The WOMMA Word37% of Online Canadian Adults Have a Social Net Profile
According to a recent study from Ipsos Reid, Canadians have jumped onto the social networking bandwagon with full force.
Radiohead Gets Fans Talking By Giving Its Music Away
The band Radiohead put its most recent CD, In Rainbows, up for sale on its website, letting fans pay what they want in exchange for downloading the entire disk. Whether or not this will usher in a new music distribution model remains to be seen, but for now, Radiohead has tons of happy fans and got people talking.
WOM Power Eases the Hard Sell: Crocs
How Ed Wunsch used word of mouth marketing to viralize the now-famous ugly shoes. Crocs went from plastic boating shoe to cultural explosion, all through the magic of word of mouth.
Restaurants Woo Bloggers in Hopes of Scoring Stellar Reviews
Restaurants around the country are hosting social networking parties -- which include free food and drinks -- as a way to get in the good graces of bloggers and review-site users. A case of ample sampling, or does this constitute paying off bloggers for positive reviews -- and where does disclosure fit in?
Did Ford Break the Rules With Its 'Swap Your Ride' Campaign?
Ford didn't offer up full disclosure about its recent "Swap Your Ride" campaign, in which consumers were told they were testing vehicles for market research, until after the fact. Did they breach WOMMA's Ethics Code? Bloggers weigh in.
Older Social Networkers More Desirable Than Teens Users
Social networking companies are becoming less enchanted with the fickle teen market and are turning to Baby Boomers and older online users in hopes of finding a more reliable audience.
Facebook Facilitates the Spread of WOM
Facebook and other online social networks are digitizing socialization -- and by association, word of mouth. If Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has anything to say about it, pretty soon everyone will be connected, hyper-charging people's capacity to send and receive word of mouth information.
Consumers Worldwide Trust Word of Mouth Most
According to eMarketer, folks all around the globe are tuning into (and trusting) word of mouth marketing. All the more reason for a marketing professional to turn to (and trust) word of mouth as a part of their marketing mix.
78% of Consumers Trust Word of Mouth Over All Advertising
A recent Nielsen Internet study found that word of mouth marketing is the most valuable advertising platform, with 78% of consumers claiming to trust information from other consumers more than any kind of advertising information.
Event Deals
At WOMMA, we like to save our members money. Right now, WOMMA is offering savings worth $800+ on leading industry events. Atlanta Integrated Marketing Summit Oct. 11 | Atlanta, GA WOMMA members pay just $65 Forrester's Consumer Forum 2007 Oct....
Blog the Conference for a Chance to Win a Free Hotel Upgrade
WOMMA's Word of Mouth Marketing Summit and Research Symposium are taking place this Nov. 13-15 in Las Vegas. It's the official event in word of mouth marketing, where the entire industry converges to have the big conversations about word of...
>> Event Deals 10/11/07
At WOMMA, we like to save our members money. Right now, WOMMA is offering savings worth $300+ on leading industry events. --> SMX Social Media Oct. 16-17 | New York WOMMA members save 10% --> WOMUK Launch Summit Oct. 16-17...
>> WOMMA Member News 10/11/07
* Congratulations to WOMMA member company WHITTMANHART Interactive, which won five different 2007 Web Awards from the Web Marketing Association -- one Advertising Standard of Excellence Award and four different Outstanding Website Awards. * Congratulations to WOMMA member company Converseon,...
>> WOMMA News 10/11/07
Monday on the Facebook Observer Blog, WOMMA's Facebook group, which boasts more than 450 members, was named one of the top 15 marketing Facebook groups. To join WOMMA's Facebook group -- and the conversation -- visit: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3272859876...
How to Recover and Keep Your WOM in Tact
Everyone makes mistakes, so how do you keep yours from costing you a customer? Here are four tips for how to keep word of mouth working in your favor -- even when you stumble.
Tacoma YouTube Spot Grabs One Million Views in 48 Hours
Viral marketing done right can make all the difference. A Saatchi & Saatchi spot for Toyota's Tacoma got tons of people clicking and watching on YouTube.
