March 31st, 2011
Google +1: Making Search More Social
Looks like Google isn’t out of the race to social media supremacy after all.
Google finally unveiled its new product called “+1“, which kills all speculations of launching a social network that will go up against Facebook. Google’s +1 happens to be a social layer to Google’s key products such as Google search and AdWords.
So it’s clear now that +1 isn’t really a stand-alone site, and will appear on every search engine result which you click if you find the site helpful and interesting. Sounds familiar? Well, apparently +1 is Google’s answer to Facebook’s Like button. So if +1 will work like the Like button, the question would be: Will Google’s +1 change the face of SEO? Not exactly, the number of clicks on the +1 button of a search engine result will not affect the rankings at all. Google rep Jim Prosse says that +1 will eventually be developed into something more valuable to users, ad execs, and open web enthusiasts.
The great thing about +1 is it’s on the open web while the Like button is on Facebook which is a closed system. In terms of SEM, Google’s +1 will also kill content farms when people don’t recommend it using the +1 button, but +1 will be very beneficial to businesses that don’t bother having a Facebook fan page at all. Obviously, the Internet is being overwhelmed by social media platforms with Like, Retweet, and Share buttons, search engine giant Google makes it more interesting by giving users what they really need – access to recommendations.
Google is a success because it gives users access. Social media platforms are winning because the concept of recommendation is elevating businesses. With access and recommendation working in synergy, Google’s +1 is making the search engine results more social. Google’s +1 is more than a counter uppercut against social networking sites. It’s Google’s social approach to the world of SEO.
March 26th, 2011
Increasing Social ROI Through CRM
Need some social media fuel? Try Social CRM.
Nowadays, most companies have their Twitter account and a Facebook fan page, but some are clueless how to incorporate their social media outreach to their marketing plans. It’s time to reiterate that 10,000 fans are good as nothing if you don’t communicate directly with your potential customers. Last year, the trend was the more you have followers on your Twitter or a huge fan base on Facebook, you’re a brand that has an established web presence already. Thing is, etching your presence on social media platforms isn’t enough to bring some dollars to the table.
Scalable ROI from social media campaigns have yet to surface. Furthermore, social media campaigns vary from each other, which means strategies isn’t one-size-fits-all approach. It seems each social media strategy out there is geared towards increasing ROI. But 10,000 fans don’t mean instant 10 grand. Business owners should be aware that every “Like” they receive isn’t commensurate to a sale.
- Customer Relations Management has shifted to Social CRM
So if this is the case, why bother leveraging on social media to boost ROI? Today, brands now have built a massive fan base on their social media, yet are flat out on how to make a dollar out of each fan rather than focusing on Social CRM. If you think like a salesman towards managing your social media accounts your social media marketing is a failure from the start. You’re completely losing the essence of social media per se. Obviously, most companies handle community management by simply feeding their community with special offers, discounts, and new products. This is the case for multi-national companies. But the same doesn’t apply to small and medium businesses; if you’re a start-up you won’t easily get a million fans in a snap. Hiring a social media agency or consultant is one option to consider before initiating your social media goals. However, be it a start-up or a multi-national, measuring ROI should start by initiating Social CRM.
The LIKE campaign trend is slowly fading. Customer Relations Management is setting a new pace in the world of social business. Facebook Questions was launched recently, and while it’s not really a CRM platform, it’s considered to help businesses conducting market research and crowdsourcing campaigns. So It’s time to look closely and ask yourself: do I need 1 million fans that are perpetually online or 1,000 fans that are relevant to my target niche?
