Twitter @earlybird Exclusive Offers Turns Social Media Into Social Commerce

Posted by: on Sep 30, 2010 | No Comments

Since Twitter began, the dialogue has been about  how to make Twitter profitable. @earlybird Exclusive Offers takes a big step into turning social media into social commerce and your company can take advantage of it.

The simplest version of turning social media into social commerce is by giving people something they can buy. Remember social media is about delivering relevant content to people the moment they are looking for it. With that in mind, the relevant content would have an action for people to buy your product.

@earlybird does this by providing time sensitive deals on a variety of products and services. The idea borrows from private and limited-time sale sites, like Gilt, Groupon and Woot.

Social Commerce for Service Industries

I find it easier to wrap my mind around the idea of social commerce for a product, but it works very well for service industries as well.

For example, insurance brokers offer a great service to clients explaining a complex product. Imagine if you were able to connect with your target audience about your specific area of expertise whether it is benefits, property & casual or personal lines. Combine the information you are providing them with an action step and you have successfully turned social media into social commerce.

Back to Twitter… This is just the first step and you can read more about it in the New York Times.

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The Three Components of a Social Media Framework

Posted by: on Sep 28, 2010 | No Comments

I was reading a great blog entry by Michael Hyatt, written about a topic we’re passionate about: Social Media Framework. I loved his interpretation of the three components of Social Media Framework, and it is something I challenge you to review and consider for your social media program.

I wanted to share this intelligent interpretation, as well as point out some of the crucial statements (in red so you can’t miss them!). A Social Media Framework is about controlling your space, engaging your audience and listening to conversations. These three realms do a great job of specifying how that’s done.

Michael Hyatt writes the below as the 3 components of social media:

  • A Homebase. This is a digital property you own and control. It is where your loyal fans gather. It can be as simple as a blog or as complex as a self-hosted community. Regardless, it is where you direct all internet traffic. Why? Because this is the place where you can best sell your ideas or products. You control the borders and determine who has access.
  • Embassies. These are places you don’t own, but where you have a registered profile. In other words, you have a regular presence on someone else’s property. You engage in conversations with those who congregate there. Examples would include Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, or even other blogs you follow. You generally need a “Passport” (verified credentials) granted by the site owner to maintain residency or participate in conversations.
  • Outposts. These are places you don’t own nor have a regular presence. Instead, you simply listen into conversations about you, your brand, your company, or topics that interest you. For example, I have search columns in HootSuite that monitor mentions of both my name and my company. I also have Google Alerts that monitor the same information wherever it may occur on the Web.

    • To learn more about utilizing Social Media sign up for one of our free webinars.