How can you capture your audience with email? You could jazz it up by adding rich media. Wouldn't you want to see more video and animation in your emails? You can convey your message through a creative outlet.
Why isn't there more rich media in our emails? I imagine the loading process of flash and video are too inefficient to include them in our emails. I know, I'm too impatient to wait for two minute video to load, especially in my email. So, how can you capture your audience?
Landing pages are key. You can get creative with landing pages. I think emails need to have compelling content without the flair. People are looking for useful information in emails. When I open up my email, I want to be fed the straight facts. After that, I will decide whether to click on the landing page or not. Emails are the selling point but you don't have to worry about impressing your audience with rich media. It's safe to trust that they will be convinced with the content.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Starbucks allows consumers participate
It's apparent. Organizations are gravitating to social media and building relationships with customers through community sites.
Starbucks has a site called MyStarbucksIdea.com that allows consumers to get involved with the company. The site states you can "share," "vote," "discuss" and "see" the development the company is going through.
It's a bright idea. This site engages customers to open up discussion to improve products and customer experience of the brand. Starbucks has also incorporated an open discussion for community involvement. The company is working to build up brand awareness and product innovation through customers. You can't go wrong here.
The site does require people to register in order to participate in the discussions but it's a wise choice. This creates more opportunities for the company to utilize digital promotions.
Customers always come first. Companies should rememeber this when they are building a digital promotions campaign. Give customers what they want.
Starbucks has a site called MyStarbucksIdea.com that allows consumers to get involved with the company. The site states you can "share," "vote," "discuss" and "see" the development the company is going through.
It's a bright idea. This site engages customers to open up discussion to improve products and customer experience of the brand. Starbucks has also incorporated an open discussion for community involvement. The company is working to build up brand awareness and product innovation through customers. You can't go wrong here.
The site does require people to register in order to participate in the discussions but it's a wise choice. This creates more opportunities for the company to utilize digital promotions.
Customers always come first. Companies should rememeber this when they are building a digital promotions campaign. Give customers what they want.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Wait...Buffy's back?
I was ecstatic to hear that The WB network was launching free ad-supported programs including "Smallville," "Gilmore Girls" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I don't have time to watch television and I definitely can't afford the luxury of owning TIVo, so I watch most of my programs online.
The WB network folded in 2006, but has been brought back to life online. Sites like Hulu.com have given long dead t.v. shows a second life on the Web. In fact, most of The WB programs can be found on other sites.
Why would people go watch shows on WB.com when it is offered on other sites and can be purchased as DVDs or downloads? Why not? Having the shows accessible on the site allows for more traffic and advertising opportunities.
Many of the programs on the WB network is targeted to teens. Teens are more likely to be susceptible to the idea of watching programs online. In fact, most of them are comfortable with it because they have grown up with the Web. It sure beats buying the DVD collection. It is also certainly attractive to teens that the Web does not have the V-chip, so many of them have access to programs they can't have on television.
Moving t.v. programs to the Web is not a bad move. The CW decided to stop free streams of "Gossip Girl," a new teen drama, in order to boost ratings and it wasn't the best strategy. Teens are not going to consume the show only through television. The more ways consumers can reach a product, the more likely success will follow. This also probably restricts possible advertising revenue.
It's all about mixed media. You can't just rely on one medium.
The WB network folded in 2006, but has been brought back to life online. Sites like Hulu.com have given long dead t.v. shows a second life on the Web. In fact, most of The WB programs can be found on other sites.
Why would people go watch shows on WB.com when it is offered on other sites and can be purchased as DVDs or downloads? Why not? Having the shows accessible on the site allows for more traffic and advertising opportunities.
Many of the programs on the WB network is targeted to teens. Teens are more likely to be susceptible to the idea of watching programs online. In fact, most of them are comfortable with it because they have grown up with the Web. It sure beats buying the DVD collection. It is also certainly attractive to teens that the Web does not have the V-chip, so many of them have access to programs they can't have on television.
Moving t.v. programs to the Web is not a bad move. The CW decided to stop free streams of "Gossip Girl," a new teen drama, in order to boost ratings and it wasn't the best strategy. Teens are not going to consume the show only through television. The more ways consumers can reach a product, the more likely success will follow. This also probably restricts possible advertising revenue.
It's all about mixed media. You can't just rely on one medium.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Freedom without Credibility
How easy is it to rant and rave about anything and everything when no one can see or hear you? Free from judgement and ridicule, anonymity seems like the perfect shield and weapon. When it comes to blogging, you should not be anonymous. Why?
Anonymous blogging not only hurts your credibility, but can potentially damage reputations of companies, people, products, etc. Anonymity disguises motives. These unclear motives discourage advertisers, marketers, and the media from working with you or even taking your message seriously. Blogs are intended to build relationships. You can't have a relationship with someone you don't know.
