Archive for the ‘Viral Marketing’ Category
The greatest video games of all time owe their success to that certain “just one more play” design that keeps people glued to their controllers for hours and hours. And while Tetris, Pac Man or Brick Breaker may have more bells and whistles, we’ve found that there’s definitely something addictive in nature about Google’s new search tool, the Wonder Wheel.
Sitting down to play around with the Google Wonder Wheel we were amazed when we looked up at the clock to see that over an hour had passed. Such is the immersive nature of this new tool.
Part of a new set of search options that includes timelines, date sorted searches and other enhancements the Wonder Wheel is Google’s newest method for finding and organizing quality search results. Using the Wonder Wheel, users are given a visual representation of searches related to their main query.
The Wonder Wheel is a flash-based application that places the primary search term at the center of the diagram and lists the most relevant related search around it in surrounding circles. Select one of the related search terms and it becomes the center point of the graphic - with its own “family” of related searches in surrounding circles.
Fun and intuitive, the tool is much more than eye-candy however. It is a dual purpose tool that can aid both keyword research and linkbuilding. The Wonder Wheel is an ideal way to research and brainstorm keywords and phrases needed to optimize a site properly. Click around the various circles leads the user down a number of different paths - many of which might not have been immediately recognized using standard search tools. And by reviewing the backlinks of sites that appear in the top results on the right side of the page, those looking to build additional traffic can find quality targets for link placement at a speedy clip.
The Wonder Wheel is the latest example of Google’s drive to change the way we search the web. It is one of several innovations that place more of a visual emphasis on search - making it accessible for both novice users, and a powerful tool for SEO professionals.
After having advertsied the upcomning changes in the past week, facebook has now started implementing the new real-time streaming version of their homepage. Seems only a few people are seeing it (myself included) as no one else at the office is seeing the same as I do:
- The new facebook homepage updates in real-time
We’ve just done some tests here, but so far I can’t see the homepage being updated realtime. One noticable change, however, is that they changed the status update box to something they call “the publisher”; unstead of “what are you doing right now?” it asks, “what’s on your mind?”.
- The new “Publisher”.
This certainly seems like an attempt to become more twitter-y, having first removed the default “is” in the beginning of the status updates. I am very curious to see the reaction to this - any changes are usually met with initial fist-shakings before people get used to the new look. Like I said, though it says I’m seeing the new interface, I have yet to see anything get updated real time. I will keep updating as new reports of people seeing the new changes come in.
In 2008, you offered up plenty of excuses about why your business wasn’t connected with social media marketing. Common refrains heard from marketing departments around the country included: “I’m not convinced it works“, “Let’s just wait and see where this thing goes“, and the ever popular “Facebook? That’s where my teenage daughter hangs out when she’s supposed to be doing her homework!”
Well people, this is 2009 and it’s time for a fresh attitude when it comes to social media. Why? Let’s start with the most important reason: you’re probably already behind your competitors! An established presence on the top social media hubs is the likely reason why they’re ranking so well…and above you!
But we’re not here to wallow in the past. Instead, let’s take a look at some measures you can inject into your marketing plan that will help you catch up - and then lap the field.
- Choose the right channels. You’ve got to make sure that your products and services are a good match for the social networking sites you choose. If you want to reach out to tech-heads and liberals, then go with Digg. If you want to reach people interested in personal health and fitness, go with Mixx. The examples go on and on, but finding the best matches is a key component of success.
- Create ridiculously awesome content. We love Top 10 lists as much as the next guy, but if you want to take it to the next level, you’re going to need content that people haven’t seen before. Work with a marketing company that has some seriously creative content developers on board and turn them loose on issues relevant to your keywords and phrases.
- Run some tests. There’s a food chain in the world of social networking sites and everyone has their place in the pecking order. In 2009 it’s a good idea to try out new material and strategies on some of the smaller, less-trafficked sites to see how everything goes. Once you’ve mastered the distribution and linking of information, you’ll be ready to move on to the big boys!
- Build more trust. Transparency and honesty is priority ONE for companies that want to succeed in SMM. Don’t try and fool your potential customers and brand loyalists. You will be exposed! Instead be consistent and offer those who take the time to get to know you great products, great offers and a life-long relationship.
Make this your year in social media marketing. Find a great partner who understands the ins and outs of this ever-changing landscape and have at it! There are few online marketing methods that are more cost-effective and do as good a job at building your brand online.
