We’re so pleased to announce that we officially took home a MN PRSA Classics Award last night. Axiom was honored for our work with The Village Company on Mr. Bubble’s 50th Birthday Bubble.
And a big congrats to our fellow nominees and winners!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tweeting CEO's Held in High Regard
by Ashley Haugen
CEO activity on social networks doesn't just effect consumer perception, but it also makes an impact on employees. The study finds that 82% of employee respondents trust a company more when the CEO and leadership team communicate via social media.
Having CEO and CMO's actively engaging on social networks not only instills confidence in consumers, but also in employees. After all, it is the age of the social network and what better way to show that your company is heading in the right direction, than your boss showing everyone he/she is "in the know."
@AshleyKaia
It may be time for community managers to give their duties to the boss for a day. Ok, so maybe not all of their duties, but at least show them this article from eMarketer. According to a study by social media branding firm BRANDfog (who's motto is, 'if you're not online you don't exist'), consumers and employees regard company leaders who engage on social media platforms positively.
A whopping 78% of survey respondents said that CEO participation in social media leads to better communication, 71% believes it leads to improved brand image and 64% said it provides more transparency.
A whopping 78% of survey respondents said that CEO participation in social media leads to better communication, 71% believes it leads to improved brand image and 64% said it provides more transparency.
A company’s social media presence also trickles down and influences purchase decisions. The majority of BRANDfog survey respondents (77%) are more likely or much more likely to buy from a company whose CEO uses social media to clearly define company values and leadership principles. And 94% said C-suite social media participation enhances a brand image.
CEO activity on social networks doesn't just effect consumer perception, but it also makes an impact on employees. The study finds that 82% of employee respondents trust a company more when the CEO and leadership team communicate via social media.
Having CEO and CMO's actively engaging on social networks not only instills confidence in consumers, but also in employees. After all, it is the age of the social network and what better way to show that your company is heading in the right direction, than your boss showing everyone he/she is "in the know."
Do you follow any company CEO's on Twitter? What do you expect from their social media presence?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tech and Travel [Infographic]
Social media is shaking up the travel scene with everything from mobile apps to twitter deals. Check out this cool infographic which highlights some of the trends of today's techie traveler.
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Marketers Guide To Taking Down The Mobile Monster
by Ashley Haugen
It's true, mobile marketing can be a monster. When done "right" it plays very nice; increasing brand loyalty, driving new sales and bolstering ROI. When handled poorly it is intimidating, all-consuming, unstable and elusive. Mobile marketing can be as much of an enigma as it is a necessity for today's marketers.
And believe me, it is a necessity in today's smartphone and tablet driven world. “Mobile is experiencing explosive growth and is a new and exciting way to reach consumers at the moment when their intent to purchase is strongest,” said Wilson Kerr, vice president of business development and sales at Unbound Commerce, Boston. With smartphone adoption projected to grow to 68% by 2015 (Javelin), and with a projected 1/3 of US online consumers owning a tablet by 2015 (Forrester), we are well on our way to becoming a mobile-centric society.
Unfortunately, many campaigns may not get the expected click-throughs or opt-ins they initially anticipated. So how do you tame the beast? There is much you can do to revive a campaign after taking a critical eye to refresh and review an idea.
A lot of mobile marketing is testing to see what works and what does not. A simple re-wording of the Call-to-Action, or more obvious scroll bar can make a ton of difference for your mobile initiatives. “Just because one campaign is not getting the proper amount of lift does not mean that the mobile application itself is a failure," said Mr. Kerr. "It simply means a different approach should be taken."
It is also important to keep your feet comfortably in your consumer's shoes. How easy is it for them to complete the action you are proposing? What kind of smartphones are they using? What are the primary functions of your mobile site (information, deals/coupons, games, etc.)? What do they want from your site?
We live in an "instant" world, and mobile users expect only the fastest results. Instant gratification is key. Think about targeting mobile ads using geo-specific data, for example sending exclusive deals to users in close proximity of your business.
Relevancy and incentive are crucial to a successful mobile campaign. Evaluate your strategy for every customer touch point: pre-shop, in-store and post-shop (especially comments on consumer-review sites and apps). Immediacy can coax a mobile monster into a mobile mascot.
Bottom line: Do your research, have a healthy test period, and don't be afraid to play around to find out what works.
And believe me, it is a necessity in today's smartphone and tablet driven world. “Mobile is experiencing explosive growth and is a new and exciting way to reach consumers at the moment when their intent to purchase is strongest,” said Wilson Kerr, vice president of business development and sales at Unbound Commerce, Boston. With smartphone adoption projected to grow to 68% by 2015 (Javelin), and with a projected 1/3 of US online consumers owning a tablet by 2015 (Forrester), we are well on our way to becoming a mobile-centric society.
Unfortunately, many campaigns may not get the expected click-throughs or opt-ins they initially anticipated. So how do you tame the beast? There is much you can do to revive a campaign after taking a critical eye to refresh and review an idea.
