Astonishing number of Facebook
• The most trafficked web site in the United States
• Has more than 400 million members of which 70% are outside the US
• 25% all US Internet page views are on Facebook
• 54% of all US Internet users are on Facebook
• Over 200 million people login everyday and spend an average of 55 minutes
• Members upload 10 million videos and about a billion photos every month
• More than 20 million people join Facebook pages everyday. Those pages have been “fanned” (and now “liked”) 5.3 billion times.
• People have pressed the "like" button more than 1 billion times in 2 months
• Members’ on average are 34 yrs old and have 130 friends
Pure and simple this is the WOW factor. This is not advocating Facebook taking over the internet. But truth is, Facebook is a force and something marketers need to incorporate into their short and long term strategies and I am not just talking about a domestic front, but more importantly the international stage. Think about it - 280,000,000 people from outside the US are utilizing Facebook. This is almost the size of the US by todays population numbers. In my opinion this information above is evidence of Social Media's strength in reaching people. Now translating this into a business opportunity is so mouth watering that many are failing miserably right now. Why? Well, because they forget this is a "SOCIAL Media" place. It is an electronic bar and who wants to be sold anything other than a beer and good conversation at a bar? No one!!
Ultimately these numbers have "OPPORTUNITY" written all of them, but businesses just have to tread lightly or else risk alienation from the very folks who pay for their office lights.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Why did I do it?
That is set-up a Facebook, twitter and blog accounts, and create a website as well as “really” update my Linkedin profile? Well for me it was because of a few things;
1. To prepare me for the job hunt
2. Get more in-depth working knowledge of Social Media and how it can work
3. To express myself and show my knowledge
4. Create a much larger web footprint and
5.Present a professional image along with a little personal image to perspective employers.
Funny thing is, I did all this about 4 months ago and at the beginning those in the know were telling me most people (job hunting) do not have a personal website with their work experience (resume detail stuff), or a Linkedin account. Seems odd considering today’s job market, but what they do have is a Facebook account displaying their exploits from their off hours. Most job hunters don’t seem to realize or care about their professional image at all. One problem! Employers care! This is why they type your name in the Google search field to see who you are. Is it no wonder you are not getting employers calling you?
Well never fear because today you will get a list of 10 ways to utilize Social Media to land that next job. For more details on how to accomplish each to the “10 Way” go to http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/04/get-job-business-jobs-graduate-jobs.html
This is great little article to help you do the right thing.
So let us list out the 10 ways so you can get on your way:
1. Set-up multiple accounts – this means keeping your private life separate from you professional image.
2. Use the Privacy settings in Facebook etc. - to hide your dirty laundry from the world
3. Be very very very careful what you say – never ever put yourself in a situation you cannot really talk yourself out of. Think “American Political Correctness” and you should be just fine
4. Promoting you and your knowledge – If your current boss is too stupid to listen to you, then release your expertise onto the world of the internet
5. Spamming is a no no no no thing to do – do you like to get bombarded with stuff you really care nothing about? Think of all the stuff that comes through your e-Mail and do the opposite
6. Follow the right folks – Paris Hilton may have a seemingly fun life, but what intelligently has she ever said?
7. Join your industry, professional interest focused groups – this is a great place to have your ear to the ground on current trends and also see job postings
8. Perform a job search on your specific industry or discipline on specific associated sites – sorry you will probably not find a job for bull fighting on a PETA specific site
9. Make a video resume – Oh boy this may be scary and this is one I just have not done yet, as this is a new trend and not top of my list to get done just yet
10. Measure how you are doing – Yep, we just cannot get away from metrics, but this is very good to do as it will help you focus on the tactics which work best for you. Time is a limited resource.
All of the above is a great starting point for the 21st century job hunter and for those also employed. Why for those still employed? Well, many people do not get the opportunity or know how too really self promote. Creating an on-line Professional Social Media Presence (PSMP) is a great way to do this and linking with your management staff will help keep them informed about you. Also, people are curious and it is very probable your bosses etc. will Google you at some point during the year.
