Lately, companies are using social media outlets to advertise their products. These companies do this for several reasons:
1.) It’s effective. Almost everyone uses social media such as Facebook and Youtube.
2.) It’s inexpensive. Companies spend next to nothing producing these ads campaigns because most of the information is spread by consumers.
An online Forbes article shows some of the most famous and effective social media advertisement campaigns.
One example of how effective these ads can be is the Old Spice ad campaign. I am sure that everyone is familiar with the latest ads of Isaiah Mustafa on television. But, Mustafa did not stop there. He continued to comment on consumers questions online. According to Forbes.com, over 180 consumers were given a video response. This kind of social advertising is very effective because each of those 180 consumers will most likely share his or her experience with a friend or family member. This kind of interaction will effectively instill Old Spice’s name in the consumers mind as well as the friends and family of the consumer. That is because, in my opinion, word of mouth is the most effective advertisement method. I believe that what you hear from others will affect you more than what you might hear from other forms of advertising.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Ad Campaigns in Films
Advertisments are all around us. We are influenced by them whether we know it or not. Most often they are annoying and we tend to ignore them. However, in my opinion, there is one advertisement genre that tends to stick out: advertisements in movies. When this thought first popped into my mind, I, at first, could not think of an example. However, a youtube video showed me otherwise. I soon found the reason advertisements in films were so effective and popular was because the technique is very subtle. Most times, the audience does not notice the advertisement, because there is often not a break in the storyline. For example, in “E.T.”, Hershey paid to have Reese’s Pieces in the movie. The Reese’s Pieces acted as a part in the storyline rather than an interruption similar to a commercial or a magazine ad, which disrupts and pauses the storyline. In addition, film advertisements arguably enhance the feature. The advertisement, if popular, functions as a tool to relate to the audience and it makes the film more realistic. After all, the world record for the most advertisements in a film goes to the latest Transformers movie, which was a massive hit in the theatres.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Advertising and Imagery Intro
This semester at Shepherd University, I am participating in an “Advertising and Imagery” course. In this course, I plan to learn and understand ads so that I may better interpret ads in media and society and so that I can better create ads for my business.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
My New Website Design
In my Intro to Communications class, I was asked to produce a website that professionally represents myself. Prior to the class I have already obtained a website for my wedding videography business. However, these past couple of months I have wanted to redesign my website. Therefore, I found this to be a great opportunity to release my new website, with its new design. You can find the new website posted on:
http://www.stevenson-productions.com/
Also, here are some links to the old website design, although they are unconnected and not formatted to web standards now:
Home: http://stevensonproduction.ipage.com/Old%20Web%20Site/index.html
Gallery: http://stevensonproduction.ipage.com/Old%20Web%20Site/Gallery.htm
Weddings: http://stevensonproduction.ipage.com/Old%20Web%20Site/Weddings.htm
Contacts: http://stevensonproduction.ipage.com/Old%20Web%20Site/Contact%20Us.htm
If you take a look at the differences in the new and old website, you will find that the new website sends a very different message than the old website. This is because of these factors:
Design – The design is cleaner and more organized making it easier for potential clients to navigate. This could communicate that doing business with me is easy and simple.
Testimonials – This new addition will give a potential client the “word of mouth” feeling when he or she is viewing my site.
Simplicity – There are less links and words, which I believe simplifies the website and makes communicating easier.
More facebook links – This encourages the visitor to stay connected and continue communication.
http://www.stevenson-productions.com/
Also, here are some links to the old website design, although they are unconnected and not formatted to web standards now:
Home: http://stevensonproduction.ipage.com/Old%20Web%20Site/index.html
Gallery: http://stevensonproduction.ipage.com/Old%20Web%20Site/Gallery.htm
Weddings: http://stevensonproduction.ipage.com/Old%20Web%20Site/Weddings.htm
Contacts: http://stevensonproduction.ipage.com/Old%20Web%20Site/Contact%20Us.htm
If you take a look at the differences in the new and old website, you will find that the new website sends a very different message than the old website. This is because of these factors:
Design – The design is cleaner and more organized making it easier for potential clients to navigate. This could communicate that doing business with me is easy and simple.