A lot of mobile marketing is testing to see what works and what does not. A simple re-wording of the Call-to-Action, or more obvious scroll bar can make a ton of difference for your mobile initiatives. “Just because one campaign is not getting the proper amount of lift does not mean that the mobile application itself is a failure," said Mr. Kerr. "It simply means a different approach should be taken."
It is also important to keep your feet comfortably in your consumer's shoes. How easy is it for them to complete the action you are proposing? What kind of smartphones are they using? What are the primary functions of your mobile site (information, deals/coupons, games, etc.)? What do they want from your site?
We live in an "instant" world, and mobile users expect only the fastest results. Instant gratification is key. Think about targeting mobile ads using geo-specific data, for example sending exclusive deals to users in close proximity of your business.
Relevancy and incentive are crucial to a successful mobile campaign. Evaluate your strategy for every customer touch point: pre-shop, in-store and post-shop (especially comments on consumer-review sites and apps). Immediacy can coax a mobile monster into a mobile mascot.
Bottom line: Do your research, have a healthy test period, and don't be afraid to play around to find out what works.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Blogger Nation: It's Their (Online) World
by Ashley Haugen
A report published by NM Incite in early March shows us the blogosphere is heating up. Mommy- and Daddy-bloggers, DIY'ers, publications and corporations are hopping on sites like Wordpress, Blogger and Tumblr with unprecedented verve. Of particular focus are consumer-generated blogs, which have had a strong upward trend since 2006, according to the U.S. Digital Consumer Report of The Media; Q3-Q4 2011.
The sheer growth in the volume of blogs is impressive. By the end of 2011, NM Incite (a Nielsen/McKinsey company) had tracked over 181 million blogs around the world, up from 36 million in 2006.
Combined, the three major blogging platforms -- Blogger, Wordpress and Tumblr, in that order -- account for 80.5 million unique views in October 2011. (You can compare this with Facebook for some insight, which had 139.1 million unique views that month.)
So why are blogs so popular? Are bloggers becoming an accepted and credible part of online media? Even if individual blogs don't have a big audience, combined they add reach to marketing campaigns. Especially women bloggers, who represent a desirable audience for advertisers. Approximately one in three bloggers are mothers, with a select few even having hundreds of thousands of dedicated followers. Blogs are increasingly becoming a great resource for those seeking advice, inspiration, news and content.
Whether it's writing for a large company or blogging away the sweet details of baby's first steps, blogging is a great way to set up a strong online presence. Here at Axiom we work closely with bloggers to make sure our messages are reaching the right audience. After all, blog readers in the U.S. represent 53.6 percent of internet users, according to eMarketer. Both blog readers and writers are an influential lot, and their success is only poised for growth as more marketers tap into their power.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Protect Your E-Image, Your Career Could Depend On It
by @davesniadak
If you posted incriminating photos from your weekend in Vegas and you think those photos are going to stay in Vegas, think again. In fact, before you push the "share/tweet/post/shout/send" button, think about the implications it might have on your career. A survey released last week by Eurocom Worldwide stated that one in five tech candidates are rejected from prospective positions based on a social media post. And that's just in the technology field!
According to Worldcom's findings, nearly 40% of companies responding to the survey said they vet a potential prospect's social media channels. "The 21st century human is learning that every action leaves an indelible digital train," said Mads Christensen, Network Director for Eurocom Worldwide. "Applicants disqualify themselves from an interview because of content from the social media sphere."
We've preached this all along - think before you share. Just because you have a "smart phone" doesn't mean it's a smart idea to share everything. So much for 'references available upon request', right?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Want to Break the Ice? Use These Apps...
by Mike Reiber
App developers swarmed Austin in an effort to catch the eyes and ears of technology lovers and VC's attending SXSW, the Austin Texas-based technology, music and film conference. For these developers, SXSW is THE PLACE to get feedback from a highly concentrated crowd of early adopters.
The most intriguing apps are those that enable users to find friends and friends of friends when they are nearby. Better yet, the apps are merging two features into a single service that helps users meet someone they should know. In effect, smart phones have become the new icebreaker/introduction tool for users. Below are some interesting apps that merit a look see.
Kismet helps users meet friends through friends by creating spontaneous pop-up events. The app also enables them options of passive sharing and check-ins.
Glomper is a new app that allows users to get pertinent details about an event with photos, conversations, and interactions. The interface feels like Pinterest (a personal favorite of mine) with streaming photos from events aligning down the center of the page. Users click on an event to see full details -- pictures, attendees and comments. Users can "heart" something by clicking the outline of a heart.
Glancee looks for people nearby who have friends in common with you and who share the same interests. The app features a new diary feature which enables users to record past connections and log them in diaries for future reference.
Banjo has developed one of the most robust location technologies that integrates with key social networks to provide an on the ground view of what's happening anyplace, anytime.
Highlight allows users to bookmark people they met and automatically reminds them of the interaction the next time they meet.
Ask.com the search engine, launched a new mobile polling app for iOS called Poll Roll. The app allows users to create polls and ask people nearby for their opinions. Poll Roll also lets users create visual polls in which they can attach their own pictures to their questions. It provides the ability to filter responses and leave comments about a poll.
