Tag Archives: social networking

New Social Media Network tagzuna Coming At Ya!

February 29, 2012 – 6:00 am

What if you could take the trending hashtags of Twitter and the friends you care to know about from Facebook and see everything on one platform? Well, tagzuna is trying to bring you the best of both worlds… and more!

After coming on the scene in its beta phase a few months back, the social network tagzuna saw a great response from its user community. And after that success, the company is in full swing with hopes that the app will take over the social network world.

In addition to following trends and stalking the people you actually want to know about, tagzuna’s cloud-based platform allows users to view and share content within the network. When content gets tagged, it aligns under a category tag (or can stand alone) allowing users to easily sift through the network seamlessly. tagzuna also provides recommendations based on the page a user is viewing for a more personalized and tailored social experience.

The greatness behind tagzuna is that it combines the popular social networks that are out there with great ease. Although you have to create a new profile (which you can do using your Facebook log-in), it very user-friendly and has a familiar sense to it. Upon creating a profile, users are able to pull in information from their Facebook profiles, loop in friends via Gmail accounts and immediately check out the trending tags within the social network.

With Facebook having filed for an IPO a few months back, it is definitely a financial-promising time to get into social networking; but, it may be tough to chip away at the market with another, similar tool. While tagzuna puts all the things we love in our current social networks into one place, the habits social media mavens have formed may be difficult to break. It will be interesting to see how this social network differentiates itself and how it will find its place in users’ social media suites.

In the coming weeks and months, we can anticipate that tagzuna will really develop itself to be seen as a true competitor in the social networking space with something unique to offer. Time to add “tag that” to our social media vernacular. Join the tagzuna network today.

Like. Follow me. Tweet it. Tag that. What’s next?!

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Enterprise

The Social Experience of Walking Under a Scaffold

February 27, 2012 – 6:00 am

Even with superstitions, many of us have to walk under a scaffold to get to work. But we are never excited to actually walk under the heavy-metal apparatus constructed above us. Well, Bonnier Properties is hoping to change that stigma with their Nice To Meet You project– a dynamic social forest in a construction site walk path in Hornstull, Sweden. Check it out…

This idea is transforming as it brings social-networking encouragement to a new facet of people’s lives– walking within their city. The Hornstull people were not too happy about the two-year construction project for a new shopping mall as the construction interrupted their perfect little city. But by reinventing the barriers of this construction project’s walkway, Bonnier is trying to show how this project is going to grow the city from both a landscape perspective and socially.

When a person walks through the tunnel, they are picked up on Xbox Kinect machines which recognizes their motion. With their movement, a leaf grows on the tree and the user is then able to share this experience through their social networks. As time progresses, users can check out the Nice To Meet You site and see how the growth of the forest has progressed since they were last there. Not only will the trees grow on the website, but the colors will change to reflect the seasons as the two-year project evolves.

Spreading this social media effort has been pretty effective while illustrating Bonnier as an innovator. Because of its uniqueness, word-of-mouth marketing and social media mavens have really encouraged individuals to talk about the forest and walk through the tunnel even if it’s not in their daily routine. Who wouldn’t want to contribute a leaf, or two, to the dynamic social forest?

Having individuals share their experience from within the tunnel grows leaves on the tree; thus, social media interaction is inspired. The dynamic social forest (aka Bonnier construction site) is now a meet-up place where friends get together in the tunnel and help grow the forest.

How ironic? Walking is economically friendly, and in Hornstull it actually grows leaves on trees. That’s maditude!

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Enterprise

Fly in the Sky in Social Class

February 21, 2012 – 6:00 am

Long gone are the days of elegant flying (re: Pan Am). But now there may be a substitute to the fancy food, first-class service, and leg room. What if I could tell you that you are able to choose the people you sit next to aboard your next KLM flight? Now we really can fly the friendly skies.

