Microsoft’s Socl to Compete with Facebook & Easy Gift Giving with Walmart
Microsoft Creates Socl to Compete with Facebook
Earlier this summer, rumors circulated about a Microsoft social network that would “”Find what you need and Share what you know.”
The network, Socl.com, mixes search, discovery, and, of course, a social network.
The design of the new network is similar to most other sites such as Facebook, Google+, etc. With Socl, can either enter a search term or status update. For example, you can post, “searching for a live ACDC concert” or “at an ACDC concert.”
Another notable feature of Socl is the video party, which allows users to chat and watch YouTube clips together.
It is important to note that this project is still being tested, and has not been officially announced by Microsoft. Socl is in for a long journey, and in order to pull traffic from social network conglomerate, Facebook, it will need to show a unique value and offer users something they can not find elsewhere. Stay tuned for details as this network becomes open to the public.
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Gift Giving Made Easy with Walmart
It is that time of year again, and the hunt for holiday gifts has begun. It is always a challenge to find the “perfect” gift for your friends and family, so this year Walmart is aiming to change that.
Walmart is launching a new app called “Shopycat” that pulls data from users Facebook profiles, updates, comments and likes to come up with gifts ideas.
The app directs users to purchase suggested gifts at Walmart.com. However, the app also shows availability at the nearest Walmart store and in some cases even directs them to the websites of rival retailers if they do not carry a product.
According to a Walmart statement, “Gifting is fundamentally a social activity. It’s about people connecting with other people through products.” The app is dependent on your Facebook data, such as comments, likes, etc. However, if you are inactive on Facebook, there is a chance you will have an irrelevant gift recommendation.
This is a prime example of a company harnessing the power of social media to effectively engage their target audience and transform them to active customers.
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Can Social Media Enhance Your Small Business?
By: Jay Osterholm, Founder and CEO of ODM Group
Social media platforms allow us to connect quickly with people and brands. We are forming relationships faster than ever before, with people and brands alike. Additionally, many studies are emerging to show that social media interactions have a direct impact on consumer-buying choices, which is transforming the retail market, advertising and global business overall.
As a small business owner, breaking into social media can be a scary and daunting task. Resources are often limited, but in this day and age…
Can your small business really afford not to be using social media?
Most small businesses understand the importance of social media, but do not how to leverage it to produce real results such as acquiring new business, gaining customer feedback, and most importantly, boosting sales and profitability.
In a recent study, 73 percent of small-business owners said they access social networks on smartphones or other mobile devices, yet 67 percent are holding back on investing in social media because they do not know where to begin. What does this mean?
Small businesses need a roadmap to proceed in social media.
My recommendation to businesses is to build a social media marketing plan and determine what you hope to achieve from your social media efforts. Once your strategic goals and objectives are defined, you can begin establishing a brand presence and social footprint, gathering resources, and venturing into social media.
Of course, it is important to remember that content is king. When adopting a social media strategy, be prepared to commit to feeding your social channels with interesting content that will resonate with your target consumer groups. Simple rules: 1) Post interesting content, 2) take every opportunity to start, join, or otherwise engage in a conversation.
The power of social media for your small business is infinite. The same business adage applies to social media marketing: you will get out of it what you put into it. If you provide your employees with the right tools to foster innovation and collaboration, you will undoubtedly see a high return on your social media investment. Use these channels to leverage social media-driven customer service and enhance consumer engagement. Done successfully, this can strengthen brand visibility, awareness and loyalty.
Many small businesses are seeing big results with social media. A recent Crowdspring study showed that 61% of small businesses are landing new customers through social media activities.
Social media marketing can do remarkable things for your small businesses, but only if it is properly implemented and maintained. Do your homework, train your employees, and remain authentic to your brand. Most importantly, be sure to listen to customer feedback to shape the future of your business.
