So contrary to what I said in last week's blog, I have been playing around with a few new platforms (as opposed to one per week) on what I shall refer to for the next 10 weeks or so as 'Social Media Saturday'. Even so, I'm still only going to blog about one at a time and this week, as I'm sure you've probably guessed by now, is about the wonderful world of BLOGS!
So let's see now...
Create my own blog - check!
Comment on other blogs and receive comments on my blog - check! check!
Subscribe to other blogs using an RSS feeder - check! (I think I even worked out what the difference is between a folder and a bundle....)
Trawl through non-company sponsored (UGC) blogs (c/o Pinterest) - check!
But what about blogs and marketing?
There are a few ways in which a blog can be used as a marketing tool; the obvious one being - create your own blog - driving traffic to it from your website. Two, buy advertising space on a blog page which is relevant to your customers. Or three, there are ethical tactics you can use to try and get, again relevant, private bloggers to mention you on their blogs. There are of course other more questionable ways to get a mention too but a) legally if monies are exchanged the blogger is obliged to state this and b) why would you want to be in a place where you're not really wanted???
BTW - These are the three ways which I have identified, but if you know of any others then please share???
Of the three - I think a voluntary mention in a non-company sponsored blog is always going to be good for business, provided the mention is in your favour of course. After all it's what SM is all about - online WOM!!
Buying ad space on a relevant blog page - personally not my fave approach - I think we're all pretty good now at ignoring banner ads and side bar ads etc. (think Facebook).
As far as creating your own blog goes, I think they're great if done well which can mean a number of different things, but I think the most important thing is to blog about things that appeal to your consumer's interests, that is insightful, entertaining and most importantly of value. Don't just blog about your product. Some really good examples are:
http://blog.modcloth.com/#
http://madewell.tumblr.com/
http://www.kikki-k.com/blogs/blog/were-loving/
http://aliceandolivia.tumblr.com/
So now that I've had my rant about blogs, what do you think? Yay or Nay???
Forget banners etc. I think organic is the way to go. I think by creating a really interesting content you're blog will followed/read and naturally be shared and passed around-WOM, as you mentioned. In turn, this will mean other bloggers will want to refer to your blog and cross pollination follows.
ReplyDeleteRe RSS feeder; what is the difference between a bundle and a folder?
I've seen some excellent blogs written by senior people in large organisations (e.g. CEOs). It gives the customer a feeling of being able to connect with the company, by talking with the ultimate decision-makers. As long as the blog is treated as a conversation, as opposed to a broadcast medium.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that a Blog can give a brand (or person, in the case of "personal branding") credibility. People will perceive the particular brand (or person) as an "expert". This influences the decision-making process, particularly in high involvement situations or service marketing. Furthermore, if the Blog is consistently helpful and engaging, the relationship will be strengthened.
ReplyDelete