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Written by Michael Fleischner
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Saturday, 21 April 2007 |
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Word Count: 585 Web 2.0 - What You Need to Know
By now you've heard the term "Web 2.0"... but what does it mean and why is it
important for all marketers? Here's a quick explanation and my thoughts on the
importance of the Web 2.0 movement.
"Web 2.0" is a weird phrase. It began as the name of a conference, but the
people organizing the conference didn't really know what they meant by it.
Mostly they thought it sounded catchy. However, "Web 2.0" has since taken on a
meaning. There are some interesting new trends on the Web, and it's the nature
of a phrase like that to adhere to them.
From what I can gather, Web 2.0 is all about the social networks being created
on the web. Websites like Digg, MySpace, Flickr, Blogger, Wikis, etc. are all
operating inside this bubble we call Web 2.0. If you want a really detailed
explanation of Web 2.0, visit the site that started it all at
http://www.oreillynet.com . I'll save you a lot of reading... it's
complicated – but incredibly simple at the same time.
Web 2.0 simply defines the evolution of the world wide web. It describes the
Internet as it was intended to be - a resource that allows for information
creation, sharing, and dissemination. Why is this important to us as marketers?
Because marketing is all about WOM (you guessed it, "Word-of-Mouth"), building
brand, and communicating your message.
If you've been following the Traffic & Making Money From Your Blog">blogging circles lately, you’ve not doubt heard of
the latest controversy- blogging for payment. The idea that someone would
actually pay you to blog about their products or services would only be possible
in the Web 2.0 world. Yet it’s indicative of Web 2.0. In this environment its
all about information sharing, ideas, and communities with similar likes and
dislikes.
The viral nature of Web 2.0 is contagious. Just visit Digg or Del.icio.us and
you'll soon find out what I'm talking about. As a marketer in this environment,
you have to understand the importance of viral marketing and managing your
marketing messages - even creating a buzz around your products.
Some of the leading brands have been doing this for ages… Nike giving away their
sneakers to the best athlete at a school; PowerBar giving away samples to
athletes, and so on. The only thing that’s changed with Web 2.0 is vehicle. In
addition to ‘feet-on-the-street’, there are now online tools – communities that
are available to spread your message.
Developing a Strategy
The best way to utilize this new technology is to really understand the value
that each has to offer. Begin with a clear understanding of your desired
outcome. Then, consider the tools in your tool box. For example, if you want to
communicate how customers feel about a given topic or issue, maybe you want to
blog about it… or conduct an interview via a podcast.
You should approach your Web 2.0 with the same strategy you use when developing
your traditional marketing plan. An integrated approach always works best.
Regardless of the vehicle, apply the same basic marketing standards you do
today. Use messaging points, create value, and segment.
Michael Fleischner is an Internet marketing expert and the president of
www.MarketingScoop.com . He has more than 12 years of marketing experience
and has appeared on The TODAY Show, Bloomberg Radio, and other major media.
Visit MarketingScoop.com for more free marketing articles .
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