So how do you harness these apps for your business challenges? Privacy issues aside, these apps offer intriguing possibilities. For example, customized messaging in retail environments targeted at the users who've signed up for the app and other persons who share common interests and friends.
App developers swarmed Austin in an effort to catch the eyes and ears of technology lovers and VC's attending SXSW, the Austin Texas-based technology, music and film conference. For these developers, SXSW is THE PLACE to get feedback from a highly concentrated crowd of early adopters.
The most intriguing apps are those that enable users to find friends and friends of friends when they are nearby. Better yet, the apps are merging two features into a single service that helps users meet someone they should know. In effect, smart phones have become the new icebreaker/introduction tool for users. Below are some interesting apps that merit a look see.
Kismet helps users meet friends through friends by creating spontaneous pop-up events. The app also enables them options of passive sharing and check-ins.
Glomper is a new app that allows users to get pertinent details about an event with photos, conversations, and interactions. The interface feels like Pinterest (a personal favorite of mine) with streaming photos from events aligning down the center of the page. Users click on an event to see full details -- pictures, attendees and comments. Users can "heart" something by clicking the outline of a heart.
Glancee looks for people nearby who have friends in common with you and who share the same interests. The app features a new diary feature which enables users to record past connections and log them in diaries for future reference.
Banjo has developed one of the most robust location technologies that integrates with key social networks to provide an on the ground view of what's happening anyplace, anytime.
Highlight allows users to bookmark people they met and automatically reminds them of the interaction the next time they meet.
Ask.com the search engine, launched a new mobile polling app for iOS called Poll Roll. The app allows users to create polls and ask people nearby for their opinions. Poll Roll also lets users create visual polls in which they can attach their own pictures to their questions. It provides the ability to filter responses and leave comments about a poll.
So how do you harness these apps for your business challenges? Privacy issues aside, these apps offer intriguing possibilities. For example, customized messaging in retail environments targeted at the users who've signed up for the app and other persons who share common interests and friends.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Who Said TV News is Dead? Latest Stats Show Impressive Online Viewership Totals
by Dave Sniadak
Unique views and content consumption are great indicators that viewers still want relevant news coverage. However, the fact that so many viewers are getting their news after the fact means local broadcasters need to work even harder - with less resources - to find content that's going keep their lights on. It's an endless struggle, but I'm confident that as technology evolves, so will our friends in the media. At least, that's what the kittens have taught me: anything is possible if you put a little meow into it.
@davesniadak
Being a former newsie myself, I make a point to watch my local news as much as possible. However, due to budget cuts and slashed staffs, local broadcast outlets are leaning heavily on national news feeds and viral videos to fill their time slots. My feeling is much like that of the viewing audience: If I wanted to watch a story about kittens "finding their meow," I'll just watch it online. News producers, are you listening?
comScore recently released their February 2012 online video stats, which reinforces my own attitude towards news content. Online news videos garnered almost 815 million views in February, from just 38 million videos posted on the websites of various news outlets. comScore also revealed that all those views came from more than 72 million unique viewers (more than 179 million viewers watching all sorts of online video during the month). A partnership between Yahoo! and ABC News - the two media powers joined forces in October, 2011 - can take credit for half of those views, snagging 43 million uniques and 411 million video views.
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| Source: Beet.tv |
Unique views and content consumption are great indicators that viewers still want relevant news coverage. However, the fact that so many viewers are getting their news after the fact means local broadcasters need to work even harder - with less resources - to find content that's going keep their lights on. It's an endless struggle, but I'm confident that as technology evolves, so will our friends in the media. At least, that's what the kittens have taught me: anything is possible if you put a little meow into it.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Marketing at the Twin Cities Auto Show: There Is A Time and A Place
By Natalie Bell
@nebell90
Being surrounded by $15,000,000 worth of vehicles was so fun. Every car was new, shining, clean, and had that wonderful new car scent. Spokespeople for each dealership were dressed to the nines; women in dresses and heals and men in business attire. All-in-all it was a classy event.
With good comes bad, however, and one dealership's marketing was not fitting for the auto show. Kia Motors had "Kia Karaoke" going on the entire time I was at the show. In Kia's section there was a stage set up in which visitors were called onto stage, dressed in obnoxious outfits, and singing loudly. It came to the point where I and others had to walk to the other side of the convention in order to escape the off-key voices.
I am not saying karaoke can't be good marketing, but there is a time and a place. This year's auto show was neither of these. At a high-energy event this would have fit in perfectly. However, the auto show draws families and couples seriously shopping, car junkies drooling over the engines displayed, and others just there to look and dream. No one is there to be loud and party. The key to a good campaign is to think of your audience. A great idea can go to the pits if not presented at the right time or place. Similar to what my fellow employee, Shelly, explained in yesterday's blog, lots of thought needs to go into a campaign as to who your target audience is, what their preferences are, and the way you want them to respond.
