social media marketing

Netflix Decides Not To Split After All

2011-10-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

To the relief of many Netflix customers, the company announced that it will not continue with plans to separate its DVD and streaming services into two different websites. This decision comes after Netflix received a large amount of criticism due to its recent changes- first a 60% price increase, and then the announcement of the separation of DVD services into Qwikster.
Mashable.com reports that Netflix CEO Reed Hastings released a statement on the Netflix blog saying that "two websites would make things more difficult." Therefore Netflix has decided to keep the services together as one brand. The CEO also announced that they are done with price increases- which greatly deflated their number of subscribers.
It seems that Netflix got the message from its customers, who were extremely vocal about their opinions on Facebook and Twitter. Since the announcement of price hikes in July, conumers have been increasingly unhappy with the decisions made by top executives at Netflix. In September alone, Netflix's stock price lost half of it's value.
The cancellation of plans for Qwikster might be somewhat of an apology from Netflix to its consumers. The company has definitely responded to the negative reaction toward its decisions and now can move forward and try to rebuild its reputation.

If you are interested in Social Media and Marketing Services, please contact AMP3 Public Relations at 646-827-9594 or info@amp3pr.com.

Want to Take Justin Timberlake's Profile Picture? Enter the 'Every Second Counts' Contest!

2011-09-27T09:07:00.001-07:00

AdAge reports that in order to promote his upcoming film "In Time," Justin Timberlake has teamed up with digital agency Talenthouse to create a photography contest. The promotional campaign requires photography submissions that reflect the idea of making every second count.

The winning photo will ultimately be chosen by Timberlake and his firm, and it will be featured as Justin Timberlake's profile picture for the month of November. There is also a voting process, which is meant to bring forward the top contenders. The top nine finalists' photos will be featured in a pop up exhibit at the premiere of "In Time."

Each time someone submits a photo for consideration, they will be shown a trailer for "In Time." Talenthouse's general manager said they hoped to generate 500,000 views of the trailer from the contest alone. Timberlake has also been promoting the contest via his twitter account, where he has upwards of 6million followers.

If you are interested in Social Media Marketing please contact AMP3 Public Relations at 646-827-9594 or info@amp3pr.com.

In Defense of “Insourcing” – Keep Social Media Efforts within a Company

2011-04-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

The business world is all about results – if a corporation doesn’t see results from a new employee or tactic, why continue to fund those efforts?

I would argue that social media is a bit different.

Some – especially social media experts – might defend the outsourcing of social media efforts. These people are trained to garner Twitter followers and Facebook fans for a company.

The company’s overall discourse must be changed from a declaration to a discussion, and social media is one of the cheapest, easiest and most interactive ways to do that.

If the discourse is to be changed, a conversation has to start. A conversation is a personal form of communication, and for a personal tone, the communication must come from within the company.

I spoke with Dena Alspach, Group Publisher at Tiger Oak Publications, while working an event hosted by Wisconsin Bride, one of the magazines Tiger Oak publishes.

In an engaging discussion about social media, publishing and the nature of the journalism field altogether, Alspach stressed the need for messages to come from within the company.

Seeing “promoted” tweets generally turns consumers off from your product or brand, Alspach said. Many social media users avert their gaze when they see tweets that are “official” or “corporate” in appearance.

I agree with Alspach – no matter how completely someone is trained in the ways of a company, a third party will never be able to adequately dictate the personal tone that could come from an employee within the company.

Alspach also said that she, along with many others at each respective publication, have access to that publication’s social media outlets. She can update the Wisconsin Bride Twitter account, but so can the art director.

A profit-driven company can see results in social media outlets even without outsourcing their efforts to a third party. Because it is more personal, “insourcing” promotes a conversation with followers.

Social media sites can add to the productivity of a company, but should be “insourced” to keep a personal feel and promote conversation.

By: Jackie Pecquex (@jackiepecquex)

NYC Burger Joint goodburger & Social Media Marketing

2011-02-22T08:56:00.000-08:00

NYC burger joint goodburger is a perfect example of an established restaurant chain that has decided to throw their hat in the social media marketing ring to create buzz, gain new fans, and hopefully increase sales. In recent months they have become increasingly active on their Facebook fan page interacting with fans daily, running t-shirt giveaways, and generally commenting on burger related news on a regular basis. goodburger has also become increasingly active on their Twitter feed (@mygoodburger), commenting regularly on the burger business as well as the food industry and reaching out to fans. Additionally, goodburger created a foursquare presence for each of their 6 NYClocations with a rewards program. Foursquare mayors are rewarded with a free goodburger every Monday that they check in to goodburger during their mayorship and all foursquare users are rewarded for checking in to goodburger with a free order of fries every 5th check in. Not bad for simply "checking in" on mobile device. Most recently goodburger has started their own goodburger blog which can be found on the goodburger website (www.goodburgerny.com). The goodburger blog is the place to go for all things goodburger, from the mouth of owner Tom Galis.

Social Media has become a natural piece of any good marketing or pr campaign pie and it's nice to see established restaurants like goodburger that understand the direction that things are moving in and want to be a part of the future or pr & marketing.

If you are interested in Social Media Marketing please contact NYC based PR agency AMP3 Public Relations at 646-827-9594 or email info@amp3pr.com.

Mashable Awards: 5 Big Brands that are Rocking the Social Media Space

2010-11-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

As part of the Mashable Awards, Mashable is taking a deeper look at the 5 big brands that they deem as "Rocking the Social Media Space". These 5 brands are: Starbucks, JetBlue, The History Channel, Whole Foods, and Dunkin' Donuts.

Starbucks, with it's standing as "the most liked brand on Facebook" ranked #1 on the Mashable list.

Ranking in at #2 is JetBlue for it's brilliant use of social media to offer insider promotions and deals including the famous and highly sought after All-You-Can-Jet Pass.

#3 is The History Channel with their unexpected twist to the Foursquare space by offering miniature history lessons that are tied to locations that you check in to.

At #4 is Whole Foods for its 300 niche Twitter handles for local stores so that consumers can be offered location specific experiences and information.

And finally #5 is Dunkin' Donuts with their constant use of social media contests to keep their customers engaged.

To see the full article on Mashable click here.

If you are interested in Social Media Marketing, contact AMP3 Public Relations at 646-827-9594 or info@amp3pr.com.

Meet The New Mayor... Of The Moon...Thanks Foursquare!

2010-10-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard yet, an astronaut by the name of Doug Wheelock just checked in on Foursquare from outer space...amazing!!!! He is the first to unlock the NASA Explorer Badge...does that also make him the mayor of space now?!?!?!?!

I am so intrigued and amused by this story. The badge, meant for NASA enthusiasts to check in to NASA related venues, has truly fulfilled it's purpose. How foolish will you feel now when you use it to check in at Kennedy Space center and you know that NASA astronauts are using it to check into actual outer space, crazy. Looks like Foursquare might need to build a new badge.

What a development, I mean yes, astronauts have been Tweeting from space for over a year now, but wow...I'm still processing this story to be totally honest. "One small step for man; one giant leap for Foursquare."

Check out the story on Mashable!

