Social networking, evangelism, community

SUMMARY: Looking for an interesting way use social media assets to boost site traffic and sales? Try "Twitter Bingo." One footwear retailer did just that and noticed surprising results with a tiny investment.

See how the team tracked the effort and why they focused on increasing product page views per visitor. Includes sample tweets to guide your campaign. read the complete case study

SUMMARY: Creating great content and pitching bloggers might garner an occasional link, but how can you consistently build inbound links? One way is through link-exchange partnerships that forge ongoing relationships with relevant sites.

Read these five tactics from an expert in forging strong link-exchange partnerships. Includes tips on how to evaluate potential partners, set guidelines for target pages and anchor text, alongside a golden rule you should never forget. read the complete article

SUMMARY: "Advertising on blogs or social networks" was rated the most accurately measured (32%), and was also rated the least effective (16%). More than 90% of companies believe that social media is the most effective in accomplishing brand building goal, followed closely by goals for attracting website visitors. view the complete research record

SUMMARY: Potential customers want to hear how you can solve their problems in simple, understandable language -- not empty marketing clichés. Social media can help teach you that language.

Read why marketing strategist David Meerman Scott thinks phrases such as “robust” and “mission critical” can do more harm than good to your marketing, and how you can use social media to move past them. read the complete interview

SUMMARY: Which phase of social marketing maturity is your organization in today and where would you like it to be? In this week's chart, find out how your organization compares to more than 2,000 others in terms of social marketing maturity, and which Social Marketing ROAD Map elements are priorities for each phase of social marketing maturity. read the complete article

By Anne Holland, Founder

This year, I suspect that marketers are considering becoming consultants more than at any other time in history. It's due to a confluence of factors, including recession layoffs and insecurities, boomer demographics, and the work-from-home fad.Is consulting for you? Take this quick quiz:

#1. Networking
Are you the sort of person who instinctively networks with other professionals? Do you actively participate in industry associations or clubs? Do you... read the complete blog post