Socialogue

Global - No matter where we are, we're always connected, with each of using an average of 2.3 devices. So, when it comes to our technology products, small and portable is what we like. While most of us use mobile phones (82%), laptops, used by two-thirds (66%), have surpassed the standard desktop computer (60%). And, 17% of us are already using tablets. Given the multiplicity of devices in use, it becomes increasingly important for brands to have an online presence that is optimized for computers, tablets and mobile phones, alike. Once upon a time, that would have been considered thinking big. Today, it’s just thinking smart.

Socialogue: Share and Share Alike? Not Exactly.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Global - With the "like" and "share" symbols in front of us at every click and with the ability to comment or start a flow of conversation as easy as flipping a light switch, it's not surprising that just over eight in ten of us share some part of our lives online. Interestingly, nearly 25% claim they don't hold back and share most things or everything online. No filter. No privacy. This outspoken segment is balanced somewhat by the 19% who say they share nothing online. Every age demographic, from those younger than 35 (87%) to those older than 50 (72%), shares something. Some may feel that people are sharing too much information (TMI), but the more consumers share, the more opportunity a brand has to learn a lot about consumers and use what they learn to create messaging that is more likely to get liked, shared and re-posted. Bet you "like" that!

Socialogue: EXPRESSIONISM

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Global - In the early years of the 20th century, expressionism was all about art coming forth from within an artist, rather than a depiction of the external visual world. In the early 21st century, there is a new kind of expressionism, also coming forth from within its creator. This time, the canvas is the Internet, with 24% of us expressing ourselves by starting conversations or writing original ideas on social media pages and other online sites. Marketers, if you were to create a forum for expression on your site similar to social media pages, you might find people spending more time there. And, if you acknowledge consumer posts with your own original responses, perhaps consumers will express favorable thoughts about your brand.

Socialogue: Are Your Online Shares Rising? Keep Investing!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Global - As children, we were told “You have to learn to share.” While no one has to share on social media and other online sites, 36% share links to articles, videos and other information. Some of these shares can be an asset or a liability for marketers. Suffer a recall or make a false claim and the error can go viral in minutes. Post something funny, wise, timely or surprising and you can, again in minutes, have social ambassadors giving your name broader positive exposure. Whether you need a forum to announce a product, make an apology or invite responses, social media is an investment that can help your shares, literally and figuratively, add value.

Socialogue: In My Opinion, What You Said Is

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Global - On social media and other sites, those who post content have no “mind-your-own-business” rights. No “keep-your-opinion-to-yourself” rights. If you post online, your content can trigger comments from those who follow you. So, a brands’ online posts should be provocative, evocative, relevant, funny and current. When your posts and content trigger a response from those who follow you, they will come back. And, if you respond to their posts on your posts, they’ll feel even more connected. Bottom line: you do not want your followers to keep their opinions to themselves.

Socialogue: So, How Do You Like That?

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Global - Clearly, there’s a lot of digital liking and sharing going on: 45% of us do it. We share things we think are hilarious or moving or important. We share things to align ourselves with schools of thought, entertain our friends, provide information about brands or products. We share content and repost posts when we feel proud by association. So, marketers, how do you like this? The more you know about your followers, the better able you will be to create content that resonates with them. And, the more attractive your posts to your key audience, the more likely they are to be followed and shared. So take note: Like attracts “like.”

Socialogue: Ever Feel Like You're Being Followed? That Can Be a Very Good Thing

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Global - Brands that develop a social networking following stand a very good chance of having consumers buy their products. Overall, 42% of people say they are more favorably disposed toward purchasing a brand they follow or engage with online. A very strong 53% of those under the age of 35 echo that sentiment, while there is agreement among a somewhat lower, but still healthy, 38% of those 35-49 and 26% of those 50+. Marketers, go ahead. . . look over your shoulder. The more customers and prospects you get to follow you online, the better you’ll feel about your bottom line.

Socialogue: The A-list - How to Keep Online Followers Connected

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Global - ABCs aside, several actions have been identified to keep those who follow your brand online connected and coming back to your site or social networking pages. Here’s what people say motivates them:

Socialogue: R.S.V.P

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Global - “Did you hear what I said?” It’s a question people ask every day. Most of us want a response, an acknowledgement or some signal assuring us we have been heard. The power of a response from a brand to a consumer is strong, with 28% of those who follow a brand on its social networking page feeling an acknowledgement from the brand to the comments or links they post makes them feel more connected to that brand. While there are other tactics – e.g., contests, discounts, free products – that have a more profound effect on how connected consumers feel to brands, active acknowledgement of the links and comments they post on your social networking page will help keep them coming to your “party.”