If you are interested in Social Media Marketing & PR, please contact AMP3 Public Relations at 646-827-9594 or info@amp3pr.com.

MySpace Makes Another Effort to Compete in the Social Network Marketplace

2010-07-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

In what is, in my opinion, an effort to compete with Facebook (the king of social media networking), MySpace is demoing a completely redesigned version of its profile pages.

A MySpace rep said, "We’re testing a new look and feel of our site among users and the response so far has been positive. As always, we’re interested in hearing feedback from our community as we roll out enhancements to the user experience and look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming weeks.”

At the moment, it would appear that MySpace is rolling the new profiles out to a limited number of users in order to gather feedback before a larger, site-wide launch, and so far, the user reaction has been mixed. Whether the new profiles can help turn things around at MySpace remains to be seen, but it’s a certainly a step for the struggling networking platform.

I think the real question that MySpace needs to address though, beyond aesthetics, is what they have that Facebook doesn't. What is there ace in the pocket? The answer, it would seem, is MySpace's strong music presence. When people are looking to listen to a new band for the first time, they most likely go to MySpace to form an opinion before downloading or purchasing music. Record labels as well still seem to be investing in artist MySpace pages to introduce new artists to the public.

Though Facebook offers the capabilities to build artist fan pages, it's certainly not their focus. Instead of MySpace trying to figure out how to compete on every level and making aesthetic changes, there time might be better used trying to figure out how to create a niche networking model focused on connecting musicians with their fans.

Just a thought.

If you are interested in social media marketing, please contact AMP3 Public Relations at 646-827-9594 or info@amp3pr.com.

VH1 Honors Celebrity Tweeters

2010-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

VH1's Annual "Do Something Awards" have announced a new category this year, the "Do Something on Twitter" award. The award will be given to a celebrity who has effectively used Twitter for social good. With all of the celebrities using social media nowadays, it's a wonder how they narrowed down the list. There will also be a Facebook category this year.

The nominees for the first ever "Do Something on Twitter" award are:

Ashton Kutcher for his one million follower charity race and his work with Malaria No More.

Hugh Jackman for offering $100,000 to charities based on how passionately followers could argue for them in 140 characters or less.

Edward Norton for his Maasai Wilderness Conservation marathon run and the social media and web initiatives that surrounded it.

Alyssa Milano for using the social network to raise money from followers for Charity: Water.

BPGlobalPR for striking the culprits in an environmental disaster with effective satire and raising relief funds via T-shirt sales.

The "Do Something Awards" have traditionally honored youths under 25 who have changed the world through good deeds or activism with monetary grants. In recent years though, more celebrity categories have been added to honor movie stars, musicians, comedians, and athletes, creating a better draw for television networks.

This new award once again show's just how much social media has become a part of our society and especially the rate at which Twitter has insinuated itself into our day to day lives, whether you're an every day Joe or the biggest celebrity in the world. Social media and the use of social networking connects us on a day to day basis, no matter who you are, where you come from or where you're going in life.

If you are interested in Social Media Marketing, please contact AMP3 Public Relations at 646-827-9594 or info@amo3pr.com.

Gowalla & USA Today Make Travel Easier through Social Media

2010-06-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Another step for social media marketing. Gowalla, a location-based social network (like foursquare) has teamed up with USA Today to make traveling just a little bit easier for consumers. Gowalla users who also follow USA Today can now check in at major airports around the U.S. and receive airport and airline information from the USA Today travel section (as well as their online community).

Gowalla users can also embard on one of USA Todays "Trips". They will highlight 8-10 destinations in major U.S. cities and those that complete a trip will receive a Jet Setter pin for their Gowalla Passport.

Later on this month, USA Today's airport guides (offering real time flight information etc.) will be integrated into the service.

Additionally, Gowalla users who check in at the most unique airports between now and Labor Day may receive an invitation to be profiled in USA Today’s online travel community.

If you're thinking about downloading the Gowalla app onto your iPhone, check out this review video

If you are interested in social media marketing and pr or consumer pr, email info@amp3pr.com or call 646-827-9594.

Britney Spears Dethrones The Twitter King

2010-06-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

Recently Britney Spears dethroned the Twitter king himself, Ashton Kutcher, in the race to reach 5 million Twitter followers.

You might remember a year ago when Kutcher famously challenged CNN in a race to reach 1 million followers, and won, truly putting Twitter on the map as a social media marketing tool. Oh what a difference 1 year makes. In only a year, Kutcher has gone from just reaching the 1 million mark to 5 million Twitter followers, but not as fast as Miss Britney Spears. This seems to say quite a bit about Twitter and the rate at which it's still growing.

Though this race to 5 million was unofficial it garnered quite a bit of press.

Kutcher himself recently tweeted from a press junket regarding his loss to Spears: “Second most pop question [has been] ‘What do you think about Britney having more followers than you?’ Answer: ‘I don’t care. Aren’t you suppose to be a movie reporter?’”

Getting a little testy are we Ashton, can't win all the time!!!

If you are interested in Social Media Marketing, please contact 646-827-9594 or info@amp3pr.com.

GlaxoSmithKline is Jumping on the Facebook Band Wagon

2010-04-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmihKline (GSK), fourth largest in the world, is jumping on the social media marketing band wagon. They have just come out with a new product, a fast-dissolving lozenge version of their existing Nicorette anti-smoking lozenges, and with the new product comes the launch of a new campaign that includes a Facebook contest.

What you need to know: GSK reported about $529 million in nicotine replacement therapy revenue in 2009, including sales of Nicorette gum, Nicoderm CQ patches and Commit lozenges.

What this all says to me: The decision by GSK to launch a new campaign for this specific product using Facebook as a means of marketing screams out a few things in my opinion. The biggest thing is that they're trying to reach a younger market with this campaign. When your press release for a new product, such as a quit smoking product, that has traditionally been marketed to an older audience only mentions the use of new media versus traditional media, that's what one can immediately assume.

Facebook, though now being used by an extremely diverse community of users, is still for all intents and purposes "a young persons game." I think the obvious shift in marketing demographic by GSK is extremely interesting, and necessary. There are a lot of young people out there who smoke, and that's a personal choice, but I can't seem to think of one quit smoking product that is speaking to this market directly. I think this is a great idea on GSK's part, and potentially a very profitable idea as well. I'll be very interested to see how this campaign, and the use of this Facebook contest turns out, specifically how sale's of this product do within this younger market.

If you are interested in social media marketing, please contact AMP3PR at 646-827-9594 or email info@amp3pr.com.

-Ashley for AMP3 Public Relations

Social Media Marketing Across Your Organization

2010-04-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Social Media Marketing is such an important function of any successful business in this day and age. A successful social media marketing plan should involve so much more than a do-it-once, time-limited campaign, it should be an on going process. To take full advantage of social media marketing requires integrating social media strategies across your entire organization. Social media marketing is the glue that truly enables integrated marketing across channels.

Here are the "12 Tactics for Integrating Social Media Marketing Across Your Organization" by Heidi Cohen for ClickZ.

Create social media-friendly content on a regular basis: To work effectively, it must be high quality, useful information that consumers want and find useful.