Of course the misfit karaoke didn't ruin people's nights. With so many cars to explore that would be extremely difficult. My personal highlights from the night are:
- Seeing the Fisker Karma, which was admired by all at the event
- Sitting in a Range Rover
- Seeing old classic cars
- Sitting in my dream Audi convertible (shown below).
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Marketing to Daddy Bloggers
by Shelly Gustafson
Notably, however, the power of Daddy bloggers was heard even before the conference kicked-off in the form of an attack campaign in response to Huggie's “The Dad Test” Campaign (view one of the ads here).
“The Dad Test” came with this tag line: “To prove that Huggies diapers and wipes can handle anything, we put them to the toughest test imaginable: Dads, alone with their babies, in one house, for five days.”
The comical concept stuck just the wrong cord with this newly influential group that is fighting to have their voice heard and recognized.
Chris Routly from www.daddydoctrines.com, went as far as launching a Change.org petition called “We’re Dads, Huggies. Not Dummies.” It drew over a thousand signatures. And other dads sent emails, tweets and letters to Huggies expressing their disappointment with the stereotyping.
Reacting quickly to the complaints, Huggies has responded by not only revamping their entire campaign (see their facebook for the new “Dad Friendly” version) but also scored brownie points with the dad’s at the summit by attending the conference and addressing the complaints in-person.
Stereotyping in advertising is nothing new but it’s important to look at a campaign from all angles before sending it out in the world. In this case, both Huggies and dads seem to have come out ahead in the end.
While Mommy bloggers continue to be a marketing trend, many fathers are now jumping on the blogging bandwagon with Daddy blogs. Coming in after Mommy bloggers in many ways presents a creative advantage – no one wants to be a one-trick pony in the marketing game and Daddy bloggers have the unique opportunity to learn from the mistakes of Mommy bloggers before them.
This past weekend this new group showed up in full-force for the first ever national Daddy blogger conference - Dad 2.0 Summit in Austin, TX.
This past weekend this new group showed up in full-force for the first ever national Daddy blogger conference - Dad 2.0 Summit in Austin, TX.
Notably, however, the power of Daddy bloggers was heard even before the conference kicked-off in the form of an attack campaign in response to Huggie's “The Dad Test” Campaign (view one of the ads here).
“The Dad Test” came with this tag line: “To prove that Huggies diapers and wipes can handle anything, we put them to the toughest test imaginable: Dads, alone with their babies, in one house, for five days.”
The comical concept stuck just the wrong cord with this newly influential group that is fighting to have their voice heard and recognized.
Chris Routly from www.daddydoctrines.com, went as far as launching a Change.org petition called “We’re Dads, Huggies. Not Dummies.” It drew over a thousand signatures. And other dads sent emails, tweets and letters to Huggies expressing their disappointment with the stereotyping.
Reacting quickly to the complaints, Huggies has responded by not only revamping their entire campaign (see their facebook for the new “Dad Friendly” version) but also scored brownie points with the dad’s at the summit by attending the conference and addressing the complaints in-person.
Stereotyping in advertising is nothing new but it’s important to look at a campaign from all angles before sending it out in the world. In this case, both Huggies and dads seem to have come out ahead in the end.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Online Reviews Grow In Popularity and Purchasing Power
by Ashley Haugen
Follow @AshleyKaia
This year's Local Consumer Review Survey (2012) shows us a positive shift in consumer trust and appreciation of online reviews. The statistics are telling and reinforce the fact that consumers now hold more power than ever for influencing purchases. In fact, 52% of consumers surveyed said that positive online reviews make them more likely to use a local business.
More consumers are reading online reviews now than 15 months ago, with 27% regularly reading online reviews when looking for a local business to use. Only 15% of consumers said that they had NOT used the Internet to find a local business (vs. 21% in 2010).
Here are a few other interesting stats:
More than anything, these results tell us that business owners need to make sure they know their brand's social buzz. What are customers saying about the service they received? How do they feel about your product? Once you understand the general sentiment and theme of your business reviews, it's easier to set up a strategy to either encourage the chatter, or to address the most common complaints.
The other important takeaway is to make sure your business has a healthy online presence to begin with. The higher number of reviews (especially positive), the higher consumer confidence soars.
I am a huge fan of online reviews. In fact, I am among the 72% of consumers that trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. For example, when charged with the responsibility of figuring out a restaurant for dinner, I head to a review site. When buying a new appliance I turn to consumer reviews to figure out the "best purchase." The list goes on and on, and with the wealth and popularity of online reviews, I'm not the only one.
This year's Local Consumer Review Survey (2012) shows us a positive shift in consumer trust and appreciation of online reviews. The statistics are telling and reinforce the fact that consumers now hold more power than ever for influencing purchases. In fact, 52% of consumers surveyed said that positive online reviews make them more likely to use a local business.
More consumers are reading online reviews now than 15 months ago, with 27% regularly reading online reviews when looking for a local business to use. Only 15% of consumers said that they had NOT used the Internet to find a local business (vs. 21% in 2010).
Here are a few other interesting stats:
- 65% of consumers read between 2-10 reviews (vs. 58% in 2010) before trusting a business.
- Having a high number of reviews is also important as the more reviews, the higher consumer confidence soars.