Socialogue: Get the Message?

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Global - When you send an email or message to a family member, friend or business colleague, you expect a response. If you don’t get one, you can always send out a “Did you get my message?” email. When people send a message to a brand, whether they actually expect a response from the brand or are delighted by the surprise of one, 30% of online brand followers say that email responses help them stay connected to the brand. Marketers, get the message?

Socialogue: What Do You Think?

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Global - Connections among people are important and take work to nurture and maintain. Well, the same could be said for brands. More than half of those who follow brands online (52%) say that brands offering opportunities to enter contests or provide information about current or new products encourages them to stay connected to the brand. Naming a new product? Adding a new flavor? Seeking to add amenities to a new product model? Just asking consumers for their ideas could keep them attached and loyal to your brand . . . which is especially important when they’re making buying decisions.

Socialogue: To Share is to Care

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Global - Brand attachment. It is what every brand manager wants to increase. Of those who follow a brand online, 34% say that content worth sharing makes them want to stay connected to a brand. Informative or silly, humorous or serious, scheduled or just random . . . a brand’s content can turn online followers into online ambassadors.

Socialogue: A Clever Brand Keeps Fans on Hand

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Global - One-third (34%) of those who follow a brand’s social networking page say fun or interesting posts make them feel more connected to that brand. The younger the demographic, the more effective these kind of posts are as connection boosters: 39% of those under 35 claim a stronger connection is forged when a brand’s posts interest them, 31% of those between 35 and 49 and 28% of those between 50 and 64. While other brand actions – e.g., discounts, free offers, contests – have a stronger effect on brand and consumer connections, injecting interesting and funny posts can help keep interested consumers coming back to your social networking sites to see what’s up. That’s why it makes sense for marketers to be hands-on when it comes to social networking content.

Socialogue: Money Talks

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Global - Those who follow brands online appreciate and understand the language of saving money and receiving gifts. Half of those who follow brands online (50%) feel more connected to brands that offer coupons, discounts and free products. For women, the figure goes up to 56%, while men weigh in at a slightly lower 45%. With shoppers willing to take the time to search for sale items and to shop where they can get a lower prices, it only makes sense that online discounts and offers of “Free!” will make many feel more connected with your brand. Money talks . . . can you hear it?

Socialogue: Take a Look Behind You

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Global - With 40% of people following brands online, chances are your brand is being followed. Among those under 35, though, the number of eyes on your brand could be significantly higher, with nearly half (48%) claiming they follow brands online. And, even among those 50 and older, 29% are checking out brands online. So, what are all these followers seeing when they follow you online? Wise marketers keep content on their brand’s site and social networks current, informative, funny and/or engaging, qualities known to foster people-to-brand connections. Follow?

Socialogue: Content That Creates Content

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Global - Whether driven to a brand's social network by whim, an ad or any other motivator, more than one-third of us post questions, express ideas, share pictures or offer opinions. In short, we become co-creators of content. Among those younger than 35, the percentage leaps to 44%, while those 50 and older are less likely to co-create (22%). Given the value and importance of pulling customers into the conversation, it is important for marketers to encourage and support consumer engagement and co-creation . . . listen and respond, answer questions, compliment ideas, share information.

Socialogue: It Pays To Be Social!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Global - In the “Olden Days” of the internet, people used brands’ websites as their main online source for getting brand information and for staying informed on products. Today, people are utilizing social networking, with 55% saying that social networking keeps them in the know about brands and products. While those under 35 are particularly active in learning about brands and products through social networking (66%), there is strong concurrence among those 35-49 (53%) and those over 50 (40%). With more than half of consumers agreeing that they stay informed about brands and products through social networking, here’s an important message for marketers: today’s brands looking to capitalize on a chance to touch consumers need to have a strong social networking presence.

Socialogue: Old Friends? Check. Long-lost Relatives? Sure. Brands? You Bet.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Global - Any skepticism brands might have had about whether consumers would actually go to their social networking pages has melted away, with 45% of people saying they regularly look up brands’ social networking pages. Whether attracted by contests, the lure of good sales, how-to information, a place to voice their opinions or an affinity with a brand that compels them to know the latest, more people are seeing brands as their “friends.” This is especially true for those under 35, 54% of whom regularly check out brand pages, and less so for those 50 and older, with 31% networking with brands. With so many people connecting with brands on social networking, it is important for brands to regularly create content to keep these “friends” engaged.

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