Testimonials – This new addition will give a potential client the “word of mouth” feeling when he or she is viewing my site.
Simplicity – There are less links and words, which I believe simplifies the website and makes communicating easier.
More facebook links – This encourages the visitor to stay connected and continue communication.
Facebook Usefulness
As a business owner, I rely on the word of mouth very heavily. Yes, I do participate in online advertising in various areas and I often spend a little more than I should on advertising. However, there is nothing more valuable than word of mouth. For one, it is free. Also, word of mouth is effective. For example, a bride may be looking for a wedding videographer. She will look online and find dozens of wedding professionals in her area. Often, the bride will become confused because each potential vendor will claim to be “the best”.
However, If the bride asks a friend or family member that had been recently married which wedding videographer the bride should choose, the friend will most likely recommend the vendor he or she had at their wedding, that is if he or she enjoyed the vendor. Therefore, it is important to not only do a good job when working for a client, but to establish an identity and to remind the client that you are still there for him or her. I have found that the greatest way to sustain this relationship with previous clients is to establish a facebook page much like the Communications Department does with their facebook page in relation to their students.
Currently, almost everyone has a facebook, particularly those of age of marriage, in which is, of course, is the target audience of my business advertising. After almost every wedding booked, I have a habit of friend requesting the client and suggesting my facebook page to them. This is useful for two reasons: quick feedback and communication with the client (which usually ends up in a friendship), and, more significantly, to keep my company’s name in the back of the clients mind. This is so the client will not forget about my business when another potential client asks about me. Also, my facebook page is a quick reference to information and contacts for my business to clients.
Similarly, the Shepherd University Department of Communications does the same. Their facebook page updates their students on the upcoming events that the department or students are involved in. For example, the department had a student film festival earlier this semester. Although my professor had already told my class about this event, facebook was the first place I heard about the event. Also, many potential employers are joined on the facebook page which gives students opportunities for jobs and internships. Consequently, facebook has connected their students to the department even more and established a much stronger identity.
Overall, facebook is a huge opportunity for all organizations and businesses. Facebook allows people and peers to connect easily and quickly. Many business owners like me take advantage of facebook with previous and potential clients. Also, to establish my business to my friends and family. On the other side, organizations like the Shepherd Communications Department utilize facebook to announce and organize events and to connect the department together.
However, If the bride asks a friend or family member that had been recently married which wedding videographer the bride should choose, the friend will most likely recommend the vendor he or she had at their wedding, that is if he or she enjoyed the vendor. Therefore, it is important to not only do a good job when working for a client, but to establish an identity and to remind the client that you are still there for him or her. I have found that the greatest way to sustain this relationship with previous clients is to establish a facebook page much like the Communications Department does with their facebook page in relation to their students.
Currently, almost everyone has a facebook, particularly those of age of marriage, in which is, of course, is the target audience of my business advertising. After almost every wedding booked, I have a habit of friend requesting the client and suggesting my facebook page to them. This is useful for two reasons: quick feedback and communication with the client (which usually ends up in a friendship), and, more significantly, to keep my company’s name in the back of the clients mind. This is so the client will not forget about my business when another potential client asks about me. Also, my facebook page is a quick reference to information and contacts for my business to clients.
Similarly, the Shepherd University Department of Communications does the same. Their facebook page updates their students on the upcoming events that the department or students are involved in. For example, the department had a student film festival earlier this semester. Although my professor had already told my class about this event, facebook was the first place I heard about the event. Also, many potential employers are joined on the facebook page which gives students opportunities for jobs and internships. Consequently, facebook has connected their students to the department even more and established a much stronger identity.
Overall, facebook is a huge opportunity for all organizations and businesses. Facebook allows people and peers to connect easily and quickly. Many business owners like me take advantage of facebook with previous and potential clients. Also, to establish my business to my friends and family. On the other side, organizations like the Shepherd Communications Department utilize facebook to announce and organize events and to connect the department together.
