Being extremely interested in social media and search engine marketing, it was suggested that I check out SEMpdx, which is a local organization “whose mission is to inform and educate area businesses on the benefits of SEM to bottom line revenue.” They have a great deal for students and my membership only set me back $25, which was more than worth it for last nights event alone. I am learning SEM on my own and hearing some experts was really helpful. Some of it was outside my beginner knowledge, but here are my takeaways from the night:
- If you can, create your own URL shortener for your business so you don’t lose the link juice from using someone else’s.
- Increasing your website traffic alone is not the end game. Without increasing conversions you’re missing the boat.
- You can’t just use a loud speaker and spout your message online. You have to find WHERE your customers or target market is online and go play. Become an active voice in the space and the followers, leads and love will find you.
- New blogs for the feed:
I want to thank the four panelists for sharing their knowledge and time. Their twitter accounts are @kentjlewis @matthewjbrown @annekennedy @audette if you want to find them.
Nick Footer Marketing, SEM, Spot Light SEM, SEMpdx
Recently, Kristy Bolsinger came and gave an awesome talk to my MBA marketing strategies class. For most professors it seems to be difficult to get real world experience in this field while teaching and with it being such a new field they normally have dropped the ball. Kristy rocked it and I just saw she is speaking in Portland again on Monday at Social Fresh Portland. I wish I could go, but I have four classes that day! Anyways, while explaining social media to the class she asked if anyone was on Foursquare. No one in the class new what she was talking about, but I checked it out on my phone. I’m now addicted!
Foursquare is a location based service (LBS) that allows you to follow your friends and compete to become the mayor of your favorite spots and give other users things to do and advise. I have now infected a few of my friends and the game is on. In looking up Kristy, she posted an entire article about her LBS Addiction on Wednesday. I’m afraid to try another one, but Gowalla looks sweet! In fact, I just downloaded it to my Droid.
If you are on either site search me and get connected! 
Now the best part about using these applications is the funny look on people face when you explain the app. “Why would you want someone to know where you are at ALL TIMES?” My question normally back is why wouldn’t you? It comes down to what social media is about. Sharing yourself. If someone wants to stalk me, guess what…The internet already lets you do that. Now throw in some competitive edges and I’m all about it. Not stalking, but sharing for the betterment of human kind. As of now I am the mayor of 5 places and have 8 badges, but my empire is growing. Why isn’t yours?
Nick Footer Social Media, Spot Light Foursquare, Social Media
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