Cross-promote social media marketing in online and offline marketing: Mention social media marketing efforts in online advertising, Web site, e-mail, mobile, packaging, direct mail, television, print, out-of-home, and other advertising/marketing efforts.

Integrate social media marketing into annual corporate budgeting and marketing planning processes: Social media marketing isn't free and can't be done when an employee has extra time. It requires dedicated resources and support.

Extend customer service reach and responsiveness: This can be done by using social media to respond to customer questions, comments, and appropriate conversations.

Encourage employees to participate in social media as company representatives: This can be done by establishing guidelines for their participation.

Extend the reach of company events online: Extend by using a variety of social media tools such as Twitter, slide sharing, and video sharing. This includes live demonstrations that are videotaped or photographed and/or live blogging and/or tweeting of meetings, shows, and conferences.

Extend PR efforts through social media use: This includes social media press releases, blogs, video, photographs, Facebook Fan Pages, Twitter, slide sharing, and other social media options to get the word out quickly and broadly.

Provide faster, more effective crisis management for public issues through the use of social media tools: This means monitoring the sentiment of those conversations to understand what's being said and how the public is reacting.

Gather customer input and feedback for market research purposes: This is good for gaining useful insights about your products through forums, in-person meetups, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and reviews.

Expand human resources' reach and effectiveness: Do this through social media use. New talent can be acquired more quickly and cost-effectively through social networking.

Enhance investor relations through the use of social media: Such as video, slides, podcasts, and Webinars. Don't limit your efforts to information required by regulators.

Facilitate cross-organizational relationships: This can be done through corporate networking presence such as LinkedIn or private social networks.

While many companies think that they have an effective social media marketing strategy, they've only started to test the waters. There are so many options and opportunities out there to really push your social media marketing to the max. Now is the time to take a look at what you're company is doing and then take a look at what they could be doing. Reassess and revamp your strategy to create the most successful Social Media Marketing plan that you can.

If you are interested in or have questions about Social Media Marketing, please contact AMP3 Public Relations at info(at)amp3pr.com.

-Ashley for AMP3 Public Relations

Twitter for Business, The New 21

2010-04-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Social Media is such a buzz word lately and Social Media Marketing seems to be top of mind with just about everyone these days. The importance of understanding the tools offered by social media and then utilizing them in the correct way can push many businesses in a new and exciting direction. There are so many opportunities to propel your business, you just need to know what you're doing. Talentzoo.com writer Brian Solis used the inspiration of last years Forbes list of its "Top 21 Twitter Tips" to come out with his own modified list. He used his own observations and experiences with not just Twitter but all forms of social media when creating it. Solis entitled his new article "21 Tips for Using Twitter for Business." To read the full article click on the link or keep reading for a list of the top 21 opportunities Twitter (and social media in general) supplies.

1. Special Offers
2. Ordering
3. Word-of-Mouth Marketing
4. Conversation Marketing
5. Customer Service
6. Focus Groups
7. Direct Sales
8. Business Development
9. Curation
10. Information Networks
11. Dedicated and Branded Channels
12. Mobile and Geo Location Marketing
13. Hosted Conversations That Generate Traffic and Referrers
14. User-Generated Change
15. Vendor-Relationship Management
16. Ideation
17. Employee Recruitment
18. Events
19. Research and Intelligence
20. Fundraising
21. Words of Wisdom!

If you are in the market for Social Media Marketing, please contact info(at)amp3pr.com.

-Ashley for AMP3 Public Relations

The Power of Social Media Marketing

2010-04-09T10:30:00.001-07:00

Website FastCompany.com posted an interview yesterday with the author of "The Zen of Social Media Marketing", Shama Hyder Kabani, and she revealed some interesting thoughts on how businesses can "harness the power of social media."

Kabani revealed that she believes that the use of social media marketing should come last, after you've already established your brand and have a full understanding of your business model. She also named her top 3 choices of social media sites that businesses should be using. Those already familiar with the social media world won't be surprised by her choices, as they are the big ones that we know and love, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Kabani is also a big believer in the power of web videos. She goes so far as to give an example from her own experience. She says, "I started a web TV show called Shama.tv. Six months into it, some of those little videos, the two-minute clips I'd done, had been embedded and shared online over 8,000 times. Yet writing a written blog for almost two years, I hadn't achieved as much traction as I did within six months of a web video blog."

When speaking of the power of location based sites like FourSquare and GoWalla, which you can now use on your cell phone, she calls them great buzz builders because of the fact that there are already so many people out there that like to get the word out. They like to let people know where they are, what they're doing, and what they're buying. Customers practically do the work for you when it comes to promoting your brand.

To read the full interview with Kabani click here, and if you're looking for a good basic introduction to social media marketing check out her book.

-Ashley for AMP3 Public Relations

Do you spend 14 minutes a day on Facebook?

2010-02-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

According to the latest Neilsen stats, people spend more time on Facebook than any of the other social networking sites. I think time spent on the site is due more to going through garbage than really connecting with people.

I know that when i visit Facebook I am immediately swamped with dumb requests like "Farmville" and "Mafia Wars" that after I ignore those requests and scan the updates I'm sure I've already spent five minutes online. But on the other hand, I'll be on facebook for 15 minutes at a time whenever a friend posts a new album.

Anyway, there is an interesting article on Mashable.com with all the stats and details. Check it out.

Pointers to remember when it comes to Social Media Marketing…

2009-12-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

In the past year, it seems that everyone from the lone blogger to the mulit-million dollar corporation has been in a love affair with social media in the sense that it is just a cost-efficient way to market a product/company or get out the word about something. So yes, it’s saving us money – tons of it. And frankly, it's just a neat tool to have, especially with its instantly up-datable nature.

At the same time, there are definitely factors to remember when it comes to having a successful social media marketing campaign. This is not to say that we should should step away from it – but just use it with caution and don’t completely stray away from traditional marketing strategies.

With that said, here are some things to think about when it comes to using social media:

Don’t substitute your marketing plan with a blog: Blogs are great in generating content and getting what you want to say out there, but they don’t necessarily have people (aka potential customers) running to the store to get your product. Pair them up with other social media tools – Twitter, Facebook, Digg, etc. and ENGAGE.

Watch what you say: Having a traditional ad is nice because it gets everything you need to say in one copy. But sometimes you wish you had more space to say more – which is why social media is great. However, the more you write – especially on an instantaneous platform that social media lies on – the more room for error and misconceptions can rise if you don’t think about what you say carefully. The traditional ad goes through days of editing, but social media allows you to voice things instantly, which is great, but still requires thought as well.

Don’t get your blog lost in cyberspace: Let’s be serious for a second – there are hundred of millions of blogs out there. You have to keep asking yourself, “Why should people read my blog?” all while brainstorming ways to generate smart and effective content. Spend time on it like you would on your precious elementary school book report – but remember, it’s not the only thing you should focus on.

Don’t let social media distract you: Social media is pretty cool, but you can easily get lost in it and lose ample productivity time. Keep your priorities in sight and make sure you don’t overtweet or annoy facebookers.

And soon the world will be a Wi-Fi hotspot...

