Channel321 » Social Media

Netflix earnings, subscribers and streaming growth have analysts drooling over a theoretical Amazon buy

Paul Miller — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:29:00 +0000

It’s total pie-in-sky speculation, completely lacking in serious evidence or even vague “sources familiar with the matter,” but for some reason, after two and a half years of hard rumoring, analysts seem more sure than ever that Amazon is looking into a Netflix acquisition. Netflix just announced some pretty attractive quarterly earnings, along with some nice hard numbers: it added one million subscribers in Q4 to notch itself past the 12 million mark, and 48% of its customers streamed at least 15 minutes of video off of Instant Watch — compared to 28% a year ago. The logic goes that Amazon’s looking to position itself as a digital goods purveyor, and Netflix is doing a bang up job of that very thing. Sounds just fine to us, but if Amazon tries to lock us into E Ink Netflix streaming on the Kindle, some heads are going to roll. There’s naturally no comment from Netflix or Amazon on the speculation.

[Thanks, Steve H.]

Netflix earnings, subscribers and streaming growth have analysts drooling over a theoretical Amazon buy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Social Media Seminars Before and During NADA 2010

JD Rucker — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:07:31 +0000

I have the honor and privilege of participating in two batches of automotive social media seminars in Orlando this year. One, the Automotive Marketing Boot Camp, will be more of a training-class setting that includes 5 trainers offering their insights for nearly 4 hours each on different aspects of marketing. I am doing the classes on social media itself.

Even though 4 hours seems to be a long time, believe it or not you could double that time and still have more to cover in the realm of social media for car dealers. The opportunities are endless, the risks are many, but regardless of what a dealer does or doesn’t want to do in social media, they need to understand that having a presence in some form or fashion is required, even if just as a defensive stance against those who would go after their name.

This event is not for those people. It’s for people who are ready to take their marketing to the next level. Hands-on, extremely informative, with small classroom settings geared to give everyone a one-on-one feel and to be able to take away tremendous value from the event.

During NADA, we will be working with our partners at KPA in a conference room downstairs from the expo. These will be shorter – approximately 30 minutes each – and will give an overview of social media but will also have “surprises” and insights that attendees will be able to utilize immediately.

Schedules for both are nearly finalized and will be posted everywhere shortly. Until then, feel free to contact me with any questions.

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Read more about automotive social media on this social media blog.

How Can Users Benefit From The Real Time Web

Evan Britton — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:01:10 +0000

One of the most talked about topics of 2009’s was the real time web. Even as 2010 has begun, more and more articles are written about the real time web and more and more startups have launched. Even Google has begun mixing in real time results into their search engine through the “Latest Results Box” that shows up for many information based searches.

With all the noise and hype surrounding the real time web – it should be that users can greatly benefit from all of these new technologies. However, it seems that many internet users still aren’t using these tools to benefit from the real time web. You don’t have to use Twitter, Facebook, or any other social media service to be able to take advantage of the tools that are out there. Below, we have reviewed several of the things you can do today – to become better informed about what is going on.

One of the coolest aspects to the real time web is to learn about the latest trends. When a bunch of people discuss what is going on in the real time web, these topics are tracked to see which is being mentioned the most. Many sites offer the latest trends, and often, these trends can show you breaking news before it is picked up by traditional sources. What The Trend is the early leader in the trend space as they not only show the latest trends but also they show you reasons why each trend is popular right now.

The top 100 page offered by Sency can show you the 100 most popular topics over the past few days. It is fun to watch the trends change from time to time, as many companies, athletes, and actors hope to become trends themselves as it shows they are being talked about a lot.

Searching the real time web is a great way to get a window into what people are thinking and saying about any given topic. To search the real time web in its purest form, anyone can head to Twitter’s homepage. Remember, you do not need to be a Twitter user to take advantage of the search function. You can simply type in whatever you’d like, and you can see what is being said this instant about that particular subject. It can be informative and entertaining – as each day, something new will pop up for a given search whereas on the traditional web – the results are pretty static from one day to the next.

You can also utilize the real time web to find out what links are the most popular right now. When performing a search at Sency – you can click on the tab for Today’s most popular links. This will show you the hottest links right now on the real time web for a particular search term.

You can even see how many times a particular link was mentioned and by clicking on the mentions box – you are able to see some of the users whom have shared that respective link. The most popular link features are very interesting as you can see the links which users feel most passionate about for any given subject matter.

More and more tools will come out in regards to the real time web. And, you can become an expert in the real time web even if you don’t participate. And through becoming an expert, you will be able to take more from the web each day.

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Selling with Social Media: The Old Fashioned Way in a New Media Day

Erin Ryan — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:17:51 +0000

“Knock, Knock” is the sounds that use to symbolize a salesman’s presence, with a great haircut, suit to match and briefcase in hand.

