Good afternoon, one and all, and welcome to today’s edition of Five for Friday!
Pre-IPO Facebook buzz dominated our feeds this week – guess everyone’s getting excited (or not) about the “Big Day.”
As we head into the weekend, we thought we’d share a handful of headlines that caught our eye – please read on…
A new study conducted by the Harvard Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab suggests that using Social Media platforms to talk about oneself engages portions of the brain that are responsible for love, pleasure and rewards. Curiously enough, these are the same sections of the brain that are active when having sex or enjoying a good meal. The good feeling that is associated with posting about oneself explains why 80% of the average user’s posts consist of self-disclosure. It might also explain the growth and success of Social Media… (Source: TODAY Health).
Facebook has quietly resurrected their App Center, taking a second (or is it third?) crack at introducing an online marketplace in the mold of the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Expected to go launch in the weeks ahead, the App Center would feature a host of free and paid (!) apps designed for the Web, iOS and Android operating systems. For Facebook, the appeal of a centralized marketplace is clear: it give users more ways to stay on the Network for longer periods of time, it serves as an additional source of revenue AND it gives Facebook a new carrot to dangle in front of marketers… (Source: Facebook Developers Blog).
Young adults across the world are starting to feel the burn from maintaining their Social Media profiles, according to a new survey. Over 50% find it all “too time consuming” and concede that their activities on these channels have had a negative impact on their jobs and studies. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents said that managing their Social profiles felt more like a chore while a significant number admitted to logging on while on dates (13%), while in bed with their partners (11%) and even during intimate moments (7%)… (Source: TODAYonline).
In response to increased interest in cloud-based file-sharing, Facebook has introduced a new feature for members of Facebook Groups. First reported by Mashable, the service – which leverages technology and assets purchased from Drop.io in October 2010 – will facilitate the sharing of large files among an estimated 380 million users… (Source: LA Times).
In a bid to pull more users away from Google, Microsoft is rolling out the most significant revamp of its Bing tool since the service debuted in 2009. Leveraging its relationship with Facebook, Microsoft plans to introduce a slew of new features that will personalize the Search experience and make it even more relevant to users. The new format will incorporate three columns: search results on the far left, a snapshot of related services in the center and Facebook connections on the far right. The snapshot column is designed to help users take actions (like “RSVP” or “buy”) while the connections (or “friend”) column will allow users to post questions to their contacts while they’re conducting their searches… (Source: eWeek).
So what would you add to the above? Leave us a comment and let’s discuss!
Happy Friday Star Wars Day, everyone, and welcome to Five for Friday! Our RSS feeds were glowing hotter than a lightsaber this week – lots of Social Media news to share! Followed are a few of the headlines that caught our eye:
A near majority of consumers – 93%, in fact – believe that companies fail to exceed their customer service expectations. According to American Express’ updated Global Customer Service Barometer, businesses would do well to over-service those who use Social Media to resolve issues: not only are these individuals more vocal when sharing their experiences, but they spend 21% more on Brands who deliver… (Source: American Express).
Before a committee of industry representatives, White House VIPs and members of the U.S. Senate, the Federal Bureau of Investigation put forth a controversial proposal that would require companies like Microsoft, Facebook, Yahoo!, and Google to alter their code to ensure it’s “wiretap-friendly.” If approved, services affected would include Social Networking, VoIP, Instant Messaging and Web-based e-mail… (Source: CNET).
The results of a new study show that in-store messaging plays a significant role in driving impulse buys and impacting Brand decisions, particularly among Moms. Data shared by SymphonyIRI suggests that these consumers are more likely to be influenced by in-store kiosks (53%), signs or displays (68%) and in-store circulars (30%). Other high-ranking factors included product packaging, discounts offered through shopper loyalty cards and coupons downloaded from retailer or couponing websites (70%), manufacturer websites (65%) and Social Media channels (49%)… (Source: SymphonyIRI).
With so many companies focusing on eCommerce these days, it’s so important to know that the iPad accounts for nearly two-thirds of all mobile shopping sessions, and an impressive 89% of all mobile shopping revenue. With mobile’s share of total retail climbing to 4.6% in March 2012 (from 1.9% in April 2011), this means that the Apple’s game-changing device now accounts for more than 4% of total retail revenue… (Source: RichRelevance).
On Thursday, Facebook made a new feature available to local businesses: Facebook Offers. A self-serve tool that allows for the free and simple creation of downloadable coupons that can be shared via a Brand’s News Feed, Offers was first announced at the fMC back in February. In the time since, it’s been in private testing with a select group. Now open to all, Facebook is hoping Offers takes off for at least two reasons: (1.) it will prove that the Network has the power to drive fans to physical locations, and (2.) it will encourage Brands to spend more on Facebook advertising… (Source: Facebook).
