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Offer incentives for someone to "Like" your brand on Facebook

It’s certainly no secret that Facebook is one of the most powerful marketing and social media tools of the modern digital era. Just about every major brand has a presence on Facebook and most do an outstanding job of actively listening and engaging as they build their communities and “likes” so their messages can resonate with an increasing pool of customers.

A lot of brands are obsessed with achieving a high ranking through Facebook’s EdgeRank algorithm to govern what is displayed (and how high) on someone’s newsfeed and with good reason. Today’s consumer factors peer review, image, and transparency into their buying decisions more than ever before so remaining front and center within a person’s newsfeed is priority #1. This, most of us have already figured out. Read the rest of this entry »

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PR professionals comment on blog posts for a number of reasons. We might seek to correct information, share additional resources or simply thank the author for the original post. We may recommend that our clients’ spokespeople participate in the blogging community to build their reputation and credibility, leverage SEO opportunities or help manage customer relationships. However, a poorly planned and irresponsible comment from a PR pro can lead to an unpredictable and often damaging response from the blogging community. Read the rest of this entry »

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In the last 24 hours I’ve happened upon two excellent examples of SM strategies and tactics.  One excellent because it’s good, one excellent in its badness.  First, the bad. Read the rest of this entry »

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Last week, Paula Deen – the Southern Belle cook with the penchant for deep fried delights – announced that she has Type 2 diabetes. Although a tragic medical condition for anyone, what’s unusual about this case is that she waited three years after her initial diagnosis to reveal that she was inflicted with the disease, which is often associated with a diet high in fat, very similar to the recipes and decadent culinary delights that she is known for. What’s even more curious about this situation is the synchronized announcement following Deen’s diabetes revelation that she has also signed a deal to promote a diabetes medication. An article last week in AdAge about this story adroitly pointed out that:

“It’s the kind of thing that gives our industry (marketing/PR) a black eye – the reputation that we’ll do anything, sell anything for money. Read the rest of this entry »

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The headline in The Wall Street Journal said it all: “Facebook Flip Riles Goldman Clients” A more apt headline, though, would have been: “Facebook Flop Exposes Goldman Disclosure Issues.”

Harsh? A bit, perhaps. But in reality, it’s likely closer to truth than fiction. For if anything over the past two weeks has shown us, let alone the past two years, it is that some large corporations continue to struggle with the modern standards of corporate disclosure and transparency, even with their own clients.

To be fair, Goldman has made a number of well-publicized attempts in recent months to thoroughly review its client services and its level of transparency with the public and government regulators. Just last week, the company unveiled a 63-page report that examined its business practices. Included in this report was a 39-point plan of action for ensuring ethical standards and best practices are utilized throughout its business. Read the rest of this entry »

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If you didn’t know already, the PRBC has our very own Facebook Fan Page. Every Friday, we ask everyone a random question in a series called “Fun Facts Friday.” Last week we just finished up presenting our 35 ideas about social media in 30 minutes, so we asked you to share your one social media idea in a sentence.

Here is what a couple of you had to say: Read the rest of this entry »

ShareFor my first post, I wanted to make it a point to say that I am what you read.  I won’t change my point of view to go with the masses and I say it as it is.  All of my posts will be in this vein, and I know you will enjoy the time you spend reading them.  I write to spark conversation and would love to hear feedback. Why are so many people scared to just be themselves?   What ever happened to individual personality? I’ve been in the PR industry for two years and about 90% of the industry people I have met are the same.  How will people be able to relate to you if there is not a unique personality?  Coworkers, reporters, and people on the street can all grasp your personality from the moment you say “Hello.” Although, I can understand—It’s very hard to maintain who you are when you have people beating into your head “You need to do it like this,” “Don’t say that,” “Keep your mouth shut and smile,” etc. If there is a negative stereotype of PR people, then obviously something should change. How is one supposed to learn when they are being beaten into that stereotypical PR role? I am me.  I’m CT Michaels, I’m almost 23, and I have my whole life ahead of me.  I have style and wear white pants.  I find poop funny and I frequently make fun of people when they fall and for what they are wearing.  I can talk to you for hours about reality television and I know my celebrity gossip. I know how to have a good time and I am a morale booster to my coworkers and others around me.  In high school I got voted most opinionated, and most talkative.  I’ve gotten the “most drunk” label at #MNH and probably #MasquerTweet.  I love it.  This is me. Why should I be scared to be myself? Here’s an experiment: Google my Twitter handle (CTMichaels) and see what comes up.  You’ll notice the third result is something that most people would find vulgar or disgusting. Me? I think it’s hilarious! I could easily go back and delete that tweet, but why would I?  One reason: it shows personality and character. Now type in your Twitter handle.  What comes up? Are you going to delete what pops up? If you do—lame! Now, who are you to say “you can’t have that there, no one will ever hire you”? If you think that, I probably wouldn’t ever want to work for you because obviously you can’t take a joke.  Who wants to work in an atmosphere of being around someone who doesn’t appreciate the funny things in life (like poop)? I really don’t understand the rules that people are supposed to abide by in the workforce and in life.  Break free people; stop being scared. You may be sitting there saying, “This kid is young, and doesn’t know about the workforce.” Well, you’d be wrong. Not only have I worked since the day I turned 14, but I have had some pretty amazing jobs throughout my life.  From working at a video store, to hiring a team of ski instructors at 17 years old, to representing my college for incoming freshman, to eventually working full-time in college as a supervisor at Kohl’s department store, I have seen a lot.  One thing always remained constant though—I kept true to who I am at all times.

For my first post, I wanted to make it a point to say that I am what you read.  I won’t change my point of view to go with the masses and I say it as it is.  All of my posts will be in this vein, and I know you will enjoy the time you spend reading them.  I write to spark conversation and would love to hear feedback.

Read the rest of this entry »