2009-08-31T23:28:00.000-07:00

While driving around my lovely little hometown of Newark, Delaware a few weekends ago, I noticed a sign out front of the local Bob Evans restaurant stating that it is now offering free WiFi connection. Wait a minute. Bob Evans? The hearty-foods family restaurant? Wi-Fi? Really?

QSR Magazine has a great article about how Free WiFi access at restaurants serve as a social media marketing strategy for them. These restaurants find that this amenity can draw savvy tech users - aka the younger collegiate crowds and mobile business types - to their establishments, boosting sales and its customer base in a different, non-traditional way. And especially with the boom of WiFi enabled devices like the iPhone and the BlackBerry (or even the iTouch), the need for a WiFi hotspots are starting to rise.

For me, I’ve always felt that Free WiFi was more of an amenity for coffee houses, maybe even eat-in bakeries or pastry shops. We see it in places like Panera Bread, Cosi and Starbucks. I never really thought of restaurant establishment as a place that needs this sort of service - after all, shouldn't we be there to eat and engage with others - or in Bob Evan's case, spend time with our families? You know, human interaction?

If Wi-Fi hotspots continue its trend of creating presence in places like Bob Evans or any restaurant for that matter, I guess it is only a matter of time until places like IHOP or Waffle House starts offering Wi-Fi as well. Just make sure you don't drop your iPhone in your tasty Belgian waffle.

- Sabina for AMP3 Public Relations

Ford Motors and Social Media

2009-08-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Jumping on the social media marketing bandwagon this week is Ford Motors. Ford is promoting the new 2010 Mustang by allowing prospective buyers to customize the car, choosing accessories, colors, decals, and more.

While building your own car online is not anything special - several other automakers offer this feature on their website - it is the gimmicks of social media that makes this site the first automaker to make car customization intwined with social media. The site includes a chat feature for groups working together to customize a car as well as lets groups upload the finished product to a gallery where other users can vote for their favorite.

Since the site’s launch last week, Ford reported that more than 52,000 cars have been built and several blogs and forums have been created as a result. The main purpose for Ford’s push in social media marketing is mainly to attract and target younger buyers.

- Sabina for AMP3 Public Relations

"Hi, I'm looking for 1-800 Flowers...Sucks?"

2009-08-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

As if Facebook wasn’t a good enough tool to remind us of birthdays we would probably forget, 1-800 Flowers opened a Facebook store on July 29 for all those “Oops, Jack’s birthday was today?” or the “better late than never” customers.

A great marketing scheme indeed – except for one little problem – when you type in 1-800 Flowers in the search box, you come up with results that are, well, not so satisfying, for the company’s image (see image above). The top search in fact is “1-800 Flowers Suck," accompanied with a flattering picture of someone flipping off a poor flower. And the company forgot to mention in its press release on how to access the Facebook store (FYI: by clicking the Facebook link on its website) and failed to provide a direct link (FYI again: www.facebook.com/1800flowers).

Still, this idea is a great tactic – and the company keeps the Facebook store clean-cut and straight to the point. As they click on one of the four choices, they are redirected to the 1-800 Flowers’s webpage, where they can choose a plethora of other floral assortments.

Let’s just hope customers aren’t easily swayed by some of the Facebook groups out there – like “1-800 Flowers ruined Mother’s Day…”

- Sabina for AMP3 Public Relations

Logic 9 - The creatives ultimate tool kit

2009-07-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

Apple just announced today that it has release the newest installment of it Logic Studio package. THe studio version includes, Mainstage, Logic Pro 9, Sountrack Pro 3, as well as a slew of new instruments and plugins. I defintely see this package playing an important part of the artists and creatives of the worlds arsenal for content creation. Read more about Logic studio 9 and the full Studio Package here at this blog.

Recycling Electronics

2009-07-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

The speed of technology is pretty amazing. It seems like there's always some brand new product on the market that will change the way we live/work. Props to you for updating your life with the latest and greatest, but what to do with your old stuff?

Here's a useful article from the Washington Post about recycling your electronics:
Help File: Recycling Old Electronics

Freecycle.org is one way to find a new home for items you might not have a use for. Best Buy also is mentioned for taking products in, for a fee. If you have a cell phone that you are getting rid of, check with your local domestic violence shelter. I've given my old phones to shelters before. This article is definitely worth checking out if you are cleaning house and are wondering what to do with the your old electronics.

Social Media is the New : Punk?

2009-07-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting clip I found on YouTube:

What do you think? Social Media is the New Punk?

Southwest taps into Social Media

2009-07-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Here's an article I found on prdaily.com about Southwest Airlines:
How Southwest Juggles Social Media Channels

With people spending less, luxury expenses, like travel, have definitely taken a hit. Southwest has created an ingenious way to stay in touch with their customers. This is more than frequent flyer miles and an extra bag of pretzels. Southwest's Emerging Media division is utilizing social media to connect with travelers. They have asked people from different departments throughout the company to contribute to the SW blog about what they love about their jobs. They have set up a Flickr account for people to post photos from their trips on SW. They have a Twitter account to keep their flyers informed of the latest happenings. Apparently, Southwest even has a presence on YouTube.

You've got to commend them for embracing the latest in social media and exploring new ways to build loyalty with flyers. I've flown Southwest a couple of times. It's worth checking out because they offer some pretty low fares. Plus, they've recently started service out of LaGuardia (yeah!).

Food for thought: How to land on the first page of a Google search

10 Social Media Tools Worth Using

2009-06-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

Here's something fun and informative I found on Junta42. It comes courtesy of Scott Abel, of the Content Wrangler. He gave this presentation at Web Content 2009 about social media's best kept secrets. Enjoy!

10 Web 2.0 Tools Marketers Can Use Today

View more presentations from Scott Abel.

This is a really lovely, clear slideshow (slideshare?) that Scott presented in Chicago earlier this month. Here's the rundown:
1. Google Docs Forms Designer. Easy, breezy and efficient way to create custom surveys
2. Delicious Promotions
3. Tynt. Tracks what users copy from your website.
4. Ping.fm. Allows you to write once, and publish to many of your social networks in a matter of seconds
5. GoView
6. bit.ly
7. Scribd. YouTube for PDFs
8. Kwout. Screen captures with working links to original pages
9. Knowem.
10. slideshare.

I'm definitely going to check into Scribd. It looks like a great application to utilize when you are working on documents/projects from various locations and different computers. Which of these social media services will you integrate into your life?

10 Rules of Twitter

2009-06-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article I came across on PRdaily.com - it addresses guidelines for using Twitter to help promote your brand. Here's the breakdown:

1. Do your research before engaging your customers
2. Determine organizational goals
3. Utilize either a branded or personal profile
4. Build your Twitter equity and credibility - consider the 80/20 rule: 80 percent of tweets are conversational while the remaining 20 percent are about your company
5. Track metrics and conversation trends - you may want to invest in a tracking service to help you analyze how Twitter is helping your brand (save money, build buzz, etc.)
6. Don't go overboard; less structure is better
7. Listen and observe before engaging
8. Be authentic and believable
9. Track, measure and iterate
10. Don't just strategize: execute!

