We’ve just posted two new case studies outlining how we’ve applied social media marketing strategies to help Epson and MSI Computer increase social network visibility, expand brand awareness and improve SEO.  You can check them out here:

Epson Social Media Marketing Case Study

MSI Computer Social Media Marketing Case Study

Enjoy!

George

Like football coaches preparing for sudden death overtime, CE and tech PR and social media pros need to plan for whatever it takes to drive potential buyers into stores and storefronts before 12/31. And, at the top of this list for most (if not all) should be an effective effort to engage the social media universe by connecting with CE influencers and bloggers.

As you start thinking about a social media holiday outreach initiative, the following is a list of tips to consider over the next several months:

1. Think Narrowly – While your product might be designed for the masses, most blogs aren’t. Why would specific demographic audiences be interested in getting/giving your device?
2. Think Like a Blogger – Assuming your product has already been announced, i.e., no “news” value, why would a blogger want to cover your product now?
3. Think Like an Enthusiast – You’re paid to get excited about your company’s products. How can you get others excited without “over-selling”?
4. Think Visually – The more interesting the imagery, the more compelling your idea will be. Now is the time to get some cool new product shots and video clips.
5. Think About Adding Value – Providing products as a blog contest prize may be the easiest way to add value to a blog, but there are other options to consider. For example, try developing interactive campaigns (e.g., best practices, tips/tutorials) that will help bloggers engage with their readers.
6. Think About Adding Credibility – Providing links to awards, positive reviews or fun/unusual case histories regarding your product will underscore the blog’s credibility, as well as your own.
7. Think About Adding Fun – No one wants to be boring. What can you do to make a discussion about your product fun and cool?
8. Think About Your Brands’ Value – While you may be focused on a specific product, chances are that bloggers and their readers – your potential customers – aren’t. Consumers remember brands and forget model numbers. What can you do to make your brand stand out?
9. Think Fast – Popular blogs are bombarded with holiday posts and pitches. Don’t wait until Halloween to get started.
10. Think “Engagement” – Don’t make this a one-time deal. Stay engaged regularly with bloggers and other social media influencers who have demonstrated interest.

Curious to hear your thoughts.

Bob

It was in response to a business owner who asked if cutting her marketing/PR budget was a good or bad strategy to cope with shrinking budget resources. This question is undoubtedly on the minds of many professionals and business owners in these difficult economic times. And, many have already made the tough choice to reduce marketing and communications budgets, along with a number of other business expenses.

Ms. Edmunds took a pragmatic and logical approach in her response, cautioning the reader not to make a hasty, ill-informed decision she might later regret.  Her argument boiled down to the following:

“If reducing your budget is necessary for the life of your business, that’s understandable. However, you must continue to be as visible to the public as possible…public relations, marketing and advertising are the things that keep you and your business in the public view.”

Certainly, in some cases, cutting marketing dollars is unavoidable. However, an efficient, cost-effective ongoing communications program designed to maintain company brand visibility among customers, influencers and the media can go a long way to optimizing an organization’s position for continued growth once the economic climate improves.

In other words, be careful not to cut off your nose to spite your face.

If you’re a marketing/PR professional or executive at a tech or consumer organization, I strongly encourage you to read the column.

And, be sure to let us know what you think.

Geo2