Technorati State of the Blogosphere 2008

Posted by Rahna on September 22, 2008 under Consumer Engagement | Be the First to Comment

It’s hard to keep up with all the technology available to marketers today, but in order to serve my clients in the most thorough manner possible, I feel that I need to keep investigating all the options open to those who want to strengthen their brands.  Anyone who talks with me knows that I am a huge advocate for digital marketing avenues–social media, blogging, email campaigns, etc. 

 Technorati has just come out with their new research document about blogging….who’s doing it, why, how, and what the avenues for profitability are.  It’s a really great look at blogging today, backed up with tons of facts and figures.  Have a look at the report at: http://technorati.com/blogging/state-of-the-blogosphere/

 My blog is posted with Technorati through <a href=”http://technorati.com/claim/zmgvthexmq” rel=”me”>Technorati Profile</a>

Gen X moms versus Gen Y moms

Posted by Rahna on September 18, 2008 under Consumer Engagement, Media, Social Media | Be the First to Comment

ontinuing the discussion of my last post, I just read a bulletin put out by MediaPost’s Research Daily that recaps a study done for Parenting Magazine

http://www2.worldpub.net/images/parenting/pdf/MomMatters_JulyAug.pdf

The study shows the differences between Gen X moms and Gen Y moms in terms of where they are going for information and parenting guidance.  Here’s what it showed:

So if you are going to grow your base with the coveted 18-34 year old crowd, you cannot ignore the social aspects of the internet.  Join in the conversation and get engaged.  You’ll find out quickly that your consumer is already there and already talking!

98% Can Benefit from Social Media Research

Posted by Rahna on September 15, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

There are some who have not taken me up on the offer of a Social Media Audit for their businesses.  I understand that you are not sure whether this information would REALLY be relevant.  I can tell you that in 98% of the industries selling products or services today,  it would be. 

How do I know this?

Because  I have seen the results given for other clients—actionable, usable information that can drive marketing decisions.

But don’t take my word for it; look at what others are saying.  Ad Age today had an article about how social media is changing the face of research.  http://adage.com/article?article_id=130964

The article talks about conversations taking place with the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) that “signal a shift in paradigms, and most likely budgets, away from surveys and toward mining insights from blogs, social networks, consumer comments to websites and more, said Joel Rubinson, chief research officer of the ARF.”

I don’t believe traditional research will go away, but I do believe savvy marketers need to know about, and take advantage of, all the research options available to them.

And the other 2%?

You will notice that I say that 98% of companies should be using Social Media Audits as a research tool….What about the other 2%?  Well, I say that because there are a few companies that probably don’t have that much conversation going on on-line.  If your consumer base is not computer-savvy and not inclined to on-line networking and discussion, you won’t find rich enough information to guide you in decision-making….but that is a small percentage of people out there!

Text Message Content

Posted by Rahna on September 11, 2008 under Social Media | Be the First to Comment

Here’s a question: What do college kids use text messaging for?  

I don’t think that there is any question that college kids are among the biggest users of text messaging but what is the content of their text messages?  

Business people use their Blackberry’s to give basic information. “I will be five minutes late to our meeting.” “What is so and so’s phone number?” Each of these is basic information dissemination, but what is the primary use for college kids? 

I was having a discussion with someone the other day who had been out of college for six or seven years, and he contends that the primary use for college kids is to flirt with each other.  

I was working on developing a marketing program and one of the ideas was to give free t-shirts to kids who would text five of their friends to let them know about an upcoming event. I spoke with one college kid who said that this is a fairly common practice on his campus and an easy way to generate word of mouth activity.  In speaking to my client, they felt that the primary use of text messaging was for flirting and therefore, this is a tactic that would not work as well. 

It is an interesting question. I will have to research it.  I’d love to know what anyone thinks. If you have any information, let me know; I’d love to hear it.

National Association of Small Business Owners

Posted by Rahna on September 8, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Tonight I am speaking at the first meeting of the inaugural meeting of the National Association for Small Business Owners.  This is an organization that is dedicated to giving small business owners the resources and the education they need to grow their businesses.  

Everyone knows how important it is to network; finding the right people that can help you with your needs.  Everyone needs a place where they can go and talk to others who have worked out some of the challenges that they are struggling with.  

If you’re a small business owner in the CT area, I strongly encourage you to join this terrific organization. The key benefits for you are: 

• Opportunities for highly targeted business to business advertising
• Strong networking marketing opportunities
• Profit-generating  education

 

They offer tele-seminars, free reports, lots of information on all the different aspects of small business ownership, from legal to accounting, to marketing to website management, to dealing with employees.   

As a matter of fact, on September 23^rd, I’ll be conducting a seminar called the “Top 10 Secrets to  Digital Branding,” followed by a three-hour class on Digital Marketing.  The one hour tele-seminar airs September 23^rd and the three hour course is October 10^th.  If you’re a member of the Small Business Owners Association, your admission to the teleseminar is free.  Non-members can come for a small fee.   

If you want to join, click here to find out all the great benefits and sign up right away.