Although presentation was of importance, it wasn’t exactly what got him in the door; and even though what he was selling may have been what the client was looking for, it would be his persona that would get his pitch heard.

Reviving Old Habits in New Media

Yes, that sounds like a scene from the 1950’s and although years and technology have taken on a predominate role in the way we sell to others, doesn’t mean that the old way of doing so doesn’t still play an important role in how we sell today.

In today’s world, a new media has been born, and although Social Media is the prime way to be seen, old habits die hard. Here are tips on how to apply old ways of selling to a new medium. Like previously stated, presence is a key role in what will appeal to your client, even though it is now online, doesn’t mean that it necessarily goes away.

Presence is everything, whether it is on YouTube, Facebook or Twitter. No matter what Social Network you use to promote your business, you need to look stylish, clean cut and always up-to-date. Take a Facebook page for example. No matter what it is you’re trying to sell, that page needs to be maintained, much like a car.

It needs to be appealing, easy to handle and like an oil change, constantly needs to, well, be changed. You need to look active, it can’t just sit in the driveway and expect to run when you see fit in driving it. It needs to be added to everyday, and instead of trying to push a sell, utilize your customer service skills instead. This applies to a blog, a website or any other type of online presence you are trying to accommodate for your potential customer.

People Like To Interact With People

With the new media explosion, this is your time to capitalize on gaining new clients and retaining old ones. Chances are they are looking for you online and you may be unaware of it. What you need to do is make your presence known. Search out every Social Networking site possible and sign-up, use your real name and incorporate your company within, instead of the other way around. Since you should already have a website, you don’t need to name your Social Networks as a business; instead you need to introduce yourself, since people much prefer interacting with people, instead of businesses.

Realize that the people you are interacting with are smart enough to search your page. On the page is where you will list where else they can find you, hence your occupation, business and what your hobbies are. Be sure to include in your hobbies what it is you’re trying to sell, for example, if you sell cars, cars would most likely be a hobby of yours.

Make your page friendly, by chatting with others about various things, this is important, do not just talk about what you’re trying to sell and be sure to not constantly sound like a sales rep. This will be a sure way of finding yourself on the “unfriend” list.

What you want is to have presence that is of a friendly nature, leave it up to those you friend to figure the rest out and they will.

Don’t Mask Yourself

After you have established yourself on all Social Networking sites, it is now time to find people to interact with. Use Twellow (A Yellow Pages for Twitter) and sign yourself up. This way, people will have an easier way of finding you, someone they may share common interests in or perhaps is in need of what your business sells. Here you can also search and friend those that share the same interests as you or your business. This is an easy way to create relationships that have a substance even prior to your first conversation.

Remember, that when you make contact do not sound like your trying to make a pitch and even after creating a relationship, be sure to not bombard him or her with what it is you sell, unless they ask. There is nothing like connecting with someone under a false pretense, many sales people do this and it is what causes them to fail.

Be genuine, and you will see, that overtime people will find interest in you as the person in front of the business instead of behind. Masking will be seen and will cause you and your credibility to be jeopardized.

Your Pages Equal Your New Business Card

Now that you’re Social Networks are up and running, it is important to maintain them. Do not just create and abandon. You need to stay on top of all of them, everyday or every few days at the very least. Your pages have now become your new type of business card. Have everyone that sells from you, online or in real life, know where to find you. Have them be aware that you are online and friend as many as you can.

Facebook is a great place to start, since the demographic is of an older age and a place where you can create a profile for yourself and a page for your business. This is the way to build a community, and to socialize on both. We have been taught that socializing while working; do not go hand in hand, Social Media has proven this otherwise. Chat with people, leave comments, click the like button and show that you are in fact active.

Have Your New Social Media Buddies Feel Special

When you have built up friends, create a page and invite them, create a grand opening sale for example and give an exclusive to your new Social Media buddies. This will entice them to not only fan your page, but to share it as well. You can also now share it on your other Social Networks, Tweet it out, that if they fan your business page on Facebook that they will receive a discount, or whatever it is you are able to give that is extra to only those who take the time to fan or friend you.

Make a short three minute video of this and post it to YouTube, stumble it on StumbleUpon and get the word to spread. You can even create events on Facebook and ask for people to attend, incorporate the launch in real life at your business too. Have your online presence blend into your real life presence and watch them become one in the same. Just remember, you must continue to socialize afterwards.

Be Professional, Fun, and Sociable.

With New Media, you don’t always have to play the sales rep role, just be yourself and create relationships with others. If you remember to share details on your various pages that will let others know what you do, people will remember that as long as you stay active. Have fun while remaining professional and people will flock to you, people like those who can show their fun side and will want to interact.