Thanks to Michael Brito for devising this list. I think it really lays out a solid gameplan for using Twitter to build your brand. I like how he emphasizes the more informal nature of Twitter. It is important to remember that you're having a conversation. Your message to your followers shouldn't be that different than if you were having a face-to-face chat with them IRL!

Social Media Tips

2009-06-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a brief little YouTube clip featuring Jim Tobin, of ignite social media. He shares his thoughts on good writing, the significance of social media, and the future of phones. He wrote a book, Social Media as a Cocktail Party. Sounds fun!!

What I think is important to take away from this clip is that social media is a dialogue. It's back and forth between you and the people you are communicating with.

If you want to make sure you are in control of the dialogue and promoting your organization to the max using social media, use social media marketing!

Whoa!

2009-06-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the front page of a newspaper, then you probably missed out on the fact that Iran is holding presidential elections right now. Wow. Here's a quick blurb from the NYT regarding Twitter and the State Department:

The State Department requests that Twitter hold off maintenance so they can continue to read live reports from the protests?

SMM Tips

2009-06-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a YouTube clip offering some social media marketing strategies:

The author of this video stresses reaching out to your audience and listening to what they need. Success is a long term commitment. It is also important to remember to take your time, thoroughly strategize and don't rush into anything. By keeping these tips in mind when launching your social media venture, you'll be on the path to success!

The Digital Macarena

2009-05-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love Joel McHale?!? This YouTube video, from E!'s Talk Soup, illustrates how Twitter has hooked mainstream media:

As these clips demonstrate, the media is obsessed with the Twitter phenomenon. Who would you love to see with a Twitter account? I vote for the Smoke Monster....the penultimate season finale killed me and I need more answers! It sucks being a Lost fan and having to wait nine months for the new -and final (major sad face)- season to start.

Connecting with Teens

2009-05-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting op-ed piece, courtesy of the New York Times, about teenage culture:

http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/teenage-fads-forever-young/

This was a reaction piece to the Teens-hug-each-other-all-the-time story that was in last Thursday's Style section. It delves into teen use of social media and how traditional advertising seems increasingly ineffective in influencing their buying habits. Teens are on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. They want the latest and greatest social media, otherwise they'll be out of the loop.

It's kind of incredible to think about what technology teens today will create. Can you imagine growing up with the world at your fingertips?

Celebrity Twitter Cartoon

2009-05-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

This fun, little video parodies celebrities with Twitter accounts. The voices of Ashton, Demi, Diddy, Shaq, Britney, Jimmy Fallon and Perez are spot on. Twitter certainly fills a void for people who crave constant attention.

The whole jumping-the-shark comparison feels right to me. To start with, Oprah recently joined Twitter. Then, there's the latest rumor that Twitter has signed on to produce an unscripted tv show. Ashton has voiced his displeasure with this idea, even threatening to stop Tweeting, especially since the preliminary idea surrounding the show involves regular civilians tracking (or stalking!?!?) celebrities.

Would you watch Twitter tv? Would you notice if Ashton stopped Tweeting? Is Twitter over?

Twitter clip

2009-05-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

This clip parodies overzealous Tweeters. Know any?

Oh.My.God. She might have the most annoying voice ever.

YouTube Confession: Social Media Saved His Life

2009-05-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yikes! Perry Belcher's been featured on this site before. Here's a crazy serious YouTube clip about how he got involved in social media:

He's since moved on and learned from his mistakes. I guess this video just goes to show that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. It's definitely been tough times for many people across the country, but things are looking up, so hang in there!

Future Social Media Geniuses

2009-05-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

Kids today are the leaders of tomorrow. Here's a clip of two adorable tots giving a brief overview of the importance of social media:

Aww, that was cute!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK ZUCKERBERG! (Special thanks to Facebook's birthday reminder feature)

2009-05-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

Harvard dropout turned social networking mogul Mark Zuckerberg turns 25 today!

Born May 14th , 1984 Zuckerberg has accomplished a lot in his 25 years of life!

Last year Zuckerberg was ranked the 321st richest person in America by Forbes.

Facebook is ranked as the 4th most popular website in the world according to Alexa.

It's a shame the new Facebook facility at 1601 California Avenue is pretty ugly, not the best birthday present for a millionaire!

The top 10 Sites to watch in terms of Social Media

2009-05-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

The following is a list of upcoming or high growth sites that should be at least considered when using Social media to promote your Music Entertainment or Music related product or release.

They are in no particular order as each of these would have different value based on what the product your social media campaign is focused on.

1. Last.FM
2. Blip.FM
3. DIGG.com
4. Grooveshark.com
5. FaceBook.com
6. Ning.com
7. Blazetrak.com
8. Twitter.com
9. Youtube.com
10.Tumblr.com

Baby, I've Got the Blues

2009-04-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

Because it's Thursday, and it's been a loooong week, and we are all ready for the weekend, I bring you the latest social media YouTube music video. Another catchy tune, with a bit of a blues-theme.

Would you Tweet someone to ask them out? What about asking someone out in person, or is that too old-fashioned?

Social Media Tips

2009-04-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a YouTube clip with some helpful social media tips:

First, launch a social media campaign. This gets the word out about your service. Continue to expand your audience base by uploading content on social media sites like YouTube or Breaking Post. Then distribute a search-engine optimized press release. This will help reporters and bloggers find you on the Internet. Think about adding a news section to your site, so your followers will have the ability to stay up-to-date with you. It is highly recommended to consult a social media professional before launching your campaign.

Thanks, Valerie, for sharing these helpful tips. What other tips would you include?

NYT <3 Twitter 4 ever?

2009-04-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Maureen Dowd, Opinion columnist for the New York Times, wrote a recent piece, "To Tweet or Not To Tweet". She interviews the two Twitter founders, Biz Stone and Evan Williams. It's an interesting read, as she asks the guys to keep their answers to the Twitter-approved 140 characters. She touches on the function of Twitter, the fascination with celebrity twitterer and the debate of blogging vs. twittering. Ms. Dowd is not convinced of Twitter's usefulness in society. Below, is Jenna Wortham's response. She is also a writer at the NYT:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/why-i-am-obsessed-with-twitter/

Wortham points out how Twitter is a mirror into the collective consciousness. One can easily pinpoint hot Twitter topics through Twitter's search page. She's excited by the propspect of celebrities revealing more about themselves to their fans through their Twitter accounts (even if they have ghostwriters). She can search Twitter posts that are occurring in her neighborhood, or get the inside scoop on events she's interested in (like Coachella). On the downside, she got busted for blowing off her mom's birthday party by posting about the dinner she was at with friends instead. Nor does she recommend using the Twitter search page regarding topics that may be saved on your Tivo (um, SPOILER ALERT straight ahead!). It's a thoughtful piece, but I especially like the quote she closes with. It's from J.G. Ballard:

“Twenty years ago, no one could have imagined the effects the Internet would have: entire relationships flourish, friendships prosper. … There’s a vast new intimacy and accidental poetry, not to mention the weirdest porn. The entire human experience seems to unveil itself like the surface of a new planet.”

