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Consumers expect a steady supply of fresh content on the Internet, as well as the ability to help create some of that content. Social Media is the strongest component of Web 2.0. These include blogs as well as social networking platforms like MySpace, YouTube and FaceBook, which enable consumers to share their experiences words, photos and video.
Earlier this year I joined the social media network and became a blogger. My background is in promotional marketing so my blog, Donna’s Promo Talk, is targeted to marketing professionals. I first did what the experts recommend which is to browse, read and comment on other people’s blogs before starting your own. This helps to find your “voice” as well to create relationships with other bloggers in your field.
This past July, I attended my first blogging conference to learn more and meet fellow bloggers. BlogHer 2007 was sponsored by BlogHer.org, an online community founded in early 2005 by three women bloggers whose mission is to provide opportunities for women who blog to pursue exposure, education, community and economic empowerment.
Already in its third year, the conference was the biggest to date with about 750 attendees who took over the Navy Pier in downtown Chicago over a two day period. "A World of Difference" was this year’s theme. I was inspired by being with so many women who were sharing their experiences, knowledge and wisdom. It also was inspiring to find technology being spoken about and taught to you by women, not men.
Many at the conference had been blogging for several years and were reuniting with women they had met either in person or online. Others, like me, were just starting out. I was introduced to many women by Yvonne DiVita, president of Windsor Media, who also made the trip from Rochester. She has a blog, www.Lipsticking.com, Smart Marketing to Women Online.
“Social media and social networking isn’t about the technology,” Divita said. “It’s about the people. People are a connecting force in both business and life and while the Internet has given the people a louder voice, social media has encouraged more people to speak up. Businesses that learn to participate will discover a world of opportunity at their fingertips."
Other bloggers I met at the conference included Jenny who I learned lives just a couple of blocks from me. She works for Kodak and blogs on the company’s 1000 Words while also maintaining her own blog, ljcfyi.com. I also met Breanne who works for AskPatty.com, an incredible blog written by women who give automotive advice to women.
Blogs are becoming the voice of the customer. All businesses need to start paying attention to them. Traditional market research is changing. Businesses today need research based on consumer behaviors that are gathered and reported quickly. Social networks are quickly becoming the best source for this. So I encourage everyone to visit some blogs, read them, leave comments and perhaps start their own. You may choose to focus on your business, release your personal passion or perhaps a little of both. Either way, you need to become familiar with what social media is all about.
Donna DeClemente operates her own marketing communications business, DDC Marketing Group, which provides services to brands, organizations and agencies. These services include the administration and development of interactive promotions such as sweepstakes, games and contests. Some recent promotions Donna has been involved with have been for Continental Airlines, Wendy’s, Heineken, Office Furniture USA and Newton Learning.
Email: ddeclemente@ddcmarketing.com
Company Profile: DDC Marketing Group
Blog: Donna’s Promo Talk
Company URL:
http://www.ddcmarketing.com
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