Along with its cutting edge KLM Surprise campaign utilizing social media, the airline is back at it again. After learning that their customers were willing to use social media to enhance their flying experience, KLM has introduced its Meet and Seat program.

This opt-in program allows passengers to identify their fellow passengers on their long-haul flights. Using LinkedIn and Facebook passengers are able to learn about their fellow passengers and see who they’ll be sitting next to long before they even board the flight! You don’t have to divulge your personal profiles, but can still anonymously observe your new flying friends.

KLM has understood what they really want to do with their campaigns… get the public to talk about their airline on social networks. By integrating the connectivity of social media, they are leveraging their customers’ social networks and actually encouraging their customers to identify each other as fellow KLM passengers. Instantly, their customers become connected using social networks and can further facilitate KLM’s social network conversation.

Finally, companies are creating their own network utilizing the tools that are already out there. Instead of giving up on social media, companies need to find an effective way to integrate their brand into this aspect of life for many consumers. It’s not all about transferring your digital store or website experience to a fan page; but rather, using social media to get people talking (see: Coke Puzzle or BMW Test Drive).

Get your landing gear ready, it’s time to bring this baby to the ground!

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Myspace Ain’t Dead… Witness the Rebirth!

February 15, 2012 – 6:00 am

Circa 2004, when Facebook really came to the masses, Myspace’s exponential growth started to slow down. And circa January 2009, Facebook surpassed Myspace in unique users per month ultimately leading to what many thought was the demise of Myspace.

Then came June 30, 2011 and Myspace welcomed Justin Timberlake as part owner and the social network was revived. With JT’s expertise in music, he along with other investors decided to refocus the social network around its innate ability to share music with the world. And roughly 7 months later, the social network is showing signs of real life and growth once again.

On February 13, CEO Tim Vanderhook stated that “[ ] the 1 million-plus new user accounts we’ve seen in the last 30 days validates our approach“. And the approach he’s talking about is the refining of the network’s focus on listening and sharing music. Just check out Myspace.com and you’ll immediately notice the refocus on music. According to eBizMBA’s research, Facebook is number 1 by a longshot. No surprise there. But, Myspace is number 4 and not too far behind LinkedIn.

According to these unique monthly visitor numbers, it’s quite obvious that Facebook takes the cake. But with Mr. Timberlake’s help and the previous month’s self-reported success, Myspace may quickly move up the charts. Leave it to Justin and team because they’re bringing Myspace back.

What’s the takeaway? Myspace was only able to compete once it refined the definition of what the social network was trying to do. No longer was the network competing to connect the most people, but rather connecting people with bands. It was a risky move, but one that looks like is going to pay off. The boy-bander/singer/actor/advertiser/investor has definitely made his transitions successful. Now he has another one to add to the list– social network “reviver”.

Sometimes brands need to take a step back and redefine themselves in the marketplace– even if that means refocusing. This evaluation doesn’t need to happen after an almost failure, but should be continually happening as product/idea development happens. For example, the 1984 Apple Olympic commercial allowed the company to evolve into what it is today… from just a computer company in the past.

Success isn’t about one idea, but about the evolution of ideas over time. That and some maditude!

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Enterprise

Product Placement Delivered by a Music Video?!

February 13, 2012 – 6:00 am

From the use of Coca-Cola cups on American Idol to the high demand of product placement on Modern Family, this non-traditional way of advertising on television is not a new thing. But what about these spots make them special? Brands know that they are reaching a specific demographic and can estimate the number of eyeballs actually viewing the product.

The competition for these coveted product placements is not only relevant to television but is also important in today’s social networks. For example, take the band OK Go. This band first came on the scene in 2005 making their stride with a nifty treadmill music video for Here It Goes Again. And now in 2012, the release of OK Go’s video Needing/Getting was introduced during the Super Bowl at the start of February. Check out the video below.. you will be mesmerized!

