Wanted to point you to an article I read in the current issue of Fast Company. You can view the article here. The writer, Rob Walker, makes some compelling arguments around the land mines that can be found when marketing to those on social networks. He focuses primarily on MySpace and Facebook, but I’m sure others apply as well.
He warns us that the information can be…well…inflated to say the least. In other words, objects in the mirror are not always as they appear. Savvy marketers know this, the not so savvy would be vexed at what Mr. Walker articulates.
I understand the desire to just throw it out there and hope many will fall in love. That would be easy and fast. Sad to say, life, it don’t always live that way (thank you, Seal).
Here are some things I’ve been learning about marketing and the spreading of ideas:
- Remind yourself everyday of who your audience is. Everyday.
- Don’t panic or get euphoric over stats.
- Remember, a sale/conversion doesn’t always translate into something viral.
- Check your motivations (why, why, why and why).
- Don’t fall into the trap of group/herd think.