Digital Review: Looking Back On THe Key Changes For 2015

Continuous Evolution

As we quickly approach the end of 2015 it seems like a good idea to take a moment to review some of the key changes that have taken or in some cases, continued to take place within the digital landscape. The list below although not exhaustive, captures some of the main ones that should guide your strategic planning for 2016 and beyond.

Mobile Is How People Engage With You

It is extraordinary to think that around 80% of all Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest users typically connect with these powerhouse platforms through mobile devices today and no longer through the more traditional desk top and lap top devices. Understanding this quantum shift, Google mandated that from April 21, 2015 all websites needed to be fully mobile responsive to ensure that users were able to maximise their user experience on that site. Clearly every business must by now be certain that every site adheres to these requirements and provides all users a first rate experience.

Multiple Sites Per User

As users become more familiar with social media there is a clear trend that users are routinely using more sites and engaging with more communities than ever before. This represents a great opportunity for  businesses that are now able to look at each type of platform and use it to fulfil one specific function rather than demand one platform to carry out everything.

Frequency of Site Usage

In the same away that users are using more social sites, they are also visiting those sites more frequently. This frequency rate establishes a baseline of user expectation that requires businesses to respond by providing information, discussion, news, posts, pictures, general updates, etc. at a rate and frequency that aligns to the markets expectations. For example a typical business would aim to tweet around  four times a day. In simple words then if you are unable or unwilling to do this, that's OK. All it means is that you should look for other platforms that carry out the same strategic role.

Video Is The Preferred Content Type 

We can debate why video is so popular. Is it because in the modern day with the compression of time where we need to do more in less time, video allows for quicker message transference?  Is it because there is a preponderance of individuals who have a visual preference to learning style as opposed to reading or doing? Honestly I don't know but what I do know is that the use and preference for video continues to grow and requires all businesses to strategically and routinely integrate video into what they are doing.

E-Commerce Growing Exponentially

I remember being asked at a Marketing conference in 2008 what percentage of domestic sales were being made on line. Thankfully I had recently read the number in an article and so shared with the audience that it was one, one thousandth of one percent. Today seven years late it has grown to eight percent. This represents an incredible growth curve and with the continued use of SSL certificates and other protective measures, this number will continue to rise steeply into the future.
This all means that businesses need to provide their customers and prospects options to buy online in a secure space to remain competitive with rivals who do. This trend has seen the development of platforms such as Magento that allow businesses to build e-commerce sites that are specifically set up to sell on line and also the rise of apps such as Google Wallet that enable users to store their credit card data that they can utilise for their online shopping through their mobile phones.

Suffice to say that the social space is continuing to change and align to the underlying needs and wants of the market as it always has and we as businesses need to adapt our approach to ensure we are also providing these opportunities to our audience.

For more information on social and digital training go to:
www.roadscholarstraining.com


So let me end by saying I wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year and look forward to 2016 where we will continue to talk about all things Marketing, Business and Digital.

Regards,
Daniele.

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year To All

This week I'd like to take a step back from  Business, Social Media and all things Sales and Marketing and focus instead on something more important.

Namely family and friends and how at this time of year it's certainly a time to reflect on how fortunate we are to be surrounded with so many good people who all help enrich our lives and really help to make life worth living.

On a personal note I'd like to thank all the readers for their support, feedback and input as it makes doing the Road Scholars blog so enjoyable.  As well I'd also like to wish you and those special to you a very safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

And until next time, good luck and as always, good luck and good marketing.

Regards,
Daniele.

Google Launches The New Google Plus

A New Era For Google Plus

As of now Google Plus has changed in look and focus. As we reported some time back Google were keen to reshape its flagship networking platform and a s of now it has indeed changed its look and functionality.

Research Based

Google report that they have based their changes to Google Plus to the feedback that Google Plus users have provided. Specifically the lion's share of voice confirmed that there were two key platform aspects that were crucial to the popularity and appeal of Google Plus. 

Namely the Google Plus Communities which are averaging over 1.2 million new joins each day

and the recent addition of Collections which launched just six months ago and experiencing an even steeper growth curve than Communities.

Infinite Possibilities

Whether it’s the realm of Comic Book Collectors where people can are discussing their favourite Batman super villain or Antique enthusiasts that discuss the best in the  world of antiquing, these and other equally passionate cul de sacs of passion and enthusiasm are where enthusiasts of all descriptions engage and discuss their thoughts with other like minded individuals from around the globe. 

Redesigned, Refined and Mobile Friendly

As of now then Google+ has been redesigned and refined and has as its primary focus Communities and Collections where a persons interests can also take centre stage.  