Asking random questions will get you responses, share tips on what you know or even on the type of things you sell. This way it shows your intelligence on the subject, without it being so in your face. People will appreciate your knowledge and the fact that you were willing to share.

Share Your Business and Socialize At the Same Time

Create lists, for example, if you sell cars; create “top 5 cars of the year” or Affordable Cars lists, create lists that intertwine what it is in fact you do sell. Share something that is not only useful and helpful but always remember to be truthful. Just like offline, people can smell a liar. Throw out a poll every so often like “what do you think is the most popular color on a car”? And list the various colors, one being the actual color and then share which one it is at the end of the day.

Without even realizing it, you are sharing your company and socializing at the same time. Give special offers when you can and entice people to fan or friend you on other sites when possible. Also, when you do get customers or people who inquire, take note of them and give special treatment, this will build a good report with them and that will in turn have them share you with their friends. Mixing business with pleasure will be the sure fire way of getting noticed.

The Old Fashioned Way is Still of Importance Today

Ping, Ping is the new sound that symbolizes a sales person, with a great look, logo and Social Networks in hand. Your presence being presentable will get you seen, although very important, it may not necessarily get you in the door, even if what you are selling is exactly what the client is looking for. Although it is far from being the 1950’s, it will still be your persona, by being active and most importantly, social, that will get your pitch heard even today.

Erin Ryan is a Social Media Devotee, who is very active on various Social Networking sites. By day, Erin is a freelance image designer for various online stores and is currently a Social Media intern. You can contact her via Twitter http://twitter.com/4u2wear2

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Read more about sharing on Social Media Blogs.

Popbox is Popcorn Hour evolved, with 1080p streaming and Netflix support

Ross Miller — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:46:00 +0000

Love your Popcorn Hour? Ask creator Syabas Technology, and it’s just a prelude to the real deal, which it’s just announced as the Popbox. The evolution includes a revamped UI, “infoapps” showing weather and Twitter feeds whenever the viewer pauses, and expanded Popapps support to allow for Java, Flash, and Qt (why hello there, Netflix). Video processing now supports 100Mbps bitrate 1080p video. The box mockup is barebones and includes only the necessary inputs, and storage is relegated to SD cards and external USB drives. Price and release date? Electronista is saying it “should” be out in March to the tune of $129.

Popbox is Popcorn Hour evolved, with 1080p streaming and Netflix support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Twitter and Facebook Saw 2009 in 1 Word or Less

JD Rucker — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:26:53 +0000

On December 31, 2009, Andy Carvin from NPR asked people on Twitter and Facebook to sum up the year in one word. He then ran the results through Wordle to generate a word cloud.

As you can see, some found hope in 2009 while others found it to be exhausting. Many considered 2009 to be bittersweet, challenging, or tumultuous. If you look a little closer at some of the less-popular words, you’ll find interesting descriptions such as suckage, bizarro, craptacular, and autotuned.

One word and its plural stood out as the overwhelming favorite description amongst social networking users: Change.

Click the image to enlarge.

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Social Media and Mobile Tech Jobs Show Strongest Growth in 2009

JD Rucker — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:28:24 +0000

There are 3 phrases that have rarely been spoken in the same sentence recently:

Jobs
2009
Good news

Social Media and Mobile Technology are the exception. According to a report by Indeed, 7 of the 10 fastest growing opportunities of 2009 were social media or mobile-tech related, with Twitter showing the strongest growth.

This isn’t surprising, of course, as growth is relative and where we were before as social media was not nearly the buzzword in 2008 as it was in 2009. The important aspect here is that as 2010 rolls through, we should expect the gains to continue and the relationship between the economy and the social web to stay tied hand-in-hand.

Until the “next big thing” comes out to replace sites like Twitter and Facebook as valid business needs, we shouldn’t expect anything to change. The trends will continue.

In other words, 2010 looks like it will be a tremendous year of growth for social media as a profession.

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Read more about social media jobs on this social media blog.

Camangi WebStation lands in American hands, promptly unboxed on video

Ross Miller — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Well, well, it looks like Camangi’s WebStation is finally making good on its shipments. The first of Gear Diary’s two pre-orders arrived and the gang has been more than happy to put together quick unboxing video for us to enjoy. It’s a pretty standard box with equally customary assortment of packaged accessories, suction cup stand (pictured) notwithstanding. The 7-inch Android tablet looks pretty matched with the Nook in terms of overall size, but by design that lends itself to having a larger overall screen. Not much in the way of impressions at this point, but if you’re the type of person who can be satisfied with a video and a handful of product / comparison shots, hit up Gear Diary for the still frames and stay tuned after the break for the “moving pictures” version.

