. Recent Post: @teradata & Erin Fagan, terrific talk @nmdayton. Lessons 4 every business about how to use social media. http://twitpic.com/48h1sb
    3. Website: http://www.chriscelek.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @ChrisCelek
  3. Rick Cartwright
    1. Description: Executive with a passion for innovation, technology (gadgets), new media, leadership, and family.
    2. Recent Post: LinkedIn Launches Social News Site for Professionals | RWW – http://ow.ly/4cCDw
    3. Website: http://www.RickCartwright.com
    4. Twitter Profile: @RickCartwright
Posted in Marketing, Twitter | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments