If you’ve been following the 60 Second Marketer blog for any length of time, you know I’m a Google+ fan. In fact, I spend about 3 times as many hours on Google+ than I do on Facebook.

Why? Mostly, because I like the simple, clean, intuitive design. Plus, I’ve always felt that Facebook has succeeded despite itself. In other words, Facebook succeeds because it’s Facebook, not because it’s intuitive, easy-to-use or even a fun place to hang out.

All that said, Google+ introduced a new layout last week. As with all things Google, the new layout is easy to navigate and easy to use. In fact, I’d suggest that if you’ve been waiting to dive into the world of Google+, this may be a good enough reason to take the plunge.

What follows is a short video from Google that explains the new features. It’ll give you a good sense of what the new look and feel is all about. (Click here to watch the video on YouTube.)

Oh, by the way, I’d love to connect with you on Google+. If you’d like to connect with me, just click here and add me to one of your circles. I’ll be sure to add you back.

Mobile phones, the little device that Americans say they can’t live without, are taking over. It’s not just the numbers that are growing, but what we are doing with them. According to Gartner, by 2013, mobile internet should surpass desktop internet usage.

We use our phones for everything from entertainment to music to social networking. They tell us our news, the weather, directions, and can now even communicate with us. In other words, they’re important.

Are you considering mobile for your business? Read these essentials you need to know about marketing on the small screen:

Consumers can interact immediately with advertising on mobile phones. After seeing an advertisement, the consumer can text, call, or download content instantly. Mobile devices allows for the advantages of online advertising combined with a new kind of interactivity with brands. Customers can read reviews of a product online while at the store, visit the app of a product while using it, and even take pictures of the product and post it to their Facebook all on their phones.

72% of all businesses surveyed have plans to increase their mobile advertising budgets in the next year.

We are living in the era of appvertising. With over 500,000 options and over 15 billion downloaded, apps have become a new frontier for mobile marketing. Consumers can download the app for their favorite brands and interact with them to make purchases, discover new information, and share with their friends. It’s a form of advertising that people actually welcome onto their phones by pressing download and in many cases even paying for it. (For more information on App Best Practices, watch How to Create a Smartphone App that Keeps Customers Coming Back on the 60 Second Marketer YouTube channel.)

Mobile advertising creates an experiencefor the consumer rather than an interruption. Mobile advertising allows marketers to engage consumers in personalized, always-on, location-based dialogue. From simple text based messages to rich iPhone applications, there are mobile-based tactics that can help with any marketing objective.

Mobile is an always on medium. Consumers are using their phones while walking, waiting, eating, and heck, even driving. In fact, 86 % of mobile internet users have used their devices while watching TV. It is the one medium we can always use simultaneously with other media and is slowly, but surely replacing them as well.

Consumers have already made the choice for you whether you should be on mobile or not. Millions of consumers use their mobile devices to search for information on products and services. Surprise — you are there already. But, it’s your decision how you want to utilize this information. You could have an app to extend the consumer’s experience with your brand, create a mobile site so your customers have easier access to your services, or mobile banner ads to reach your target on the go. (Interested in learning more about this topic? Then read “5 Ways to Keep Shoppers In Your Store with Mobile Marketing: A Guide for Retailers” on the 60 Second Marketer blog.)

Our phones are getting smarter. Of the 4 billion mobile phones in use today, 1.08 billion are smartphones. Smartphones are changing how we do business, communicate, purchase, and spend our time. Soon enough, they will even be replacing our credit cards. Stay in the know of what new capabilities these devices can offer your small business or major advertising campaign.

Social networking is driving growth. Updating social media sites with mobile devices is rapidly increasing with 30% of smartphone owners accessing social networks via a mobile browser. Social networks have their own apps that make it easier for users to update their profiles, confirm friend requests, and check in. Some social networking sites are actually being designed around mobile devices, such a Foursquare, which utilizes the GPS location technology on smartphones.

Consumers are not jaded by mobile advertising. Consumers tend to change radio stations and television channels during commercials. They skip through print ads and choose to exit out of pop-ups online. However, mobile advertising is largely new to consumers and offers a new type of engagement that other media can not offer, such as coupons that they can instantaneously redeem in stores or a Nike app that can help them with their workouts.

The power of QR codes. These barcodes are everywhere, being inserted into ads, on direct mailers, and even posters on telephone polls. QR codes make everything interactive. They give the consumer the opportunity to delve deeper and learn more via microsites, video, and audio tools. Static media, such as magazine or newspaper ads, now have the ability to be interactive rather than passive through QR code readers on our smart devices. (Want to learn how to generate a QR Code? Then read “How to Generate a QR Code Right Now” on our blog.)

Mobile devices are our favorite distraction from work, driving, human interaction, and even sleeping. Our phones aren’t even phones anymore. We use them more for internet searches, apps, and text messaging now than for actually making phone calls.

Mobile marketing was largely overlooked when we were all carrying around our cool flip phones, but now with the development of smartphones, mobile has grown into the medium to look out for.

The Take Away: You do not need to ask yourself whether or not you need to have a presence on mobile devices. You already do. The question is what you are going to do about it. Mobile offers interactivity with consumers on a level we haven’t previously seen and haven’t quite learned yet how to take full advantage of. Start with developing a mobile site and work from there depending on your business and budget. To stay in the know about mobile marketing and advertising, check out Mobile Marketing Watch.

About the Author: Brittney Leigh Smith is a marketing analyst for the 60 Second Marketer.

I’m flattered and honored to be asked to speak at corporations and events around the globe. It’s a real blessing.

Every so often, I set up an event of my own so that I can do a hands-on workshop for members of the 60 Second Marketer community.

That’s exactly what we’ve created with the Atlanta Inbound Marketing Conference sponsored by HubSpot.

This full-day workshop will bring in social media and mobile marketing experts to provide hands-on training for businesses interested in improving their inbound marketing skills. 

Here’s just some of what you’ll learn at this information-packed, all-day workshop scheduled for Thursday, May 10th:

• How to use new tools like Pinterest, Google+ and the new Facebook to drive leads to your business
• Secrets the pros use to improve conversions on their landing pages
• How to calculate the ROI of your social media program
• How to get started in mobile marketing quickly and easily
• How to re-invigorate your use of LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook

Tickets to this event are on sale now, but hurry — our $229 Early Bird pricing only lasts for a few weeks after which the price jumps up to $269.

If you’re interested in learning how to grow your business using social media and mobile marketing, then you won’t want to miss this all-day event. And to cap things off, you’ll be able to attend a cocktail reception and bonus All-Start Marketing Panel discussion at the HUG Atlanta event that evening.

What: Atlanta Inbound Marketing Conference
When: Thursday, May 10th
Where: Maggiano’s Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia
Key Times: 10:45 (Registration), Noon (Lunch), 5:00 pm (Reception) 6:00 pm (HUG Atlanta All-Star Panel Discussion)
Tickets: On Sale Now for $229

We’re expecting to sell-out all the available seats at this event, so if you’re interested in attending, order your tickets today.

“Social media” has been a phrase on every marketer’s mind for the past several years. Many initiatives have been made to connect with consumers on social networks, and even the best have made mistakes.

Here are some things to avoid–no exceptions:

1. Sloth - Don’t wait for consumers to find you. Some brands will set up their social media sites and then expect consumers will just follow. You should engage with consumers along other channels to drive them in.

2. Gluttony – Don’t overindulge in the “likes.”Brands overindulgence in how many “likes” they have received has hurt the value of the “like” button and resulted in lower ROI.
   

   Are you committing any of these seven deadly sins?

3. Greed – Don’t appear desperate to consumers. Brands can appear desperate for a sale when they continually run specials all the time. This can not only devalue the brand but also the relationship with the consumer.

4. Envy – Don’t lose sight of what matters. Although it can be useful to learn from other brands, they should be used as a reference point instead of the main focus. You should work on taking what you have learned from others and modifying it to your own situation instead of simply imitating it. This will help set your brand apart.

5. Wrath – Don’t block negative feedback. Brands can become upset by a consumer’s bad review and lash out by taking it off their site instead of addressing the customer’s issues. It is important not to just attempt to fix the problem, but also to learn from the mistake.

6. Lust – Don’t focus on just the buy. Engage your consumers and make them feel like they are more than just another number. You don’t want to come across as a sleazy salesman lusting after a commission.

7. Pride – Don’t wait to get started. The biggest mistake you can make in social media is not even allowing yourself to fail in the first place. There are still brands that see social media as a fad that will soon end. Facebook has over 600 million users alone. Fad? I don’t think so.

More than likely you’re going to make mistakes on social media. It’s an evolving platform. While there are pathways to help you develop an effective marketing plan, none of them are guaranteed to be foolproof. What’s important is that you try to prepare yourself for the 24/7 world of social media and avoid these seven vices that could point your brand in the wrong direction.

About the Author: Brittney Leigh Smith is a marketing analyst for the 60 Second Marketer.

USA TODAY reported that there have been several additional accounting missteps at Groupon. What follows is an excerpt from the article that appeared earlier in USA TODAY:

Groupon keeps rolling out daily deals, but skepticism is growing about the young company’s ability to manage its growing pains and competitors. And those concerns are taking a toll on its stock price.

Groupon shares plummeted 17% Monday to close at $15.28. That’s well below the $20-a-share price it commanded in its initial public offering and about half its 52-week high of $31.44.

The deals giant on Friday revised lower its fourth-quarter earnings, saying it hadn’t set aside enough money for customer refunds. The company has increased offers on Lasik eye surgery and laser hair removal, which carry higher prices and refunds.

Despite investor misgivings, Groupon remains “confident in the fundamentals” of its business, says CFO Jason Child.

More information about Groupon: A few months ago, I was interviewed on CNN about the Groupon IPO. I’m not a financial manager and don’t provide financial advice to anybody, but after having done some research on Groupon, I came away with the conclusion that the company was doing some non-standard things with some of their reporting.

(This conclusion wasn’t hard to come by since the SEC has twice asked them to address some of their non-standard accounting practices.)

If you want to see the the interview on CNN about Groupon, you can watch it on the 60 Second Marketer YouTube channel, or watch it below.

Enjoy.

Posted by Jamie Turner, Founder of the 60 Second Marketer and co-author of “How to Make Money with Social Media” and “Go Mobile.” He is also a popular marketing speaker at events, trade shows and corporations around the globe.

Online marketing is a complex industry. Using social media, websites and search engines to meet business goals while juggling to keep your target audience engaged, entertained, and educated requires an understanding of Internet marketing strategy and tactics.

Experimenting with a constantly changing platform can be tough and mistakes are bound to happen. However, you can learn from others and avoid making the common slip-ups within the digital landscape. Take a look at these 5 mistakes to avoid:

1. Thinking Success = Traffic and Not Conversions.Grabbing the consumer’s attention is important, but ROI is the end goal for businesses. Many advertisers place so much focus getting traffic to the site that they ignore the customers’ experience once they get there. The website itself, whatever purpose it may hold, should be engaging and informative, so a result is produced. Otherwise, you’re wasting your advertising dollars leading potential customers to a site that generates no outcome. Always be sure to keep in mind the all important call to action.
   

   It's easy to make a mistake with online marketing. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid making mistakes, too, if you follow some of these rules.