Have a story to add to above? Leave us a comment and let’s discuss!
Photo credit: Rick Rowell/ABC
If you caught GMA this morning, you saw Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg not only give a rare television interview, but announce a new initiative that was designed to save lives.
In honor Donate Life Month, Facebook has enabled their 900+ million users to share their organ donor status. Aimed at generating awareness and urging more people to become organ, eye and tissue donors, the update is slated to appear on our “Timeline” and in the “About” section of our profiles. The new feature is optional, but if you elect to apply it, you will be able to control the degree to which your status is shared.
According to Zuckerberg and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, the initiative was inspired by recent global disasters and the role the Network played in keeping people connected. “We never could have anticipated that what started as a small network would evolve into such a powerful tool for communication and problem solving,” reads their statement. “As this happens, we hope to build tools that help people transform the way we all solve worldwide social problems.”
According to data from the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 114,000 people in the US are waiting for a transplant – will you use the new Facebook tool to support the cause?
Happy end-of-week, one and all, and welcome to the latest installment of Five for Friday! We thought we’d switch things up this time around and take a look at Social Media headlines in the world of pharma. Followed are a few caught our eye:
Data uncovered in a new survey has found that approximately 33% of consumers use Social Media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to interact with health care providers. When it comes to sharing, age is the most significant factor: more than 80% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 would be likely to share information via Social platforms, while less than half (45%) of those between the ages of 45 and 64 would be willing to do the same… (Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s Health Research Institute).
A recent blog post reminds marketers that Social Media can work for all companies and brands, even those who conduct business in highly-regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and financial services. Armed with regulatory knowledge and compliance protections, any client can safely engage in and reap the rewards of Social Media, so long as their agencies have a clear understanding of internal and external policies and build controls around their programs… (Source: Ad Age Blogs).
This week, we came across what we believe to be the first use of Pinterest by a major pharmaceutical company. Built around topics like Business, Sustainability, Innovation and Advertising, Bayer has launched their very own set of pinboards. While engagement with other users appears to be limited, the Company seem to be experimenting with the platform as a means of driving traffic to its other online properties… (Source: Pinterest).
Built around their “Parkinson’s More Than Motion” program, UCB has turned to Facebook to launch a new US community for patients and their families. Designed to help those affected learn more about the range of symptoms associated with the neurological condition, the campaign will feature what the company says is a unique series of reality videos showing real families living with the disease… (Source: Facebook).
Posted as an attempt to plead with the FDA to allow her to use a trial drug known as pertuzumab, a highly personal video proved to be a powerful tool for a mother dying of breast cancer. In the clip, bed-ridden subject Darlene Gant holds a letter to her son. Beside her are several others: one written for his 12th birthday, two more for his high school and college graduations and another for his wedding day. In the clip, Gant explains that she’s writing these letters now, because she doesn’t believe she’ll be around to mark these milestones. Within days of her post, the drug’s manufacturer reached out to her doctors to work out the details of a trial which would fall under the parameters of compassionate use. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Darlene… (Source: YouTube).
What stories made waves for you this week? Leave us a comment and let’s discuss!
Happy Friday, all, and welcome to this week’s edition of Five for Friday! Please read on for a handful of headlines that had our feeds buzzing:
Banking on the London 2012 Olympic Games to help build their Brand’s Social reach, companies the world over are in the throes of launching campaigns focused on winning fans and followers, and generating shared media. This week, Procter & Gamble (#client) unveiled its emotionally-charged “Thank You Mom” program, an effort aimed at showing appreciation to the selfless women who’ve not only raised great athletes, but raised great kids… (Source: Various).
With the passing of Dick Clark, the world of pop culture lost an old friend. Within moments of his death, phrases like “DickClark,” “AmericanBandstand” and “NewYearsEve” quickly became trending topics on Twitter, where an estimated 99% of the “Social” conversation continues… (Source: Various).
Published on Wednesday, Time’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World has triggered a lively debate. While the presence of Mashable founder Pete Cashmore, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook and investor/entrepreneur Marc Andreesen speaks volumes about the power and influence of Social Media, the absence of others – like Mark Zuckerberg, for example – is somewhat surprising… (Source: Time).
What’s a week without Facebook news? Assuming the SEC approves its preparedness, May 17th may be the day Facebook hits the NASDAQ. Valued at roughly $100 billion, the Network – a favorite among some 850 million users – is expected to trade shares under the ticker symbol “FB”… (Source: Various).
While we’re on the topic, if you’re a former Facebooker who’s moved on to Pinterest, you might be lured back by a new app that lets you display items from your News Feed, Timeline, Friends list and multimedia in a familiar panel-format. Dubbed PinView, this new tool promises to deliver a Pinterest-like experience to Facebook users and has already set its sights on enhancements like the ability to save favorite posts that can be sorted based on popularity… (Source: Mashable).