Good luck in creating a PWF (Personal Web Footprint) and landing your next opportunity.
1. To prepare me for the job hunt
2. Get more in-depth working knowledge of Social Media and how it can work
3. To express myself and show my knowledge
4. Create a much larger web footprint and
5.Present a professional image along with a little personal image to perspective employers.
Funny thing is, I did all this about 4 months ago and at the beginning those in the know were telling me most people (job hunting) do not have a personal website with their work experience (resume detail stuff), or a Linkedin account. Seems odd considering today’s job market, but what they do have is a Facebook account displaying their exploits from their off hours. Most job hunters don’t seem to realize or care about their professional image at all. One problem! Employers care! This is why they type your name in the Google search field to see who you are. Is it no wonder you are not getting employers calling you?
Well never fear because today you will get a list of 10 ways to utilize Social Media to land that next job. For more details on how to accomplish each to the “10 Way” go to http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/04/get-job-business-jobs-graduate-jobs.html
This is great little article to help you do the right thing.
So let us list out the 10 ways so you can get on your way:
1. Set-up multiple accounts – this means keeping your private life separate from you professional image.
2. Use the Privacy settings in Facebook etc. - to hide your dirty laundry from the world
3. Be very very very careful what you say – never ever put yourself in a situation you cannot really talk yourself out of. Think “American Political Correctness” and you should be just fine
4. Promoting you and your knowledge – If your current boss is too stupid to listen to you, then release your expertise onto the world of the internet
5. Spamming is a no no no no thing to do – do you like to get bombarded with stuff you really care nothing about? Think of all the stuff that comes through your e-Mail and do the opposite
6. Follow the right folks – Paris Hilton may have a seemingly fun life, but what intelligently has she ever said?
7. Join your industry, professional interest focused groups – this is a great place to have your ear to the ground on current trends and also see job postings
8. Perform a job search on your specific industry or discipline on specific associated sites – sorry you will probably not find a job for bull fighting on a PETA specific site
9. Make a video resume – Oh boy this may be scary and this is one I just have not done yet, as this is a new trend and not top of my list to get done just yet
10. Measure how you are doing – Yep, we just cannot get away from metrics, but this is very good to do as it will help you focus on the tactics which work best for you. Time is a limited resource.
All of the above is a great starting point for the 21st century job hunter and for those also employed. Why for those still employed? Well, many people do not get the opportunity or know how too really self promote. Creating an on-line Professional Social Media Presence (PSMP) is a great way to do this and linking with your management staff will help keep them informed about you. Also, people are curious and it is very probable your bosses etc. will Google you at some point during the year.
Good luck in creating a PWF (Personal Web Footprint) and landing your next opportunity.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wow - you mean - really!
What an epiphany! Social Media is about people connecting?? I'm confused. I thought Social Media was about selling my products to people and not just selling myself (ideas, comments, opinions etc.) Hum....well no wonder the first word is "Social". Thus meaning sites such as facebook, MySpace, Twitter etc. were developed to connect people on a social level. Wow isn't that what the whole meaning of "Social" is. You know social gatherings, social societies, socials, etc. It is where you and I gather to meet and exchange conversation.
Check out http://www.theoutsourcingcompany.com/blog/social-media-marketing/what-social-media-marketing-gurus-dont-want-you-to-know/ for a "Hit The Nail On The Head" article.
The whole definition of "social" has been lost by some peddlers of wares and services. This is why people are having such a hard time ( right now ) trying to determine if Social Media is successful in reaching customers. They forget it is about the first word in the description "SOCIAL" . Social sites were developed "for people to connect" and thereafter businesses decided they wanted to get in on the action, but then get frustrated when things don't happen as they do with traditional marketing/advertising.
Think of it this way - Social = wedding = lots of people = equals happiness = opportunity to pitch people right. BUT is this really the place to pitch your "things"? Now it might be if you are a caterer, dress maker, church, assembly hall, band etc.. Of course this means very discrete peddling.