This video was actually an advertisement for the Chevy Sonic– not the band (although the music video has definitely brought attention their way once again). After four grueling months, Chevy was able to introduce the model with great success. And now two weeks later, the video has nearly 13 million views on YouTube alone! In addition to using the music video as a promotional tool, the intriguing video was able to promote the Chevy model’s youthful and hip vibe. Talk about a successful test drive!

Since this wasn’t a traditional advertisement, viewers did not feel taken advantage of or brainwashed by unrealistic storytelling. Rather, they were able to see the car being tested on terrain while hitting “random” objects– illustrating the car’s safety in its element. The partnership of OK Go and Chevy allowed the social network to work its magic and spread the advertising brilliance worldwide.

Product placement is often subliminal, but social crews are anxious for the next shift of genius brought to them via social networks.

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branding

The Sh*t People Say Video Phenomenon

February 2, 2012 – 6:00 am

Pardon the language, but the Sh*t People Say videos are ruling the planet or at least the internet. In the past week, I’ve seen Sh*t Project Managers Say, Sh*t Girls Say, Sh*t Frat Boys Say, Sh*t Chicagoans Say, Sh*t. Sh*t. Sh*t.

But why do these videos keep getting made? And why do they have so many views? That is the power of YouTube. Facebook. Twitter… really all social media oriented sites. Entertainment spreads like wildfire!

The idea behind these videos is so simplistic that it can be adapted to whatever you want to poke fun at. In most cases, stereotypes are found offensive but these videos make light of the stereotypical lingo of specific groups. People wanted to put their own spin on the original ‘Sh*t Girls Say’ and that’s how the phenomenon started.

With a factor of stickiness, a brand is able to pass along any message to its consumers. It’s about finding the stickiness factor that many brands struggle with. Produce a message that people can connect with and integrate into a facet of their life and you’re in. Snickers, “You’re not you when you’re hungry”. Maxwell House “Good to the last drop”. Visa “It’s everywhere you want to be”. What do all these slogans have in common? Stickiness.

In today’s advertising, stickiness is only half the battle. While cutting through the clutter, advertisers must make sure to be actively present– today, that’s integrating campaigns with social media. The idea of publishing common phrases from a stereotype can be extrapolated into brand advertising. Move your product from being just a retailed product… to being a facet of your target market’s life. Make your social media sticky and it’ll be the glue between your customers and your products. Now’s the time to utilize the free trends and learn how to make them work for you and your brand. Oh, and if you can make them user-submitted, that’d the best Sh*t!

To enjoy the stickiness of this phenomenon, check out the 15 Best ‘Sh*t People Say’ Videos as published by Mashable.

 

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branding

Whimpy Burger is No Whimp!

January 26, 2012 – 6:00 am

In a selfless deed, South African fast-food chain Whimpy wanted to reach out to their visually impaired consumers. Check out this video on the Whimpy Burger Braille act.

Through the use of Braille communicated as sesame seeds on their hamburger buns, Whimpy was able to connect with a special sector of their customers– the blind. Instead of allowing these customers to only use their sense of taste when interacting with the restaurant, they were able to interact with the burgers using their sense of touch. The fast-foot restaurant has been offering their menu in Braille since 2002, but very few were actually aware.

The fast-food chain was able to distribute the burgers to individuals of special institutes which support the visually impaired throughout South Africa. These institutes include the Louis Braille House and Blind SA Head Office. While these burgers with unique buns only made it to 15 individuals, word of the act spread with the help of social media.

In the YouTube video, the company claims that through social media this simple deed was broadcasted to over 800,000 people worldwide! With the advertisement’s tagline “where everyone can feel at home”, Whimpy definitely spread their message with the help of their ad agency Metropolitan Republic South Africa.

No longer is the company seen as just a fast-food joint, but is now recognized as catering to their unique customers to make them feel at home– even if that means putting Braille on their buns to communicate with the special needs of their customers.

Reunite with your customers and show them what you have to offer. If it’s done in a unique way, the amazing reach potential of social media may be your best advocate. Just don’t rely on using hamburger buns!

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