My career as a journalist spanned nearly a decade. When I left to launch online video startup, BizBOXTV, I quickly discovered storytelling was part of my DNA, evident in the process and style of my new media company and how it approached its first productions.
It wasn’t about story-boarding or scripting, it was about asking questions, getting answers, and weaving content together to produce an interesting and useful story. The benefits of combining the approaches of traditional journalism and brand storytelling seemed obvious. It’s something we’ve called “brand journalism” since day one, and it’s picking up speed as the new-media world continues to evolve, along with consumers’ habits.
Businesses are using social media, web video, and digital publishing to speak directly to consumers. It’s a way for brands, big and small, to use the approach of professional journalists to create, curate and share expert content in the form of blogs, articles and video. Brand journalism is obviously not as impartial as journalism, but it’s a way for a brand to engage an audience with relevant and interesting material. The content must be factual, and keep “relevance to... Read more
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Tagged 'customer engagement' 
Farewell ‘Push’ Marketing, Hello Brand Journalism
Tags: bizboxtv, blogging, boeing, brand journalism, calgary, canada, cisco, content creation, content marketing, corporate video, customer engagement, digital media, home depot, journalism, lisa ostrikoff, online video, online video production, PR, public relations, social engagement, Social Media, Storytelling, toronto, usa, video marketing, vlogs
Posted in Ad Serving, Creative Best Practices, Media Planning & Buying, Opinions, Social Media, Targeting, Uncategorized, Video | No Comments »
Eleven Subscribers Snoozing
“Boring!” It’s the nemesis of all content writers and it threatens to creep into your newsletters. As soon as boring content shows its face, you can kiss the inbox goodbye and start staking out real estate in the recycle bin. What to do? Follow these eleven tips to keep your subscribers engaged from the headline all the way to the fine print.
1. Tantalize with a fabulous headline.
Ask a question, promise a list of tips, or offer free industry-related advice. If your headline is a lemon, your readers won’t take the time to read further.
2. Write about what you know.
Fill your newsletter content with the things you consider yourself to be an expert on rather than falling back on someone else’s content.
3. Choose current hot topics from your industry.
Follow blogs and stay up to date on new product releases, industry changes, and questions people are currently asking. Position yourself as an expert on current topics through your newsletter.
4. Let your personality shine through.
Be conversational, humorous, witty, and even sarcastic if it comes naturally to you, all with the goal of building... Read more
Tags: Copy, copy writing, customer engagement, email marketing, subject lines, subscribers
Posted in Creative Best Practices, Email, Emerging Platforms, Entertainment, Social Media | No Comments »
Eight Fans a-Liking
The Holidays bring a lot of people to the shopping cart both virtually and through retail. There is no time like December to ramp up social media marketing and attract new subscribers and well... “Likes!" So let’s unwrap Eight Tips on attracting more Facebook Likes to your company's page for Christmas!
1. Use the store-front advantage! Incentivize your customers to check-in for discounts; if they’re willing to drive to your store, they’re willing to check-in!
2. Post exclusive information or offers that will spark excitement and encourage subscribers to share the offerings.
3. Words are great; however fans and prospective fans are twice as likely to engage with pictures, links and video content over text.
4. Everyone likes cheap and free however, people like one thing a little bit more, competition! If the radio station can do it, so can your business. Create unique and engaging competitions every once in a while to attract new customers and more importantly, generate repeat visits to your page and website.
5. Respond to posts and feedback though sentences that sound like they actually came from a real person, not a robot. Remember, there should always be time to communicate with your... Read more
Tags: cotnent marketing, customer engagement, engagement, Facebook, Social Media
Posted in Creative Best Practices, Emerging Platforms, Entertainment, Opinions, Social Media | 3 Comments »
Google Hangouts on Air: The Business Case
Earlier this week Google Hangouts on Air was introduced. So, now when you setup a hangout, it gets broadcasted live on your Google+ stream or your YouTube channel. Why could this be important for your business? Read on.
Tags: customer engagement, Customer support, google, Google hangouts, Google Hangouts on Air, Skype
Posted in Emerging Platforms | 4 Comments »
What To Do With Nasty or Fishy Comments on Your Blog
Maintaining a blog for your business is a great marketing and engagement tool – until you get hit with negative or fake comments. How should you deal?
Tags: blogging, blogging tips, corporate blogging, customer engagement, email marketing
Posted in Social Media | 7 Comments »
