4.1.09: “Social networks are bad biz.” April Fool’s?

Okay, so yesterday’s Time.com story: “Facebook Takes a Dive: Why Social Networks Are Bad Businesses”

Let’s discuss.

1. Claim #1: Social Media Networks are not profitable businesses.

Old news. We know this. I hate to sound callous, but that’s not my problem. If FB doesn’t have the infrastructure to make money for itself, I feel a little BAD for FB maybe, but not enough to, I don’t know, stop using it for my OWN purposes. Nor will this knowledge make me tell others to stop using it for theirs.

2. Claim #2: You won’t make money placing non-targeted advertisements on Social Media Networks.

Non-targeted advertising is not the best idea? A financial services FB ad would lose a celebrity death match with it’s twin ad placed on AOL Finance. Point taken. Are we supposed to be surprised? 

But let’s not confuse these listed cons with the pros that can be gained by USING social media networks properly, both as outreach vehicles for your brand and strategic ad placement opportunities. We are all witnessing the chameleon-like behavior of advertising. KFC? Potholes?

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Tags: creative insights, facebook, myspace, Social Media, Social networks bad business, Times.com, Twitter, YouTube

Should your brand Facebook?

Now that’s a big question. Who belongs, and who doesn’t belong on Facebook (along with every other social media outlet) is one of the biggest questions facing marketing managers today. Truth? It depends.

If you’re looking for a stock answer, it may be time to adjust your expectations. At least, for the time being. And while you’re doing that, you might want to invest some time crash-coursing the social media channels that are out there and what makes them unique. Here’s one recent dive into the MySpace/Facebook discussion.

See who else is Facebook marketing with this “just in” from retailerdaily.com. FB comes in at the bottom … but the bit about Kmart on Twitter is fun too.

Tags: brands, creative insights, facebook, myspace, Social Media

Does Social Media fit in Your Marketing Plan?

Social Media is the biggest buzz in the marketing world. This is being fueled by unprecedented growth by three of social media’s biggest applications: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. And all the news reports, columns, and blogs that hype trends.

Overwhelming odds suggest you’re an active social networker with a LinkedIn or Facebook account. LinkedIn closed 2008 with over 30 million business-oriented professionals worldwide. Facebook, which turned five years old this past Wednesday, has over 150 million members worldwide. And Twitter at just under two years old grew by an astounding 752% garnering over 4 million new registered accounts in one year. Not just astounding…this is serious growth.

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Tags: blogging, Chris Rollyson, facebook, LinkedIn, myspace, Social Media, Social Network Roadmap, social networker, Twitter