PRBreakfastClub

Imagine you are an editor of a newspaper.  You’ve got limited resources.  Not enough staff, out-of-date computers, maybe even labor problems, too.  You check your e-mail one deadline morning and see a ready-made article about Product SuperAwesome prewritten from your favorite PR pro (wink wink)!  With your publisher breathing down your neck, 30 minutes until the final edition goes to print and a gaping space in your publication, you slap the article about Product SuperAwesome’s industry into your paper and everyone is happy.

Branded content isn’t new, but it is evolving.  A “matte release” like the one about Product SuperAwesome, has been an item in the PR toolbox for a long, long time.

The evolution is staggering, as “advertainment” has become a popular industry buzzword, as it truly melds the two worlds of advertising and entertainment.

Chances are, you’ve watched “American Idol” over the years, right?  Do you remember those Ford music videos where the contestants would sing a bad version of your favorite song while doing something vaguely related to driving the automaker’s latest offering?  Then you’ve seen “advertainment.”  (And you’ve probably lost a few favorite songs along the way.)

In the print/online world, the Search Engine Optimization capabilities of branded content are immense.

I recently came across a company called ARAnet, which specializes in branded content in the Web 2.0 space.  They “place” their clients in hundreds of trusted online media sites every day (targeted to their client’s audience, naturally).  We all know that links aren’t equal.  A link from your local daily newspaper carries more authority than a link from “JoeBob’s World Report from the Basement” (Not a real site.  I hope.).

The best part of this is the SEO maximization component.  If you are included on more high-traffic websites, your site becomes more visible to search engine spiders, thus, gets more prominent position in, for example, a Google results page.  And, to keep the chain rolling, a result that is high up on the page has more credibility with users – more so than the paid advertising slots above it.  Hence, Ms. PR, meet Mr. Advertising.  And you two, go grab a drink with Madam Direct Marketing.

ARAnet’s metrics reports, broad-base outreach capabilities and innovative Adfusion program which provides targeted content widgets to high-traffic sites (like Yahoo!), make them a true industry leader in this field.  With major outlets in numerous Top 20 media markets, they are a company on the rise.  I highly recommend you click on their website to learn more about them.  And before you ask, this post is NOT paid for!

As corporate websites, YouTube channels and the SEO phenomenon continue to grow, the general public has more exposure to branded content than ever.  “Watch our commercials online!”  “Click here for Part 2!” “LOOK AT US!!!”

Clearly, with the audience becoming more advertising-savvy, advertisers and marketers are at the precipice of a tactical revolution.

Your Turn: What types of branded content are most effective at reaching YOU?

• 23 May 2012 : Why Viggle Will Change Television
• 22 May 2012 : 10 Ingredients to Make Your Event Execution Easy
• 21 May 2012 : Stop Being Idiots -or- NATO and Perspective
• 18 May 2012 : Facebook Research: Brand-Related Posts Drive Most Engagement
• 17 May 2012 : PR Does Not Stand for Press Release (and Other Misconceptions)

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