Monday, October 31, 2016

Is Your Site About You Or Them?

Steve Brogan Dealing Poker Imagine you need to swap out the dishwasher in your kitchen (the device, not a person). If you didn't want to do the job yourself, you'd call a plumber, or go look for one online. Now, imagine the plumber spends her or his time telling you about their credentials, about why they charge what they do, about how they're the very best at what they do. Great, but will you help me swap out the dishwasher?

Is Your Site About You Or Them?



If you haven't visited chrisbrogan.com in person lately, click that link. What's the first thing you see after my handsome face? “Use media and community to earn customers.” It says clearly what I'm offering you on this site.

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Sunday, October 9, 2016

5 Benefits Of Solar Powered Lights





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Many people are used to power external lights, but technological advances have allowed people to go to the outdoor solar lights. Units have many advantages, including:


They have an output


Instead of the cables used to power electric lights, these units have small solar panels that use natural light to charge a battery. The lights have the ability to store enough electricity to power lights up to 10 hours at night energy. Since the units do not require a power source, you can be installed anywhere without having to worry about its proximity to power.


They are cost effective


Electric lights require you to pay a monthly bill so you can continue your connection. Such is the case with the solar units. Installed not incur any other expenses. The only thing that may have to do regularly is to replace burned-out bulbs. Since you do not have to worry about the electric bill, you can install as many lights as you want.


They are environmentally friendly


As mentioned, the charging lights during the day and then use the stored energy to brighten your home and in the streets at night. Since more energy is used to preserve the environment. When using lights with the use of combined finishes other solar devices play an important role in environmental conservation.


The lights are safe


Millions of people are electrocuted and subjected to a series of many other electrical reason related to the presence of son in lights electrical damage. Since sunlamps are not cable, you do not have to worry about you or your family have any injuries during handling. In fact, you can ask your kids to handle. The absence of son also makes it ideal for use in barbecues and grills units.


They come in many styles to choose


When you choose solar way there are many options to choose from. You can go with reflectors, safety lamps, lamp lights, solar walkway lights and a host of many others. All you need to do is make sure that you buy the right people for the right positions units. When shopping, always make sure you buy from a reputable and well known. Since the units are not cable, you need to protect against theft.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Sing the Hell Out of Your Song

Chris Brogan Owner Media Group I've come to realize that one big challenge we have is that we have to tell the world how we help them, and we have to do it often. Only, we have to do it in a way that makes it about our buyers and not us. If you're like me, you quite often have a song stuck in your head. In some ways, I think we should be this way with our customers. As long as we're not an annoying song.

Sing the HELL out of Your Song



People don't know what you offer. Or they forget what you offer. Or they're so busy that they might need the reminder a bit more often because then one of those times might be the “right” time.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2016

What Social Media Marketers Need to Know About Facebook Live

facebook-live-what-you-should-know


In the age of Netflix and DVRs, it's weirdly ironic to watch the growing popularity of live video for social media marketing. Sure, most of it is recorded so you can access it later, but it has far more in common with the nightly news than with modern on-demand, personalized content.


It turns out, there's something about watching an event unfold live that's hard to replicate. To be there as it's happening, in the moment with a group of friends and strangers, sharing a singular experience. It's powerful. And it never really went out of style-it just took a while for technology to create a compelling modern version.


Facebook Live has realized the potential for live video combined with a social network. Not only are people watching in droves, they're more engaged: People spend three times longer watching live video than they watch recorded versions after-the-fact.


As with any new channel, it's always tempting to jump right in and start creating content. And, as always, it's a better idea to do some evaluating and strategizing first.


Here's the low-down on Facebook Live: What it is, what it's for, and how brands are using it.


What Is Facebook Live?


A native live-streaming service embedded in Facebook. When you go Live, the stream will show in your follower's feeds and on your profile page. Viewers can leave likes and comments in real time. After the event is over, viewers can watch a recorded version with the option of seeing the comment stream as if it were live.


