Marketing Pilgrim

When it comes to trust online, it’s no surprise that people prefer the blogs of their friends, but according to a recent report on eMarketer, they’re a little suspicious of their friends’ Facebook streams, and when it comes to Twitter, fugetaboutit!

The study, which was conducted by Invoke, says that only 12% of the people surveyed completely trusted a friend’s Twitter stream, while more than double that number said they completely trusted a friend’s blog post. The numbers get even more dismal when it comes to brand blogs and brands on Facebook.

15% of the respondents in the survey even went so far as to say they distrust brand blogs somewhat. The really surprising result is that only 8% of the people said they completely trusted comments by fellow members of the same community.

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Yesterday I joked on Twitter that:

Top 10 lists are sooo 2009, this year’s linkbait seems to be the “infographic”

To which, Dr. Pete suggested that I should go ahead and put together a Top 10 List of Infographics! A great idea!

Look, we both know that this is linkbait–a top ten list combined with infographics, c’mon!–but you have to admit, it’s worth bookmarking or tweeting. Right?

1. The History of Marketing Channels

2. The Power of Local Mobile Search

Continue Reading…

As the proliferation of smartphones (whether they are iPhone, Android, BlackBerry or whatever) increases it’s a logical follow that there should be more mobile commerce happening. Not everyone is comfortable with the idea just yet so it’s certainly not commonplace but there is no denying the increasing level of acceptance for consumers to do their consuming on the run.

eConsultancy reports on a survey conducted by eDigital Research in the UK

A survey by eDigital Research used a sample of 1,200 mobile users, half of which had smartphones, asked how people used phones as part of the research and purchase process.

The results back the growing focus of retailers on mobile commerce, with a third of smartphone users browsing retail sites on their phones for research or to make a purchase.

One of the popular concerns of companies that are nervous regarding a Facebook page for the business is whether it will turn into a customer support ‘center’. It is a concern because it requires that people need to monitor the page and be responsive to those who have questions / concerns / needs around the product or service offered.

Two things about that. First, If you are concerned about having to ‘monitor’ your Facebook page you are probably not a good candidate for this outlet for your business. In other words, if you have to ask then you shouldn’t be involved. Second, what better place to have a chance to connect with those needing help in order to make them happy or keep them as happy customers?

They’ve been twittering about it for awhile now and today HootSuite rolled out their Freemium pricing plan which goes into effect immediately for new users and next week for all current subscribers.

The packages range from free to 99 dollars a month. The deciding factor for most of these plans is how many accounts you run and how many team members you need to run it. Since the pricing plan is mostly aimed at businesses, the higher levels include enhanced stats and even a branded short URL as part of the premium plan.

The only thing you’ll get for free going forward is 5 accounts, 1 RSS feed and no additional team members. You’ll also have to deal with ads. If you don’t pay, HootSuite is going to make their money by placing ads in your Twitter stream. Interesting. . .