Podcasting…

Anytime that you’re able to create a platform for individuals to have greater control of the information they are both receiving and open too good things are sure to come! Podcasting is known as audio and or video digital media files that are available through syndicated download over the internet. These streaming files are different form other media content available on the internet due to the subscriptions and syndicated members. Apple computers have almost single handedly dominated the mp3 world for the past couple years. The iPod® is currently in its fourth and fifth generations on its arsenal of models with no sign of slowing down in the near future. Most of the newer generation models allow their owners the opportunity to purchase music, movies, television shows and audio books for their entertainment purposes. However, many net works have seen the prospect for a larger audience and offered free synopsis and specials for their respected, news shows and or movies. Free being the operative word, this opportunity entices their audience to purchase the complete movie and tune to watch their programming. In turn this increases their movie sales and ratings for shows.

Podcasting reaches further than summaries offered by news programs, a podcast can be done by me, your boss or even little sister in high school. Apple Computer owners have the software readily available to them on the systems. Podcast have been set up by local school systems to send out important bulletins to parents and family members. Podcast have been made by students and used in projects. Having a Mac isn’t a necessity either, a microphone and software to store and convert your file is all that’s needed to post a Podcast online.

Various associations have added podcast and begun to phase out the traditional newsletter, as technology continues to immerse itself with in our everyday lives, it is important for industry leaders to recognize this and create new ways to get their information across. It really is easier for certain individuals to log onto their respected member sites and or iTunes® to download the newest postings they need. Having the luxury of listening or watching the Podcast during their train ride to work or drive to their next appointment is an added bonus. The frequency of having visitors to your website and informed individuals is sure to increase as well as the convenience will continue to bring them back. For example if someone couldn’t stay up late to watch their preferred late news and would like to see the stories from the night before, listening to the seven minute podcast is much easier than having to wait for the information. The Use for Podcast are endless they have become a great tool and necessity for many, can you imagine of where it will go next.

Children, Adolescents, and Advertising

Children, Adolescents, and Advertising, does it or should it all be related? Throughout the years, advertising to children has become a question of ethics. In today’s society both children and adolescents are being exposed to unnecessary forms of media that force them to grow up faster then what is needed.

As a matter of fact, research has shown that children younger then 8 years of age are cognitively and psychologically defenseless against advertising. They do not understand the notion of intent to sell and frequently accept advertising claims at face value. With several of relatives below the age of 8, I have seen the expressions on children’s faces desiring a particular product based solely on the advertisement portrayed to them on the television. Once the product is given (for instance, the newest/hottest Barbie out) I have seen the disappointment in my little cousin’s face that the Barbie is not able to walk or talk such as she did in the commercial. Not only was my little cousin, Taylor disappointed but she was also mislead to believe the product would be able to do as it did in the commercial. After concentrated review, research, and several of hearings in the late 1970’s, the Federal Trade Commission came to the conclusion that it was unfair and deceptive to advertise to children under the age of 6.

With so many regulations and laws that have been put into place it is still quite difficult to regulate what advertisements are reached to children. With the advancement of digital TV, children’s advertisements will need to be updated. In the near future, children watching particular programs will have the ability to click an on-screen link and go to a Web site during the program. The will give children the ability to lure away from the program they were watching and be exposed them to a completely different environment that would lack the separation between content and advertising.

With advertising to children there are many specific health related areas of concerns that affect children. To promote restaurants and other food products, advertisers spend more than $2.5 billion/year. Most food related advertisements shown to children promote unhealthy foods and snacks, like sugar coated cereals and high calorie snacks; healthy foods are rarely seen. To tell the truth, all that comes to mind in food advertisements are fast food commercials for McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy’s. Extraordinarily enough, all of these commercials have some type of toy associated with the advertisement.

Clearly, advertisements in the United States represent great potential for sales. Although the banning of advertising to children is not likely to take place, unless of course the risk continue to increase dramatically; yet, there are definite implementations that can be put into affect to protect children and adolescents. For instance, children and parents can be educated on the affects of advertisements towards their children. Pediatricians can also begin to educate both parents and children on living healthier lifestyles.