Point is – there is a time and place to peddle your things and you have to be very very careful in understanding your boundaries. Understand the setting! Understand a business is an outsider. People do not want to be marketed to at a social event. But it can be done.
Now I could be way off base here, but an argument could be made that Social Media Marketing is a bit like subliminal messaging. You want to entice people to seek out your “things”, by utilizing sleight of hand, thoughtful suggestions, around the back door conversations, etc. Crazy thought I know.
Point is, Social Media is about people connecting on a social level. Businesses in their haste to sell more seem to forget this and want to find an immediate ROI. Thus the whole discussion of “is Social Media really working” comes into play. Yes, of course Social Media is really working – just look at the number of people who utilize social sites. It is the business side of Social Media that is struggling right now and eventually things will evolve to show a positive business ROI. Of course this means patients.
Check out http://www.theoutsourcingcompany.com/blog/social-media-marketing/what-social-media-marketing-gurus-dont-want-you-to-know/ for a "Hit The Nail On The Head" article.
The whole definition of "social" has been lost by some peddlers of wares and services. This is why people are having such a hard time ( right now ) trying to determine if Social Media is successful in reaching customers. They forget it is about the first word in the description "SOCIAL" . Social sites were developed "for people to connect" and thereafter businesses decided they wanted to get in on the action, but then get frustrated when things don't happen as they do with traditional marketing/advertising.
Think of it this way - Social = wedding = lots of people = equals happiness = opportunity to pitch people right. BUT is this really the place to pitch your "things"? Now it might be if you are a caterer, dress maker, church, assembly hall, band etc.. Of course this means very discrete peddling.
Point is – there is a time and place to peddle your things and you have to be very very careful in understanding your boundaries. Understand the setting! Understand a business is an outsider. People do not want to be marketed to at a social event. But it can be done.
Now I could be way off base here, but an argument could be made that Social Media Marketing is a bit like subliminal messaging. You want to entice people to seek out your “things”, by utilizing sleight of hand, thoughtful suggestions, around the back door conversations, etc. Crazy thought I know.
Point is, Social Media is about people connecting on a social level. Businesses in their haste to sell more seem to forget this and want to find an immediate ROI. Thus the whole discussion of “is Social Media really working” comes into play. Yes, of course Social Media is really working – just look at the number of people who utilize social sites. It is the business side of Social Media that is struggling right now and eventually things will evolve to show a positive business ROI. Of course this means patients.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
IT WORKS! --??
Yes, you have read the headline correctly - "IT WORKS!" What I am I speaking of? Social Media Marketing of course. Well this is what a new study suggests (http://bit.ly/bW1Ywb).
I do how ever have a bone to pick. A comment to provide etc.
The numbers look great “60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since becoming a fan or follower.” Not only that, but an “impressive 51% of Facebook fans and 67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy the brands they follow or are a fan of.”
Now reality - why the heck would I or anyone else become a follower of a brand and then not recommend it or buy it when possible. Why would someone waste their time looking up how to follow a brand if they were not already a fan of that particular brand. Even if these folks did not follow a brand on a Social Media site they would probably still recommend or buy the brand per the percentages above. Reason - because they made an emotional tie through prior history that drove them to want to follow in the first place. For example; I own a Canon G9 and have owned other Canon cameras. Because I made an emotional investment into research, paying a significant amount and usage I have a bias. So yes, I will more than likely recommend Canon first, but here is the kicker - I have also made positive comments on other brands - Nokia, Sony, Lieca etc., but my preference is Canon. So would my attitude change just because I follow Canon on Facebook? Probably not.
