Lately, it seems to be all the rage ( +1 ) to create social media campaigns for companies that feature influential brand ambassadors. These campaigns, which typically come in some form of contest, can do a  phenomenal job of creating awareness and interest for a brand or product — so much so, that when done properly, it can be many times more effective than a traditional media blitz. And with the visibility provided by social media, it’s easier then ever to identify who the influential people are within a given community or geographic area. MORE >>

Social media marketing has become the third most popular form marketing as of 2013. Needless to say, it will only gain more popularity as social media marketing campaigns are far less expensive to create and maintain than traditional advertising campaigns. One of the reasons most companies are adopting social media marketing is that over 60% of people who use social networks admit that they will engage positively with a brand and its products after recommendations from friends on social networks. Use tools. The 2% rule. MORE >>

With increasing competition in social media, almost everyone wants to grab a share of the “social&# pie. An important part of social media is about building valuable and sustainable relations. Therefore, each relation to a customer or user can be of value to the business depending on what kind of contributions the user gives to the community, the scope of conversations or quality of conversations. The evolved approach on social media is more towards networking and building partnerships. Tweet. Infographic by MDGadvertising. MORE >>

Toyota have chosen 5 or 6 agencies and have asked them to spend $15,000 each on a “social media marketing campaign&#. And while traditional media pitches means war to get content into banner ads, on TV and radio, when it comes to using the same tactics in online communities, there’s damage done.  If you want a different kind of engagement than social media stunts, please retweet or comment or link or something? My wish for a indepth social media engagement from Toyota goes unanswered so far I guess. Re: the video. link]. MORE >>

So you’re thinking about jumping into social media. You’ve read a whole slew of blog posts, news stories as well as examples of how social media has helped businesses like yours cut costs and market more effectively. Or are you just jumping in, because everyone’s telling you that social media isn’t for toe-dippers? Okay, this might seem like an obvious question with an even more obvious answer, but have you really asked why you’re about to start using social media? Have You Carried Out a Social Media Audit? MORE >>