College Students Like Social Nets, Love Facebook
Facebook has taken the top spot as the official favorite website of college students, according to the "GenX2Z College Brand Study" from Anderson Analytics' Youth Research Initiative. College kids are crazy about social networking, and Facebook is their favorite place to be.
Newspapers and Bloggers Cozying Up
Instead of facing off against one another, newspapers and bloggers are getting a little closer. From sharing content to sharing ad revenue, the relationship between newspapers and bloggers is shifting.
Yahoo! and MediaVest Identify New Influencer: Passionista
What's a Passionista? According to a recent Yahoo! and MediaVest study, "Passionistas: The New Empowered Consumers," these influencers are passionate about their interests and spend a lot of time online keeping informed.
>> Book Your Vegas Hotel Now: Lock in Low WOMMA Rate, $169
From now until Oct. 24, the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is offering WOMMA Word of Mouth Marketing Summit attendees a room rate of $169 per night -- a deep discount for Sin City. But after the...
>> Event Deals 10/12/07
At WOMMA, we like to save our members money. Right now, WOMMA is offering savings worth $300+ on leading industry events. --> SMX Social Media Oct. 16-17 | New York WOMMA members save 10% --> WOMUK Launch Summit Oct. 16-17...
>> WOMMA Member News 10/12/07
* WOMMA member BzzAgent was recently featured on the CBS Evening News in a segment called "Spreading the Buzz." To watch the clip or read the transcript, visit http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/02/eveningnews/main3320485.shtml. * Congratulations to WOMMA member company Morock, which was recently presented...
Acura Gives Free Cars to Second Lifers to Generate WOM
A free car is sure to get people talking, but will a virtual-car give-away do the trick? Acura thinks so, and has teamed up with Reuters to get the word out about its Second Life SUV promotion.
eBay Launches Online Social Neighborhood
eBay is making it easier than ever for its buyers and sellers to connect. Their newly launched "eBay Neighborhoods" allows folks with similar interests to share everything from tips and tricks to photos and reviews.
KickApps Offers Nine Tips for Online Community Success
Done right, launching a social community can take have enormous impact on your organization. KickApps details nine ways companies can steer clear of online community failure -- outlining best practices and good planning techniques.
75% of U.K. Internet Users Visited Social Nets in August
According to a recent study from WOMMA member company comScore, three-fours of British internet users visited social networking sites in August, and they spent an average of six hours on social sites throughout the month.
Breaking into a Virtual Worlds, a Guide
Virtual worlds are ripe with conversational potential, but before WOM marketers can use them effectively, they have to understand the lingo, the customs, and the rules of engagement.
The Big Stories at WOMMA's 2007 Summit: Microsoft Halo 3, Southwest Airlines and Other Band Fans, and Much More!
At the Word of Mouth Marketing Summit, which is taking place Nov. 14-15 in Las Vegas, you'll hear from top word of mouth strategists, practitioners, and researchers in participatory sessions that dig deeply into some of the year's most exciting...
>> Event Deals 10/15/07
At WOMMA, we like to save our members money. Right now, WOMMA is offering savings worth $300+ on leading industry events. --> SMX Social Media Oct. 16-17 | New York WOMMA members save 10% --> WOMUK Launch Summit Oct. 16-17...
A Little Social Networking for Everyone
From moms to people with illnesses or aspiring chefs, actresses, musicians, and models, everyone's getting social on the web. People are talking, the sites that host them are cashing in, so what does it mean for WOM marketers?
Bloggers Unite to Instigate Environmental Change
Today is Blog Action Day, and so far more than 15,000 blogs have joined the cause. These bloggers have pledged to post about the environment today, with the hope that all of those bloggers' voices joined together might stir change.
Word of Mouth Wins Elections
A new study from a group of physicists in Italy shows that, when it comes to their votes, people are more likely to listen to their friends than politicians' policies.
62% of Internet Users Read Customer Reviews
A recent study sponsored by Deloitte Consumer Product Group found that 62% of internet users read customer reviews, and 99% of those who read them find reviews "somewhat" to "very" trustworthy.
Nintendo's WOM Marketing Garners Nod From AdAge
Over the weekend, the Nintendo company was named AdAge's marketer of the year. Nintendo used a great product and word of mouth marketing tactics to get the word out, igniting enthusiasts and appealing to new groups of people -- including moms.
