Week 12- Additional Online Marketing Tools

Looking into additional marketing tools that could be employed into our day to day antics would have to be:

Linked In:
I had always looked at LinkedIN as a personal brand builder, helping you connect with other business associates. I was never too informed on the marketing capabilities as well as the reach that you can get from knowing someone who knows someone of importance. Great source for Networking and definitely something I will look to get into. Its still somewhat of a weird concept for me to wrap my head around, But for now I will try to add myself into groups that could have potential personal watch buyers or store buyers.

*If I am able to add into a group that is fashion forward I could use it as somewhat of a group of advisors that I could ask some questions to, such as which picture they might like better or watch styles they may prefer. Using groups as ways to establish some research would be a good use for them as well....

Yelp:
I really love that now a days customers are willing to provide feedback but more importantly new customers are looking into reviews prior to buying. Reviews have now become super important while buying, so to have a Yelp where reviews are posted to could be a great way for customers to see the satisfaction my other previous customers have had. I currently have a customer review platform, Im going to check and see if we can link my current reviews to Yelp because Im sure they are where most go to get reviews from.

Coupon Marketing:
To websites like Group-on and other flash sites Im NOT a fan of. While at time we all may over project inventory levels and have extra on hand I just feel like providing your product to flash sale sights depreciates your brand in a big way. I may be fairly new at running a business but if Im going to cut my margarin and make a deal with Group-on I would rather just hold a sale on my own site and let my current following know about the blow out sale. I get that this could have an alternative effect when customers decide to wait to buy until you go on sale, so you need to be easy on doing this all the time.
*Another way to do these discounts would be to feature your product on membership websites. This allows only people that are signed up to the website, these sale will not be so public so your brand is not so broadcasted amongst the web.

Youtube:
Although not mentioned in the lecture I like how YouTube has begun to have impact on social outreach. Not only can it give the message intended but allowing your company to be visible on YouTube you can create awesome stories and great content that will get customers stoked about your company.

I have been following some other companies on YouTube and I really enjoy the marketing behind there videos. These Vids are usually not just product based but super lifestyle. Sometimes even just highlighting there athlete of the week and showing an awesome video of tricks he does, this doesn't have to make a conversion right away but what it does is give a good light on your company and has the customer walking away from the computer saying"those dudes are dope" and thats exactly what you want them thinking, which will later lead to a sale when your other marketing efforts are put to use.

Cheers,
Andrew Beltran
Originalgrain.com