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Honda Insight – Building Buzz through Blog

Cari — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:56:24 +0000

I’m really surprised that someone hasn’t thought of doing this before. Honda has set up a blog specifically for the new Honda Insight, called Latest Insight.

The Insight is Honda’s redesigned hybrid model that some critics say looks very similar to the Toyota Prius. Knowing that the similarity would be a issue for some consumers, they nipped it in the bud by starting a conversation they can be a part of.

: Image via Wikipedia

The important thing is that they didn’t just set up a website for the new model, they set up a blog. They are talking directly to consumers as opposed to sending out a blanket message and trying to anticipate what consumers might say about the new design.

It has created a lot of buzz . . . for the cost of a blog. Throw on some videos, pictures, and respond honestly and transparently and you’re gold. The blog could continue to be very beneficial for Honda as long as they keep listening and responding in a meaningful way.

The blog is also a great tool for Honda to find out what they need to focus on in their future advertising for the Insight. It’s a perfect way to gather … insights.

Top 5 Companies That Are Getting It Right

eddie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:54:51 +0000

We have already talked about the companies that screwed up this past year. Now we want to talk about those companies that are using social media the way they should be – to interact with their customers.

1. GM

GM has a great blog that allows customer access to all things GM. Like any blog, customers are able to leave comments and give feedback on GM’s new developments. GM is also really good about tweeting. There is a Twitter feed on their blog so that their audience has the latest information possible.

2. Zappos

Zappos‘ brand is all about customer service. Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos is known for creating a company that truly values their customers and employees. Hsieh has said that they are all about listening to customers and trying out their suggestions. And he’s not just saying that. He has his own Twitter account that he regularly updates. 75% of their businesses is from repeat buyers.

3. Dell

Dell is one of the few large companies that is taking full advantage of social media. They’ve got the listening and engagement thing down. They have their own blog, “Your Blog” which provides information in a more personal, less corporate/markety approach.

4. Comcast

Comcast is currently known as one of the best social media practitioners. After hearing customer complaints, Comcast decided to get involved in the conversation. Comcast can now be found on Twitter under ComcastCares. Comcast knows that listening to their customers is imperative to the success of their company. They have found through using Twitter that customers appreciate being able to communicate with a real person they can relate to.

5. Microsoft

Microsoft has had a very open approach to blogging, which has helped them lately with the news of a new Internet Explorer virus. Microsoft was actually the first to report the virus, starting a media storm. Security experts have advised users against using IE until the patch has been proven effective. Microsoft has dealt with this really well by responding quickly and being as transparent as possible.

Here are some honorable mentions of C-suites taking advantage of Twitter.

Who’s blogging?

eddie — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:38:36 +0000

Every company in every industry is consumed by creating, maintaining, and capitalizing on qualified leads (people to sell their stuff to). The key word in that sentence in QUALIFIED. The more qualified the lead the better your chances of closing the sale. Companies use web ads, presentations, and emails coupled with opt-in/profile forms to qualify people. The problem with a qualified web lead is that they’re not very qualified. If you generate 1,000 leads you’re lucky to close a couple.

Why? The main reason they’re not qualified is that you’re chasing people trying to qualify them rather than allowing people to come to you and qualify themselves.

With well over 70,000,000 blogs in the blogosphere and 125,000 blogs created everyday blogging has become the ultimate form of communication and sharing. The tricky part is using the blogosphere to your advantage. Bloggers and blog readers are highly qualified for two primary reasons; first, they’re trying to find you, and, second, they’re highly motivated. The consumers have created the funnel and are weeding themselves out and it’s up to you to capture them instead of your competitor. That’s where buzz.io comes into play and blows your mind.

Here are some interesting facts about bloggers:

Over 1,000,000,000 internet users in 2005.
Approx. 8% of internet users keep a blog, or 80 million.
Approx. 57% of internet users read blogs regularly, or 570 million.
Average Age – Approx. 35 years. Though more than 40% of blogs are created by ages 24 – 34.
Male – 54% Female – 46%
Average Income – $56k
Average Years of Education – 14 years
White – 70% Hispanic – 20% African American – 12% Asian – 4%

Sources: Pew Internet & American Life Project blogger report, iLibrarian, useit.com.