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Oct
12
2010
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New Media’s Relationship with Politics
In 2008, President Obama’s presidential campaign changed political marketing in various ways, but as a digital media agency we were intrigued with his use of social and mobile media to connect and garner support from the American people. After witnessing the overwhelming amount of success Barack Obama had with his voters, 2010 midterm election candidates on both sides of the aisle are embracing the power of new media, such as geo-targeted mobile ads, social websites and appealing designs that evoke a sense of sociability and openness, to connect with voters in time for election day. Similar to President Obama’s mobile marketing efforts, candidates running in the 2010 midterm elections have stepped up their mobile advertising through geo-targeted mobile ads. Rep. Michele Bachmann used this tactic to target Minnesotans specifically at the state fair this past summer and as the Star Tribune notes, “campaigns are spending more of their budgets on sophisticated web ads that zero in on specific locations and demographics,” and rightly so. As we discussed in a past blog, mobile phones are a hyper-personal medium. Targeting smart phone users based on age, location, gender, search terms and residence can create awareness among groups of voters that matter most to a campaign’s overall success. In addition to geo-targeted mobile ads, political parties have increased their social media use (of note, Republicans now hold eight of the top ten Capitol Hill Twitter spots, while 300 members of congress have turned to Facebook to stay in touch with the voting public) and taken steps to create community websites for constituents to interact with the political party and fellow voters. This past May, the GOP did this very thing when launching America Speaking Out. Its purpose is to solicit policy ideas from community members, who then vote for their favorite policy idea in order to create the GOP’s “Pledge to America.” The integration with Facebook and Twitter take this concept a step further as community members are able to share a policy idea and/or vote with their network of friends. Finally, it doesn’t just end with new media channels. Design now plays an integral role in making sure the brand of a political party is open and inviting, encouraging a stronger social relationship. America Speaking Out moved in this direction with their website design and color palette in order to speak to voters who are unhappy with current leadership. Another intriguing web design change came from the Democratic National Committee. Armed with a new logo (reminiscent of Facebook and Twitter icons) and website redesign, the party’s new look was created to reflect what the DNC wishes to represent to America – “a community.” Based on our observations of the new social media and mobile methods being used for the 2010 midterm elections quickly approaching, it’s obvious that new media is changing the face of political campaigning. With that said, we are confident that the new media tactics and strategies used today will empower politicians and political parties to expand their social reach by creating a network of supporters who will help spread their message to the American people. |
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Sep
13
2010
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Mindgruve Boosts Sunfood to 75K Facebook Members and Beyond
By using innovative social media and marketing tactics, Sunfood’s online community increases by 100% in only four months.SAN DIEGO,CA – September 13, 2010 – Through the use of online contests, unique content and exclusive deals, San Diego-based digital media firm, Mindgruve, has been able to push Sunfood’s Facebook Page past 75,000 engaged members. Mindgruve has worked closely with Sunfood to create specific content targeted at the superfood community. Initiatives such as the weekly deals Facebook tab, exclusive educational content and weekly product giveaways have allowed members to remain engaged while also generating new users. “The Sunfood Facebook Page has greatly helped Sunfood increase its exposure to the health food community. With the innovations and content that Mindgruve has been able to generate, our Facebook page has become the core for a growing online superfood community,” explained Brian Bowers, Sunfood’s Director of Product Development. In addition to the current features, Mindgruve is working to create new strategies and features to further engage the audience, which has an average of 300 people “liking” the page daily. These features will include increased promotional giveaways as well as new content and recipes from guest chefs and leaders within the raw food community. “Sunfood has long been a leader within the raw food and healthy lifestyle communities. Their Facebook page has allowed them to continue their leadership role and provide a place for superfoodies to band together and share their healthy living experiences. Future initiatives, such as the ability to purchase foods in-tab, should only increase the engagement and interactivity for this group,” said Chad Robley, President of Mindgruve. About Sunfood |
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Jul
16
2010
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Online Video Marketing: Relatable, Engaging Content Leads to Successful Campaigns
