Paid Search vs. Social Media

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

I’ve heard of many people pulling their hair out because they don’t know where to focus their energies: paid searches or social media? But why do you have to pick just one? They both have different benefits that can strengthen your campaign.

Paid searches are mostly for driving leads, conversions, and sales. Unless the person that clicks on your ad takes the time to search through your site to see what you’re about, you probably won’t be doing much brand-building with your pay-per-click campaigns.

Social media, on the other hand, is where a lot of the brand-building can take place. It’s a great supplement to any campaign for nearly any brand that can promote discussion and interaction as a primary goal, and ideally, generate sales as a secondary goal. However, social media has a bit more to it than people let on.

The more interaction a potential customer has with your brand through social media, the more likely they are to make more specific searches that are related to your brand. In turn, your paid search positions come up more consistently, and this high click-through rate helps your page gain ground on the organic searches. A win-win, if you ask me.  Also, social media helps you generate keywords that are more effective for your paid searches, because you can dig out words and phrases that are used heavily by your followers/fans anyway.

In conclusion, don’t focus all of your attention at one point of marketing. Here’s a video that shows you some fun facts about social media. You know, just for the fun of learning:

Did You Know: Social Media – Watch more Funny Videos

No Comments | Tags: brand strategy, marketing mix, online advertising, ROI, social media marketing
Posted by Paulina in Online Marketing

The Beast Behind the Engine

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Some of us use Google, while others of us just google. Either way, Google has dabbed a bit into everyone’s life, to say the least.

Don’t know what the capital of Poland is? Google it.
Don’t know how to make the yummy Brazilian dish Frango com Catupiry? Google it.
Don’t know who sings those lyrics you love? Google it.

But what do you really know about Google?  Beyond providing information on virtually anything you ask for, most know it as another option for an email address. Or that you can pay to advertise on it.  But there’s another way of looking at this all-knowing, all-powerful search engine. In just that way, one could say, it strives to be all-knowing, all-powerful — to have a hand in everything you do.

The video below will share just a piece of what else Google is about.

What do you think? We’d love to hear what you have to say regarding… well, anything! Google, Marketing, Media, whatever!

No Comments | Tags: advertising, Google, online advertising, social media
Posted by Paulina in Opinion

A Shift in the Forces of Media

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Studies are proving that TV advertising is becoming less and less reliable. According to an article on MarketingProfs.com, “in 2010, most advertisers plan to move budget dollars away from traditional media to social media (77%), online advertising (73%), and search engine marketing (59%).”

There is talk that allowing fewer commercials per pod may be more effective, but with the population turning to search engines to find a resource to fulfill their needs, having a strong online presence is a must.

Social marketing tops the charts as the number one source advertisers and marketers will turn to for brand building. Through various social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others, a strong brand strategy and marketing plan can have a huge effect on brand awareness. With these vehicles, you can build brand loyalty and an overall solid presence in today’s competitive market. By having a strong presence in social media, you allow your product/service users, fans, and, on occasion, addicts to feel like they belong have a place in the world of your brand.

But what good is being searchable when your web content is weak? That’s where web development and brand identity design come into play. Once your product or service reaches your target, the images they see need to tell them how you fulfill their need.

So give into the online tidal wave. Swim with the social media current. Develop a strong online marketing plan and you too can have a brand with substance.

Ready? Set? Rock!

No Comments | Tags: brand development, brand value, Facebook, Internet marketing, online advertising, Online Marketing, social marketing, social media, Twitter, website development
Posted by Paulina in Online Marketing

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