Using the Web to market products, services and issues is invaluable. Social marketing tools continue to create stronger brand relationships with key target audiences. Just ask US President Barack Obama.

Marketing experts agree that he gets the power of the Web. Just think, during his campaign he amassed an email database 13 million+ strong, created one of the largest active blog’s out there, and used weekly You Tube videos to control his message. Textbook social marketing. It’s going to be interesting to watch how these established tactics continue in his Presidency. For us marketers, it’s a social marketing white paper being written in real time.

Marketing via the Web is cost effective in reaching key influencers and can be made more memorable through social marketing. Want to talk Web (aka digital) marketing? Email, call or just drop by and let’s chat about the opportunities over danish, kringle or whatever your sweet tooth desires.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Trainfest Update

In the last Mercury Messenger, we shared how well Web marketing was working for Trainfest – America’s Largest Model RR Event held annually in November. Well the numbers are in for Trainfest '08 and … pardon the pun … everything was “all aboard.” Attendance up. Sales up. It was all golden…no down trends like what other events have been experiencing. It’s goes to show you, the Web is a force to be wreckoned with when included in an integrated marcom plan.

Check out the Press Release for the complete good news story.

MARKETING INSIGHT

The Power of Digital

Digital marketing is set to continue its rapid growth in 2009 as marcom budgets become subjected to even greater constraints. Digital offers many ranges of solutions with its successes becoming more apparent every day. Below are some trends taking shape:

• Social Media Opportunities are everywhere – 73% of Web users read blogs and 36% think more positively about brands that do blog. 83% view videos (leading to higher sales), 49% download podcasts, 38% subscribe to RSS feeds, and 57% have joined a social network like Facebook.
• Blogging, product reviews, and videos continue to flourish – 78% trust recommendations of others.
• 81% of web-goers use the Internet to research products before purchase.
• Consumers will increasingly shop online in search of deals and bargains. Coupon site visits were up 33% last October.

Are you prepared to tackle these trends head-on? Need some pointers and efficiency indicators, we can help…

SHOOT THE MESSENGER (some feedback)

Interested in discussing how your marcom efforts can take advantage of new trends and behaviors? Contact us, we are happy to help! Write us at messengerofthegods@mercuryww.com, call us at 262.782.4637 or come over. The coffee is always brewing.

Feel free to pass this message to a friend by clicking the link at the top.

Trainfest photo by Scott Porinsky.
Facebook, You Tube, and AutoBlog are registered trademarks.