Archive for the ‘marketing tips’ Category

Some people may tell you that it is possible to initiate a viral campaign that will be a definite hit. Big companies and experts, such as Brad Powers, can attest to the fact that that is 100% false. In fact, it is almost impossible to make an online marketing program that is sure to go viral, as the biggest factors include luck and timing as well as proper planning. Viral marketing is unlike the number-based marketing methods that you are used to.

The right timing and luck aspects should not ruin your plans to use viral marketing techniques. With proper knowledge and training, you can learn how to control even these factors.

Businessman Brad Powers works as an online marketer, specializing in social media and viral marketing.  Marketers can participate in social media sites in a variety of different ways today by just understanding a few tricks of the trade.  First, set up your own “social media dashboard to show the impact of your social media efforts.”  This will let you sit around and wait until a really good social media measurement tool becomes available.”  See what others are doing; look around. Make sure you are registered on all the big social media sites, like Twitter and Facebook so that you can build up your networks and get the word out more easily. Look at how other social marketers are using these networks as tools to get the word out.  It’s all about identifying different – and easy – ways of spreading the word without breaking the bank.  The simplest ideas are often the cheapest too so don’t think you have to get complicated to get ahead.

If you’re thinking about starting a viral marketing campaign, you’ll want to know some important suggestions first.  Most viral marketing experts, like Brad Powers, will tell you that you need to have a great idea and impeccable timing.

Giveaways are certainly one hook for viral marketing.  Just make sure that what you are giving away is really worthwhile, and that it does what you report it to do.  You can promote your giveaways with Tweets, Facebook or a viral video.

Create a buzz.  Remember that people don’t really want to hear about your product. They want to watch something funny, to be entertained, to be shocked or to feel some other emotion.  In order to create a viral marketing campaign that is successful, you have to generate attention through emotion and through a great story line.

In this article on Forbes.com, Don Crowther, on online marketing consultant in Racine, Wisconsin, offers some unique suggestions for business card use.  Most experienced marketing specialists like Brad Powers focus on online marketing.  It’s important, even in the internet age, to keep in mind some of the basics of old-fashioned marketing, like the business card.

Mr. Crowther actually recommends making your business card as unorthodox as possible, with a picture, space for note-taking, and unusual shapes.

Job seekers should, of course, always have cards on hand.  Students, as well, should have cards made up with their school logo and their name and contact information. Keep in mind, as a networking tool, always to ask for a card in return when you give one out.  Follow up with each person as well, either with a note or through LinkedIn.

Barry Trailer reported some great findings in his July 16th blog about lead generation trends.  Managing partner at CSO Insights, Mr. Trailer issued his 2010 Lead Generation Optimization Report which is based on surveys of over 600 companies.

His findings certainly point to important trends for lead generation experts like Brad Powers.  He found that, in 2010, 72% of firms are increasing their marketing budgets, in contrast to dramatic decreases last year.  He also found, for the first time in the 7 years of this report, that a small majority of firms now track the ROI of their marketing campaigns.

This is certainly an interesting article from a guest writer for Search Engine Land.com writing about how not to become the “Bed Boys of Conversion.”  The article looks at lead generation and helps businesses to create a plan for their own practical use. Check it out!

Whether you’re experienced in viral marketing like Brad Powers (pictured left), or could use some extra hints, Lori Turner’s piece offers great examples of how viral marketing can work for you. Find out how Hotmail, EepyBird and others managed to use viral marketing to their distinct advantage.

Thinking about doing a little internet marketing of your own? Do you think you know enough to bring traffic and business to your company using the powerful internet as your vehicle? Before you try the “Do It Yourself “approach, check out some of the pitfalls and common mistakes many people have about internet marketing in this well-written and informative article, “A Little Marketing Knowledge Is A Dangerous Thing: The Top 10 Marketing Myths.” It is certainly worth the time invested in reading this article to help insure the best possible results of any internet marketing strategy you are considering.

Small Biz Trends.com recently blogged about why social media is such an effective lead generation tool.  She explained that it distributes your content, helping you to take advantage of larger networks than your website provides.

Social media also offers a very effective way to reach out to people who tweet relevant posts for your business.  She explains how to create an advanced search on Twitter Search that will alert you when someone tweets something relevant in your area.

You can also increase your leads by answering questions on items with which you have an expertise.  For instance, go to Yahoo Answers, Business Answers and other relevant question/answer sites and you may be able to increase leads.

Lead generation is a vital tool that many leading internet marketers, like Brad Powers, use to their advantage.  These tips can help you to get started and to branch out in areas you may not have previously considered.