The younger generation isn’t the only group using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms. According to a recent AARP survey, 27% of Americans age 50 and over say they use social media sites. Of those sites, Facebook is the most popular. Here’s a look at some of the findings as noted in the survey’s executive summary.
For a more detailed look at the findings, the survey can be downloaded here, free of charge.
On Saturday morning, June 5, our team participated in the 2010 Arthritis Walk at the Santa Monica Pier. The Walk is one of the Arthritis Foundation’s biggest fundraisers of the year. The money it generates helps serve those with arthritis, their families and funds research for a cure. In addition to providing pro-bono marketing services, team red rocket was proud to have raised over $2,000, thanks to the support of friends, colleagues and clients.
1 in 5 people suffer from the pain of arthritis. By the year 2030, 67 million people in the U.S., or 1 in 4 adults, will be living with arthritis. *The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Although the weather was pure June Gloom, the mood was anything but, with stilt walkers, live music, face painters, food and drink setting a festive tone. When it was time to walk the Walk, we hit the streets of Santa Monica, along with thousands of others, and completed a refreshing 3-mile route. It was a great experience and, once again, thanks to everyone who supported us!
You can’t please all of the people all of the time. And even if you could, it’s probably not a very good idea.
Why? Because that’s how vanilla is made. And who pays attention to vanilla?
No knock against vanilla (unless it’s in candles), but great marketing does not start with a strategy position that reads, “I hope every single person likes it”. Great marketing, and I’m talking about the kind that gets results, not just awards, is provocative. It challenges people to think differently about something.
Not everyone is going to like that. But you have to ask yourself, who are you trying to impress, everyone or your target? Then the question becomes, will this offend my target? If so, perhaps you should rethink the creative. Otherwise, go bold and don’t worry about ruffling a few feathers.
In Brian Solis‘ book, Engage: The Complete Guide for Brands and Businesses to Build, Cultivate and Measure in the New Web, he outlines 21 “rules of engagement” or best practices that will encourage thoughtful interaction between brands and customers. Here’s a look at the top 10. For the complete list, view his post on Mashable.
1. Discover all relevant communities of interest and observe the choices, challenges, impressions, and wants of the people within each network.
2. Don’t just participate solely in your own domains (Facebook Fan Page, Twitter conversations related to your brand, etc.). Participate where your presence is advantageous and mandatory.
3. Determine the identity, character, and personality of the brand and match it to the persona of the individuals representing it online.
4. Establish a point of contact who is ultimately responsible for identifying, trafficking, or responding to all things that can affect brand perception.
5. As in customer service, representatives require training to learn how to proactively and reactively respond across multiple scenarios. Don’t just put the person familiar with social networking in front of the brand.
6. Embody the attributes you wish to portray and instill. Operate by a code of conduct.
7. Observe the behavioral cultures within each network and adjust your outreach accordingly.
8. Assess pain points, frustrations, and also those of contentment in order to establish meaningful connections.
9. Become a true participant in each community you wish to activate. Move beyond marketing and sales.
10. Don’t speak at audiences through canned messages. Introduce value, insight and direction with each engagement.
A recent Consumer Reports survey concludes that certain info we post on social network sites and how we use those sites may be putting us at risk for identity theft and cyber crimes. So how does one stay safe in the digital world? As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Consumer Reports offers this helpful list of seven things users should “stop doing now” on Facebook, MySpace and other social network sites.
Our friends over at Graphic Language have just debuted the beta version of NewHomeFeed.com. This powerful marketing tool is sure to be a hit with new-home builders and the marketing companies that support them because it streamlines the entire process of uploading, updating and managing new home listings.
In the past, a home builder that wanted to promote one of its communities or homes on 10 different listing websites would have to input then upload the same information 10 separate times. With NewHomeFeed.com, the information gets input once then sent out to the selected websites simultaneously. Updating listing information is just as easy. NewHomeFeed.com users make the change once, then with the click of a button that change goes out to all the sites that listing is on.
NewHomeFeed.com also features powerful reporting tools that compare site-by-site performance, allowing you to evaluate and optimize your online media dollars.
Currently the beta version is free. Home builders interested in registering for a free trial can do so at NewHomeFeed.com. The next enrollment for approved beta trial users begins May 1, 2010. Check it out, and tell them red rocket LA sent you.
Companies maintain Twitter accounts because it allows them to connect with their customers instantly. But what happens when a customer complains about a defective product or an unpleasant service experience? Is 140 characters really enough space to address their concerns? Probably not, so be sure you have a customer relations support team in place that can work to resolve the customer’s issue, otherwise the whole situation could get bigger and more vocal than it needs to be on Twitter. That’s Erik Sass’ take on the situation. Read his article in MediaPost Blog here.
The highly popular show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on The Food Network shot an episode at our client TLofts today. This came from our continued use of food trucks that placemark TLofts, a new for-sale eco-friendly loft community, as a go-to destination. Host Guy Fieri was there, and his trademark red convertible Camaro drive-up shot perfectly framed TLofts behind him.
Each year, American Express sponsors The Customers’ Choice Awards to honor retailers who deliver top-notch customer service. For the third year in a row, L. L. Bean took first place. Check out this year’s other winners as just announced at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show.
