Flowtown – Social Media Marketing Application

With the dawn of Google+ the competition has begun to heat up. Many loyal Facebookers were skeptical, but Google+ has continued to gain users at a steady pace since its release. However, social media marketers like myself are left wondering when Google will begin allowing brands to have their own pages and what features will these new brand pages have?

Back in July Christian Oestilien, Product Manager for Google+ hinted in a post that Google is most certainly working on brand pages, and is working with a select group of brands to tailor their page features to best serve business’ and consumers alike.



Yet here we are, closing in on two months after Christians announcement and we are still speculating as to what brand pages will offer. We here at Smarter have our own hopes and expectations for what we would like to see. Here’s our Smarter Social Media Google+ wishlist:

-Exclusive and Unlimited Hangouts-
Google+ video chat Hangouts are one of the hallmarks of this new platform, and could provide unprecidented personal communication between brands and consumers (can you imagine being able to talk directly with the Old Spice Guy while he stands in that bathroom?). However, the current maximum of 10 participants, and the fact that anyone can join at any time make organizing and managing these kind of events difficult. I would love to see the use of invitations to gain access to these hang outs, as well as a lift on the cap for participants. This would allow marketers to arrange a diverse array of hangouts, and target specific people to join by sending exclusive invites.

-Analytics-
Google has long been known for offering robust web analytics, and Google+ should be no exception. While we rely heavily on Facebook Insights for measuring performance and engagement for our clients, these free tools leave a lot to be desired. I look forward to seeing what kind of analytic tools Google offers for marketers. If they are in line with what Google has provided in the past, we have a lot to look forward to.

-Better Communication Tools/Circles-
Having your friends list divided into custom ‘circles’ is another point of divergence between Facebook and Google+ and offers more flexible communication between you and your friends. We would love to see this dynamic tool adapted for business’ to better allow them to engage their fan base. One thing Facebook pages are lacking is direct messaging, and many business’ and organizations are forced to choose between a more visible and versatile ‘page’ and a ‘group’ that allows direct messaging. Circles for brands could allow this kind of communication without drowning users in marketing messages by allowing them to choose which of a brand’s ‘circles’ they want to be in and communicate with, similar to forums.

In conclusion, we have a lot to look forward to with business pages on Google+ and Google has the distinct advantage of learning from Facebook’s mistakes in this realm. Just as they innovated what Facebook had done for user profiles, we at Smarter hope to see the same kind of ‘outside the box’ thinking applied to business pages.

Steve Jobs Resigns:
Well, everyone knew this was coming, but yes, Steve Jobs has resigned. It blew up on the web moments after the letter was posted. Since that dark Wednesday, Tim Cook the former COO of Apple, has been promoted to CEO and Apple stock has gone down. In the coming months, many will be holding their breath, seeing if Apple was just Steve Jobs or if it can survive without it’s creator. Definitely keeping my fingers crossed for the company, what about you?





McDonald’s Windy Fries:
McDonald’s has done it again! As much as I don’t like their food, they have a great marketing team. This time the campaign of choice is specifically in Chicago, focusing on the well-known nickname, “the windy city”. In a place full of bad taxi cab ads, McDonalds has made it work by bringing the fries off the ad, like they are being blown away. Confused? Watch the video and be blown away! (Windy city, blown away, haha, get it?)

The definition of Tweet:
In other, awesome, life affirming news, tweet, social media, and crowdsourcing have been accepted by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary! The good news is this means that tweeting is stabilized in our culture. It is official. Unfortunately, they have not updated Microsoft spell-check; so this would only be useful for anyone who actually looks up words in a printed dictionary. But, hey, at least it’s a step forward.

The Average Joe On Twitter:
Speaking of Twitter, a new inforgraphic was published today containing stats on the every day twitter user. The information provided is perfect for any brand or marketing company because in order to market to the average twitter user, first you must understand the average twitter user. So put your thinking cap on, read through these stats and see Twitter through a different set of eyes.

If you haven’t heard, The Big Lebowski was just released on Blu-Ray. While it was never a blockbuster when it was released in theaters, the film has gained unheard of success in video sales thanks to word of mouth promotion from dedicated fans. As a quintessential cult classic, The Big Lebowski has staved off the eventual ‘fade into oblivion’ that most films face.

Now with the Blu-Ray release, this film has gained new found attention, and the producers aren’t letting it go to waste. For big fans, the below photo from the recent cast reunion is amazing in itself. But now, thanks to the wonders of Facebook, you can ‘virtually’ enjoy the film the way it was meant to be seen, with a legion of other devoted fans.



For just 30 Facebook credits ($3) you can rent the film on Facebook for 48 hours. While many of us are used to digital rentals like this from various satellite/cable companies, the Facebook rental market is brand spanking new. However it comes with a few bonus features, namely social commentary. Users can ‘Like’ and leave comments on memorable scenes in the film and see what other fans or friends have said.


For a movie that found success thanks to excited fans getting others to see it, adding a social aspect to what would otherwise be solitary viewing makes perfect sense. Plus, now you can watch it at work!

The dude abides.

Twtrland:
Like Candyland, only better because this new platform analyzes your account and gives you a bunch of people you will want to follow (like your favorite candy!). With so many people on twitter, all claiming to be better than the other, it’s like mission impossible to find people who are tweeting about things that interest you. Now, instead of judging by their last few tweets, Twtrland goes deep into the tweeters history and comes back with interesting tweeters you will love.

Tweet & Travel:
Ahhh, preparing for a trip. For me, it’s the most stressful part (other than the actual plane ride). The weeks you spend searching everything from Expedia to TravelZoo for hotel deals, flights, and car rentals are always joyous times (HA!). With this new tool called Reach.ly, let the hotels find you! Yeah, you heard me right. Just tweet the place you are traveling, and the site gathers your tweets, sends them to hotels, using the site, in the area and the hotels will contact you! As more hotels join, the less looking you have to do!

Controversial Software used during London Riots:
You know that face recognition software will tag your friends for you on Facebook? Well this new technology is now being used by the UK to identifying the looters and rioters in the London Riots. Scotland Yard and police forces are using the software to try and bring justice and safety to London’s distressed streets. Do you think this controversial software should be used by police?

Facebook Op:
The Internet has been blowing up over the newly released “Anonymous” video (a group initiating civil disobedience through the Internet). The basic message is that Facebook is selling our information and the group plans to bring down the site. Gawker, who interviewed an Anonymous member (Speakeasy), has now revealed that this was not the work of Anonymous. Another group must have found the original Facebook operation plans, which were to ask people to delete their Facebooks to ensure their privacy, and gone from there. Do you support the demise of Facebook?

Solving Urban Traffic Problems
Everybody who loathes the stress of L.A. traffic dreams about the same thing, a car that can drive itself. Well, Future Urban Mobility is getting closer to everyone’s dream. Systems that advance safety and alleviate congestion are being constructed that would allow vehicles to communicate with each other as well as with infrastructure (our roads and highways). Traffic predictors and devices that tell when lights will change will certainly revolutionize the way we drive. BMW i is already getting started by supporting these concepts to provide solutions for urban environments.


X Parlee Concept Bike
Using your mind to control the gears on your bike probably isn’t something you envisioned doing in the near future. However, with technology advancing in leaps and bounds, this kind of ‘science fiction’ could mean you’ll be cycling with brainpower as well as muscle power.


Vienna Bike
When efficiency is the name of the game, there’s no better vehicle than an electrically powered, foldable bike. Known as the Vienna Bike, this practical device has the option of being either propelled electrically or with pedal power. But this doesn’t have to be a bike just for neighborhood strolls. With a range from about 30 to 60 miles, it seems like just the innovation needed for local errands and commutes.


The Solar Impulse
The first solar powered plane, the Solar Impulse, just recently completed its first
international flight from Switzerland to Belgium. The plane’s main purpose is to serve as an example for other transportation designers and engineers to be more energy efficient. I mean if solar energy can power something like a plane, why we can’t use this efficient energy source for other means of transportation? But who knows, in years to come one of us could be a passenger on a solar airplane.