What stories rose to the top of your feeds this week? Hit those comments and let’s break it down!
Welcome to this week’s edition of Five for Friday, everyone! For those of you who followed the world of Social Media these past few days, news of Instagram’s acquisition by Facebook was hard to miss. Whether or not the popular mobile app will be “ruined” in the process remains to be seen. For now, we’ve chalked it up to another smart move by everyone’s favorite Social Network and predict that more will follow. But we digress… followed are a some of the other stories that caught our eye:
In an effort to improve functionality, the engineers at Google+ have treated the growing service to a significant redesign. Unveiled via Google’s blog, this latest revamp was designed to make the tool easier to use. Among the changes, a tweaked navigation menu that lets users move or hide apps, conversation cards that allow users to highlight important discussions, a dedicated hub for Hangouts and an Explore page for finding trends within a one’s Network… (Source: Google | Official Blog).
A new Nielsen report has found that online consumers place the most amount of trust in earned media (92%) and the least in ads served via mobile devices (29%). Opinions posted online were also found to be popular (70%), outpacing traditional forms like editorial content in newspapers (58%) or branded websites (58%)… (Source: Nielsen).
Hot on the heels of that blockbuster purchase we mentioned above, Facebook’s board members are being grilled about their next targets for acquisition. According to insiders at SF Gate, the Network is said to be sitting on at least $4 billion, with a few more on the way, money they could easily spend on additional 3rd party apps and services… (Source: SF Gate).
A few weeks back, Tumblr made headlines when they released some rather impressive statistics: according to their data, the platform now hosts more than 20 billion posts and 50 million blogs. Many of these, says the Company, belong to brands and publishers who use the channel as a hub for Social content. This week, they upped their game by announcing a partnership with music service Spotify… (Source: Ad Age).
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson hit the wires this week, for reasons other than those you might imagine. In an attempt to reinvent himself, the one-time pugilist has turned to Social Media where he’s managed to attract some 4 million followers on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. He even posts photos onto Instagram and is among the growing number of athletes to embrace Social Games. Ha, who knew… (Source: Mashable).
So what stories hit your radar this week? Leave us a comment and let’s discuss!
On Monday, March 26th, MMC was pleased to learn that we, along with our client, Head & Shoulders, were awarded a 2012 Holmes Report Sabre Award for our “Get Legendary Hair” campaign. Recognized for excellence in the viral video category, Head & Shoulders bested four finalists to secure the accolade which stands for superior achievement in branding and reputation.
Itchy scalp and dandruff: lots of us have it, none of us wants to talk about it. Recognizing this as our biggest challenge, Head & Shoulders and MMC created a campaign that would drive brand awareness and build engagement around the brand’s partnership with the National Football League (NFL) and All-Pro Safety Troy Polamalu.
Right from the start, we knew our program had to be legendary: from a consumer perspective, success would mean reaching the brands’ target – the guy’s guy – in his world, on his terms; for media, we needed to build on the “Million Dollar Insurance Policy” that made the brand and athlete/spokesperson Troy Polamalu pop culture icons. The campaign we developed was designed to get fans talking during the relative quiet that preceded the NFL season. At the center of our program were three videos that starred the Steelers’ Safety in a variety of highly-shareable scenarios, one of which featured his fellow teammates, Brett (“The Beard”) Keisel and Hines (“Dancing with the Stars”) Ward. Talk about epic football hero wattage!
Supported by online advertising and a variety of PR tactics that included satellite media tours and leveraging the Social Graphs of the stars involved, the clips were featured on Head & Shoulders’ YouTube channel where they quickly captured the attention of consumers and top-tier media. Conversations initiated on brand-owned channels like Facebook and Twitter added to the buzz that was amplified by earned placements on top sites like The Huffington Post, USA Today and NBC Sports. To date, the videos have garnered more than 3.2 million views on YouTube alone, 40% of which can be attributed to female audiences whose passion for the game, the brand and its spokespeople rivals that of their male counterparts. By marrying this insight – that women actually enjoy football – to the combined Social Media star-power of Troy, Hines and Brett, we able to secure an additional 3.5 million media impressions fans on behalf of the brand.
Born of the efforts of MMC, the Head & Shoulders brand team and our integrated agency partners, this win is truly a testament to power of nimble collaboration. It’s also an example of how a brand can be transformed through the power of Social Media. We couldn’t be more pleased to receive this accolade and look forward to celebrating on May 8th when the awards ceremony takes place in our fair city.
Related links:
Troy Polamalu Gets His Million Dollar Hair Buzzed Off By A Teammate!
Troy Polamalu at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Head & Shoulders – Troy and Brett Dancin’ with the Hines