VALS Test - My Consumer Behaviors
In my Intro to Communications class, I was asked to complete the VALS survey. In this survey I was asked particular questions about my personality and my look on how life should be lived. Specifically, the test looks at my attributes in relation to the Survey of the American Consumer to determine what VALS type I am. After completing the test, I discovered that my primary VALS type was an experiencer, with a secondary VALS type as an achiever.
The test explains that experiencers are “motivated by self-expression. Young, enthusiastic, and impulsive consumers, Experiencers quickly become enthusiastic about new possibilities but are equally quick to cool.” Because I own a wedding video business, I can agree with these characteristics that my purchases are often impulsive, especially with business expenses when I find myself purchasing the newest and greatest video equipment or accessories just because a larger, national video company did the same. In fact, the site’s description of “experiencers” go on to say that “Their purchases reflect the emphasis that they place on looking good and having "cool" stuff.” Which I can also admit describes me.
However, I believe that one can grow out of these attributes. Perhaps my impulsivity of a young and enthusiastic consumer may grow out of me when I graduate; additionally, because of a larger budget where I may have to pay more bills. Arguably, age plays a large role in the VALS type. Perhaps most students will receive an “experiencer” rating.
Moving on, the site describes my secondary VALS type, which is an achiever. The site describes an achiever as “Motivated by the desire for achievement, Achievers have goal-oriented lifestyles and a deep commitment to career and family. Their social lives reflect this focus and are structured around family, their place of worship, and work. Achievers live conventional lives, are politically conservative, and respect authority and the status quo. They value consensus, predictability, and stability over risk, intimacy, and self-discovery.” For the most part, this well describes me. First of all, most activities are based around goals that I wish to achieve for future jobs and business. For example, I hope to become a national wedding filmmaker. In response, I look to make every one of my local wedding videos superior, in hopes to spread my business further. The VALS description goes on to describe attributes that repeat those of “experiencers”. Also, the site states that I am likely to buy time-saving products. Which is very true, for my business takes up a lot of my time. For example, this year I purchased a CD/DVD duplicator, which saved me a lot of time on large projects.
Overall, The VALS test accurately describes the consumer needs and behaviors. As a business person and wedding professional, I find this very interesting and useful. For example, I find that many brides and grooms, although not financially stable, are very young and therefore, may be in the “experiencer” category. I believe this because lots of their friends and family will be at the wedding and they may want to newest and best things to impress their peers. Therefore, flashy and new items may be in the market for the wedding business. I only wish that I could receive test results of potential clients so that I may find what they need.
The test explains that experiencers are “motivated by self-expression. Young, enthusiastic, and impulsive consumers, Experiencers quickly become enthusiastic about new possibilities but are equally quick to cool.” Because I own a wedding video business, I can agree with these characteristics that my purchases are often impulsive, especially with business expenses when I find myself purchasing the newest and greatest video equipment or accessories just because a larger, national video company did the same. In fact, the site’s description of “experiencers” go on to say that “Their purchases reflect the emphasis that they place on looking good and having "cool" stuff.” Which I can also admit describes me.
However, I believe that one can grow out of these attributes. Perhaps my impulsivity of a young and enthusiastic consumer may grow out of me when I graduate; additionally, because of a larger budget where I may have to pay more bills. Arguably, age plays a large role in the VALS type. Perhaps most students will receive an “experiencer” rating.
Moving on, the site describes my secondary VALS type, which is an achiever. The site describes an achiever as “Motivated by the desire for achievement, Achievers have goal-oriented lifestyles and a deep commitment to career and family. Their social lives reflect this focus and are structured around family, their place of worship, and work. Achievers live conventional lives, are politically conservative, and respect authority and the status quo. They value consensus, predictability, and stability over risk, intimacy, and self-discovery.” For the most part, this well describes me. First of all, most activities are based around goals that I wish to achieve for future jobs and business. For example, I hope to become a national wedding filmmaker. In response, I look to make every one of my local wedding videos superior, in hopes to spread my business further. The VALS description goes on to describe attributes that repeat those of “experiencers”. Also, the site states that I am likely to buy time-saving products. Which is very true, for my business takes up a lot of my time. For example, this year I purchased a CD/DVD duplicator, which saved me a lot of time on large projects.
