5 Reasons Trade Associations Should Be Blogging
Trade associations, by design, are supposed to be the mouthpiece for their constituency. Most though have missed the opportunity to harness the power of the Internet and social media. This is especially true of the more conservative manufacturing-type groups.
Social Media: Will Be Focus of B-to-B Marketers in 2010
According to a recent study completed by Alterian in their 2009 annual survey, social media will become the focus of marketers in 2010. This should come as no surprise to us in the B-to-B marketplace where budgets are still tight and management is continuing to demand accountability for marketing efforts. The survey covered 1068 marketing professionals. The respondents came from Europe (36%), from North America (62%) and from Asia Pacific (2%). Here are the highlights:
Building a B-to-B Social Media Lead Generation Program Targeting the Professional Tradesmen
B-to-B marketers, especially those in the manufacturing sector who are targeting the professional tradesmen, are slow to adapt to new things and social media is one of them. I’ve seen it in our business that clients (manufacturers) are aware of social media but don’t know how to use it to get business. Yes, social isn’t about getting business (short term), it’s about branding and thought leadership roles. But in the real world, and especially in this economic climate, companies are also identifying new potential customers and taking them through the selling cycle to see if they can be converted to a sale. If B2B folks would have a better understanding of how to use social, then it would be easier for them to incorporate it into their other marketing efforts.
Are B2B Social Tactics Different Than B2C ?
One of the biggest challenges I face with our B2B clients is trying to convince them that Social Media has a place in their overall marketing plan. B2B and B2C are more aligned than you think. And in most cases in my opinion, B2B companies have an advantage because they have a well-defined audience (e.g. Plumbing Contractors) where they can focus their energy and expertise.
Don’t Overlook The Power of Facebook For Driving B-to-B Applications
Even though Social media will not replace search marketing, it is still a strong contender when it comes to both traffic and brand loyalty. According to Chris Crum, WebProNews recently covered a study from Chitika which found that Facebook was the most valuable social media tool for driving repeat readers to content sites.
B-to-B Marketers: Is There a Way to Track Social Media?
Social media isn’t like other traditional methods of marketing like direct mail or e-mail campaigns.
Social Media 101 Webcast: Pass It On To Those in the B-to-B World Who Need It
If you’re reading this post, I’m preaching to the choir, but it’s amazing the number of people who still don’t understand social media. If they have an idea of what it is they have, they don’t have a clue on how to use it in the B-to-B world.
B-to-B Marketers: Is Print Advertising Dead?
With all the hype about social media, some marketers are going too far and have started ignoring traditional tools that have served them over the years, primarily PRINT.
Why Manufacturers Should Use Blogs as a Brand Building Tool to Reach the Professional Tradesmen
Manufacturers are missing an opportunity to build brand awareness and thought leadership if they don’t consider using a blog as part of their marketing mix. Contractors, plant engineers and maintenance workers are looking at ways to solve problems and learn quick tips on how to do their jobs better.
Lead Generation: Top Business Benefit for Small Businesses Using Social Media
According to recent surveys, small businesses are going to spend more time and effort on social in 2010. Most are aware of social media but are lacking in education of how to use to benefit their business. This appears to be the biggest stumbling block in them using social.