SubscribeRinging in the New Year with List of 12s for 2012!
Happy New Year! 2011 was amazing! And I’m excited for what 2012 has in store. For my first post of 2012 I’m sticking with the “new year” theme!
I love making lists. To-do lists are the most common for me. I make these daily to stay on task with both my personal and professional life. In fact I’ve even added things to my to-do list after I already accomplished them, just so I can check it off. C’mon I know I’m not the only one who’s done this before! Fess up if you have!
Instead of resolutions, I shared with my network that 2012 means making “Lists of 12s”!
I’m working on lists of 12 new restaurants to try, 12 new places to go, 12 marketing goals for my business and first list I made is of course related to tech and social media: 12 tech/web/social media related things I’d like to accomplish in 2012!
1. Pinterest- We all know about my food porn addiction. I recently joined Pinterest and wow, it’s any food porn addict’s DREAM! I have 2 boards related to food. My Sweet Tooth is filled with gorgeous, mouth-watering sweets. Rather than just look at these images and drool, in 2012 I’m going to actually make at least 2 desserts I’ve pinned on Pinterest. (Give me food and I’ll cook but please note I have virtually zero experience when it comes to baking sweets so this is something new for me!)
2. Facebook- Part of what I do for my Marketing clients is work with them to create customized social media profiles that are cohesive with their brand and website. You know the old saying “The Cobbler’s children have no shoes”? I spend a lot of time helping clients create a marketing strategy that effectively integrates social media and Facebook is one of the main tools I use. However, even though I help clients with this, I personally haven’t had an opportunity to customize my own Facebook page. In 2012, I’m going to redesign my Facebook Page so it’s cohesive with my website and brand.
3. Yelp- Write a minimum of 12 new Yelp reviews in 2012
4. LinkedIn- I’m grateful that I’ve received so many positive recommendations from my colleagues, clients and partners on LinkedIn. I’m truly humbled by reading the things people who have benefited from my work. I’ve been meaning to create a “Testimonials” section on my website by transferring many of my LinkedIn recommendations. In 2012 I’m going to create a “Testimonials” section on my website based on my LinkedIn recommendations.
5. Gmail- I’ve created folders and filters for many emails, but not all. I have thousands and thousands of unread messages in my inbox. I’ve trained myself to skip over unimportant emails such as ones from newsletters I don’t recall signing up for or emails related to people connecting with me on a social network but this still means there’s clutter in my inbox. In the past few days I’ve already unsubscribed from about 15 email lists and removed over 4000 messages from my inbox. I have over 8000 to go! In 2012 I’m going to get my gmail inbox down to zero, for the first time ever!
6. Foursquare- I’m a total Foursquare lover! I was traveling internationally in 2010 on Foursquare Day (4/16) and still manged to organize and host Foursquare Day in Hong Kong! In 2011 I hosted Foursquare Day San Diego in America’s Finest City! I’m currently a Super User- Level 2. The highest Super User Level is 3 and I’ve read that it’s virtually impossible to become a Level 3 Super User but my wordplay mind gets turned on because in the word “impossible” I just see the words “I’m possible” so in 2012 I’m going to become a Foursquare Superuser Level 3!
7. Evernote- While Evernote helps me stay organized; my Evernote itself needs to be organized. Whenever I forward an email to my Evernote the email doesn’t get categorized into a folder immediately. This is the main ways I update my Evernote so I definitely have some cleaning up to do. In 2012 I’m going to clean up my Evernote account.
8. YouTube- I’m not a regular YouTuber but I’m currently working on an awesome Social Media related video that will be published soon. My goal is to get at least 1 million views on this video. I know that sounds extreme especially since my current YouTube videos have views only in the hundreds. I’ve got a good feeling about this video and in 2012 I’m going to get 1 million views on my social media related YouTube video.
9. Twitter- All of my Twitter followers were gained authentically through people finding my page and being interested in topics I tweet about. I’d like to continue being a resource on Twitter but also build up my Twitter following with more people who are engaged in conversation and content I post. In 2012 I’m going to grow my Twitter following to over 5000 while keeping in mind this must be done authentically through just being me!