Just imagine what the next twenty years will bring! Do you think people will be using Twitter in 2029?

See how much harder it was before Twitter?

2009-04-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Twitter's Next Frontier

Color me shocked (or at least color me sarcastic) that it's only being highlighted now that escorts, ladies of the night, prostitutes, or whatever euphemism you have for people that do certain things for money that many politicians publicly scorn but privately support, but the oldest trade just got a(nother) Web 2.0 update via Twitter (Craigslist has always been around, but Twitter is real-time!).

Now, while I find this to be a bit riskier than some of their other business methods, I can appreciate the innovation. And it's not just the Janes getting in on the action, but it's the Johns, too.

In terms of self-promotion, the real time interaction of Twitter, paired with the need to be brief and the option for a direct message, the public relations for Twitter may suffer, but the ingenuity of these people to profit from Twitter (as they still have no real business model) is commendable.

And while the actions themselves might not uphold to our society's legal or moral grounds, anything seems possible in the Twitterverse.

To read more about some sweet tweets, check out the Gawker piece "Prostitutes All Over Twitter, Naturally."

De-mystifing Social Media

2009-04-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a YouTube video clip that further details the growing importance of social media. With tv, newspapers and the radio, the consumer is a passive observer. With social media, the consumer becomes an active participant. By contributing YouTube videos, voting on articles and participating in online social networking, the consumer is engaging in social media. What can your business do to engage with social media-oriented consumers? It's easy! You can start by setting up a profile with a social networking site to interact with customers, like on Facebook. From your profile page you can engage your audience with contests and quizzes, or content that is interesting to keep them coming back. Online social media is definitely buzzing right now. Once you get a social networking profile set up, then you might want to try a Twitter account!

The difference with social media is that the consumer has a say. Don't be too intimidated to get in on the action. As a marketing platform, social media is making rapid strides to compete with tv and print marketing. But remember, those platforms have existed quite a bit longer than social media services.

Facebook Tune

2009-04-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Keeping in step with my strange fascination for social-media-related-music videos on YouTube, I bring you the latest discovery, "Facebook Song". At least one viewing is necessary to appreciate the facial hair alone on these guys. Plus, there's a recorder. Did everyone have to learn to play those in grade school? Take a look, it's Facebook...

It's a catchy, upbeat song to get you through Thursday to the work week finish line. Enjoy!

Tweet Beat

2009-04-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some bits on the latest Twitter news. Herewith, an article from the New York Times about Twitter testing the waters for a partnership. Twitter executives claim they are NOT looking for a buyout. You've probably heard rumors that Google is definitely interested in what Twitter has to offer, and Twitter turned down Facebook's offer last year. I appreciate that they want to remain independent and are sticking to their guns. For more information, click below:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/twitter-wants-distribution-deals-not-a-buyout/

Love him or hate him, Perez Hilton has impacted the way we consume pop culture. Who would have predicted that social media services would permit one to have the latest gossip texted to your phone?! Twitterholic.com will keep you updated on the latest, as it posts the most-followed Twitterers (WHAAA??? Heidi Montag -from The Hills- is in the Top 100!?!). The Queen of All Media vows that if he gets 1,000,000 Twitter followers, he will not mention Miley Cyrus on his blog for a month! Which leads to my next question: Who is more annoying Miley or Perez?!?!

Recommended Apps for NYC

2009-04-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to an New York Post article with several iphone apps that will simplify New York city living:

THE BIG APP

iTrans sounds absolutely brilliant. How many times do you get to the subway and realize the route you were planning on taking is impossible due to track work? I'm also liking the sound of StationStops, an application that updates you with the train schedules at Grand Central Station. A must have for people commuting into the city. iWant would certainly come in handy as well, helping you track down anything at anytime. What other apps do you find come in handy living in Manhattan? Does anyone have any success stories with the Find an Apartment app? Social media services sure can do some amazing things!

Do you get your news from New Media?

2009-04-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you watched the 11:00pm news? Hmmm. If you are drawing a blank, maybe you get your news from new media instead?

Here's a news clip from YouTube discussing the growth of new media as a primary news source:

Without a doubt, the way news is presented has changed. Love NYT editor Saul Hansell's quote, "We're in the news business, not the paper business." True that. NYT.com has slideshows, blogs, video clips and interactive charts to keep the viewer engaged and informed. NYT.com has adapted to the way people consume news today. In a world where musicians get discovered from their MySpace pages, people Tweet breaking news and viral videos are the latest phenomenons, one has to recognize the growing importance of social media services.

While traditional media chugs along (for now), blogging will continue to grow. Even educators are teaching students to meld new media technology with traditional journalism techniques. Perhaps soon we will see major blogs being acquired by traditional media companies?

Bloggers + journalists = better journalism? We shall see....

Social Media Tips

2009-04-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick little video touching on Facebook and LinkedIn:

The speaker touches on the importance of branding yourself on facebook (What does your picture say about YOU?!?!). It's critical to mix your business with some personal stories that give your page and viewers some idea of the person you are (the feral cat story?). LinkedIn should be kept professional, as this will help you network. There's always something going on on Twitter. This speaker was even offered a speaking gig through a follower on Twitter!

Here's what to take away from this video: Don't be afraid to get involved in social media. Social media marketing is a great way to promote your business and build connections with people.

NYT Covers Twitter

2009-04-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

Here's an article about the longevity of Twitter from Monday's New York Times. Have a click:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/technology/internet/14twitter.html

The reporter talks about how Twitter is increasingly the site for breaking news (earthquakes, plane crashes, hostage situations). Not only are people getting their news from Twitter, they are also using the social networking community to organize rallies, as young folks in Moldova recently did. Brain surgeons Twittered through surgery, even taking questions from people following at home. Marketers are only beginning to figure out how to accumulate the information from people's tweets and package it in a useful way to advertisers. Here's an example of innovative Twittering: an expectant woman and her husband invented a band she wore during her pregnancy that sent out a tweet every time the baby kicked...they are now considering selling the Kickbee to the masses. There's great medical potential here, too. A device that measured your blood pressure/pulse/insulin levels/etc and tweeted your doctor/care taker when levels dropped? Wow.

Keep an open mind with this one, people. Twitter is at the forefront of social media marketing and it's only getting bigger.

Social Media Marketing Plan

2009-04-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a video with some tips for social media marketing. Know what keywords people are using in search engines. Differentiate between browsing keywords and buying keywords. Focusing on buying keywords will help you bring in the business. Realize that people are at different levels of intimacy with social media - some people are just beginning while others are more knowledgeable.

Again, it cannot be stressed how important it is to be seen as an authority in whatever area you choose to focus on. Business leaders gain followers, which leads to growth and increased sales.

Twitiquette Lessons

2009-04-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a YouTube clip on Twitter Etiquette. Love the intonation of the "YEAHHHHH"s and "BOOOOOOOO"s. Always remember: Don't try and sell anything to anyone on Twitter right off the bat. You need to build your credibility and gain expertise in the eyes of your followers. Twitter is just like a party, so be pleasant, have fun and don't overdo it!

What do people write on Twitter that annoys you? Do you give them a second chance, or never read their Tweets again?