If advertisers were to have the best interest of children and adolescents in mind, the questioning of advertisements would not have to take place. The banning of advertisements is not necessary, taking the best interest of children and adolescents into mind is. In doing so, advertisers and businesses can adjust their ads and products to represent good ethics in business relations aspect to children and their parents.

The Road is endless with BLUETOOTH Technology & Marketing

When the majority of us think of Bluetooth technology our assumptions turn to the wireless devices that connect to our cell phones. At least that’s what I initially when the thought of Bluetooth technology was first presented to me. However, long before we heard of plans for the evening from friends and our mother listing the grocery items in our ears, this technology has been harnessed by various industries. Bluetooth technology is an inexpensive, low power and fast form of technology using radio spread frequency transmission.  As technology advances, the uses of Bluetooth have expanded to include computers, Global Positioning Systems, PDA’s, printers, digital cameras and video game consoles to list a few. Bluetooth technology enables these systems to connect within a short range and transmit the appropriate information between devices.

In the world of marketing, the importance of Bluetooth technology can be furthered by a better understanding of its uses and abilities. Most commercial uses of Bluetooth technology are distributed and owed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group.  Along with their registered logo the common forms of technology used by the everyday consumer are managed by the Bluetooth SIG; this world wide conglomerate has interest in telecommunication, networking and consumer electronics.

The low power and inexpensive technology brings flexibility to the devices Bluetooth technology can be implemented. Many times marketing is about selling a dream and allowing the consumer to best envision it and their need to posses and be apart of. It’s about creating a desire to think that the new product is an absolute necessity in their life. Bluetooth technology marketing has the potential in the future to increase in industries such as the automotive industry.  Many newer cars are incorporating Bluetooth technology as an added feature for convenience and safety.  For example consumers are able to sync their MP3 devices and phones to their care for hand held usage in their vehicles.  Another industry blue tooth technology is being introduced is within children’s, toys and games; giving kids the ability to add music and connect with friend to play games for fun and educational purposes.  Bluetooth technology is not only beneficial to corporations but it is also beneficial to consumers as well. The road is endless to where Bluetooth technology will take us next!

 

Cinema Advertising… Yay or Nay?

Have you been to the Cinema lately and noticed a dramatic increase of advertisements played prior to the beginning of the movie you’ve been looking forward to seeing for the past couple of weeks or so? Cinema Advertising has grown dramatically throughout the past couple of years; in 2007, Hollywood drew over 1.44 billion admissions due to cinema advertising alone. Many companies claim that movie ads are a great way to share the spotlight and gain exposure.

 

Clearly, the upward trend of cinema advertising has continued to show that it has delivered a premium marketing opportunity in a unique environment with an attentive audience that has no other choice but then to listen or see what advertisements are being shown to them. Without a doubt, having such an attentive audience in such an environment is bound to have much success. With multiple consumer touch points and new technologies being shown, consumers are bound to be intrigued to what is being shown on the big screen.

 

At the display of an advertisement in the cinema, I am one that constantly finds myself saying “eww… I want to see that, or I want that”. Seeing that I’m not too much a of a T.V. buff, it is thanks to this new form of cinema advertising that helps keep me up-to-date on the newest movies or products that are made available to me. So, I would have to say that I am a fan of them and actually look forward to what’s advertisement is going to be showing at the next movie I go to see. If I happen to go to the cinema too close together, I’ve actually noticed the same advertisements showing and find myself getting a bit disappointed. Lol has this ever happened to you… or am I the only person on the face of this earth that actually enjoys cinema advertising almost as much as I enjoy the super bowl ads? 

 

 

 

The Constant Buzzing of Media

As evident from this past election season, being called one to truly remember, the media played a major role in covering politicians running for their respected offices.  Most noted is the absolute frenzy that surrounded the Presidential candidates and their running mates.  This election was covered by the Media like none in the past, each network, newspapers magazines and for the first time blogs accompanying both campaigns along the election trail.   The Media alone was able to provide an overwhelming amount of information during the election. We knew where each candidate was the agenda and appointments in any given city.  The stories of the candidates were also provided for us to gain a better understanding on where each candidate had come from a well plotted timeline to the present for the candidate we were backing and providing support for. For example prior to the candidates naming their official running mates there was a buzz being stirred from all spectrums of media.  Every meeting with key officials were scrutinized that much more as a potential candidate. 

