While it’s a great thing that more and more businesses are jumping aboard the social media bandwagon, many still aren’t really grasping the point of doing so. There’s a very finite distinction between social media marketing, and merely marketing via social media.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, which has 11 great properties in Hawaii, just held a Tweetup. But rather than host it at one of their properties or even on the islands, it was in Los Angeles.
With every checkin at Walgreens on Foursquare or Facebook, a flu shot is donated to someone in need.
Twitter is an engaging place, one that, when surrounded by various commentary on universal happenings, becomes a tempting place to chime in. That said, when you’re representing your business on these channels, the rules are a little bit different.
Big Train is a leading manufacturer of premium coffees and teas. They offer the ability to subscribe, read reviews and purchase products easily from their Facebook page. To launch their new Fit Frappe, they provided a Klout perk allowing online influencers a chance to test the product and share with friends.
Yahoo! News recently ran a Forbes article entitled, “Why Facebook is a Threat to Lifestyle Brands.” It argues that the ways we express ourselves via social networks have replaced the expression stimulated by utilizing products of specific brands. Rather, I’d argue it’s enhanced it.
The Gap, one of the largest retail clothing brands, is shaking things up with the debut of its food truck, Pico de Gap. The truck serves to stimulate buzz about Gap’s new 1969 Fall denim collection.
Earlier in the year, PopChips ran an extremely successful social media campaign seeking out a “VP of Pop Culture.” With one of the most social-media savvy celebrities, Ashton Kutcher, on board, PopChips was able to not only award a winner, but create huge buzz, visibility and excitement about their brand.
Embassy Suites Hotels is currently running an “awkward family photo” contest. Promotions like these are great because they encourage “audience” participation, and people are going to share the link around simply based on the fact it’s entertaining.
HootSuite is an efficient social media management tool that is very straightforward and offers a diverse array of functionality. It’s great for multiple-account management, brand monitoring, scheduling content and more.
As a result of Carmageddon, JetBlue Airlines decided to offer $4 flights from Long Beach to Burbank and vice versa on Saturday. This is a great case study of a brand measuring ROI in terms of positive PR and customer service rather than dollars.
Shopping malls are beginning to incorporate QR codes into their marketing, allowing shoppers to find out what sales are happening at the mall in real-time. Here are 5 reasons malls should embrace this opportunity.
House of Blues considers social media one of their most valuable marketing outlets. It provides brand awareness as well as an open forum to communicate with fans directly.
Maggiano’s Little Italy sent out a great add to their email database outlining reasons becoming a fan of their Facebook page is a good idea.
Joie de Vivre (which means “joy of life”) strives to create innovative hospitality services and products. Their latest initiative, “Singing for an Upgrade,” transforms the standard hotel check-in process into a musical experience.
Mike Stelzner, founder of Social Media Examiner, visited LinkedOC last week to share some great incites and information about his new book, Launch.
Roger Smith Hotel is setting a stellar example of engaging consumers both in-person and online.
Bing recently created a Facebook app allowing individuals to create a “travel wish list.”
Tourism Vancouver is doing a fantastic job of providing straightforward information. They’re taking full advantage of social media and hosting awesome, interactive contests.
Yelp’s purpose is to connect people with great local businesses. It’s a social community where people can share experiences and review businesses that they frequent.