Additionally with the changes from April 21 this year, Google Plus has been made more mobile-friendly, were regardless of your mobile choice, be it Android or iOS, each user will be certain to receive a better and more even experience, regardless of what device they are accessing Google from.

Opt In Process

To access this new platform, each user will need to opt-in to this new version of Google+ to be able to see the changes and begin to take fully advantage of these exciting new areas of engagement.

Further Information

 

To learn more about all things digital and social media sign up now for a one day course and book at:
http://www.vecci.org.au/business-solutions/training/short-courses/marketing-sales-and-service/social-media-fundamentals

So until next time, good luck and good marketing.
Regards,
Daniele.

Pinterest Introduces Its New Visual Search Tool

Innovation

 

I know how much I seem to talk about innovation and doing things a little better and a little bit differently as a basis for differentiation, but only every now and then do we get industry initiatives that meet the challenge of meaningful differentiation.

Two Key Criteria

 

From a previous post you may remember we set up two key criteria for meaningful differentiation that would in any case have the potential to add significant value to your brand.

They were:

 

1. A difference that related to an unmet need

2. The ability to sustain that feature over time.

Visual Search Tool

 

So with that as the background let’s see how Pinterest’s new feature stacks up.

Consider that as you’re looking through your favourite images you may often see something that you think:  “yes that’s exactly what I need”. But what is it called. You know it as one thing and yet its common name is something else under which it will be listed. A scenario that may lead to some frustration as you search in vain to find it.

Well, now with this new identification tool Pinterest have provided a means of locating things that you are not sure how to name and properly classify.

Simply when you spot something in a picture that you are interested in, simply click the search tool in the corner. Then highlight that portion of the image that you are interested in and Pinterest will automatically find the types of products that this highlighted section represents. Pinterest even allow you to further drill down in terms of filtering the search results by topic to more accurately focus in on the specific area you are interested in.

In this example provided by Pinterest by honing in on the lamp we find that what it’s called (“Antiqued Metal Funnel Pendant”), and from a commercial perspective, even more importantly where the lamp can be purchased.  

Within the same picture if you want to learn about other objects within the same image, all you need to do is just move the selected section around and reformat it to the size and shape of the next item you are interested in to obtain the same information.

Mobile and desk top functionality

Thank fully this exciting new tool is completely compatible to both mobile devices and non-mobile devices and promises to now to deliver greater value to people searching the net. 

Further Information

To learn more about all things digital and social media sign up now for a one day course and book at:
http://www.vecci.org.au/business-solutions/training/short-courses/marketing-sales-and-service/social-media-fundamentals

So until next time, good luck and good marketing.
Regards,
Daniele.

Pinterest Buyable Pins Expand To Android

 Android's Turn

Earlier this year we discussed that Pinterest had introduced Buyable Pins in the USA for apple based hardware such as iPhones and iPads and from that initial introductory phase, Pinterest have recently announced from earlier this month that they are now expanding the use of Buyable pins in the US market to Android as well.

Incredibly Pinterest have reported that there are already over sixty million available buyable Pins that platform users can buy from and do so whilst still staying on the Pinterest platform.

How to buy on Pinterest

1. Any product: that displays the blue price button will allow you to buy that product online.

2. Simple process: After deciding to purchase a particular item simply click the 'Buy It' button to  complete the transaction in a few short steps. As well it is good to know that Pinterest have told the market that they will save your information and therefore you will not be required to refill the same information time and time again.

3. Secure Purchases: Naturally online security remains a high priority for this and all other e-commerce sites globally so it is no surprise that the Pinterest transaction is protected ensuring your details will not fall into the wrong hands. Additionally each seller that applies for the blue button will be individually reviewed to ensure their credibility and integrity.

Welcome to the Pinterest Shop

In another related announcement, users and buyers will be able to access the best range of brands selling on Pinterest  at the all new: Pinterst Shop. The listings will be constantly updated and showcase the best in quality, range and value that are selected by Pinterest themselves. 

World renowned brands such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.  The Pinterest Shop will be phased in fully in the next few weeks and you will be able to locate it when available simply clicking the Explore icon then click Shop.

Global Roll Out

Again there has been no official announcement as to when these exciting new features will be made available beyond the US but if the initial success within the US is any guide, non US markets will not have long to wait.

Further Study

To learn more about all things digital and social media sign up now for a one day course and book at:
http://www.vecci.org.au/business-solutions/training/short-courses/marketing-sales-and-service/social-media-fundamentals

So until next time, good luck and good marketing.
Regards,
Daniele.