Who's Doing It?


Everyone from the President to celebrities to athletes.


How Do I Do It?


Right now, the easiest way to go Live is from a mobile device. On the Facebook app for iOS or Android, you'll see a “Live” button right at the top of the feed. Click that for a quick set up and your feed will begin! There is a version of Live for desktops which is slowly being rolled out-if you don't have it yet, the mobile version is the only game in town.


What Are the Best Practices?


Facebook's best practices for Live are a good place to start:



  • Tell followers ahead of time before you broadcast

  • Write a compelling description

  • Make sure you have a strong internet connection

  • Respond to commenters on the air

  • Aim for longer sessions (10-90 minutes)

  • Develop a schedule so viewers know when to tune in


What Pitfalls Should I Look Out For?


Since it's so easy to go Live, a lot of Live streams right now look the same. They're talking heads, people holding up a phone and chatting informally with the viewer. If you're a celebrity with a quick wit, go for it-otherwise, don't go in without a plan.


It's an unpredictable platform-you may have to contend with technical issues and an unmoderated comment stream at the same time. It's a good idea to have at least one person off-camera who can handle the comment stream and work out any glitches.


Finally, don't expect your entire audience to tune in all at once. Generally viewers drop in and out of live streams-some will arrive late and some will leave early. So a complex narrative that builds on prior knowledge is not the best choice.


Q: What Kind of Content Works Best?


There's a vast array of content that works for Facebook Live. The most successful take advantage of the special connection the platform affords with an audience, addressing and interacting with them in real time. Here are a few good examples:



  • Behind the Scenes: Dunkin' Donuts took their followers on a tour of “Dunkin' Brands University,” a facility where Dunkin' creates new products. At the end of the tour, audiences got a tutorial on how to make a Dunkin' Donuts wedding cake. The tour scored just over 30,000 views.The informal, intimate nature of the platform is ideal for these sneak peeks behind the scenes. If your brand doesn't have a factory to tour, consider a tour of the office space itself-promote transparency and your corporate culture by showing off work spaces and interviewing co-workers.

  • Tips and How-tos: Benefit Cosmetics hosts a weekly show called Tipsy Tricks. A host and guests drink wine, gossip, and offer makeup tips. They respond to viewer comments, and generally offer a mix of practical advice and entertaining banter.Facebook Live works well for how-tos and demos, provided there's an angle to keep it interesting for the audience. As you prep a how-to, keep an eye out for dead spots in the process that your host will need to fill.

  • Performances: If your brand can swing it, musical or dance performances are a great way to pull in top-of-funnel audiences. Postmodern Jukebox is my favorite for performance video-they livestream parts of every concert they put on, often capturing behind-the-scenes content as well as the concert. But you don't have to play at that level to stream a performance. Buzzfeed's interactive dance-off was compelling to viewers because it was an amateur, interactive event.

  • Stunts: If one video captures the pared-down essence of storytelling on Facebook Live, it's Buzzfeed's watermelon explosion. At the time it aired, it was the platform's biggest hit, with well over a million views.The concept couldn't be simpler: Two Buzzfeed employees, decked out in safety gear, take turns putting rubber bands around a watermelon. The tension builds for 45 minutes until the watermelon finally explodes.On the surface, it seems kind of…dumb, right? But this video was successful because it hit all the right points:

    • Audiences could drop in any time

    • It was immediately obvious what was going on and what was at stake

    • It encouraged audience interaction

    • It built suspense

    • It worked toward a definite endpoint




Granted, the one thing it lacked was an element of utility. But it was undeniably compelling. Add some value for your viewer while checking off the same boxes this video did, and you'll be unstoppable.


Livestreaming video is still in its infancy. Marketers are still experimenting with the form, with mixed results. One thing's for sure: As with any channel, it's all about relevancy, authenticity, and providing something of value to your audience. Put their needs first, and you can develop a strategy for success.