2. Limiting Your Ad Placement. The internet presents a platform that provides multiple channels and limiting your advertising to only one can constrain your campaign’s effectiveness. This can include restricting ad spending to only a certain type of site when similar audiences exist elsewhere, such as ignoring Social Networks. Sites like Twitter and Facebook give businesses an opportunity to interact with customers in a way that was not possible several years ago. It is important to see what is out there and keep updated on what is new and up-and-coming.
3. Ignoring the Competition. There are many players on the internet vying for similar audiences and failing to keep tabs on your competitors can be detrimental to your business. A helpful aspect of the digital realm is the easy access to tools that can assist you in your business efforts. A couple notable tools include Alexa.com and Compete.com, which both can show you where your business stands in the competitive pool.
4. Failure to Measure Results. The internet is full of analytic tools that can help you understand your ad effectiveness, everything from which ads are more efficient to what customers do once they get to your site. They can show your strengths as well as your shortcomings. Failing to use these tools is a choice to ignore the most specific measurement capabilities currently available in media today.
5. Thinking You Got It Figured Out. The internet industry is changing at such a rapid pace that continuing education is essential. There are numerous blogs as well as certification courses, such as Google’s, that can help to keep you current with online marketing. Several useful sites include Mashable, TechCrunch, and Wired. Keeping yourself up-to-date will improve your ability to navigate the pathways of internet mayhem.

Mistakes have been made in online marketing, as well as successes. The crucial point is to learn from both in order to make the most out of your budget. It can be difficult to sift through the digital maze and you probably won’t come out the other side without a couple wrong turns under your belt, but being open minded, ready to experiment, and willing to learn can take you a long way.

The Take Away: Mistakes are the easiest to rectify online, but they are also the easiest to make. Learn all that you can and use the resources and knowledge that is available to you in order to make the most out of your online presence.

About the Author: Brittney Leigh Smith is a marketing analyst for the 60 Second Marketer.

The year 2011 saw many changes in the social media universe. Most of these changes included greater reliance on this new mode of marketing with its seamless integration with other paid methods of marketing. Last year was also a landmark for smartphone development and more money was spent in making websites mobile friendly and social media savvy. Changes in the social media industry have been studied and analysts came up with the following 5 predictions for search and social media marketing in the year 2012.
#1. Customer Relationship Management Goes Social
Even though social media was used to attempt acquiring new customers, email was being used to communicate with the existing customers. 2012 is definitely a time when social media would be used more and more to reach out to the customers. The reason is simple. Most of the customers spend a reasonable amount of time on social media platforms and it makes more sense to provide them the service where they are rather than asking them to move elsewhere to avail the service. Similarly, greater use of SMO and SEM automation tools is also predicted.
#2. Search Engines Now Recognize Social Media
In the last year more and more companies started to work on improving their search engine rankings through social media and the trend is predicted to continue in 2012. Google and other search engines now give credibility to social media mentions and they have the power to influence the ranking of a particular search result. Today, social media marketing has become a necessity to remain in business and get business especially if you depend on search engine results.
#3. Social Media Circle To Extend Beyond the Marketing Team
Until a few years ago, social media marketing was restricted to social media marketing executives or to the marketing team. It has been observed and realized that social media presence of the brand name through customers is far more credible than the company itself. Moreover, when employees and customers share stuff on their own, more people want to read it, like it and share it. Based on this new found wisdom, more employees and customers will be encouraged to participate in social media in 2012.
#4. Higher On-the-Go Purchases
More people now possess smartphone than before. They have access to the Internet through their mobile phones and even take buying decisions while they are on the go. Most people resort to social media through their mobile during their daily travel. To tap the potential of mobile phone online purchases, most companies get their websites fine tuned to be used through mobile phones. This trend is there to last and will definitely increase in 2012.
#5. Greater Daily Deals Options
It is predicted that Google will give prominence to sites that offer daily deals on products and services. Since Google always tries to provide maximum customer satisfaction, an algorithm tweak of this sort will be no surprise.
A smart marketer will update himself quickly and work on the emerging trends in 2012. There are some social media and search engine marketing strategies that will be a sure success in the coming year. The marketplace is open so those who make the right moves at the right time will be the ones who achieve great success!

About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of gadgets. She is planning to buy Nikon Binoculars for herself. These days she is busy in witting an article on razer gaming.

Here’s a 90-second video from the 60 Second Marketer YouTube channel that still ranks as one of my favorites.

And for those of you who want to point out the fact that I have a 90-second video on the 60 Second Marketer YouTube channel, yes, I know — the irony!

Enjoy.

