Social networking, evangelism, community

SUMMARY: Reputation management, customer service and protecting the brand are all tied together. Finding new customers is a crucial part of consumer marketing, but retaining existing customers is also very important.

This case study looks at how Dairy Queen balances the challenge of handling customer issues while not being in total control of the entire process due to its individual franchises. We look at Dairy Queen’s process, and offer actionable items on being proactive, highlighting how customer comments can improve product development. read the complete case study

SUMMARY: Mobile marketing is an exciting channel, and no part is currently more buzzworthy than mobile apps. Once you create the app, you will market it through outlets such as Apple’s App Store and the Android Market.

In this how-to article, you will find nine tactics provided by two experts in the field. The tactics cover a range of app store ranking topics: ranking factors for different platforms, using multiple traffic sources, and using organic users. They also answer why a worthwhile app is important, how app ratings improve app rankings, how app category choice can affect rankings, and more. read the complete article

SUMMARY: "Advertising on blogs or social networks" was rated the most accurately measured (32%), and was also rated the least effective (16%). More than 90% of companies believe that social media is the most effective in accomplishing brand building goal, followed closely by goals for attracting website visitors. view the complete research record

SUMMARY: Potential customers want to hear how you can solve their problems in simple, understandable language -- not empty marketing clichés. Social media can help teach you that language.

Read why marketing strategist David Meerman Scott thinks phrases such as “robust” and “mission critical” can do more harm than good to your marketing, and how you can use social media to move past them. read the complete interview

SUMMARY: This week’s chart looks at how agencies rate the effectiveness of their clients’ social marketing tactics. Given their experience across multiple accounts and verticals, agencies possess a valuable perspective when it comes to evaluating which popular approaches best support their clients’ social marketing objectives. read the complete article

By Anne Holland, Founder

This year, I suspect that marketers are considering becoming consultants more than at any other time in history. It's due to a confluence of factors, including recession layoffs and insecurities, boomer demographics, and the work-from-home fad.Is consulting for you? Take this quick quiz:

#1. Networking
Are you the sort of person who instinctively networks with other professionals? Do you actively participate in industry associations or clubs? Do you... read the complete blog post