Does your brand plan to jump into livestreaming? Are you already enjoying success with the platform? Let me know in the comments.


 




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© Online Marketing Blog - TopRank®, 2016. |
What Social Media Marketers Need to Know About Facebook Live | http://www.toprankblog.com

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Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Where to Learn About Influencer Content Marketing in Europe & the U.S.

influencer content marketing

As a fast growing content marketing agency, especially when it comes to working with influencers, TopRank Marketing has experienced great growth this year working with new clients in the U.S. and abroad.


To continue building awareness of the great work my team has been doing and to share the insights I've learned as an active practitioner and strategist, I will be giving keynotes, solo presentations and workshops in 4 different countries over a 60 day period during October and November. Of course I will be joined by an excellent cadre of talented and experienced marketing speakers covering a range of topics, so each event is a great opportunity to learn, network and get inspired for 2017.


Speaking of conferences, if you really want to get the most out of attending an industry conference, I highly recommend this advice. Learning and networking are only two of the top 5 ways to realize ROI from conference expenses, so it's worth checking out that post to find out what the other 3 are.


DIGITAL 2016 Riga

October 13, 2016


Digital 2016 – Riga, Latvia

This is the biggest Baltic Social Media and Digital Marketing Conference and the event will be my first time in Latvia. The best part is that my longtime pal Rebecca Lieb will be presenting as well as giving a workshop, “The New Marketing Equation”.


Solo presentation: The Power of Influence in Content Marketing

One of the most popular trends in marketing is content marketing, but many companies are challenged to create a variety of engaging content on a consistent basis. This presentation will provide a framework for digital marketers to scale quality content creation by partnering with internal and external influencers.


Attendees of this presentation will learn:



  1. How to identify, qualify and recruit influencers for content programs

  2. An influencer content marketing framework

  3. Best practices for influencer content + SEO, Social and repurposing


Workshop: How to Win at Marketing with Influencer Content Integration

Challenged by information overload, increasing use of ad blocking and limited resources, successful content marketers are partnering with industry influencers to co-create a variety of meaningful content that reaches more relevant audiences with greater credibility. This workshop provides a 6 step influencer content framework ranging from planning to measurement and 3 essential use case scenarios for integrating influencers with brand content marketing programs.


MarketingProfs B2B Forum

October 18-22, 2016


MarketingProfs B2B Forum – Boston, MA

This is one of my all-time favorite B2B marketing conferences. You know when you're at an event and there is so much resonance with the people, presentations and overall vibe that you find yourself thinking, “These are my people!” That's MPB2B. I'm looking forward to seeing amazing speakers like Ann Handley and Andrew Davis as well as spending time with our clients like Jason Miller of LinkedIn, Pierre-Loic Assayag of Traackr, Carlos Gil from BMC Software, Amy Higgins from ZOZI and a few more new clients we haven't announced yet.


Solo Presentation: Sexy Hot B2B Influencer Activation

The art and science of romancing B2B industry influencers to collaborate, co-create and advocate content using leading influencer marketing tools.


This session is for B2B marketers that want to understand how romancing influencers can help scale quality content that is credible, trusted and amplified by contributors to their networks. From establishing an influencer recruiting strategy and outreach to content collection and repurposing to ongoing influencer relationship management and metrics, this session will highlight processes and tools for a successful influencer marketing program.


At the end of this session attendees will be able to:



  1. Begin a workable influencer content and relationship strategy

  2. Understand different types of influencer marketing platforms

  3. Use process and best practices recommendations to engage and activate influencers


Webinar

November 3, 2016


MarketingProfs Webinar – Online

I only do a few webinars a year and when MarketingProfs asked me to do this one right after the B2B Forum, how could I say no? Plus Allison Dowd is a pleasure to work with.


