I know I’m convinced how important the whole social media movement is to persuading, influencing and building relationships, but I’m not the best one at convincing others about it.
How can I convince a client whose only exposure to blogging is his teenager’s MySpace antics? I find that so many of my clients are sceptical when I suggest starting a blog. “How will that translate to more business for me?” they ask. “Right now, it’s an indirect path at best,” I answer. Maybe in a year or two I won’t say that anymore.
View Pew Internet report for more info.
I remember the conversations about a web site at Little Tikes back 10 years ago and answering the question, “Should we have a web site?” I was making the same type of argument with the budget approvers. “I don’t know what it’s going to look like, but the internet is going to be important to communicate to our customers and consumers.” Here was our first homepage.
I don’t have a crystal ball for blogging or vlogging or all the various social networking, but I know it’s going to be important for building relationships and communicating. Perhaps some of you who read this blog can answer the question better and more convincingly than I can.
My kids are on MySpace too and as a mother, of course that worries me. But as a business person, I know we all have to stay current or we are left behind. Kids really don’t use email much. It’s all about instant messaging and posting on their sites — and that includes many “kids” in their 20’s and 30’s as well. Gee, consumers in the 20’s and 30’s, hmmm. From a brand building standpoint, aren’t those the most sought after group?? We baby boomers might call them Gen Y, but they consider themselves the internet generation, for good reason.
So, at this point, if your brand is only for people in the “silent generation” and “baby boomer” generation, yes, you may be safe to ignore the blogging and vlogging. For now. But some smart business person is going to figure out a MySpace or an EBay or a Google that connects the business world. I believe the business people who are already familiar with the social media are going to be more ready than the ones who think it’s only a toy. So if your brand targets the “Gen X” or the “MTV generation” or the “Milleniums/Gen Y”, I think you need to know and understand the ins and outs of blogs, vlogs and linklogs.
After all, the telephone was considered a toy at first too.
Technorati Tags: Blogging Branding Marketing Demographics Rebranding
“How can I convince a client whose only exposure to blogging is his teenager’s MySpace antics?”
By telling them that it gives your company a human voice, and it helps you understand what your customers want, and it helps your customers understand what you can give them.
And add that people will buy from companies that listen to them and reach out to them, and that’s what a blog does.
For companies trying to increase their site conversion rates, blogs give visitors to return to your site, to refer your site to their friends and colleagues, and to even link to your site from their own.
According to several recent studies, social networking is having a larger influence on people than any form of online advertising.
What it really comes down to is that people trust people more than they trust companies.
Blogs and user feedback ratings are some of the best ways to encourage social networking in your favor.
Chris, I just found your blog and I have to tell you, it is great! And I agree with your thoughts on blogging- you are right on the money in the comparison with myspace. I have a myspace account and I’m mid-twenties I have many friends late twenties and early thirties who have them as well! Keep pushin the blogs they’re very popular and helpful tools! Best of luck! Jen
Jen:
Thanks for the comments and keep reading!!
Chris