From Source: Mashable

Capacity – especially to plan and execute effective marketing strategies – is a big challenge for every small business. In this post, I’ll offer 10 suggestions for how small businesses can supercharge their marketing efforts by leveraging social media. For each suggestion, I will discuss a basic strategy – for those who simply want to get their toes wet, as well as an advanced strategy – for those who want to spend a bit more time and go a bit deeper in their social media marketing efforts. These tips are based on my experience leveraging social media marketing for my company, crowdSPRING.

I suggest you begin by outlining clear goals for your social media marketing efforts and figuring out how you’ll measure success. Once you’ve outlined your goals, let’s look at 10 great ways you can begin to leverage social media for your marketing efforts.

Listropolis’ Take:

For many, this list is a 101 on using Social Media to grow a business. We’ve seen it all before, but like all things Mashable, the list is rock-solid. It’s one of those posts you bookmark and read every few months to make sure you’re staying on track.

See the List

Related Reading:

Secrets of Social Media Marketing: How to Use Online Conversations and Customer Communities to Turbo-Charge Your Business!

The Zen of Social Media Marketing: An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue

The Social Media Bible: Tactics, Tools, and Strategies for Business Success

From the Site:

I’ve been publishing Web Digest For Marketers since April 14th, 1995. It was the very first email newsletter about Internet marketing.

My staff and I have seen tectonic changes that will only accelerate. On the other hand, we’ve witnessed many “next big things” fizzle and die, never to be heard from again.

The 12 trends below represent what I think you need to keep an eye on in the foreseeable future. Enjoy.

See the List

Related Reading:

The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet (Mom's Guide to Earning & Saving Thousands on the Internet)

The Usborne Encyclopedia of the Ancient World: Internet Linked (History Encyclopedias)

The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains

#1 – Does Sex Sell? (NSFW)

Most people would agree that sex does in fact sell, but using it to sell real estate? Hmmm…. The video ended up driving tons of traffic to this agent’s site, which he used to announce the opening of his new office. Be warned, this video is NOT safe for work.

Source: Ekday

#2 – Has it Really Come to This?

Following in the real estate theme, check out what this agent is doing to earn your business.

#3 – McDonald’s – I’d Hit it

Ummm…. Maybe that means something else. In January 2005, McDonalds launched a banner campaign featuring a young man slavering over a double cheeseburger. “Double cheeseburger? I’d hit it. I’m a dollar menu guy,” went the ad. Soon after the launch, the ad was pulled, and the McDonalds said their marketing team misunderstood the term. Yeah, that sounds good.

#4 – Microsoft Blue Screen of Death at Windows 98 Conference

I use a Mac, so I absolutely love this (I also have an XP lappie, so put down the flame throwers). Whatever camp you’re in, seeing the blue screen pop up during a press conference is just funny – and wrong.

Source: Consumerist

#5 – Sutton Fine Art has a “Big Sale”

Classy joint…. Trashy white-paper sign. It’s one step above having a blue light flashing in the story (K-Mart, you know I love you).

Source: Sparkplug9

#6 – Take the Risk

What risk? Risk of infection? Risk of disease? This panic-inducing ad didn’t last long.

#7 – Thank you from…… You figure it out

This is email marketing at its best. There’s just so much wrong with this email. Click the image for a larger view.

Source: Pauked

#8 – The Ellen Feis Apple Switch ad

Some of you might be big fans of this, and there’s no denying Ellen became an internet phenomenon, but truth be told, the ad is not that great. Hey Ellen…try Ctrl + S sometime.

#9 – Honda’s Asimo trips

It was so sad. Asimo was trying so hard, and when he fell going up the stairs, he just couldn’t get up.

Source: Consumerist

#10 – That’s Just Wrong

These aren’t necessarily bad marketing pieces, they just happened to be placed in bad locations.

Source: Oddee

Have any others? Tell us about them in the comments.

Related Reading:

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