Presentation: How to Demystify Influencer Marketing with Content

Studies from CMI and MarketingProfs report marketers are challenged to create a variety of engaging content on a consistent basis. At the same time, the rise of ad blocking technology and buyer distrust of brand communications has created significant challenges. How can marketers scale quality content creation while increasing reach and engagement? Influencer content programs tap voices in the industry that buyers trust and aligns with brands to deliver on both thought leadership and customer acquisition goals. While there are many opinions and approaches to influencer marketing, there are three proven approaches B2B marketers can take to satisfy buyers across the sales experience.


Key takeaways from this presentation include:



  • Use cases for influencer content programs

  • How to use a modular approach to influencer micro-content

  • Engage influencers to create 75% or more of your campaign content

  • Develop an influencer community and relationships that scale quality content for marketing


SMXL Milan 2016

November 7-9, 2016


SMXL – Milan, Italy

My longtime search marketing pal Massimo Burgio reached out about this event that, thanks to some generous sponsorship from the likes of Microsoft, was able to fly at least one or more Americans over including Avinash Kaushik and Adam Singer from Google. Adam is TopRank Marketing alumni and it is impressive how well he's done as an Analytics Advocate at Google.


Keynote: Be the Best Answer: A Strategic Approach to Content Marketing

With billions of internet connected devices, today's customers can find information just about anywhere, anytime, driving more companies to invest in content marketing. The problem is, consumers are overloaded with information and increasingly numb to brand content. Through best practices and examples, this presentation will illustrate role of content marketing integrated with search, social and influence, so that brands can become the best answer for their customers, without spending the biggest budget.


Content Marketing and Web Editing Conference

November 17, 2016


Congress Content Marketing & Web editor – Utrecht, The Netherlands

This event has a famous “in the round” stage and I've always found the Dutch to be a smart and welcoming audience. While I'm in the area, hopefully I'll get to see Cor Hospes, Tristan Lavender, Bas van den Beld, or AJ Huisman.


Keynote: Be the Best Answer: Content and Influence Integration

Much of content marketing is campaign driven, fragmented and not trusted by audiences. A customer centric approach to content co-created with influencers empathizes with the buyer journey from discovery to engagement to action and positions the brand in a credible way as “the best answer” where and when buyers are looking. But what does a Best Answer strategy look like and where should senior content marketing executives start?


This keynote presentation will provide 4 essential steps for an integrated approach to content that is co-created with influencers, optimized, socialized and publicized in a way that makes brand content more relevant, credible, easy to find and actionable.


If you will be attending these events in Europe, in Boston or Online, be sure to say hello. I hope to see you there!


My 2017 speaking slots are going fast with 6 events scheduled between January and April. If you think I would be a good fit for a conference or workshop you have planned in 2017, please let me know.




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Gain a competitive advantage by subscribing to the
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© Online Marketing Blog - TopRank®, 2016. |
Where to Learn About Influencer Content Marketing in Europe & the U.S. | http://www.toprankblog.com

The post Where to Learn About Influencer Content Marketing in Europe & the U.S. appeared first on Online Marketing Blog - TopRank®.




Thursday, September 15, 2016

Brand Manage Camp is Worth It

I wouldn't ever write a post like this if I were asked. I hate when people ask me outright to say nice things about them or their company or their event. No one asked me to write any of this. I need to tell you that so I can say what I want to say next.

I really REALLY loved Brand Manage Camp in Las Vegas. Run by Len Herstein, I have to tell you that I loved this event. This is SO WEIRD for me to say. I don't like talking about branding. I don't really like branding. But I loved every minute of this. I'll tell you why, really quickly.

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Monday, September 12, 2016

Your Message and Your Voice

Chris Brogan I'm writing this for my Owner Insiders but figured I'd share it with you, as well. The idea is one of those simple-but-potentially-profound ones. I'll be sharing it with the people at Owner Action Systems LIVE in Portland, Maine on 9.24.16.

Your Message and Your Voice



I believe that when you better understand what you stand for, what you believe in, what you bring to the picnic, and who you seek to help, everything flows better in your business. I've come to think about this as a “throughline.” In writing, the throughline is a connecting theme or plot.

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