Anyone who knows me knows that I love lists. So imagine my delight when I read Chris Brogan's "50 Ways Marketers Can Use Social Media to Improve Their Marketing." It provides some easy ways of incorporating social media into the mix without having to "reinvent the wheel." In reading this, it strikes me that there are no reasons not to incorporate some of these activities - for the most part, they just require a bit of time with little or no expense.

The ones I particularly love bring a multi-channel approach. Why not plan a campaign around a new product that includes a paper, email offer, live event and a social media strategy? Always remember that people consume information in different ways. This will ensure that you are everywhere you need to be.

Thanks, Chris.

Cheers,
Renay

I just came across this great example of how large companies are getting involved with social media. I am a member of CafeMom and got a message from them about a group that focuses on planning kids' birthday parties. When I went out to the site, I saw that it is sponsored by Better Crocker and is a discussion about everything from themes, to cake recipes, to helpful websites.

It's a perfect example about how it's important to analyze your audience and figure out ways that you can connect with this audience via social media. So fabulous!

Cheers,
Renay

This is something that has always irked me. There are many great, well-designed websites out there. But yet sometimes when I look at certain sites, I am trying to put my finger on something that is wrong, something that detracts from the greatness of the website.

I was just reading something by Paul Gillin that really nailed it and I just have to share. He says, "Create points of entry. Magazines like Redbook excel at presenting information in small, clearly defined segments, each with its own headline and images. "These same tactics can work online," says Gillin. "Callouts, sidebars, pull-quotes, Q&As and other visual tools break up rivers of text and give readers more starting points to engage with the content."

YES! That's the answer. To make a good site great, there must be some visual interest beyond the great color scheme and the snazzy photography at the top of the page. These rivers of text are killers.

Case in point...I was reviewing the following page out on the Demandware site and it's just web design perfection to me. The colors, the use of real estate, the blend of imagery and text and then the icing on the cake...that cool little sticky note at the top with a callout. It adds interest and content in a different presentation. I love it!

It's no secret that great websites go hand-in-hand with great social media strategy and usability. So this is one tip that I will definitely keep in mind for the future.

Cheers,
Renay

I'm always looking for information that will enable marketers to justify budget for social media and online community activities. I think we are finally getting to the point of better measurement of social media initiatives which  puts us in a much better position than we were in 2-3 years ago. Of course, it's a double-edged sword because with the current economy, EVERYTHING is in question. I think that if marketing executives look at the results that they achieve - results that impact the bottom line - with the right pieces of the social media pie, they can quickly recognize the value.

I just read the "Get to the Point" newsletter from MarketingProfs entitled, "I Just Came to Hang Out" which has some really great insights about the results that marketers can glean from their efforts: finding the right decision-makers, lead generation, buyer research, and client outreach are just a few of these. Check it out...there is no telling when you might need to pull these bullets out of your hat.

Cheers,
Renay

I would like to take this opportunity to wish friends, family and everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. This year has been tough but I can also say that I have really learned a lot and grown as an individual and as a professional. That being said, 2009 is about pursuing my passion for online community and social media. Although the economy is tough and there are fewer opportunities, I believe it's important to continue to stay true to what you love to do.

In that spirit, this post is interesting. It's about social media predictions for 2009. I believe that any company who does not recognize the value of these endeavors is really missing the boat. It's even more valuable in a down economy.