We want so much to brand Social Media Marketing a success and the reality is, it is when it comes to attacking socialites and increasing brand awareness. It is yet to translate into significant (traceable) increased sales. Yes, someone may twitter "hey found a cheap pair of Levi jeans at JCP", "WOW I found a great new coffee @ Starbucks - Mocha Cherry Coco Lux" or "Awesome new Hyundai on the road". At this point tweets have not been tracked and tied back to a business's sales to make a correlational relationship hypothesis. Once we can say – “On this date a significant amount of tweets/chatter was taking place on Mocha Cherry Coco Lux and Starbucks was able to deduce sale increases of X% on that particular date for this particular coffee across this particular area of the country”. Or when a message is put on Facebook about a Starbucks promotion – sales for that promotion show a significant increase in line with non-Social Media Marketing promotions. Once a bottom line result is established then we can say Social Media Marketing is a success story.
For now we need to temper our excitement for Social Media Marketing. I do however believe it will be successful, but I also believe the current formats (Facebook etc. ) will change quite a bit before success can be determined. I also do not believe twitter will survive in its current format. It is a fad and like most fads, will die.
I do how ever have a bone to pick. A comment to provide etc.
The numbers look great “60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since becoming a fan or follower.” Not only that, but an “impressive 51% of Facebook fans and 67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy the brands they follow or are a fan of.”
Now reality - why the heck would I or anyone else become a follower of a brand and then not recommend it or buy it when possible. Why would someone waste their time looking up how to follow a brand if they were not already a fan of that particular brand. Even if these folks did not follow a brand on a Social Media site they would probably still recommend or buy the brand per the percentages above. Reason - because they made an emotional tie through prior history that drove them to want to follow in the first place. For example; I own a Canon G9 and have owned other Canon cameras. Because I made an emotional investment into research, paying a significant amount and usage I have a bias. So yes, I will more than likely recommend Canon first, but here is the kicker - I have also made positive comments on other brands - Nokia, Sony, Lieca etc., but my preference is Canon. So would my attitude change just because I follow Canon on Facebook? Probably not.
We want so much to brand Social Media Marketing a success and the reality is, it is when it comes to attacking socialites and increasing brand awareness. It is yet to translate into significant (traceable) increased sales. Yes, someone may twitter "hey found a cheap pair of Levi jeans at JCP", "WOW I found a great new coffee @ Starbucks - Mocha Cherry Coco Lux" or "Awesome new Hyundai on the road". At this point tweets have not been tracked and tied back to a business's sales to make a correlational relationship hypothesis. Once we can say – “On this date a significant amount of tweets/chatter was taking place on Mocha Cherry Coco Lux and Starbucks was able to deduce sale increases of X% on that particular date for this particular coffee across this particular area of the country”. Or when a message is put on Facebook about a Starbucks promotion – sales for that promotion show a significant increase in line with non-Social Media Marketing promotions. Once a bottom line result is established then we can say Social Media Marketing is a success story.
For now we need to temper our excitement for Social Media Marketing. I do however believe it will be successful, but I also believe the current formats (Facebook etc. ) will change quite a bit before success can be determined. I also do not believe twitter will survive in its current format. It is a fad and like most fads, will die.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What!!!????
I ran across an article posted on another social media site/blog and I was a little perplexed. The whole of the article came down to "I just do not understand - should I connect with everyone who comes my way?" Although this may be an innocent question, is it really or does it bring up an excellent talking point?
I have seen and heard the countless stores of people with 1000s of contacts in their online “Social Media Rolodex” (SMR) and have often wondered ---- "WHY?".
Side bar - if you have not read "The Tipping Point" I would suggest you pick a copy up and read it cover to cover.
Back to the question at hand - "WHY?" Well there are obvious reasons 1. It is a game to see who can get the most 2. People think it will make them look popular and 3. People just do not know what they are doing on Social Media sites. Now before we move on, I want to state something - "If you are a business and have 1000s of contacts/customers this is different" BUT you still need to be careful as you will need to have a well defined strategy on how to “individually” connect with your customers. As individually connecting is what Social media is about. Remember it is not Mass Media On-line Marketing.