- 58% of consumers trust a business which has positive online reviews (vs. 55% in 2010).
- Just 28% of consumers cite location &/or price as main decision making factor (vs. 28% in 2010).
More than anything, these results tell us that business owners need to make sure they know their brand's social buzz. What are customers saying about the service they received? How do they feel about your product? Once you understand the general sentiment and theme of your business reviews, it's easier to set up a strategy to either encourage the chatter, or to address the most common complaints.
The other important takeaway is to make sure your business has a healthy online presence to begin with. The higher number of reviews (especially positive), the higher consumer confidence soars.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Chevy Amps up its SXSW Sponsorship
by Mike Reiber
Chevrolet is using the popular Austin-based music, film and interactive event, SXSW, which runs from March 9-18 to showcase its new models.
Chevy's 4G LTE concept car features a touch screen monitor in the dashboard and tablets mounted on the backs of the front seats. The in-dash system powered by GM's OnStar allows the driver to Skype with another Chevy model located several blocks away. The driver can stream videos and different programming quickly and efficiently using the 4G network. The brand is also showcasing its Sonic Boom concept car which features a custom audio showcase via a concept Kicker audio system.
In addition to its concept cars, Chevrolet offers a variety of services to SXSW attendees. A free shuttle service called "Catch a Chevy" provides free transportation to and from SXSW events using a fleet of 46 Cruze sedans and Chevrolet Equinox crossover vehicles. Attendees can also test drive them at the convention center. Chevy's Volt Recharge Lounge allows attendees to rest their feet and recharge their mobile devices.
So, what's the ROI, you're asking? Sounds like a huge investment to reach a mere 16,000 SXSW attendees. Chevy has correctly identified the uniqueness of SXSW, the match with its brand attributes, and the link with its target consumer segments. The event allows it to showcase GM innovation to innovators from high tech, music, film and interactive industries. You can bet your boots that Chevy's SXSW partnership will make brand consideration and preference scores leap among attendees and their respective spheres of influence.
The real ROI, however, will come during the next few years as attendees and those people they impact begin to replace their existing vehicles.
Chevrolet is using the popular Austin-based music, film and interactive event, SXSW, which runs from March 9-18 to showcase its new models.
Chevy's 4G LTE concept car features a touch screen monitor in the dashboard and tablets mounted on the backs of the front seats. The in-dash system powered by GM's OnStar allows the driver to Skype with another Chevy model located several blocks away. The driver can stream videos and different programming quickly and efficiently using the 4G network. The brand is also showcasing its Sonic Boom concept car which features a custom audio showcase via a concept Kicker audio system.
In addition to its concept cars, Chevrolet offers a variety of services to SXSW attendees. A free shuttle service called "Catch a Chevy" provides free transportation to and from SXSW events using a fleet of 46 Cruze sedans and Chevrolet Equinox crossover vehicles. Attendees can also test drive them at the convention center. Chevy's Volt Recharge Lounge allows attendees to rest their feet and recharge their mobile devices.
So, what's the ROI, you're asking? Sounds like a huge investment to reach a mere 16,000 SXSW attendees. Chevy has correctly identified the uniqueness of SXSW, the match with its brand attributes, and the link with its target consumer segments. The event allows it to showcase GM innovation to innovators from high tech, music, film and interactive industries. You can bet your boots that Chevy's SXSW partnership will make brand consideration and preference scores leap among attendees and their respective spheres of influence.
The real ROI, however, will come during the next few years as attendees and those people they impact begin to replace their existing vehicles.
Here's a look at Chevrolet at SXSW:
Friday, March 9, 2012
Facebook Introduces New "List" Feature
by Ashley Haugen
@AshleyKaia
Facebook announced today a new feature that allows users to create "interest" lists for brands, groups and public figures. It's a nice feature, and offers a convenient space to view content tailored to your liking. Similar to Social Reader, Facebook Lists gives you third-party content, except it is all housed within Facebook.
With Facebook Lists, users can subscribe to lists from other users, or create their own. The process is incredibly simple. I had a list titled "social media news" up and running in under 5 minutes. Within this list are updates from sources like Mashable, TechCrunch and Adage.
Lists can either be made private or public, the latter showing up in the News Feed. There are additional controls for users to select what type of stories to include or exclude in the feed. For example, you can select to see only photos from a page or only music and videos from a public figure.
I find it another nice tool for content curation, albeit thinly veiled behind Facebook's true goal of keeping you on the site for as long as possible. Of course the longer you're on the site, the more appealing Facebook advertising becomes. However, the feature is so nice I can almost ignore the sound of ad dollars cashing in.
I am always grateful to find new, efficient ways of curating information that is tailored to my needs. As any social media manager will tell you, finding quality content is half the battle. This feature provides an individualized tool to help connect with the information you want.
@AshleyKaia
Facebook announced today a new feature that allows users to create "interest" lists for brands, groups and public figures. It's a nice feature, and offers a convenient space to view content tailored to your liking. Similar to Social Reader, Facebook Lists gives you third-party content, except it is all housed within Facebook.
