Advertisers' Christmas

Super Bowl Sunday is like Christmas for advertisers. Except all the bad ads are the relatives you hate seeing.
— Jeremy Schumann (@JeremySchumann) January 31, 2014

This tweet couldn't speak truer words. Just like the relatives you love, everyone is excited to see the brilliant ads that have been created.  This year, people are able to spend a few extra days with these beloved relatives.  How is this possible?  Some companies have opted to release their Super Bowl advertisements early.

While releasing the advertisement early may seem crazy considering the size of the audience on Super Bowl Sunday and the millions of dollars paid for a single spot, it's actually a pretty smart idea.  The Internet has an even larger potential audience than that of the Super Bowl.  It also fosters communication about the company and product and garners anticipation for the arrival of the commercial.

Commercials that have already been released are creating a buzz on social media.  This is exactly the type of reaction advertisers and companies want.  Here are a few of the commercials that will be viewed during the big game:


   
   

Digital Sharecropping

This week Envolve, a local marketing company, guest lectured for my social media class.  They covered a variety of topics, but one of the more interesting ones they covered was digital sharecropping.

via

So, what is sharecropping?  If you're like me, you have heard the term, but may have forgotten what it means.

Sharecropping is a system of agriculture in which a landowner allows a tenant to use the land in return for a share of the crops produced on the land.

Digital sharecropping is the same idea.  When an individual or company engages in social media websites, in essence, they are borrowing the "land."  Although you are the one to upload all your information to create your own profile, social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are allowed to dictate their terms and policies.

This has become a problem for companies.  Many use social media to boost their brand presence, market their products, and communicate with customers.  For example, a few years ago, large brands had hundreds of thousands of Facebook "likers" viewing and interacting with their posts.  Facebook changed their terms and conditions which changed how visible posts became to people who already opted-in to "liking" them. Over time, organic visibility of posts has sharply declined.  In order for a company's content to reach customers, Facebook requires the company to pay sponsorship for the post.

Your company is at the mercy of social media websites' terms and policies.  It is a misconception to think social media is free; it is becoming increasingly more expensive to reach customers.  When choosing a marketing strategy for your company, don't put all your eggs in the basket of social media.

7 Tips to Grow Your Blog

Everyone has something they want to share with the world.  Blogging is a great way to share your ideas because you can reach hundreds, even thousands, of people with the click of a button.  Unfortunately, people need to be aware of your content before they can benefit from it.  Here are a few simple tips to market your blog and expand your influence:

1. Content is King
Make your blog worth reading.  Find something you're passionate about and talk about it. It may be sharing tutorials on how to do something, being clever or witty, or sharing thoughts and experiences that make people go, "Hey, me too!"  Really, the possibilities are limitless.

2. Distribution is Queen

It was once said, "Content is king, distribution is queen, and she wears the pants."  No matter how interesting, thought-provoking, or life-altering your content is, it doesn't matter if no one reads it.  Market yourself!  Take advantage of social media.  Your traffic will increase dramatically once you start sharing links to the posts you worked so hard on.

3. Connect with Other Bloggers

Something that goes hand in hand with distribution is connecting with other bloggers.  Search for blogs similar to yours.  Make thoughtful comments.  Don't just say, "Great blog post!  Follow me back?"  Nobody cares.  If you make a comment specific to their blog that shows you actually read their content, the other blogger will be more willing to show you the same courtesy.

4. Make it Pretty

First impressions are everything.  Think about it.  How much time are you willing to spend on unattractive websites?  Chances are, not that long.  Give your blog a nice design, whether you learn HTML and coding yourself or you pay someone else to do it.  Make posts attractive by adding pictures and breaking up the text into manageable paragraphs or lists.

5. Be Conversational

Write as if you were talking to your reader in person.  Be personable.  Ask your readers questions and invite comments.  Let your personality shine through your writing.

6. Be Consistent

Keep readers coming back by writing consistently.  Readers will stop checking your blog if there is rarely new content.  Update frequently.  Some bloggers find it helpful to create a personal schedule of when to post, especially if their blog features certain series.

7. Introduce Yourself

Create an "About" page.  Give readers a place to see what you and your blog are all about.  Make it interesting and unique.  What makes you different, better, or special?  This page allows readers to connect with you on a personal level.  Make sure to leave contact information so readers can contact you with any questions or comments.