Archive for April 2nd, 2008

The democratic candidate campaign currently being run between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has been fascinating indeed.

Just take a look at You Tube as an example of how the two candidates are embracing technology.

Here are the current stats:

Barack Obama

Number of Videos Uploaded - 847
Number of Channel Views - 13,302,236
Number of Channel Subscribers - 42,416

Hiliary Clinton

Number of Videos Uploaded - 309
Number of Channel Views - 1,427,418
Number of Channel Subscribers - 12,445

It looks like Barack and his team have embraced You Tube (and no doubt other Web 2 marketing technologies) in a big way having uploaded more than double the number of videos uploaded by the Clinton campaign.

Now this in itself is not going to dramatically impact the result, however just take a look at the number of channel views … Obama and his team have achieved 12 Million more views.

That is a significant difference and may in fact be enough to have a dramatic impact on the final results.

As an interesting study take a look at the type of videos being uploaded. Barack has uploaded tons of short snippets (2 to 5 minutes long) of key moments in his speeches. They are compelling viewing and demonstrate a clear message that there is a wave of momentum swinging to Obama of people ready for change.

Clinton on the other hand chooses to upload TV ads and the like, as well as videos by other senators and notables endorsing here.

If you want to take a look at how the Democratic candidates are utilising You Tube to market themselves then follow this link:

http://au.youtube.com/youchoose

Another interesting aspect of marketing their respective campaigns through You Tube is that for the first time the people have a voice. In just one of Barack Obama’s videos there have been more than 6,000 comments left.

According to Seth Godin (Author of Meatball Sundae) this is one of the key marketing trends of the future … entering into a dialogue with your clients and potential clients and building a sense of community.

The question I have for you is this … ‘Is it possible that Obama is more in tune with the mood of the people in 2008 and how they are receiving information about the election campaign than Clinton?’

Also … have you been following along on You Tube with the election campaign and how is it impacting your views in the race?

What can we learn about effective marketing utilising new media such as You Tube for your small business?

Leave your comments and thoughts.

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When it comes to marketing for small business many small business owners have got it wrong.

They are confusing marketing tactics with marketing strategy. Let me explain …

Marketing tactics are things that small business owners do to generate more business. They tend to be isolated attempts at acquiring clients.

Confusing marketing tactics with an inteligent marketing strategy can result in a lacklustre approach to attracting new clients, and growing your business.

Designing a new business card is a marketing tactic.

Taking out an ad in the local paper, or in a trade magazine is a marketing tactic.

Putting up a web site because you have heard it is a great way to market yourself is another marketing tactic.

Printing up a thousand glossy flyers promoting your services again is another marketing tactic.

Now there is nothing wrong with all of these marketing tactics as such. In fact they are all important to any successful business. However, if there is no well thought out marketing strategy behind each of these tactics then you will fail to fully leverage your marketing efforts.

When business gets tight, the majority of small business owners will reach first for yet another marketing tactic to bring in new business. The challenge is that they may get busy again from these tactics and so they stop marketing as they fulfill their service for the new clients.

In effect they are marketing haphazardly and with little plan or strategy behind their efforts. Sound familiar?

Its great to launch a new web site for your business (tactic) but what will you do with visitors when they find your site (strategy)?

Your marketing strategy ties all of your marketing tactics together into a synergistic system that drives your business success.

A well thought out marketing strategy can transform your business. Before you spend time and money with yet another marketing tactic stop, take time out of your business and focus on your marketing strategy.

If you need help with your marketing strategy then Profit Minute can help.

Click here to find out how.

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