With Facebook Lists, users can subscribe to lists from other users, or create their own. The process is incredibly simple. I had a list titled "social media news" up and running in under 5 minutes. Within this list are updates from sources like Mashable, TechCrunch and Adage.
Lists can either be made private or public, the latter showing up in the News Feed. There are additional controls for users to select what type of stories to include or exclude in the feed. For example, you can select to see only photos from a page or only music and videos from a public figure.
I find it another nice tool for content curation, albeit thinly veiled behind Facebook's true goal of keeping you on the site for as long as possible. Of course the longer you're on the site, the more appealing Facebook advertising becomes. However, the feature is so nice I can almost ignore the sound of ad dollars cashing in.
I am always grateful to find new, efficient ways of curating information that is tailored to my needs. As any social media manager will tell you, finding quality content is half the battle. This feature provides an individualized tool to help connect with the information you want.
Have you checked out Facebook Lists? What do you think? Would you use it?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Time Has Come: Transitioning Facebook Brand Pages to Timeline
by Shelly Gustafson
22 days and counting. Time is quickly running out for brands to make a seamless transition from traditional brand Facebook pages to the new Timeline Facebook Brand Pages. The drop date when Facebook will automatically switch all pages is Friday, March 30th. Brands better plan and adapt now, because there is no way around it.
Photos Front and Center
Graphic-friendly brands rejoice. Timeline allows for additional graphics and large beauty shots to take over your main-page and attract new and old fans alike (Top display photo is a maximum 851x315 pixels or a minimum of 399 pixels wide).
Highlighting Content
Not all content is created equal. A huge benefit on the Timeline design is that admins can now highlight content they want to showcase (larger photo, top billing etc.). Page admins can use this feature strategically to get the most out of fan comments and great posts.
Admin Panel
It’s never been easier to administer over a Facebook Brand page. Rather than taking you to a separate page, the admin panel simply drops down for easy access when needed. Among the panel is a listing of new likes, snapshot of reach, and post volume.
While timeframe may be daunting there is still time to create a beautiful page. Here are a few tips to get you started:
2. Don’t wait for March 30. You can choose to update to timeline anytime between now and then if you are ready. Additionally, you can utilize the preview button to create your page and tweak it before the deadline hits. This great feature allows you (and your admins) to test out ideas and designs before your page goes live (just make sure to not hit the “publish now” button until you are ready).
3. Plan out your main photo. What are you hoping to display to visitors with one glance – usefulness, lightheartedness, playfulness or seriousness? Whatever you wish to convey create an image that imparts that and test it out for feedback prior to launch.
4. Tabs are gone but apps are here to stay. Everything will be cleanly housed on the main page and apps will be housed on the bottom right side of the cover photo (only four will be automatically viewable at a given time though more can be accessed when clicked). In other words, pick the four that are the most important to you and grow from there.
5. Create an editorial calendar for the next month. While all social media should be in part determined by what is happening in the moment, it is always a good idea to have at least a minimal plan. This will keep the updates going when you hit your busy season and can no longer dedicate hours to content creation.
At Axiom we strive to not only be on the cutting edge with our own in-house social media but to guide our clients through this often daunting and ever changing landscape. If the process is too daunting for you at the moment we encourage you to reach out to a designer, social media expert or marketing team you know and trust rather then pulling the plug on your existing page.
And check out Techcruch’s article for more great ideas on managing the transition.
Top three changes with Timeline:
Photos Front and Center
Graphic-friendly brands rejoice. Timeline allows for additional graphics and large beauty shots to take over your main-page and attract new and old fans alike (Top display photo is a maximum 851x315 pixels or a minimum of 399 pixels wide).
Highlighting Content
Not all content is created equal. A huge benefit on the Timeline design is that admins can now highlight content they want to showcase (larger photo, top billing etc.). Page admins can use this feature strategically to get the most out of fan comments and great posts.
Admin Panel
It’s never been easier to administer over a Facebook Brand page. Rather than taking you to a separate page, the admin panel simply drops down for easy access when needed. Among the panel is a listing of new likes, snapshot of reach, and post volume.
While timeframe may be daunting there is still time to create a beautiful page. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Check out what other brands have done already. Several brands have jumped the gate and gotten their designs out early. Check out their pages for ideas before you commit to anything yourself (a few examples are: Coca Cola, Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks).
2. Don’t wait for March 30. You can choose to update to timeline anytime between now and then if you are ready. Additionally, you can utilize the preview button to create your page and tweak it before the deadline hits. This great feature allows you (and your admins) to test out ideas and designs before your page goes live (just make sure to not hit the “publish now” button until you are ready).
3. Plan out your main photo. What are you hoping to display to visitors with one glance – usefulness, lightheartedness, playfulness or seriousness? Whatever you wish to convey create an image that imparts that and test it out for feedback prior to launch.
4. Tabs are gone but apps are here to stay. Everything will be cleanly housed on the main page and apps will be housed on the bottom right side of the cover photo (only four will be automatically viewable at a given time though more can be accessed when clicked). In other words, pick the four that are the most important to you and grow from there.