Continue reading Camangi WebStation lands in American hands, promptly unboxed on video

Camangi WebStation lands in American hands, promptly unboxed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Social Power Tools To Kick It Up A Notch (Tool #2): ClickTale

Francisco Rosales — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:59:26 +0000

Ever wonder how to make your site or blog perform better? What do you change so it can help you reach the results you expect?

Sure, you can ask some friends for their opinion but, what if you could experience how a real person behaves, what they do or where they click.

Think of retail stores or supermarkets and how they position every single product on their floor according to a strategy based on extensive customer behavior studies. Things are not just placed there to see what happens.

This is the second installment of the “Social Power Tools To Kick It Up A Notch” series. This time we’ll talk about a service that will let you watch how people behave when they visit your site or blog. Yes, I said “watch”. This application is called ClickTale and I will tell you how to benefit from it.

But let’s start from the beginning…

What Are The Objectives?

The first thing we need is clarity about our objectives. What do we want our website/blog to do? You might be trying to increase your mailing list or generate more traffic, maybe convert visitors to potential clients.
Once that is clear, look at how are you doing in those areas. Are people signing up for your newsletter or visiting your “Services” page after reading your latest post?
Before we start moving things around or making our “Subscribe” button twice as big with a flashing effect, let’s take the time to observe.

And that’s where a tool like ClickTale comes in. Now we can move on to the main features and how you can leverage from them…

Record Your Visitors

ClickTale records whatever is happening on the screen when a visitor comes in your site. You can actually experience how the visitor scrolls down the page and observe the behavior through the mouse. See if your visitor hovers any sections or is actually clicking on them or if he/she scrolls down all the way or bounces before finishing your post.

You can also set the video viewing speed, it’s pretty easy to tell if the person is actually reading the post or just scanning it.

Heatmaps

Watching how a real user behaves in your site is truly an eye-opener but we need the big picture in order to make a significant change. Heatmaps are a great visualization tool for that. You can run heatmaps based on a specific URL within your site by a date range to see what are the areas where that group of visitors are hovering, clicking or whether they are scrolling down or not on separate maps. The next image shows you where visitors are mostly going over with their mouse.

Next is the Scroll heatmap. You can see how the temperature goes down as you scroll and what’s the hottest piece of real estate on the page. I’m not showing the entire image here.

Tip: Take a picture of the entire heatmap and download it. If you use Firefox this is as easy as installing the Screengrab! plugin, it takes a screenshot of the entire page even below the fold.

Reports

ClickTale also provides a series of valuable reports displaying data you can analyze if you’re trying to step up your game. These reports tell you what are the most engaging pages, the most clicked, the least scrolled and even the slowest loading, which is by the way one of the main reasons a visitor will surf away from your site.

So Now You Know What’s Up… What’s Next?

After paying attention to some videos and heatmaps you’ll have a pretty good idea of what’s going on. Now you know if people are just not seeing your Subscribe button, perhaps because it’s on the opposite side from where all the action is happening. You will be able to better position the different elements.

ClickTale has different pricing packages depending on your needs and it also has a free basic package.

What I learned…

I learned a couple of things after just watching a few videos, one is that people were looking for the top navigation bar and my blog only had the one on the sidebar. The other one is that I get better scrolls when the post has images.

If you find yourself screaming at the screen “don’t go yet! look at the pretty navigation on the right! tweet it dude, tweet it!”, maybe you should take a break.

See what you find out. Be curious and question everything. Don’t be afraid to make changes, it’s the only way to improve. Make your site do what it is supposed to do.

And visit the first post of the series: Social Power Tools To Kick It Up A Notch (Tool #1): ObjectiveMarketer

Photo Credit: Jerry Cook

Using Twitter Lists for Finding Niche Tweeps to Follow

JD Rucker — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:52:14 +0000

It seemed like a no-brainer to me, but I was talking to a friend who is, under normal circumstances, a much more prolific Twitter user and consultant than I am. He asked me for advice on helping his clients find relevant people to follow, what software we used for our clients, etc.

I mentioned lists as our primary method. The midday sun shone inside his brain as his smile creeped up to each earlobe.

Just for kicks, I asked another well-respected Twitter user for their method. She offered free and paid applications and websites for finding niche tweeps. She mentioned a strategy I had never thought of which entailed finding high-profile people within a niche who do not follow a lot of users and follow those that they follow.

I mentioned using Twitter Lists to her and the sun rose once again.

So, here we are. If you are using Twitter for marketing or consulting with those who are wanting to use Twitter for marketing, don’t forget the lists. It’s by far the easiest way to find the right people in broad or narrow niches to follow.

Find someone, anyone, in the niche. See where their listed. Chances are they are on lists that are broken down by niche, geography, or a combination. Follow those people. See what lists they are on. In a very short time, you or your clients’ accounts will be following the right people.

Merry Christmas!

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Read more about Twitter marketing on this social media blog.
Image courtesy of Freelance Folder.