>> 5 Reasons You Need to Attend WOMMA's 2007 Summit
1.) In 2007, WOM Changed Dramatically Thought leaders will cover the entire gamut of WOM marketing issues and trends from 2007 -- all the latest changes in this dynamic industry, including: - The Social Network Surge: Where Does WOM...
>> WOMMA News 10/16/07
The Word of Mouth Marketing Summit and Research Symposium have been added as an event to WOMMA's Facebook group. If you'd like to see who's coming to Vegas or would like to make some connections prior to the event, just...
Pfizer Teaming Up With Social Site for Doctors
Pfizer is partnering with social networking site, Sermo, Inc. -- a social networking site for the MD crowd where they can seek advice from other physicians.
Socialnetworkitis Strikes the Heavily Connected
If you're completely overwhelmed by the number of social networking platforms you use to stay connected and meet different needs, you're not alone. And the syndrome has even been given a name: Socialnetworkitis.
Facebook Etiquette: What Not to Do
Want to lose Facebook friends faster than you can "poke"? Break the rules of etiquette and don't respect the venue, and that's just what'll happen.
Companies and Customers Getting Closer: What Does it Mean?
Companies are no longer insulated from the customers they serve -- they're in direct contact via a variety of online platforms. Is this new model a risk, an asset, or both?
To Blog or Not to Blog? 20 Reasons to Opt Out
For a lot of businesses, blogging just makes sense. But for others, it's not such a good fit. Use these "20 Reasons" to help evaluate if starting a blog is the right move for your company.
>> 5 Reasons You Need to Attend WOMMA's 2007 Summit
1.) In 2007, WOM Changed Dramatically Thought leaders will cover the entire gamut of WOM marketing issues and trends from 2007 -- all the latest changes in this dynamic industry, including: - The Social Network Surge: Where Does WOM Fit...
How the Obama Girl Went From 'Viral' to 'Sensation'
Learn how the "I Got a Crush on Obama" video became a political, viral sensation with millions of views on YouTube. Ben Relles details what he did to make it happen.
Google's Success in Word of Mouth
Before the company was a household name, Google used word of mouth to spread the news about its services, giving it the freedom to avoid traditional ads and keep its "cool."
How to Make Your Podcast Work for You
Don't know what to do with podcasts? Find out how to use podcasts to your marketing advantage from the guy who wrote the book -- literally. His name is Greg Cangialosi, and he's the author of "Podcast Academy: The Business Podcasting Book: Launching, Marketing, and Measuring Your Podcast."
Online Video: What Works, What Doesn't, and What Not to Do
Companies are spending lots of dough on online video, which is a relatively new ad platform that marketers are still trying to master. A recent Adweek Media Digital Special Report offers some insights on what marketers can do to best utilize online video ads -- without jeopardizing their offline marketing efforts.
Nike Backs Off Traditional Ads, Gets Closer to Consumers
Nike's most recent advertising efforts have been aimed primarily at getting the company closer to its customers. From online running communities to sponsored fun-runs around the country, the company is using nontraditional means, and consumers are paying attention.
5 Reasons You Need to Attend WOMMA's 2007 Summit
1.) In 2007, WOM Changed Dramatically Thought leaders will cover the entire gamut of WOM marketing issues and trends from 2007 -- all the latest changes in this dynamic industry, including: - The Social Network Surge: Where Does WOM Fit...
Music Industry Turns to WOM to Save Slumping Sales
In recent months, the music industry, which has been limping at the retail level, has turned to word of mouth to boost its ailing sales. Social music platforms like iLike and AOL's AIM have helped users tell their friends about the music they love.
Evangelists: Don't Try to Buy Them; Turn Them On
True evangelism isn't something you can buy, but it is something you can foster. Find your evangelists, empower them, reward them, and don't let them forget why they loved you in the first place.
B2B Buyers Use Testimonials to Make Purchase Decisions
According to a recent study from Enquiro Research, B2B buyers turn to implementation testimonials, as well as comparative pricing and product information, when making purchase decisions. More than 89% of B2B buyers visit vendor websites and use search engines and industry information websites -- all potential sources of WOM -- to gather pre-purchase information.