5. Create an editorial calendar for the next month. While all social media should be in part determined by what is happening in the moment, it is always a good idea to have at least a minimal plan. This will keep the updates going when you hit your busy season and can no longer dedicate hours to content creation.
At Axiom we strive to not only be on the cutting edge with our own in-house social media but to guide our clients through this often daunting and ever changing landscape. If the process is too daunting for you at the moment we encourage you to reach out to a designer, social media expert or marketing team you know and trust rather then pulling the plug on your existing page.
And check out Techcruch’s article for more great ideas on managing the transition.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Facebook Introduces "Premium" Ads: What You Should Know
by Ashley Haugen
@AshleyKaia
Facebook users could soon be faced with a lot more advertising, although they won't be your typical ads. At its Marketing Conference on February 29th, Facebook unveiled "Premium ads," a new plan to increase ad revenue and hopefully appease those questioning how Facebook was going to monetize it's 425 million mobile users.
"Premium ads" will appear in four locations: In the timeline of a company or brand's Facebook page; on the right-hand column of the user's homepage; in the user's News Feed; and on the Facebook log-out page. Most of this is already familiar to us, with the exception of the new "log-out" ad and the updated algorithm Facebook will use to create a larger social graph.
In order for a Facebook advertisement to show up on your News Feed or elsewhere, either a friend has to interact with a brand's Facebook page (by Liking that page or posting something on that brand's page), or you yourself must be a fan of a brand's Facebook page. If you are a fan of a brand on Facebook, that brand will now be able to post sponsored content (or, an advertisement) next to your News Feed. The reason behind this? Research shows that ads have a much higher success rate if they show social engagement.
According to Facebook, over 37 million people log out every day. This new ad space will utilize the log out page real estate, very much like the highly prized back page of magazines. And instead of CPC or CPM, Premium ads are based on impressions and reach, similar to TV ads.
In addition to the new places you'll find ads, Facebook is encouraging marketers to make the ads appear less like explicit advertisements and more like regular updates or Facebook posts. This way, of course, the advertisement can slip seamlessly between the updates and posts of your friends. Advertisements will increasingly strive to become more and more like regular Facebook updates or posts.
@AshleyKaia
Facebook users could soon be faced with a lot more advertising, although they won't be your typical ads. At its Marketing Conference on February 29th, Facebook unveiled "Premium ads," a new plan to increase ad revenue and hopefully appease those questioning how Facebook was going to monetize it's 425 million mobile users.
"Premium ads" will appear in four locations: In the timeline of a company or brand's Facebook page; on the right-hand column of the user's homepage; in the user's News Feed; and on the Facebook log-out page. Most of this is already familiar to us, with the exception of the new "log-out" ad and the updated algorithm Facebook will use to create a larger social graph.
In order for a Facebook advertisement to show up on your News Feed or elsewhere, either a friend has to interact with a brand's Facebook page (by Liking that page or posting something on that brand's page), or you yourself must be a fan of a brand's Facebook page. If you are a fan of a brand on Facebook, that brand will now be able to post sponsored content (or, an advertisement) next to your News Feed. The reason behind this? Research shows that ads have a much higher success rate if they show social engagement.
According to Facebook, over 37 million people log out every day. This new ad space will utilize the log out page real estate, very much like the highly prized back page of magazines. And instead of CPC or CPM, Premium ads are based on impressions and reach, similar to TV ads.
In addition to the new places you'll find ads, Facebook is encouraging marketers to make the ads appear less like explicit advertisements and more like regular updates or Facebook posts. This way, of course, the advertisement can slip seamlessly between the updates and posts of your friends. Advertisements will increasingly strive to become more and more like regular Facebook updates or posts.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Lights, Camera, Inaction: Dealing With Unexpected Delays On Location
by @davesniadak
The Landscape Before Time (Ran Out)
In order to capture the most beautiful images of our client’s new product, our crew went to painstaking detail to bounce light and enhance the quality of the video. Take after take, we made tiny tweaks to get the shot right. And while things looked great, the swiftly setting sun made additional takes tough to tackle. So, in order to preserve the continuity of the natural light, we had crew members crawling on the turf, brushing back the grass after each pass of the lawn mower.
When the sun set on this shoot, we had exactly what we needed. We’re excited to say we’re in post-production on this project and hope consumers embrace this product as much as we have. If it was up to us, the Oscar/Emmy/Grammy/Tony/Telly would go to everyone who helped make this project possible.
Here at Axiom, we get to tell a lot of really cool stories. From a kitchen remodel project that brings a family together, to a neighborhood baseball league that convenes in a delicately detailed backyard diamond, our video team has captured some great moments.
However, despite our best efforts, the best laid plans don’t always stick to script. During a recent commercial shoot for a client in California, we had to deal with several variables that made our Hollywood moments more challenging than we had hoped for.