What this all leads to is - setting goals which include why you are doing what you are doing. You cannot be all over the map and expect to be successful. Example – let us say we have over 1000 contacts in our account. Now realistically you do not have enough time to communicate with all of them (which includes reading their posts and responding to their post). If you tried to, you would not get anything else done in your life. You would become a pasty (from lack of sun light) looking individual. This would in a since make you a prisoner in your own home. You would have become a slave to your computer which is connected to others afraid to experience freedom. Shoot people in China would be considered freer!
Remember freedom comes in many forms and when that freedom is compromised we need to ask ourselves – “is it worth it anymore?”
The whole point is, make sure you have well defined realistic goals that will allow you to be a productive human being. Not a computer controlled drone.
As the old adage goes – “don’t bite off more than you can handle!”
I have seen and heard the countless stores of people with 1000s of contacts in their online “Social Media Rolodex” (SMR) and have often wondered ---- "WHY?".
Side bar - if you have not read "The Tipping Point" I would suggest you pick a copy up and read it cover to cover.
Back to the question at hand - "WHY?" Well there are obvious reasons 1. It is a game to see who can get the most 2. People think it will make them look popular and 3. People just do not know what they are doing on Social Media sites. Now before we move on, I want to state something - "If you are a business and have 1000s of contacts/customers this is different" BUT you still need to be careful as you will need to have a well defined strategy on how to “individually” connect with your customers. As individually connecting is what Social media is about. Remember it is not Mass Media On-line Marketing.
What this all leads to is - setting goals which include why you are doing what you are doing. You cannot be all over the map and expect to be successful. Example – let us say we have over 1000 contacts in our account. Now realistically you do not have enough time to communicate with all of them (which includes reading their posts and responding to their post). If you tried to, you would not get anything else done in your life. You would become a pasty (from lack of sun light) looking individual. This would in a since make you a prisoner in your own home. You would have become a slave to your computer which is connected to others afraid to experience freedom. Shoot people in China would be considered freer!
Remember freedom comes in many forms and when that freedom is compromised we need to ask ourselves – “is it worth it anymore?”
The whole point is, make sure you have well defined realistic goals that will allow you to be a productive human being. Not a computer controlled drone.
As the old adage goes – “don’t bite off more than you can handle!”
Monday, March 1, 2010
Be number 1 in web searches!
I am sure the first question on everyone’s mind about search engine optimization (SEO ) is: “how long will it take me to see results? “ Well this depends on a number of things like, how much effort you put into getting set-up, what you are selling, who your audience is etc. etc. etc.. A rough answer is anywhere from 3-9months. Wow- 9 months!!! That’s right. Do it half (well you know) and it could take 9 months. But if you plan and prepare properly you could very well see results in much less time.
To get started in helping you get yourself noticed we need to define what search engine optimization (SEO ) is. SEO (let us also throw in Search Engine Marketing – SEM) is about all the techniques at your fingertips used to optimize your web pages, videos, photos, etc. to maximize your search engine ranking. The higher you are in the rankings, the more likely you will be found by those searching the web.
Really quick, SEO and SEM are very similar in nature, but SEM is more about paying for customers to find you by utilizing services such as Keyword Sponsored Link Advertising Programs.
Our purpose today is to provide you a quick (Cliff Note) lesson to help you at least be dangerous enough to prepare properly. The first thing to know is, Search Engines “LOVE” social media sites. This is great, but how do you get noticed? Well there are a few easy steps and let us begin with the following:
1. You need to create (or utilize existing) meta-keywords already in your site/s. These can be single words or short phases (3-5 words).
2. Pick a SEM provider such as Google Adwords, Microsoft AdCenter etc. to find out how much someone would pay for your meta-keywords if someone clicked on them.
3. Make sure to use your keywords across all of your sites. Especially in your URL as Search Engines really like these.
4. Title Tags– are less than 70 characters and utilize keywords which are also found in your site content.
5. Meta-Descriptions –are descriptions for “each page” within your site. Search Engines use meta-descriptions to describe a page in the list of search results that are compiled. If a description is not present or is wrong, you may not end up in the right searches or customers may skip over your listing because they do not believe you have what they need. Your descriptions should be no longer than 150 characters.
