Following are 10 important social media facts taken from recent reputable research. These facts have significant implications for marketers. The marketplace is rapidly changing; changes in technology are facilitating changes in consumer behavior.  This change is becoming more universal; note that the 55+ age demographic is growing faster than any other demographic.

Marketers can use Facebook to expand their online footprints, directly engage with customers and prospects, and promote their brands.  If you have a Facebook Business page don’t ruin all your efforts by annoying your fans to death. Be smart about marketing your business on this 600 million plus user site if you want to keep […]

Lately there has been lots of buzz about Social Media Fatigue. With the introduction of Google+ to an already saturated world of social networks, some feel overwhelmed by it all. Chris Brogan says “you’re doing it wrong” if you claim to be tired of social media. My recent post about our response to information points out the reality […]

With all the buzz around social media days, a popular topic amongst marketing professionals is “is e-mail dead?” As you might guess, the response you will usually get is: “ it depends.”And while that reply might appear as an evasive cop out, it really does hinge on many factors, such as the: audience, industry, organization, […]

On Thursday Starbucks unveiled a very high-octane ingredient it plans to temporarily stir into its coffee shops: Lady Gaga. The world’s biggest coffee shop chain and the woman who Forbes magazine on Wednesday named the world’s most powerful celebrity, announced that they are joining for a PR lovefest that will make Lady Gaga an over-the-top […]

In today’s marketplace of commoditized products, undifferentiated pricing, and higher consumer expectations, the need to provide superior customer service has never been more paramount. Not only do people care about customer service received from businesses, but they also care more than they did last year, according to the American Express Global Customer Service Barometer survey released […]

What is social commerce? According to Wikipedia social commerce is use of social networks in context of e-commerce. Heidi Cohen has a more encompassing definition.  “Social commerce is a nascent market that encompasses a broad array of options including group buying, social shopping, mobile apps, retailers adding social features, and shopping integrated into social media.”

Social media marketing is topical, trendy and something that most companies either have or are thinking  about adding to their marketing plan for achieving growth. Either way, building a social media program should not be taken lightly. It is a fully mainstream communications strategy whose power is constantly being redefined. There is a lot of work that needs […]

Does your organization consider the impact word of mouth marketing has through social media channels? The 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry report, which surveys over 3,300 marketers, reveals that the number one benefit of social media marketing is that it generates exposure for businesses. More facts from the report:

Culinary success is based on having a recipe.  The recipe is a plan; similar to a marketing strategy.  Typically a recipe features a mouth watering description of the final product to focus the preparer on the end goal.  Next, the key ingredients are listed in their correct proportions.  Instructions are then provided for combining all […]