The buzz created was positive or negative attention on each camp depending on the origin, but regardless of where it came from, the buzz kept the respected candidates in the present mind of voters. News casters were not amongst the only ones to create buzz for the canidates but so where celebrities. Sean Puffy Combs is yet another example of media buzzing that was created during the elections to create awareness and keep canidadtes in the minds of voters.

The Media covers more than politics, though the election year brought that to the forefront of their coverage.  The buzz whether good or bad created by the media for actors, musicians, key political officials and everyday individuals plays is apart of the business as they say.  There are blogs, website and endless media junkets solely dedicated to catching the buzz out there; giving the everyday individual their 15 minutes of fame, shining light on the great work being done by entertainers or the late night exploits of key individuals in our society.

It’s important to remember that with every day, week and month new buzz is being called to attention by the media. The Buzz is sure to pass, how individuals thrown into the limelight deal with it often shows a glimpse to their true character and how they will be once its done and said.  The Media lives to provide news first to their public. What buzz are you listening and reading; one can only picture where the next scoop will be!

Are they really outdated… Newspapers??

At the constant right the news is being delivered on television, the World Wide Web, or cellular devices, by the time you receive a newspaper it is pretty much outdated. Still, there are a few of us that still enjoy receiving a fresh newspaper every morning. Although I can easily check out the current events/news that pertains to my University (WVU) on the schools website, I actually prefer to pick up the Daily Athenaeum every morning along my way to work in the student union center which is known as the Lair.

Having an actual paper in front of me allows me to have the option to skim through it throughout the day when I find free time. I just wouldn’t have the same experience if I were to log into Mix or visit the homepage of the University. Upon my arrival here, the DA was the number source of information regarding sporting events, job postings, current events, or political issues. I actually enjoy having the option of having a tangible article in front of me.

Perhaps one of the main reasons I prefer to receive my news through a newspaper rather then the internet or via text message is because growing up mother, aunts, and uncles would make it a point to run to the nearest WaWa or Seven Eleven in New Jersey; where I grew up to pick up a paper. Being able to make that run with family members are a part of my memories that bring along a positive association with purchasing and reading a newspaper.

Perhaps the future of Newspapers will inevitably become deceased so to speak and eventually will only be available over the Internet. But, if that is to become the case, those distributors of the papers should still giver readers the option to have a printed version of the paper on a regular basis. I know that my family and I would not only promote the idea but we would also support it.

Good Branding

“A product is something made in a factory; a brand is something that is bought by the customer. A product can be copied by a competitor; a brand is unique. A product can be quickly outdated; a successful brand is timeless.”
Stephen King, WPP Group, London

Branding alone is not solely about getting your target market over your competition, branding is about getting prospects to see you as the only solution to their problem. As new technologies are constantly being developed, this is a time of unique challenge and opportunity for media branding. With new developments constantly being made, media branding can be applied to various levels of technology just as it would be applied in any other organization.

In order to achieve branding, you have to obtain credibility, create loyalty, motivate buyers, and connect your targets emotionally. These same tactics must be applied in media branding. For instance, in putting together an in advertisement in any form of media whether it be the internet or television, viewers must be able to identify with the brand on all levels. Creating a strong brand that consumers can identify with is essential to the success of a company.

Not many of us realize it, but we are all subjects of branding. My mother is one in particular who will not move away from the type of laundry detergent she uses (Tide) and my uncle is a loyal consumer of all DELL products. Although these are two completely different categories, both are subjects of good branding; which have created loyal customers who are motivated to buy and feel a emotional connect to the products. Regardless of the industry, branding allows marketers to know and understand the needs and wants of its consumers. Without it, your marketing communication with consumers would be at lost and a complete failure.

Cell Phone Advertising

Did you ever think that there would come a point in time in which your very own personal cell phone would be used as a means to deliver advertisements? Well, if you ever thought that your cell phone was safe from all of the chaotic advertisements occurring in the marketing industry, think again. After years of building up the idea of using cellular devices as a means to deliver advertisements, four of biggest mobile operators in the United States are edging closer to incorporating banner ads, text message marketing, and short video commercials to a cell phone near you.