10. Phone- My Droid 2 just isn’t cutting it! Rather than continue to complain about how my phone is slow in 2012 I’m going to get a new phone!
11. Laptop- My laptop and all the information it contains is literally my most valuable possession. It contains photos, music, confidential documents etc. It used to be backed up on the cloud but my subscription ended and I haven’t had a chance to renew. Whether on the cloud or on a hard drive, in 2012 I need to make sure I back up my laptop again!
12. Blogging- My last in my list of 12s is something that will keep me accountable for 1-11 on this list! And that’s to write a follow up blog post in 6 months and then right before on 2013 on what items have been checked in on this tech/web/social media list of 12!
Wishing everyone the best of the best in 2012! Thank you to everyone who reads my posts. I’ve really appreciate the comments, tweets, Facebook Likes, Subscribes and emails! It makes me happy to hear from you so please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time!
Digital Media Dinners- Social Media Branding Panelists
I’m very excited to announce the exciting lineup of panelists joining me at the next Digital Media Dinners taking place Thursday February 24th, 5:30-8pm at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant. We have some amazing professionals from extremely well known social networks! The event topic is Social Media Branding. The audience will be educated on strategies to strengthen their brand across various social networks including review sites (Yelp, MojoPages), collective buying sites (Groupon, Location), location based sites (Foursquare, Gowalla), Facebook and Twitter.
Our panelists will answer all your tough questions and objections on specific networks. They will also provide their expertise on how to ensure your brand is received the optimal positive brand exposure online.
PANELISTS:
1. Danny Wurst- Community Manager, YELP: Danny Wurst is the Community Manager of San Diego Yelp and a lover of all foods. Originally a Chicago native, he has a B.A. in Media Studies and Public Relations from Loras College and if you know where that is he will buy you a beer. He came to San Diego 2 years ago by way of the hotel industry and has been yelping ever since, earning him the role of “mayor of Yelp” in town. If you ask him what his idea of a great night on the town would be he’ll tell you “the three B’s” — good Booze…good Burgers….good Buddies, not necessarily in that order.
2. Kate Grafton- Account Manager, Groupon San Diego: Kate Grafton is an Account Manager for Groupon. Originally from the midwest, she earned her B.A. in Business Administration/Accounting from Monmouth College. Her love of travel and dislike of bad weather brought her to San Diego 8 years ago where she started her career in sales, marketing and training for small business owners. She travelled across the country consulting small businesses before transitioning into advertising sales. She sees opportunities in the growing collective buying industry so decided to make Groupon her new professional home. She is currently helping San Diego businesses grow their customer base through Groupon features, traveling in her free time, and enjoying beautiful San Diego.
3. Lee Mills- VP of Marketing, MojoPages & Board Advisor, Deal Current: Lee Mills is a highly experienced sales & marketing professional dedicated to delivering a positive ROI. He is a recognized marketing industry expert who has case studies published, frequently speaks at industry conferences and was named a Rising Media Star by Media Magazine in 2004. His focus is on providing intelligent strategies, proven tactics and ROI. For the last several years Lee has been serving as the VP of Marketing for MojoPages.com. In his spare time he’s a sought after Consultant, a Board Advisor for Deal Current and an iMarketers Association Council Member.
At Digital Media Dinners you will learn:
• Hands-on, tactical tips to implement and incorporate immediately
• Knowledge on how to improve your brand image
• Tools to customize a compelling brand message to attract qualified customers
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
* Business Owners and Business Leaders
* Marketing and PR Executives
* CMOs, Marketing Managers and Directors
* Product and Brand Managers
* Anyone interested in learning how Social Media will help grow your business
Reserve your spot today by registering HERE
How To Encourage Authentic Yelp Reviews for Your Business
In honor of my newly awarded Yelp *ELITE* status I’m inspired to share insight on how your business can use Yelp as an effective marketing tool and increase the chances that you’ll receive reviews from your customers.