The Hybrid Ferrari
For companies like Ferrari, where sleekness and speed are the selling points in their design, it’s tough to have fuel efficiency as another top feature. Well, three designers managed to string together all of these components to win the Ferrari World Design Contest and impress the top designers at Ferrari. Some of these creative ideas could easily influence the next product for Ferrari and maybe blend the hybrid and sport car world.

Roaming Street Food:
All around the world people eat street food. It is cheap, easy, and usually phenomenally good. Now meet the American version of street food: Food Trucks. These delicious mobile food dispensaries have only become more popular as the years have passed. The more affordable trucks give chefs room to experiment with cool exotic ingredients, but keep the prices down so everyone can try it, making it a win-win. I mean, it’s gotta say something when Zagat comes out with a 2011 food truck review (naming Kogi BQQ as one of their favorites in LA). Check out Mashable’s (beautifully designed) infographic to learn how they started, how quickly they have progressed into a profit machines, and in general, all things food truck.

The Blink-182 Contest You Didn’t Know You Entered:
Blink-182, back after eight years with their single, Up All Night, and they are coming back with a bang. Instead of punishing people for illegally uploading their music to Youtube, they rewarded their fans by including some of the videos with Blink-182’s songs as the music. As kind of a fan montage, the videos include everything from cool skateboarding tricks to crazy bathroom jam sessions. They even gave out awards like Best Use Of Father’s Bank Account and Most Appearances In a Public Restroom to their devoted Youtube fans. I am a huge fan of when bands, especially as awesome as Blink-182, reward their fans and include them in their music, so I have already bought the single and plan to continue to love their music for a long time. It’s good to have you back Blink.

The Adventures of Living Social:
As if Living Social wasn’t already cool enough, right? Now they have a taxi that drives around London and randomly selects adventures for it’s patrons to offer them a unique, on-sale experience through Living Social. Brilliant ad campaign and awesome adventures, who could ask for more! I am so excited for the things to come from Living Social and I can’t wait to try it out on my next trip to NYC (I have heard only good things).

Dear Nokia,
We all thought you were gone. Really, I had given up on enjoying products made by you. But here you are, proving me wrong, and breaking world records (largest set used in a stop-motion video). I mean that’s an impressive way to make a comeback. And it actually seems as though the product itself is quite good, especially the camera (haha). Filmed on a beach in South Wales and directed by the amazing Sumo Science, the short is about the crazy seafaring adventures of a cute fisherman. Definitely a little Finding Nemo influence, which is always a good thing, and provides a cool little break from ordinary lives for some simple, sweet enjoyment. Well done Nokia, well done.

Feeling Mellow? Try Some JELL-O!
With the economy, healthcare, and the general state of American, JELL-O has noticed that people are down. When people are down, they share their misery with other people, more recently through Twitter. So JELL-O has set out to cheer America up with nothing other than… pudding! By tracking tweets, they monitor the general mood of people, and if it’s sad, free pudding is coming your way!




The Takeover (times Google):
Now time to tackle Google+, the social media sensation sweeping the nation. There is much speculation about what will happen to Twitter and Facebook as well as other networking sites now that Google+ has arrived. After wading through endless (literally, infinite) numbers of blogs and articles on the impact of Google+, I have found one little graphic that sums up the situation pretty well. Fact: Google+ reached 10 million users in just 16 days. Insanely impressive, but does it mean anything? Will those users stick around, or are these insane numbers the product of fickle, fleeting curiosity?



Comic-Con has Gone Social:
Since 1970, fans everywhere have been flocking to San Diego for this fabulous mixture of comics, films, and TV (Apparently, a preview of the new Twilight movie will be shown. Oooooooh!). In recent years, Comic Con has been gaining a stronger social media presence. Now it is the norm to come out with fun social games and use social programs like GroupMe to plan for the event. There is even a live stream of all the wonderful comic goodness hosted by Entertainment Weekly!






Amy Winehouse:
While the tragic death of Amy Winehouse is still very fresh in everyone’s mind, to some it is less about mourning a great artist, but capitalizing on the sentimental value of her work now that she’s gone. iTunes has put “Back To Black” front and center on their homepage (making it the number one selling album), while Microsoft blatantly told people to go buy the album from their site, Zune. Regardless of profit hungry companies, Winehouse was a gift to the musical world and her unique voice and style will be greatly missed.