Applying common sense to social media marketing can really make a difference in your business. YouTube instruction videos are great, but sometimes you need professional marketing help to get the best results.

The Next Macarena?

2009-04-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here's another fun, silly song I found on YouTube. It's from Chris Thompson, and it's called "The Twitter Song". Check it out:

For those using Twitter, do you Twitter everything you do? What determines the content of your Tweets? Whose Tweets do you follow?

Here's an article addressing the changing demographics of Facebook and Twitter:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10215837-71.html

Are your parents/grandparents using Facebook/Twitter? Do you think Twitter has the potential to be the next cell phone, that everyone will have an account in a couple years?

Social media marketing services allow you to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Don't put yourself in a position where your business can fall behind. Separate yourself from the crowd with social media marketing!

2009 Social Media Predictions - better late than never!

2009-04-07T07:52:00.001-07:00

Even though we're a quarter of the way through the year, here are Perry Belcher's 2009 Social Media Predictions:

Perry predicts Twitter will become the ruler of social media. He thinks it is the source for the freshest and newest information. There have been circumstances where people have broken news on Twitter (think plane crashes) where it was picked up by other journalists. Look for Twitter to be the place where trends start and products are introduced - sort of like a new, virtual marketplace. Twitter's advantages are that it is super simple to use and there's explosive room for growth. One of Perry's other social media related predictions is that google will begin ranking influence. Does anyone have inside intel to support this? How do you measure social media influence?

This video does provide some things to ponder, like will the advances in social media technology lead to the decline of tv as we know it? What will happen when companies find online advertising more appealing than tv commercials? Hmm.....

There are lots of changes happening in the social marketplace. Social media marketing services can help your business stand out from the crowd.

Twitter News Clip

2009-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a YouTube clip that aired on a San Francisco news program two years ago! This clip raises some interesting questions: Will Twitter make cell phones calls redundant? Will Twitter eliminate MySpace? Do we really need to be sharing with people where we are and what we are doing every hour of the day?

How many people do you know that use Twitter? What's preventing you from using the hottest social media service?

Twitchhiking, anyone?

2009-04-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

The link below is for an article from the New York Times Travel section on Sunday. In the article, the Frugal Traveler, Matt Gross, uses Twitter to ask for lunch recommendations for downtown Brooklyn. His Twitter followers come through, and Matt has a delicious and filling lunch at a burger joint near the courthouse. This account proves yet another creative way people are connecting with one another through Twitter. Here's one more example. Have you heard of Paul Smith (and, no, I'm not referring to the British fashion designer)?? Paul is the Twitchhiker!! His goal was to travel from England to New Zealand in 30 days, with Twitter as his sole resource for accepting travel help and accommodations. Well, the Twitchhiker completed his trek in 23 days and raised $7,000 for Charity: Water in the process.

http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/help-for-travelers-twitter/

I love stories that highlight outside-the-box thinking. You've really got to hand it to the Twitchhiker for having a crazy idea, being passionate about it, and following through. Just goes to show how social media marketing can change your life.

And here's a brief youtube clip about the Twitchhiker:

Twitter might be too addictive for some

2009-04-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, I have watched some very reserved people I work with become gaga for twitter, and insist every single one of their families has their very own twitter marketing campaign. They literally can't keep their eyes open at time, but always manage to get in the last "tweet".

I wouldn't be surprised if the house was burning down and they insisted on sending a "tweet" to their "tweeples" about their impending "tweath" (death by twitter, I coined it right here :)

The point is much like AOL chat rooms had addicts of their own, twitter seems to be the free-base version of internet addiction. Its a good thing Obama is working on free healthcare for everyone, because we are going to need it. 140 chararcters isn't a lot, but you do that every 30 seconds and you are going to have a wave of carpal twunnel syndrome.

Shaq Talks Twitter

2009-03-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

Shaq's been back on my radar ever since he rocked the All-Star game in Phoenix with his line-up introductory performance with the Jabberwockies. Well played, Shaq. You stole the show before the game even started! He's stayed in the limelight with his Twitter account. It's not uncommon for him to Twitter during half-time. That's locker room access for you straight from the source.

In the clip below, Shaq is interviewed by a reporter from the Orlando Sentinel, who asks a couple questions about using Twitter while Shaq (who is ginormous) walks to his SUV (!?!?!).

If Shaq can use social media, then you can too. Tap into social media marketing services to build your brand and your business. Imagine the possibilities of using social media services to build your business.

All the World's A-Twitter

2009-03-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

This video shows how you can utilize Twitter to dramatically increase traffic to your website. Twitter has experienced incredible growth in the past year. Why hop on the Twitter bandwagon? Twitter is newer and not as saturated as Facebook, and will continue to grow in the coming months. Using an application called Tr.im, you can send out condensed links to your websites via Twitter. This is a sure-fire way to direct more traffic to your site! Make sure your content is valuable to your audience (funny helps too)! Don't send spam, because who wants to read that?

Social media marketing will help you increase your traffic and increase your sales by tapping the Internet audience using applications like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. This can have a profound effect on your business.

He's Just Not That Into Your Facebook Marketing Style

2009-03-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a small clip from an Internet marketer of some tips he's learned through his trade. Here's an easy (and important) rule to remember: spamming is a definite NO. He calls out one poster who left a message with a link on his page - this does not work. It's important that you gain credibility. Then you are perceived as an expert, and as a consequence, build a repertoire with your followers. He recommends posting links to interesting videos and articles.

Realize the effect your words have on customers. Are you driving them away or keeping them captivated? Social media marketing services will help you utilize Web 2.0 techniques for your business.

Making Friends and Building Businesses on MySpace

2009-03-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

Social media marketing can really make a difference in your business. As this video will show, you can exponentially increase your audience in a matter of hours! MySpace has millions of users; many of them falling into the 16-32 year-old age group. MySpace may be highly recognized as a forum for music lovers, but it is so much more! It's a social networking site, just like Facebook. You can be using MySpace to promote yourself and your brand.

He gained over 1500 friends in a little over two days! Just THINK about the possibilities of using MySpace for you and your business!

Twitter Marketing for Beginners

2009-03-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

This is an introductory video on how to use Twitter to market your business. He instructs you how to set up your account and how to build your followers. Twitter Tools is a great tool to use when you're a blogger. It keeps your Tweets and your blogs in sync by updating them simultaneously, so if you send out a Tweet, then it will be reflected in your blog.

After watching this quick clip, you'll feel prepared to take on the world of Twitter. Following the five simple steps, you'll build your list of followers, increase your brand awareness and be on your way to Twitter success! That's the beauty of social media marketing! You're making the most of the technology available to you to promote yourself and your business.

Connecting Through Service on Youtube

2009-03-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting video I found on Youtube. From what I can gather, someone donated funds for someone else's service project based on what the donor saw from the servicee's Youtube videos. Would you donate money to someone whose videos you watched on Youtube?

This clip illustrates the incredible power that is Youtube. It connected two complete strangers, one of which enabled the other to travel to Bangladesh and deliver much needed resources. Make things happen for your business. Social media marketing services will help you reach your goals by marketing your business using social media techniques.

