I enjoy the research published by the Pew Internet and American Life Project because it is not motivated by any particular agenda. So it came as a surprise to me to learn that they are reporting that 19% of those recently surveyed use Twitter or “some other form of status update service (not quite sure what they mean by this). This is up from 11% only 1 year ago. I know that Twitter is fast-growing but since Pew generally reports more conservative numbers than other surveys this is impressive. Additionall, the same survey is showing that the median age for Facebook users is rising: Up to 33 from 26 only 1 year ago–big jump!

The EVoter Institute has recently released a report entitles “Persuading and Motivating Voters: What Will It Take in 2010?” that drives home the importance of the Internet and the changing dynamics in the ways we all consumer news and information. The study is well worth the read no matter what industry you are in primarily because it illustrates the increasing ways that social media content is being used by consumers.

Much is discussed about how to track the ROI of social media marketing efforts and it seems that in the space of time it will take me to type this that 3 new Twitter software tools will launch that claim to do this. However, most of us have some tools are our disposal right now that do a darn good job of getting us very detailed information if we are prepared to take an extra step or two. By combining tracking urls like those generated by Google analytics with a URL shortener like bit.ly you can not only get information on the clikc activity of your inbound links from social media posts but you can filter your analytics to create reports on what the traffic is doing once they enter your site.

We see a lot of companies placing video on their websites and YouTube channels without much thought being given to whether the content will be of any real value to the audience or much benefit to the organization. Dave Chase recently wrote a great article showcasing 10 wonderful examples from several different industries that offer fodder for those looking to hone their online video marketing approach. The basic principle is to create content that is valuable and interesting, but how have others met that challenge and won?

I don’t know whether looking to the future for clues as to what will be the next big internet phenomenon is useful or whether it is the kiss of death for any ideas that we believe are poised to revolutionize our lives. However it is fun. So onto the discussion of what will be the next Twitter inspired by this article at IMediaConnection.

I saw this interesting case study from MarketingProfs that details how a social media monitoring software company called Techrigy is using Twitter as the primary lead generation tool.  The presentaion includes their impressive case study plus basic tips in how to monitor conversations on Twitter to find users with whom to engage.  The only shortcoming [...]

I am generally in favor of Facebook business pages as long as the business has a reasonably interesting content strategy, the willingness to committ sustained time and energy to it, and the willingness to cross-promote it in througout their marketing efforts. However, there is one thing thaty bugs me about Facebook relative to some of the other popular social sites such as Twitter and YouTube. On Facebook there is no way to search for and engage potential new fans without using Facebook advertising to get to them. I know Facebook does not want to commit the same sins as MySpace and create a platform for spammers but I have to believe that there can be a way to implement fan site invitations that would not be intrusive.

I love this article by Mark Collier that describes the groundswell caused by a simple Tweet by an independant musician with a loyal following. The is such a great example of simple principles of social media communications.

• It’s not about “me” but about “we”
• Embrace participation
• Be willing to be spontaneous

Sometimes a picture tells the whole story and I just need to get out of the way.

Social media marketing requires a shift from typical marketing mindsets and this can oftentimes be the most crucial step in being able to develop and commit to social media success. The typical marketing mindsets are all about treating consumers as targets to be interrupted and messaged at. Some people have referred to this as the megaphone approach but you could also look at it as shooting at your audience even though you know most of them are wearing bullet-proof vests. The social media marketing mindset has to be about creating magnetism and attraction around your communications. There are 5 essential pillars to this mindset that will support you in this effort.