Nearly Gone With the Wind
Nearly Gone With the Wind
Spring in Orange County, California, is notoriously windy, thanks in part to the infamous Santa Ana Winds. Wouldn’t you know it, while we were shooting customer testimonial interviews, the winds picked up and made it hard to capture clean audio. Our solution? Change locations across the street and use the neighborhood infrastructure to cancel out some of the wind. Sure, we had some noise from the rustling trees swaying in the wind, but the use of a lavalier microphone tucked under the shirt and thick wind screen on our boom ensured two clean voice tracks.
Beauty and the Bricks
Because we were shooting this spot out of season, we needed to take a few liberties in staging some pretty product shots. Seeing that our ‘bread and butter’ come from the gardening and outdoor industries, we made a dull sidewalk rock-scape look like a beautifully maintained garden with splashes of color and stone. Our agency president, Mike Reiber, really rocked this display - literally. Four rolls of sod, a handful of annuals, and one flat river stone gave us the ‘money shot’ we had all been waiting for.
Beauty and the Bricks
Because we were shooting this spot out of season, we needed to take a few liberties in staging some pretty product shots. Seeing that our ‘bread and butter’ come from the gardening and outdoor industries, we made a dull sidewalk rock-scape look like a beautifully maintained garden with splashes of color and stone. Our agency president, Mike Reiber, really rocked this display - literally. Four rolls of sod, a handful of annuals, and one flat river stone gave us the ‘money shot’ we had all been waiting for.
The Landscape Before Time (Ran Out)
In order to capture the most beautiful images of our client’s new product, our crew went to painstaking detail to bounce light and enhance the quality of the video. Take after take, we made tiny tweaks to get the shot right. And while things looked great, the swiftly setting sun made additional takes tough to tackle. So, in order to preserve the continuity of the natural light, we had crew members crawling on the turf, brushing back the grass after each pass of the lawn mower.
When the sun set on this shoot, we had exactly what we needed. We’re excited to say we’re in post-production on this project and hope consumers embrace this product as much as we have. If it was up to us, the Oscar/Emmy/Grammy/Tony/Telly would go to everyone who helped make this project possible.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Newspapers Are Happily "App-ing"
by Mike Reiber
The newspaper business has been bleeding red ink for many years. Is it on it last breath? I think not. Adversity has unleashed long-needed innovations in the newspaper business. Innovations which can be harnessed to create consideration, preference and purchase in addition to basic awareness.
Consider this. According to the Newspaper Association of America, newspaper websites averaged more than 111 million unique visitors in Q4 2011. This represents an increase of 6 million compared to the same period in 2010. The association reports that 63% of adult internet users visit newspaper websites. Reach among the key 18-34 demographic remained at or above 60 percent. Lastly, seventy percent of households with income above $60,000 are reached by websites. This number climbs to 75 percent for households with incomes above $100,000.
These are just a few reasons why newspapers underpin many of our successful marketing and sales campaigns. The real question is how to harness the new innovations which are predominately app-focused. Whether it's fashion, gaming, ticket sales or even cause-related, these days it's the Wild West for apps.
Below are a few questions to ask yourself, your team and your agency partners:
1.) What apps are under development by your local daily newspaper?
2.) How can you creatively partner with the newspaper team while the apps are in beta test mode?
3.) What non-traditional resources can you bring to the partnership that will bring a unique twist to the app launch?
4.) What's happening in other countries where newspapers are under siege?
1.) What apps are under development by your local daily newspaper?
2.) How can you creatively partner with the newspaper team while the apps are in beta test mode?
3.) What non-traditional resources can you bring to the partnership that will bring a unique twist to the app launch?
4.) What's happening in other countries where newspapers are under siege?
Friday, March 2, 2012
Pinterest is Proof that Visuals Work for Social Media Success
By Natalie Bell
@nebell90
Pinterest was introduced within the last year, but it has already beat out other social media outlets for average time spent on the site per month. The online bulletin board's member count has exploded in the past few months even though potential members still have to wait to be invited. Below is a visual of Pinterest's significance online; time spent on Pinterest is over four times the amount spent on Twitter alone. So why has it beat other social media sites? Visuals, my friend. Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr are focused on being aesthetically pleasing. As we were revamping Axiom's Facebook page this summer, our big focus was how to make it eye-catching. The biggest thing was adding visuals to pages; in fact some pages are entirely visuals.
Pinterest has made their site a candy store for curious eyes. Not only do visuals attract attention, but they maintain a user's attention. This aspect of Pinterest has made it extremely popular despite it being the baby of the social media world.
Not only are photos a great ways to catch attention, but they can quickly communicate with viewers. A one-line tag can give the user all the information they need to understand what it going on. Precise and concise are keys to social media. Combine visuals with these factors and you have the perfect trifecta for a great social media site!
@nebell90
Pinterest has made their site a candy store for curious eyes. Not only do visuals attract attention, but they maintain a user's attention. This aspect of Pinterest has made it extremely popular despite it being the baby of the social media world.
Not only are photos a great ways to catch attention, but they can quickly communicate with viewers. A one-line tag can give the user all the information they need to understand what it going on. Precise and concise are keys to social media. Combine visuals with these factors and you have the perfect trifecta for a great social media site!
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