Kentucky Rep. Tim Couch introduced the House Bill 775 on March 4, 2008. This bill would require prior registration for anyone who posts information to a website, blog, or message board and create fines for violations. Basically, this bill is prohibiting anonymous blogging.
It is evident to me that anonymous blogging is getting out of hand and that proposals such as the House Bill 775 need to be introduced. I firmly advocate freedom of speech but a person must exercise that right properly. You must be transparent so that your message is effective.
Anonymous blogging not only hurts your credibility, but can potentially damage reputations of companies, people, products, etc. Anonymity disguises motives. These unclear motives discourage advertisers, marketers, and the media from working with you or even taking your message seriously. Blogs are intended to build relationships. You can't have a relationship with someone you don't know.
Kentucky Rep. Tim Couch introduced the House Bill 775 on March 4, 2008. This bill would require prior registration for anyone who posts information to a website, blog, or message board and create fines for violations. Basically, this bill is prohibiting anonymous blogging.
It is evident to me that anonymous blogging is getting out of hand and that proposals such as the House Bill 775 need to be introduced. I firmly advocate freedom of speech but a person must exercise that right properly. You must be transparent so that your message is effective.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
MySpace vs. Facebook
As I'm getting older, I have grown out of the MySpace phase. Just a few weeks ago, I deleted my MySpace account and I'm not the only one doing it.
Since last October, the number of MySpace visitors are decreasing. Recently, Facebook has expanded in membership. I remember the first time I entered the world of MySpace was the same time I created a Facebook account. During this time, I never thought I would see Facebook come to achieve as much as it has now. In fact, I didn't even think Facebook would last because of the amazing popularity of MySpace.
It's definitely a different story now.
I decided to turn my back on MySpace because it just wasn't for my target audience. MySpace is more attractive to teens. Facebook is more appropiate for college students. Interestingly enough, Facebook has expanded to allow membership to a wider audience, yet I don't feel like the social networking site is very teen-oriented. Facebook is the perfect site to network with other college students and build relationships. It's a new level of sophistication. I'm no longer concerned with "pimping out" my profile page or meticulously deciding who will be on my "top 8 friends" list.
Something that does concern me is whether or not Facebook is on the same track as MySpace. Facebook is a niche social networking site that targets college students, but after broadening their target audience to high school students worries me. Is Facebook going to be another teeny-bopper site that allows members to "pimp out" their profiles? Facebook's expansion on the various applications are another issue of concern. Are these applications such as bumper stickers, pieces of flair, and super poke, to name a few, going to have negative affects on the site? I feel these applications are cluttering the site.
It's uncertain how long the trends of social networking sites are going to last, but they have made a tremendous impact in the digital world. I know that my Facebook account is not going anywhere for now.
Since last October, the number of MySpace visitors are decreasing. Recently, Facebook has expanded in membership. I remember the first time I entered the world of MySpace was the same time I created a Facebook account. During this time, I never thought I would see Facebook come to achieve as much as it has now. In fact, I didn't even think Facebook would last because of the amazing popularity of MySpace.
It's definitely a different story now.
I decided to turn my back on MySpace because it just wasn't for my target audience. MySpace is more attractive to teens. Facebook is more appropiate for college students. Interestingly enough, Facebook has expanded to allow membership to a wider audience, yet I don't feel like the social networking site is very teen-oriented. Facebook is the perfect site to network with other college students and build relationships. It's a new level of sophistication. I'm no longer concerned with "pimping out" my profile page or meticulously deciding who will be on my "top 8 friends" list.
Something that does concern me is whether or not Facebook is on the same track as MySpace. Facebook is a niche social networking site that targets college students, but after broadening their target audience to high school students worries me. Is Facebook going to be another teeny-bopper site that allows members to "pimp out" their profiles? Facebook's expansion on the various applications are another issue of concern. Are these applications such as bumper stickers, pieces of flair, and super poke, to name a few, going to have negative affects on the site? I feel these applications are cluttering the site.
It's uncertain how long the trends of social networking sites are going to last, but they have made a tremendous impact in the digital world. I know that my Facebook account is not going anywhere for now.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Hardly Fading
It's good to know that conversation sites like forums and chats are still alive and kicking. I've always known about forums and chats but I never participated. With new innovations in the digital world, conversation sites have faded into the back for me. I didn't even think twice about visiting forums or using chats.
I was not aware of how often people used forums to feed their hunger for specialized news. I talked to a friend who told me he spent hours looking at forums for recent technology in the gaming industry because he gets instant news before it hits mainstream audiences. Another friend tells me he checks sports forums everyday for updates.
