In a global downturn, smart companies prepare for the next wave of prosperity - and what better way to do this than by making your website work harder.
Unlike in the Great Depression, companies can now take advantage of technology to push them through the tough economic times (Newsfactor, 2009).
So, when your margins are cut to the bone, but you still need to maintain that competitive edge, invest more in your online presence. It can grow your client base – and your business.
Use your website to innovate
Some really well-established companies now use online media and online social networks to sell themselves. Consider the campaigns of Pepsi and Ford.
Ford Fiesta campaign: Fiesta Movement
- Ford USA gave 100 new Fiestas to 100 agents (social media influencers) to test drive for 6 months ahead of the Fiesta’s launch in the States. Then, they went online - agents shared their
- Fiesta driving experiences via Twitter, Facebook, blogs and other networks.
The campaign ‘HQ’ is a beautifully designed website.
Pepsi campaign: Poptub
- Pepsi teamed up with Google to launch Poptub, a daily content distribution project showcasing the best of YouTube.
- Each YouTube video draws tens of thousands of viewers and builds the Pepsi brand with few overheads.
[source: Palmetto Scoop]
Use social media to draw people to your website
Use the web’s most powerful and FREE social networking tools to create a buzz and spread the word about your business.
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, blogs – these are free to use and can be integrated into your website.
Spotlight on Twitter
Micro-blogging service Twitter leads the pack when it comes to uptake by influential corporations and politicians. Barack Obama and fellow candidates used Twitter to spread their messages during the 2008 US presidential campaign.
Twitter works simply. ‘Twitterers’ post ‘tweets’ of up to 140 characters displayed on their profile page and delivered to subscribers (known as ‘followers’).
The service has experienced rapid growth and popularity since its creation in 2006 because it’s a free, fast and unfiltered way to communicate.
Like Obama, Kevin Rudd joined Twitter in 2008. The Twitter pages of both leaders link back to their websites, which both feature prominent homepage links back to Twitter and other social networking sites. This circular linking is a great way to encourage people back to the websites time and again.
Other benefits of Twitter and social networking sites:
- Ease of use. Social networking sites are designed for constant uploading of new content, so they’re easy to keep up to date.
- A wide, global reach for your message.
- Confirmation that your site is at the cutting edge of technology.
The message:
Constantly engage your customers and prospective customers. Keep the conversation going by incorporating the best of social media into your website.
icemedia can help. We know websites and we know social media. Contact us for a chat about how we can turn your website from an imitator to an innovator!