Ch-ch-changes

2009-03-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

Facebook recently tried to make changes to its layout - something that seemed highly inspired by Twitter's format - before reverting back to its previous design on account of user outrage. Facebook as a community has grown and changed substantially over the years. One of the changes, as these gentlemen from the youtube video point out, is that Facebook is no longer exclusively a forum for college students. Twitter's popularity is on the rise, which Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, realized when he tried to acquire Twitter for Facebook. The Facebook users reacted to the undesirable changes by creating an impromptu social media marketing campaign. They created a group announcing their dislike of the layout changes and continued to voice their concerns over other social media forums. Just goes to show how effective social media campaigns can be, because this one worked!

Do you think Twitter and Facebook can exist living separate but equal lives? Or do you think the rise of one will cause the other to fall?

Using MySpace for your Job Search

2009-03-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

The President of CollegeGrad.com offers some helpful information for those on social networking sites looking for a new job. Potential employers could be searching for information on you on these sites. Are there photos or language on your page that might turn off a recruiter? Social networking communities are wonderful in that potentially you can connect with anyone and everyone...make sure your MySpace page sends the right message.

Social networking communities keep you connected. To get the most out of Web 2.0, use social media marketing services!

Social Networking Intro

2009-03-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun youtube video that addresses social networking communities. It's important to promote your products and services to the largest audience. A larger audience can mean more business! Social networking is an amazing tool to use if you are interested in reaching people locally and internationally, especially from a business perspective. Social networking is about making connections - personally and professionally. It's a people network that you can utilize to find a house, get a new job or reconnect with your best friend from fourth grade. Facebook, Myspace and LinkedIn are great social networking communities to check out.

Social media marketing is cost-effective and results-oriented. Social media marketing techniques can help you maximize your business potential.

Addicted to... Social Media

2009-03-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Social media can be used to get your message out. Social media gives power to the people. If you have a blog or a camcorder, you can post content or upload videos about things you enjoy or things you despise. Connecting people with people is what Web 2.0 is all about. Here is another youtube rap from m0serious. His lyrics are clever and catchy. He knows how influential social media is and he is using it to his advantage.

Social media marketing can be extremely effective and budget-friendly. You have control over your message. How fantastic is that?!

Are you addicted to social media?

Social Media Marketing Services

2009-03-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

There's more to social media marketing services than targeting online communities like facebook and myspace, as this video addresses. Some ideas include reaching out to bloggers, posting your own content on online communities and creating a social bookmarking campaign. Don't dismiss the idea of posting on relevant forums and messageboards, especially when promoting a product or service.

Web 2.0 really, truly is an evolving marketplace. Through social media, there are an abundance of opportunities for connecting with an audience. Be creative and you will stand out from the rest.

The Future Role of Web 2.0 Public Relations

2009-03-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

This youtube video features Rob Brown, a PR Director at a UK-based firm, discussing his perspective on the future role of social media pr in a Web 2.0 world. He thinks Web 2.0 will have an enormous effect on society and how we gather information. Brown also points out the importance of having, for example, a business that is uniquely searchable. When people discover your company, and do a google search to learn more about it, it is crucial for your company to be recognized instead of your competitors. Brown also believes that bloggers are the new reporters, so long as the bloggers remain honest, transparent and open with their audience.

Say the extent of your Web 2.0 experience is watching a clip on youtube every now and then. So how do you become part of the Web 2.0 revolution? Brown suggests uploading a video on youtube and watching the reaction. Start small and think big!

Reasons for Web 2.0 PR

2009-03-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

This video gives five great reasons you should be using social media to promote your business. The importance of google is addressed, and to capitalize on all the users doing google searches, you should have a strong online brand. This in turn will improve your search engine optimization. Promoting your business on the web can be interesting and interactive, as you can control the content. There's no need for a reporter! If you've got news, you can blog about it yourself!

Want to publicize your brand in a less costly way than traditional advertising? Use social media pr!

Social Networking Tips

2009-03-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

This video offer tips on social networking. It's important to take it seriously, especially if your are using social networking sites to promote your business. It may require daily work, so be ready to commit your time and energy. However, the results could really pay off in business growth and increased market awareness.

If you find that you are not getting the results you want, you may want to consider Web 2.0 pr.

Web Words

2009-03-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a video I found on youtube that illustrates how silly some of the words related to Web 2.0 are.

Another point it proves is how difficult it is to stay up-to-date on all the web has to offer, especially if you have a product the world should know about. What's the best way to maximize your time and connect with people? This is where social media marketing services fit in. A social media pr firm will determine a strategy to promote your product through the right venues and connect you with the right audience.

Social Media Anthem

2009-03-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to all those out there who are online for hours, addicted to the power with ten tabs open on the Firefox browser!

Props to m0serious for the creative namedropping. Fun video, plus it shows how social media marketing can increase one's productivity and audience.

Social Media Marketing Battle Royale!

2009-03-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

In this clip, Brian Tong puts Myspace and Facebook in the ring. The social media marketing giants duke it out over customization, attitude and tone, aesthetics and, for the final round, the crucial time-wasting factor!

Which would you choose as the winner?

A Message from the Number One Guy on Twitter

2009-03-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a clip of Mr. Sean "Diddy" Combs explaining Twitter to Ellen on her show. He likes Twitter for sending messages of positive motivation to his fans. I like when he busts out his "Twitterberry" during the taping to demonstrate to Ellen how it's done. Combs is clearly a master of social media marketing.

The definition of Social Media

2009-03-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

Social media is basically information and/or content created by people using highly accessible and scalable publishing technologies such as twitter, facebook or myspace.

It is intended to facilitate communication, impress and create connections with friends and with online general and specific audiences, typically via the World Wide Web and Internet and mobile communications networks. The term most often refers to activities that integrate social interaction technologies, and the construction of words, pictures, content, blogs video and sound.

Blogs are websites with dated items of content in reverse chronological order, self-published by bloggers or Social Media Marketers or Social Media Campaigns. Items – sometimes called posts - may have keyword tags associated with them, are usually available as feeds, and often allow commenting.

Introduction to Social Media using Ice Cream

2009-03-16T00:59:00.000-07:00

This video was a great explanation to the origin and fascination of the crazy world that is social media.

This video is definitely as direct as any social media marketing video could be!

Monotemizing using Social Networking

2009-03-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Perry Belcher demonstrates how YOU can use social media in business without being a jerk.

Perry Belcher demonstrates how YOU can use social media in business without being a jerk.

Social Media and Politics

2009-03-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

During the past presidential election, social media played a crucial role. Candidates and news outlets reached out to voters through a variety of platforms, offering an unprecedented level of transparency into the candidates' campaigns, and consequently successfully connecting with voters. Check out this clip that further illustrates the impact of social media marketing on the 2008 presidential campaigns:

Social Media Introduction

2009-03-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Just found a great youtube video tutorial introducing the concept of social media marketing and thought I would share:

Social Media Marketing

2009-03-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Placeholder for Social Media Campaign and Marketing Services blog. We will cover content around the PR, marketing, and digital world related to using Social Media to promote your product.