Red Deer is ready for social media
The City of Red Deer released the latest census report on July 2, 2010 with the full report available on their website next week. The general take on Red Deer is that it is a young city and growing. The average age is pegged at 34 years of age with a fairly even split between men and women. What does this mean for advertising and marketing? Red Deer is ready for social media.
The age groups known as Gen Y (19-25) and Gen X (26-40) make use of the web to gather information and communicate. It’s more than just a visit to your web page but actual interaction and sharing of information, experiences and recommendations. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube videos are a good example of popular social networking and social media sites. If the target market for your Red Deer business products and services is in these age demographics then think seriously about incorporating social media into your marketing and advertising. Otherwise you’ll miss out on opportunities and your competition will gain this growing demographic as customers.
Add comment July 5, 2010
What is a Podcast?
Social media has gone crazy with the skyrocketing growth of social technologies such as Twitter and Facebook but what about some of the other social technologies that started off the current revolution in online communications?
There was a time when blogs, wikis and podcasts led the parade known as Web 2.0 (a new way to use the web). They may have been overshadowed by Twitter and Facebook but they are still alive and well and can be powerful tools in your communications kit. Business, non-profits and educational sectors can all benefit from podcasts.
FAQ’s and FGA’s
(frequently asked questions and frequently given answers)
What is a podcast?
The technical answer defines a podcast as an audio or video file down-loadable from the internet for replay on a computer or portable device. It can be replayed when, where and as often as the listener wants. Podcasts have also been referred to as portable internet radio or as portable media.
Do I need an Apple iPod to listen to a podcast?
No, any computer or portable player such as MP3 players, phones, netbooks and Apples new iPad can be used.
What does podcast stand for?
Portable On Demand Narrow-casting is one description. Typically podcasts include unique, niche or narrowly focused topics that are not found on traditional broadcast mediums such as TV or radio.
Do I need a license from the CRTC to publish my podcast?
No.
Is there a limit to the length of a podcast?
No. Popular podcasts range from a few minutes to over an hour. It’s all dependent on your content and how engaging it is to your audience.
Which is better: audio or video?
It depends on your topic. Audio is easy and costs less to produce and typically your audience will listen to your audio podcast while performing other tasks. It’s easy to listen to an audio show while commuting, exercising, working or even relaxing. Video requires more technology and time to create and view but some topics work better as videos. There are podcast producers who deliver their episodes in both audio and video formats which gives their subscribers the option to choose what’s best for them.
Does it cost a lot to create a podcast?
No. When compared to traditional broadcast media, podcasts are extremely inexpensive to produce and distribute.
Can I do it myself or should I contract out?
It depends. There are benefits to a DIY approach such as low cost, convenience and creative control. Contracting it out to a podcast professional on the other hand will usually result in better quality shows, more focused marketing messages and a targeted distribution.
Will podcasting work for our non-profit organization?
Yes. Podcasting is ideally suited for associations, fund-raising and non-profits. Low production costs, world-wide reach and niche discussion topics are where podcasts perform best.
This is a municipal election year in Alberta, can podcasts be used in my election campaign?
Yes. Just like with non-profits, candidates can make use of low production costs of podcasts in their campaigns. Since podcasts are easy to produce and and can published quickly they are ideally suited to breaking news and up to the minute responses to the voter’s questions. Podcasts also work well to communicate with the community after you’re elected.
Can my school use podcasting?
Yes. There is a long history of podcasts in education. Podcasts can be used for news, updates, events and as a supplement to classroom teaching and learning. Good examples are available at Apples iTunes U.
Can my company use podcasting?
Yes. Externally as a marketing tool. Information about your company and products such as industry trends, new products, advice, demos and user guides are ideal podcast topics. Internally, podcasts can be used as employee training, distributing HR information and inspirational messages from the CEO.
Were can I learn more about podcasting?
Contact us at BRASSmedia Canada and we’ll be glad to answer your questions…
- phone: 403-896-4956
- email: dean.owen@brassmedia.ca
And yes we are on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Here’s a podcast episode that we created using a recorded workshop on Podcasting for Business:
Here’s Part 1 of the audio
click arrow to listen online
click here to download MP3 file >>> [download original file]
Add comment June 3, 2010
BRASSmedia Canada – we monkey around sometimes
In the brave new world of internet media it is important to hire the best team to enable you to reach your customers and share your story.
Starting at the planning and development stage and working through to the finished product, BRASSmedia Canada uses the latest in leading edge technology and the top talent in their field to bring your message to the internet.
You can find us on the web at www.brassmedia.ca
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/deanKowen
Look for us on Facebook
Add comment May 21, 2010
Traditional TV gets boost from social media
There are hints that social media – blogs, Twitter and Facebook – are driving audiences to view traditional TV. Large events such as the Oscars and the Vancouver Olympics show that it is important to tie in social media and engagement with the event. Some experts in the TV business are convinced that there is a distinct co-relation between traditional media and social media. Others are not so sure and are down right skeptical.
It’s no surprise to hear the ‘experts’ deny social media’s role in enhancing the audience experience in traditional TV viewing. If your main business was making and selling buggy whips, the last thing you would do is admit that the horse-less carriage was a genuine transportation vehicle and tend to refer to it as a curiosity and nothing more than a fad.
Two screening – watching TV with your computer or smart-phone in hand is a reality and actually aids in the viewing experience. Sharing comments with others – friends or strangers – is a genuine part of the audience participation. Talking during a movie in a theater is frowned upon but Tweeting or IM’ing is a great way to share your thoughts on what’s happening in front of you.
Can and does social media drive viewers to traditional TV? There is no doubt that it does just like any word of mouth marketing would.
Dean
Add comment March 14, 2010
Red Deer Business After Hours Feb. 23 starts at 5:00pm
Join us a the next Red Deer Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours networking event on Tuesday February 23 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Red Deer Lodge in Red Deer.
Business after Hours
Location: Red Deer Lodge, 4311-49 Avenue
The February Event will be hosted by Red Deer Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre.
Business after Hours are min-traideshows hosted by member businesses throughout the city on the last Tuesday of each month (January-May and September-November) Everyone is invited at no charge and no registration is necessary.
We’ll be presenting our latest venture! Here’s a hint:
Dean
Add comment February 19, 2010