Overall, The VALS test accurately describes the consumer needs and behaviors. As a business person and wedding professional, I find this very interesting and useful. For example, I find that many brides and grooms, although not financially stable, are very young and therefore, may be in the “experiencer” category. I believe this because lots of their friends and family will be at the wedding and they may want to newest and best things to impress their peers. Therefore, flashy and new items may be in the market for the wedding business. I only wish that I could receive test results of potential clients so that I may find what they need.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Talking about Videogames
Although I have discussed the effects of video games and violence in society of having no effect; videogames can, however, affect one socially. With many new ways to socialize and communicate in new videogames, gamers are finding videogames a social event rather than an activity spent alone. This applies to both multiplayer videogames such as World of Warcraft and single player games such as many adventure games like the Zelda series. Another article in A Media Studies Reader describes how the video game players are now engaging in socializing while playing videogames in “Talking about Videogames” by James Newman.
The first aspect of socialization in videogames comes from the new technology of communication while engaging in gameplay. Typically, this communication is in the form of voice from a microphone headset that both sends and receives sounds from other players playing the same game at the same time. Also, the player can type and receive messages while playing. This new form of communication makes videogames a social event rather than a single player activity. Previously, videogamers were struck with a stereotype of a socially awkward and lonely person that spends most of his or her time alone playing videogames. However, because of this new technology, the player can socialize and play the game at the same time, creating a new social network that gives the player a more social experience rather than a social disconnected experience.
Before the new technology of microphone headsets in gaming, gamers still were socially linked by connecting with other videogamers that are playing similar games.
For example, if a very popular videogame (without an online multiplayer option or without a microphone headset option) releases on a particular day and most players purchase and play the game on the same day, the players will often socialize significantly when he or she is not playing the game. This concept is known as the “watercooler movement” (466) and usually occurs at work or at school.
The article also attempts to contradict the “watercooler movement” by stating that different players have different skills and consoles (which result in different gameplay and/or release date) that will separate each player socially. However, I argue that this can either create more conversation and socializing or it can result in social stratification of the players. For instance, those that are really good at the game will join into a group and those that are average players will join into a group. Or, the two groups could socialize about the differences between the gameplay of the two platforms or positions in the game. Furthermore, the “watercooler movement” shows that videogamers are in tune with the social community.
The first aspect of socialization in videogames comes from the new technology of communication while engaging in gameplay. Typically, this communication is in the form of voice from a microphone headset that both sends and receives sounds from other players playing the same game at the same time. Also, the player can type and receive messages while playing. This new form of communication makes videogames a social event rather than a single player activity. Previously, videogamers were struck with a stereotype of a socially awkward and lonely person that spends most of his or her time alone playing videogames. However, because of this new technology, the player can socialize and play the game at the same time, creating a new social network that gives the player a more social experience rather than a social disconnected experience.
Before the new technology of microphone headsets in gaming, gamers still were socially linked by connecting with other videogamers that are playing similar games.
For example, if a very popular videogame (without an online multiplayer option or without a microphone headset option) releases on a particular day and most players purchase and play the game on the same day, the players will often socialize significantly when he or she is not playing the game. This concept is known as the “watercooler movement” (466) and usually occurs at work or at school.
The article also attempts to contradict the “watercooler movement” by stating that different players have different skills and consoles (which result in different gameplay and/or release date) that will separate each player socially. However, I argue that this can either create more conversation and socializing or it can result in social stratification of the players. For instance, those that are really good at the game will join into a group and those that are average players will join into a group. Or, the two groups could socialize about the differences between the gameplay of the two platforms or positions in the game. Furthermore, the “watercooler movement” shows that videogamers are in tune with the social community.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)