Marketing with MySpace

[Martin_Doudoroff]

Originally Posted by KevinStecyk

You might wish to do some marketing with Twitter. Don't ask me, though, because I am not up on the latest marketing techniques. However, from my brief exposure, Twitter can be used to locate interesting people, including journalists, bloggers, and others that can provide you with more brand awareness.

Just thought I'd mention it...

Here’s my assessment of what Twitter can do: Twitter is basically a combination of “microblogging”—like blogging, but limited to extremely short posts (example)—and syndication. The syndication is your list of followers: other Twitter users who have elected (opted in) to automatically receive your tweets (your postings).

Everything you tweet is archived and can be searched for. But it’s important to understand that your tweets are only automatically received by folks who are already following your Twitter account; without followers, you’re pretty much a tree falling in the woods with nobody around. To whit, Twitter plays much the same marketing role as Facebook, which has a comparable microblogging feature.

Fundamentally, Facebook and Twitter are two ways to tell people who are already interested in you about what you’re doing. For example, if you add a new set of pictures to your on-line gallery, you could Tweet that or post about it in Facebook. But you still have to build those networks.

[KevinStecyk]

Guy Kawasaki has three recent and great blog articles on using Twitter:

1. How to Use Twitter as a Tool
2. Media On Twitter
3. Brands Using Twitter

On the last point, there is an amazing long list of influential companies using Twitter.

Interestingly--at least to me--Guy Kawasaki indicated in an interview that he'd sooner be without his cell phone than Twitter.

This stuff is all a bit beyond me, but if marketing were key to my success, I'd be investigating and learning more. Perhaps some of the more technically savvy could point out how to use Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter to photographers' better advantages.

[JeffONeil]

Originally Posted by Martin_Doudoroff

Augh! My eyes!

Mark,

I have to admit I had the same initial reaction as Martin. Keep in mind I'm not all that familiar with My Space and how it works/presentation.

As someone mentioned their 28 yr old found it interesting...so age is a factor.

I would think that if you're going to try and use My Space for marketing try and stick to more edgy/grunge looking shots. For the My Space target demographic that may be more eye catching/interesting. I think you'll have to tailor your portfolio to their lifestyle.

Another project for My Space might be the "trash the dress" fad going on where the bride trashes the never to be worn again dress!

Just some random thoughts. Good luck with it, let us know what the response is.

Jeff

[KevinStecyk]

For those following along, here's an article in the NY Times concerning Twitter. Free registration might be required.

I'll admit that, for the longest time, I was exasperated by the Twitter hype. Like the world needs ANOTHER ego-massaging, social-networking time drain? Between e-mail and blogs and Web sites and Facebook and chat and text messages, who on earth has the bandwidth to keep interrupting the day to visit a Web site and type in, "I'm now having lunch"? And to read the same stuff being broadcast by a hundred other people?

Then my eyes were opened. A few months ago, I was one of 12 judges for a MacArthur grant program in Chicago. As we looked over one particular application, someone asked, "Hasn't this project been tried before?"

Everyone looked blankly at each other.

Then the guy sitting next to me typed into the Twitter box. He posed the question to his followers. Within 30 seconds, two people replied, via Twitter, that it had been done before. And they provided links.

[maddy]

Update on my MySpace.
It's been a week now that I started MySpace, MySpace.com - Maximum Exposure Photography - 100 - Male - COEUR D ALENE, Idaho - www.myspace.com/maddymaxx
I've had over 250 visits and have 20 friends. Been in contact with many people that I've not talked with for years. Most are 30 years or younger and most know that I'm an old fart, 52 today. People are enjoing the site and want me to keep it fresh. Other than replying to messages, it takes minimal effort to maintain.
Partly due to the site I've obtained 1 wedding for next summer and a family shoot. A person is writing a poem to accompany one of my art pieces which is directly due to MySpace.
I've just got to figure how often to send an update through the community while not over doing it.
It might be that I'll try one of the other services, but for now I'm targeting the younger crowd and MySpace seems to be the place.