Online video is a major part of the interactive world and many say it’s the future of marketing. However, it wasn’t until recently that we’ve seen companies actively use it to reach audiences online. Toyota (apart from the recall woes faced earlier this year) and Levi’s have shown great leadership with their current campaigns. Inspired by Reel SEO’s tips for creating a web series, we believe these brands hit the nail on the head with content that centers on universal truths for the target audience, encouraging them to contribute, watch and share with others. Toyota Already, millions have gone out of their way to meet the family. As Spork Marketing Blog notes, unlike traditional TV advertising, “online video viewers have elected to watch your content – it’s not being forced upon them.” With nearly 3 million YouTube channel views and over 4 million views of Swagger Wagon alone, Toyota has achieved an online video marketing success. Levi’s Unlike Toyota’s series of laughable family quirks, this series of online videos pull at the heart strings by tapping into the idea of hard work, a theme integral to America and Levi’s roots, while also highlighting a very real concept many have faced in light of economic highs and lows, starting over. These personal narratives will be carried through the entire series as it showcases the potential of Braddock residents, including Braddock’s Mayor who expresses his passion for the town with heartfelt tattoos. Still early in the campaign, Levi’s made the right decision to captivate their audience by leveraging their Facebook Page and YouTube channel. The use of their social network makes the series easily accessible to those already interested and is sure to help spread the word about this resilient community and Levi’s brand. Done correctly, online videos can be an engaging medium and possess the ability to enhance your marketing with repeated viewing, sharing and meaningful discussion. While there is no surefire way to guarantee a hit, choosing and executing on a theme universal to your audience is a good first step. |
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Jul
7
2010
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Mindgruve Powers Sunfood Facebook Page to 50,000 “Likes”
Through a strategic social media campaign, Mindgruve increases superfood community to over 50,000 members in seven months.SAN DIEGO, CA – July 7, 2010 – Seven months after launching the Sunfood Facebook page, San Diego-based digital media firm, Mindgruve, has produced a series of key social media engagements to propel the online community, Facebook.com/Sunfood, to over 50,000 members. Closely collaborating with Sunfood, Mindgruve continues to improve their efforts by utilizing a custom-built weekly deals Facebook tab, weekly product sample giveaways, targeted Facebook ads, website display ads and email marketing. “This is a huge milestone for Sunfood and our online community. Mindgruve’s guidance and knowledge of this space has allowed our Facebook Page to become the hub for all conversations relating to raw foods and superfoods, and given us countless opportunities to directly connect with our consumers,” stated Brian Bowers, Sunfood’s Director of Product Development. With an average of 300 people joining the page daily, Mindgruve is actively working to create and implement additional features for Sunfood’s Facebook Page, including custom tabs that will give health-conscious individuals the ability to shop within Facebook, contribute to important topics of conversation and find recipes for their lifestyle. “Every day Sunfood is doing their part to share the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. With an average of over 600 monthly interactions, it’s clear that Sunfood’s page members are actively seeking this information. We’re eager to help Sunfood provide valuable insights through more integrated features, such as custom applications, as well as other exciting initiatives, including SunfoodTV and a Superfoods Community,” explained Chad Robley, President of Mindgruve. About Sunfood |
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May
5
2010
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Mindgruve Propels Sunfood Facebook Page to 25,000 Community Members
Using robust Facebook Page capabilities, Mindgruve drives the community to 25,000+ members in under six months.SAN DIEGO,CA – May 5, 2010 – Since launching the Sunfood Facebook Page in January, San Diego-based digital media firm, Mindgruve, has provided a series of social media initiatives to build the online community, Facebook.com/Sunfood, to over 25,000 members. Leveraging a custom-built weekly deals Facebook application, an Earth Day Giveaway contest and other weekly promotions, Mindgruve continues to support Sunfood’s efforts with targeted Facebook ads, website display ads and email marketing. “The success behind our Facebook page is directly related the amount of work Mindgruve has done behind the scenes to help us develop the community. We couldn’t have met 25,000 members without their quick work and strategic planning in launching efforts like our Earth Day promotion and weekly giveaways,” explained Brian Bowers, Sunfood’s Director of Product Development. As more people continue to join the page, Mindgruve moves to develop more immersive features for Sunfood’s Facebook page. The page will soon feature custom tabs, which will allow for shopping within Facebook while also giving health food enthusiasts increased opportunities to contribute and interact with other members. “With nearly 100 interactions and almost 200 new community members every day, the success we’ve seen has been amazing. As Sunfood continues to find the best new superfoods, we look forward to developing innovative ways to share them. These include SunfoodTV, an online video channel for recipes and product reviews, and Superfoods Community, a superfood-specific online community focused on health, lifestyle and personal growth,” stated Chad Robley, President of Mindgruve. About SunfoodSunfood is the world’s leading provider of high-quality superfoods, including sustainable, organic and raw products. Distributing over 700 different products, their website has become the nucleus of the growing superfood global community. Sunfood also provides staff experts, educational materials and various other tools used for integrating the health benefits of superfoods into their patrons lifestyles. www.Sunfood.com |
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