Marketing via emerging media channels - blogs, social networks, SMS text messaging, branded apps, virtual environments, etc. - is gaining momentum and increasing amounts of marketing budgets are being allocated to these exciting new channels. But the users’ expectations and nature of their interactions with brands are markedly different than they are with traditional media, therefore requiring a mindset shift and new strategic methods for engagement.
This month’s issue explores a few topics related to marketing through media channels that are still, for lack of a better term, categorized as “emerging”, though from the tremendous increase in their popularity, the argument could be made that they have officially arrived. We have written this issue to have a little something for everyone - from very basic to advanced.
We hope you find this issue of The Source informative and, as always, we welcome your feedback.
Tony Brinton , Creative Director & Editor in Chief
Social Media Marketing Takes Guts and Commitment
Have you been thinking about adding some social media to your interactive marketing mix but haven’t pulled the trigger? Perhaps something like a blog, or an app on your site to display user ratings or comments? If you’re hesitating, chances are that you’re short on resources to maintain these channels or that you’re feeling apprehensive due to the potential liability that comes with increased transparency. Social media marketing can do well to foster trust and deepen your relationship with customers but it takes guts and commitment to do it right - there’s no way around that.
Ten Twitter Strategies That Can Help Build Your Business
The concept of Twitter can be difficult to grasp, as it’s initially hard to understand exactly what it is and what it does. Twitter is a communication platform that enables individuals and businesses to post messages that are a maximum length of 140 characters. This part of Twitter is not that hard to understand. The challenge most people have is learning how to build a strong network of contacts on Twitter, and to leverage postings as a means to achieve business goals.
Read the ArticleExtend Your Brand Through Apps
Software applications have traditionally been offered by software companies to solve a specific problem for an industry or discipline. As technology marches forward an exciting development has emerged with what are known as Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). These programs are providing a new experience for users and are allowing companies to create their own branded “apps” that extend the overall brand experience.
Read the ArticleTrendwatch
Without a doubt, one of the hottest trends in emerging media right now is the expansion of social media. Most social media channels were originally created to enhance the way individuals interact with one another online, however companies big and small are learning the value behind being a part of this new communication landscape.
Since the early days of the Internet, marketers have been gradually shifting their approach from one-way communication as delivered through traditional advertising media, to a more engaging, two-way interaction with their customers through interactive media. This shift has been propelled forward in recent years with the growing popularity of social media. Companies keeping up with this trend are captivating their audiences through conversations and establishing trust through their transparency. In return, they are seeing increased brand awareness, increased sales, and customer loyalty. Two social media platforms that are lending themselves well to a brand presence online are Twitter and Facebook.
Read the Article