Forums are another great tool for journalists to gather news ideas, leads, and sources. Similar to blogs, forums are sites for fresh ideas.
Just recently, I was notified that Facebook included a chat application. It's interesting to find that the rise of social networking site are taking advantages of chats. Is it really necessary for Facebook to include chat? The site already provides means to communicate through wall posts, messages, and etc. I guess chat provides immediate communication simultaneously. Again, another conquest of Facebook in attempts to dominate the digital world.
A thing of the past? Hardly.
I was not aware of how often people used forums to feed their hunger for specialized news. I talked to a friend who told me he spent hours looking at forums for recent technology in the gaming industry because he gets instant news before it hits mainstream audiences. Another friend tells me he checks sports forums everyday for updates.
Forums are another great tool for journalists to gather news ideas, leads, and sources. Similar to blogs, forums are sites for fresh ideas.
Just recently, I was notified that Facebook included a chat application. It's interesting to find that the rise of social networking site are taking advantages of chats. Is it really necessary for Facebook to include chat? The site already provides means to communicate through wall posts, messages, and etc. I guess chat provides immediate communication simultaneously. Again, another conquest of Facebook in attempts to dominate the digital world.
A thing of the past? Hardly.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Digital Activism
On March 12, the organization Reporters Without Borders announced the first Online Free Expression Day. The group launched a 24-hour online protest occuring in nine virtual countries that have been considered Internet enemies by the international press organization.
Reporters Without Borders are an organization that works to fight against press freedom violations. The online protest was a response to online censorship and abuses throughout the world. The group noticed an alarming rate of blogs, websites, and forums being closed from the government.
How effective can this be?
The webpage designed for the cyber demonstration is very interactive. There is a flash application installed for the protest, which is well-designed and gives it some glitz but I feel like I'm in a virtual gaming system rather than a protest. Once you choose to demonstrate, you are allowed to pick from five pre-made slogans. Afterwards, you have the option to move your faceless character around the digital setting. It's really hard to take the protest seriously with the application.
I don't quite understand how this virtual protest is going to mobilize protestors to take action and make an impact. What is the desired outcome for this organization? I'm not sure a fancy application will be the catalyst for change.
Reporters Without Borders are an organization that works to fight against press freedom violations. The online protest was a response to online censorship and abuses throughout the world. The group noticed an alarming rate of blogs, websites, and forums being closed from the government.
How effective can this be?
The webpage designed for the cyber demonstration is very interactive. There is a flash application installed for the protest, which is well-designed and gives it some glitz but I feel like I'm in a virtual gaming system rather than a protest. Once you choose to demonstrate, you are allowed to pick from five pre-made slogans. Afterwards, you have the option to move your faceless character around the digital setting. It's really hard to take the protest seriously with the application.
I don't quite understand how this virtual protest is going to mobilize protestors to take action and make an impact. What is the desired outcome for this organization? I'm not sure a fancy application will be the catalyst for change.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Digital Insanity
The digital world is growing at a rapid speed and that's great or is it? I feel left in the dust and unable to keep up with the latest trends in the digital arena. No one seems to want to take a traditional approach to communication.
Everywhere I turn, I'm bombarded with messages through the digital world. Anytime I'm offline, I'm directed to go online. I don't get phone calls, I receive text messages. We don't even use full words, instead, we abbreviate. My main source of communication with my friends is through e-mail and Facebook. Sometimes, we just type in our status and moods to alert others of our day. Whatever happened to face-to-face interactions?
The adoption of digital technologies has given us the mentality of having everything we want instantaneously, in just one click. This desire has created an invisible wall for society. Sure, there is content in the message, but where is the context? The words and sentences exist without emotions and non-verbal cues.
I'm not sure the digital world is the best method to create intimate, personal, and formal relationships. For advertisers, the digital world is a great environment to track and monitor users and potential buyers but there is no great depth in building relationships.
We are so caught up in our digital world that we don't understand life beyond the click.
Everywhere I turn, I'm bombarded with messages through the digital world. Anytime I'm offline, I'm directed to go online. I don't get phone calls, I receive text messages. We don't even use full words, instead, we abbreviate. My main source of communication with my friends is through e-mail and Facebook. Sometimes, we just type in our status and moods to alert others of our day. Whatever happened to face-to-face interactions?
The adoption of digital technologies has given us the mentality of having everything we want instantaneously, in just one click. This desire has created an invisible wall for society. Sure, there is content in the message, but where is the context? The words and sentences exist without emotions and non-verbal cues.
I'm not sure the digital world is the best method to create intimate, personal, and formal relationships. For advertisers, the digital world is a great environment to track and monitor users and potential buyers but there is no great depth in building relationships.
We are so caught up in our digital world that we don't understand life beyond the click.
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