6. Make sure to use your meta-keywords as often as possible across all of your sites, blogs, posts, discussions etc.
7. For appropriate product pages, link your meta-keywords to them as well.
Now what? Well….get your pencil and paper out and start brainstorming for your meta-keywords, title tags and meta-descriptions. Once you have them all figures out - go forth and reel in the folks out there on the World Wide Web!
If you really want to dive deep into SEO, click on this link http://searchenginewatch.com/ and you will have at your finger tips more information about SEO then you really need to, to get started.
To get started in helping you get yourself noticed we need to define what search engine optimization (SEO ) is. SEO (let us also throw in Search Engine Marketing – SEM) is about all the techniques at your fingertips used to optimize your web pages, videos, photos, etc. to maximize your search engine ranking. The higher you are in the rankings, the more likely you will be found by those searching the web.
Really quick, SEO and SEM are very similar in nature, but SEM is more about paying for customers to find you by utilizing services such as Keyword Sponsored Link Advertising Programs.
Our purpose today is to provide you a quick (Cliff Note) lesson to help you at least be dangerous enough to prepare properly. The first thing to know is, Search Engines “LOVE” social media sites. This is great, but how do you get noticed? Well there are a few easy steps and let us begin with the following:
1. You need to create (or utilize existing) meta-keywords already in your site/s. These can be single words or short phases (3-5 words).
2. Pick a SEM provider such as Google Adwords, Microsoft AdCenter etc. to find out how much someone would pay for your meta-keywords if someone clicked on them.
3. Make sure to use your keywords across all of your sites. Especially in your URL as Search Engines really like these.
4. Title Tags– are less than 70 characters and utilize keywords which are also found in your site content.
5. Meta-Descriptions –are descriptions for “each page” within your site. Search Engines use meta-descriptions to describe a page in the list of search results that are compiled. If a description is not present or is wrong, you may not end up in the right searches or customers may skip over your listing because they do not believe you have what they need. Your descriptions should be no longer than 150 characters.
6. Make sure to use your meta-keywords as often as possible across all of your sites, blogs, posts, discussions etc.
7. For appropriate product pages, link your meta-keywords to them as well.
Now what? Well….get your pencil and paper out and start brainstorming for your meta-keywords, title tags and meta-descriptions. Once you have them all figures out - go forth and reel in the folks out there on the World Wide Web!
If you really want to dive deep into SEO, click on this link http://searchenginewatch.com/ and you will have at your finger tips more information about SEO then you really need to, to get started.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Stats you have to love them or................
Well more stats coming your way. What does this all mean? Go checkout
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=3212295
I will make a prediction now. Bye Bye MySpace, and I am being to see a trend for Twitter which is not rosy. It is looking more and more like Twitter is a fad and will fade. Why, well the age demographics keep going lower and lower and what is the one thing we know about teenagers? The one thing is we know they are fickle. Today it is Twitter tomorrow it is enhanced features for SMSing technologies. Let’s face it – Twitter is just a viewable list of text messages without pictures or sound. “Pictures” are we not a image driven consumer race? Are we so shallow we only really want to read 140 spaces made up of less than half words that only drive us to other places to get our complete fill of images, sounds and full bodied words built around a well constructed sentence?
Maybe I am wrong.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=3212295
I will make a prediction now. Bye Bye MySpace, and I am being to see a trend for Twitter which is not rosy. It is looking more and more like Twitter is a fad and will fade. Why, well the age demographics keep going lower and lower and what is the one thing we know about teenagers? The one thing is we know they are fickle. Today it is Twitter tomorrow it is enhanced features for SMSing technologies. Let’s face it – Twitter is just a viewable list of text messages without pictures or sound. “Pictures” are we not a image driven consumer race? Are we so shallow we only really want to read 140 spaces made up of less than half words that only drive us to other places to get our complete fill of images, sounds and full bodied words built around a well constructed sentence?
Maybe I am wrong.
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