Monday, December 23
MarketVolt’s Monday Mash-Up
Marketing Tips
Social Media is a Means to an End
Will social media ever rule the internet? That’s the question posted in this great article from the Business2Community blog. Author Justin Wong notes that many of us spend tons of time on social platforms. “But when it comes to social media for businesses and how much weight you should give this tool when it comes to your overall marketing strategy, it’s important to put things into perspective. Social is not the be all end all like some people believe it is. It should always be seen as a means to an end when it comes to your business and not an end in and of itself.”
That’s exactly right. Wong also offers this great tip: “Having your social media followers subscribe to your email list, via your newsletter or content offer, gives you the most control over your social media following as a business owner – take control of your destiny!”
Amen!
Marketing Funnies
Mocking those Dire Predictions
I founded MarketVolt more than 18 years ago. I began hearing predictions about the “death”of email marketing about 17 years ago. Email marketing is alive and well — as are those predictions about the death of such-and-such marketing channel. This cartoon captures that idea. Very funny.
Speaking of Bad Predictions…
From QR codes to tablet computing, this great article traces all the “next big things” that didn’t turn out to be so big, after all, over the last decade. It’s an interesting, amusing read.
Marketing Inspiration
Daughter of Former Slaves Made Fortune
Sarah Breelove was born on this day in 1867 to former slaves on a plantation in Louisiana. By the time she died in 1919, she was known as Madam C.J. Walker, and she was the wealthiest self-made women in America. She invented a line of haircare products for African Americans and built a business that earned her a fortune. She was a generous philanthropist and arts patron. Here’s an excellent article about her from Entrepreneur magazine.
Marketing Tips
Payback for Those Abandoned Cart Emails
Anyone who left the online store before completing the purchase has probably received an “abandoned cart” email — one of those annoying messages urging you to return to the store and complete your purchase. As a marketing guy, I get it; it’s a good strategy to increase sales.
But as a consumer, I find those emails annoying. Now we can cash-in on the practice. I heard this tip on the morning news today… When shopping online, register for the site with your email, put items you want in the cart and then sign out. You may get an abandoned cart email; and if you do, it may include an incentive for you to return — a coupon code or some other discount to sweeten the deal. If you can wait to complete the purchase, it’s worth a try.
Quotable
“I got my start by giving myself a start.” Madame C. J. Walker
Any reading, listening, quoting, resourcing that you think we should share? Send us a tip.
Until next time, enjoy the rest of this week and the weekend.
Tom