Posted by Jamie Turner, Founder of the 60 Second Marketer and co-author of “How to Make Money with Social Media” and “Go Mobile.” He is also a popular marketing speaker at events, trade shows and corporations around the globe.

If you’re worried about the impact social media can have on your business, read on. The following case studies provide insights into how several large corporations dealt with social media emergencies and, in come cases, came out on top.

Case Study #1: Dominos

• Overview: As a prank, two Domino’s employees engaged in several health department violations, re-corded their activities and posted them to YouTube. Consumers all over the web were exposed to the scandal when the video went viral with over 1 million hits in a matter of days.
• Response: Domino’s, in an effort to not draw attention to the video, waited days to respond. When they did respond, they chose to do so in the same manner the scandal began — socially. Domino’s U.S. President, Patrick Doyle, issued a public apology on Youtube and quickly set up their own Twitter account where they spent time reassuring customers that it was an isolated incident.
• Outcome: Despite Domino’s effort, the damage was done and their stock price dropped 10% during the aftermath. However by responding through social media (rather than traditional avenues) Domino’s was able to reach their target audience as quickly as the initial video had reached them. In addition, by adding Twitter to their initial response, and eventually their ‘showusyourpizza.com’ ads, Domino’s created a two-way dialogue with their customers, allowing them to engage with the company. Domino’s went on to use this dialogue to revamp their pizza ultimately leading to increased sales.
• Takeaway: Respond immediately to negative comments, reviews, tweets or videos in the social atmosphere. Also, it is a good idea to have social media guidelines in place to prevent these occurrences from happening in the first place.

Case Study #2: United Airlines

• Overview: In the Spring of 2008, United Airlines customer, Dave Carroll, witnessed baggage handlers throwing his $3,500 Taylor guitar. When Carroll finally reached his destination he opened his guitar case to find the guitar had in-fact been broken. For nine months he called customer support to receive compensation for his broken instrument. When his efforts came up empty, Carroll chose to do what he knew best and wrote a song. He went on to create a music video and posted it on YouTube.
• Response: United Airlines took a week to react to the video and by that time it had gone viral. Finally, when United Airlines did call to compensate for the damages, Carroll declined because the exposure he had received was worth more than the $1,200 it cost for him to fix the instrument. He went on to create two additional videos on YouTube that collectively gained almost 2 million views on the site.
• Outcome: United Airlines stock price plunged 10% during the aftermath and the original video continued to gain views on YouTube, now reaching over 11 million. Also, when the phrase “United Airlines” is searched on the site, it is the first video to appear.
• Takeaway: Ignoring customers is no longer an option because there are now so many different channels for them to voice their opinion. Beware of making the same mistake because there is no wrath like a consumer scorned.

Case Study #3: Kenneth Cole

• Overview: To capitalize on the media coverage surrounding the Cairo Protest, Kenneth Cole tweeted “Millions are in uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online at http://bit.ly/KCairo -KC.”
• Response: The post created a massive outcry, to which Kenneth Cole quickly responded with the removal of the original post and an apology.
• Outcome: Kenneth Cole’s stock did not drop during the aftermath of the tweet, but actually rose by 2.5%. Although comments from his public apology were still angry, Kenneth Cole used social media to quickly acknowledge the mistake and apologize, “I apologize to everyone who was offended by my insensitive tweet about the situation in Egypt.” Cole then wrote on his official Facebook account. “I’ve dedicated my life to raising awareness about serious social issues, and in hindsight my attempt at humor regarding a nation liberating themselves against oppression was poorly timed and absolutely inappropriate.”
• Takeaway: What can be learned from this incident is to never post insensitive tweets. However, Cole’s access to the Twitter platform and quick apology did some major damage control. Sometimes the best policy is just to admit you are wrong. The incident did gain quite a bit of publicity, but whether that led to the increase in stock prices is hard to tell.

What are some of your favorite social media case studies? Let us know in the comments section below.

About the Author: Brittney Leigh Smith is a marketing analyst for the 60 Second Marketer.