Social Media Big Player in Holiday 2007 Shopping
According to a recent report from WOMMA member company OneUpWeb, social media is going to play an integral role in this year's holiday marketing. The report, titled "Secrets of Social Marketing Success: How 2007 Hot Holiday Products are Being Marketed Online," looks at how social media is affecting the online marketing mix.
Good Marketing Leaders Turn Customers into Advocates
Senior marketers weighed in, and according to a recent ANA and Booz Allen Hamilton study, the key factors for great leadership in marketing include a lot of WOM-focused traits, including: Make your consumer an advocate.
5 Reasons You Need to Attend WOMMA's 2007 Summit
1.) In 2007, WOM Changed Dramatically Thought leaders will cover the entire gamut of WOM marketing issues and trends from 2007 -- all the latest changes in this dynamic industry, including: - The Social Network Surge: Where Does WOM Fit...
Zappos Makes Customer Happy, Earns Good WOM
When a death in the family stopped a Zappos customer from returning her ill-fitting shoes within the 15-day return window, not only did Zappos still accept the return, they sent her flowers. The customer blogged, and that post was picked up by tons of other bloggers and media channels, generating lots of positive word of mouth for Zappos.
Cafe Says 'No Thanks' to Snarky Yelpers
An Oakland, Calif. cafe has posted a "No Yelpers" sign behind the coffee bar in response to some not-so-nice reviews that were written on the social networking review site. In response, Cafe Rooz has caught the attention of more Yelpers than it bargained for -- and now they're hopping mad.
Social Bookmarking Drives WOM, Website Traffic
Not only is social networking good for word of mouth, it dramatically boosts website traffic. Find out how to leverage your WOM-worthiness into an added search engine and web traffic benefit.
90% of Marketers Set to Spend More in Social Media
Nine in 10 marketers are planning to increase their ad spending in social media, according to a new report from Prospero Technologies. Fifty-nine percent said 2007 social media performance met or exceeded their marketing objectives -- in spite of a lack of ROI measures.
Conversation Marketing on Its Way to Mainstream
Spending on social media and other forms of conversational marketing will surpass traditional media by 2012, according to a recent study from TWI Surveys Inc. According to the study, 81% of marketers indicate that their social media spending will soon surpass dollars spent on traditional ads.
5 Reasons You Need to Attend WOMMA's 2007 Summit
1.) In 2007, WOM Changed Dramatically Thought leaders will cover the entire gamut of WOM marketing issues and trends from 2007 -- all the latest changes in this dynamic industry, including: - The Social Network Surge: Where Does WOM Fit...
Sonic Encourages Customers to 'Bring It'
Instead of getting huffy when Sonic customers started posting parodies of the company's commercials on YouTube, the company posted a funny video, encouraging customers to "keep bringing it," embracing the organic enthusiasm their customers had generated.
Pick up Customers Without a Line
Engaging customers is more than just feeding them a line and hoping they'll bite. It's about being WOM-worthy. Without a genuine connection to your customers, advertising comes off stale. So what's a company to do?
He Who Generates the Most WOM Wins
Up-and-coming bands are using blogs and online social networks to generate waves of word of mouth enthusiasm, which result in more listens and more fans in the stands. Some bands are gaining enormous amounts of notoriety, could the same techniques work for brands?
Get Bloggers' Attention Without Jeopardizing Objectivity
Marketing and PR folks are trying to win the affections of bloggers -- especially in the race to land on Techmeme. In the race for blogger attention, how do you balance getting coverage while maintaining high ethical standards -- and stomaching honest, negative feedback?
Tips for Choosing the Right Ambassador for You
Brand ambassadors don't come with a one-size-fits-all label; you need to pick the ambassadors that are the right fit for your brand. Here are a few things to look for when selecting the best enthusiasts for your ambassador program.
Hurry! Book Your Hotel for Summit -- Lock in Great $169 Rate
For two more days, the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is offering WOMMA Word of Mouth Marketing Summit attendees a room rate of $169 per night -- a deep discount for Sin City. But after Thursday, Oct....