With the constant advancement of cellular devices, network operators are adding this marketing tactic as a way to reduce the cost of offering new multi-media services to subscribers such as directory assistance, ring tones, and messaging. Otherwise, it would not be possible to offer such services at such low costs.

One has to wonder if users are embracing the idea of having advertisements sent to their phones. Research has shown that this particular new form of advertising isn’t as popular as it may have initially been conceived to be by networks; it is getting mixed reviews. Some subscribers want nothing to do with the spam it is receiving. While there are a few consumers that are embracing the idea. Perhaps the best way to go about wireless advertising is to have consumers opt in and choose which advertisements will be sent to them based on interests

The Reality of Facebook and MySpace

The mega industry that was created by MySpace and Facebook was attempted by many in the past, but failed to reach the large audience or the aforementioned pair. In the case of Facebook, first marketing to only colleges created an automatic stir among students in the higher echelons of academia wanting to find and link with friends at other schools. The fact their services were free, was an added bonus to the opportunity they were creating for their target consumer. The ability to track down and reconnect with friends and family of the past were important enough that, the creators of Facebook were quickly offered millions for the sale of their company. Yet, the creators of Facebook objected the tempting offer of $1.6 billion from Yahoo.

The market they are able to target is priceless, used by the 18-25 demographic and Facebook has advertisements on their site that interest these individuals. Today Facebook is open to anyone with a valid e-mail address world wide, it gives people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. Facebook is a great social network that allows individuals from all over the globe to connect with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.

MySpace is frequented by the same demographic but had no stipulation of being a college student attached. The curve Myspace incorporated to one up Facebook was giving the ability for its users to customize their websites to look as they feel. TA heavy influence of music was always apparent from the beginning as users were able to have top songs included on their page and a page songs first herd when visitors came to the webpage. Just like Facebook, users are also able to upload unlimited photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.

These days, it would almost be bizarre to hear that someone did not belong to one of the two most addicting sites out there. Since joining Facebook I have gained approximately a little over 800 friends and over 200 friends on Myspace, as to which I only keep in touch with a handful. Sure you gain a great deal of social networking and entertainment from joining the sites but at one point or another you have to ask yourself if it is really you who is benefiting from being a part of the “free” social networking sites or is it the sites themselves. In a business aspect, many businesses who sponsor the site gain a great deal of information regarding potential leads. With all of the information you give out businesses are able to gain both psychographic and demographic information. What are the “REAL” benefits of being a part of such a site and does it actually do more harm then good? With both sites gaining more and more users on a daily basis, it does not seem as if this is a trend that is going anywhere.

World Web Customizing

Who could have imagined the World Wide Web would become the unstoppable power it is now. As many new innovations in technology, too often they are not embraced by the masses immediately. But today it’s nearly impossible to a name television show, brand and our item that doesn’t have its own custom web site. If you Google Cracker Jack®, you will find a website explaining its history, ownership and place in pop culture. Every industry from entertainment, music and the most obscure such as furniture and knickknacks crafted by the Amish have found a way to use the internet to their advantage. Placing an advertisement on the internet, no matter the form, has a greater chance of reaching more people then any other platform traditionally used in the past. Any creative flare added to the advertisement enhances the attention your page can have on effectively marketing your product.

A website that is tailored to hit the masses within a specific demographic, country and our region of the world must use various avenues. We are an industry that is constantly bombarded with too much information and consumers have various methods they use to limit their exposure. As a marketing rep, it up to us to find which sites, consumers frequent and where on those site to strategically place advertisements for its greatest effect. It seems that more and more websites are turning to an interactive component on their sites; bring the consumer in and allowing them to take an innovative role in their shopping experiences and entertainment methods for example. Once again these interactive components are heavily used for websites targeting children’s, games, toys and areas of interest. Many contest and promotions from various products have key-in’s and product codes that can be entered on the internet to redeem points and prizes. Marketing these promotions can bring added sales and attention to your brand and or product.