Many businesses make the mistake of getting all of their friends and family to write positive reviews in order to boost their ratings. It’s important to keep in mind that this strategy is inauthentic and won’t work because of Yelp’s Review Filter. Yelp strives to provide a forum with real reviews and experiences that’s a true resource for consumers. Here’s how to encourage authentic Yelp reviews from customers who are already avid Yelpers.
1. Reward Yelpers- Show Yelpers that you acknowledge and appreciate their reviews by rewarding them after they write a review. This isn’t something you need to promote. In fact promoting that your customer will get something for a reviews is, bribery therefore does not earn you authentic reviews. I have two examples of how I’ve seen this done.
Burger Lounge- In October 2009, Burger Lounge announced that if you previously reviewed their business on Yelp, they wanted to thank you with a free burger on a specific day. This promotion was for those who already reviewed Burger Lounge, so even if you hadn’t reviewed them yet you still heard the positive buzz which may have encouraged you to try them out and write a review to possibly benefit from future promotions. I was one of the lucky reviewers, happily claimed my Yelp Burger (Veggie) and definitely shared this news with my entire network optimizing Burger Lounge’s exposure even more.
Dr. Grant McGann Oral & Reconstructive Surgery- After going to Dr. Grant McGann for my wisdom teeth, I wanted to share my positive experience with others. I submitted my Yelp review and to my pleasant surprise received a Thank You letter from Dr. McGann a couple weeks later. He enclosed two movie passes to show his appreciation. Of course after I received the letter, I took a photo and shared it with my entire network which resulted people not only being aware of what a great surgeon he is, but also praising him for being Social Media savvy.
2. Include Yelp Links Everywhere- I’m seeing many people include links to their Facebook and Twitter in various outlets but noticed many are forgetting Yelp. Include a link to your Yelp page on your email signature, website, email newsletters, Facebook page, etc. so your customers will start associating your business with Yelp.
3. Post Events on Yelp- Many businesses create Facebook invites to promote their events but most don’t know you can list your event on Yelp. Adding your event to Yelp provides you exposure to new customers who are Yelpers. If someone finds out about your event on Yelp they’re most likely an avid Yelper who is more likely to review your business.
4. Highlight Positive Yelp Reviews- Positive Yelp reviews can be used as testimonials for your business. Include a Yelper’s quote in your newsletter, website or Facebook update. You can also tweet portions of reviews with a link back to your Yelp page. This will remind people that you’re on Yelp and provide more credibility to your business as customers see other validating your company.
5. Address Yelper’s concerns- While we would all love to have 5 Star reviews 100% of the time, this won’t happen. Accept this and receive negative Yelp reviews as constructive criticism that will help you improve your business. If you read a review from a customer who has a real concern, take the initiative to reach out to them so they know you care about their experience. Depending on the concern you may want to offer them something to encourage them to try your business again. Perhaps a gift certificate or a refund. How you handle the situation can really make a difference in how that person talks about your business in the future. Many people will even go on and write an updated review after trying your business again.
What is your experience with Yelp? Are you an avid Yelper? Do you use it to find services or products? Has your business benefited from being on Yelp? Please feel free to share your insight in the comments below. Feel free to also follow Marketing Melodie’s Yelp Reviews.
Marketing Melodie Giveaway: Social Media Swag You’ll Actually Use!
I’d like to take this time to express my gratitude for everyone who’s been a Marketing Melodie supporter and fan. Whether you periodically read my blog, regularly interact with me on Twitter and Facebook or are a valued client who invests in my services, I sincerely appreciate you!
To thank everyone for their support, I’m hosting another Social Media Swag Bag giveaway! I know Swag can often be clutter but I’ve taken the initiative to find things that are practical and useful. I’ve posted tips on Hosting Successful contests on Social Media and have already given away fun Social Media Swag but since I’m very active in the social media scene, I’m constantly acquiring more goodies to share with you! Read more
