image: www.bballone.com
I recently applied my web business marketing skills to get my picture in a national magazine. By using my email list, Facebook and Twitter I was able to beat out NBA star Shaquille O’neal and 29,000 other participants. Check out this video….
I was excited when I saw the magazine at the grocery store. I wasn’t featured like iJustine or Jeremy Shoemaker, but my picture was there in the top 3 percent. What was more exciting was that I stumbled on a fun web business marketing strategy that has the potential to increase your perceived value.
It took me only one hour to get in the Social Media Edition of Fast Company Magazine. Here are 5 steps that I used:
Step 1: There Hiding In Plain Sight
- Chat Groups: I read about the Fast Company Magazine “experiment” from a Google chat group. Chat groups are like online forums, but the conversations are sent to your email box. To find people who have similar interest visit Google or Yahoo Groups.
- Google Alerts: Search for keyword phrases such as “enter contest” or “blog contest.” Instead of manually researching them have Google do the work for you.
- Previous Year Contest: Many contest are held annually. If you missed one, place it in on your schedule for next year. Have you ever heard of Realtor 30 Under 30, or Forbes 100 Most Influential Women In Media?
Step 2: Enter “The Easy Way.”
- Facebook Connect: Would you be embarrassed if your future employer or joint venture partner saw your main profile picture? If so, remove it.
When I signed up for the Fast Company Magazine social media experiment. I was given two options, either manually enter my contact information and upload a picture or click the Facebook button.
My Facebook profile, that has a picture of my face, is now in a Fast Company Magazine. Some other participants, who clicked the Facebook connect button, had pictures of their pets or kids in the magazine. Cute, yes. Marketable, no.
- Contact the Publisher: Contest are great for media connections and internet. If there’s had a great response, they will always do another. Fast Company Magazine has stated it may do another “Influence Project.” They probably sold more magazines, I bought two. Here’s a contest example from my friend Patrick Riddle, who runs the Annual Battle of the REI Blogs, look at the number of comments the blog post received, http://www.mustknowinvesting.com/battle-of-the-rei-blogs-2010/
Step 3: Tell Others, “Check This Out…”
- Facebook Friends: Let your friends and family now what’s going on in your life; besides how excited you are to watch “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.”
- Email Database: Stop bombarding your list with sales pitches like Michael Filsaime. Give you subscribers something they can do with you.
- Press Release to the Media: Journalist are always looking for interesting stories for their readers.
Step 4: Tell Others You Rock
- You Want to Be Famous: Even if you don’t win, you’ll beat out 100% of the people who didn’t participate. Rick LaPoint wrote an article called, “How To Make Your Blog Famous.” Now you can make yourself famous with social media contests. I can say, “I beat out Shaquille O’Neal…” As proof, I have a video and my picture in a national magazine.
- As Seen/Featured In: If you rank in any contest or list, add to your website, “As Seen On” or “As Featured In.” Here’s what I added to one of my websites at http://www.InvestmentRealEstateCorner.com
- You Want Media To Recognize You: If you sent a press release to a journalist, now send a direct twitter message with your results. They may do a follow up story on you.
Step 5: Repeat Until You Can Afford Shaq’s Publicist
- Do more faster: Plan to enter one contest or competition for the next 3 months. Focus only on those that will impress your spouse, boss, or biggest client.
Don’t stop this web business marketing strategy until your email box is flooded with media request or you have enough money to buy income property in Phoenix or Florida with your paypal account.
Here’s my question to you…
Have you tested your social media marketing skills in contests and competitions? Would you like information on how to create your own contest to make your blog famous?
Let me now that your alive! Leave a comment below…
Twitter: barbaraling
says:
Love step 4!
Self-confidence rocks…and it does influence others who see it. Good job!
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s recent blog post ..101 Stellar Exciting Social Media Icon Sets You MUST Witness To Start 2011 Off Right!
Twitter: kendallmatthews
says:
Step #4 is huge! We can’t be afraid to promote our products and services like Donald Trump.
Time To Shine,
Kendall Matthews
http://www.youtube.com/kendallmatthews
Kendall Matthews´s recent blog post ..Go Zone Real Estate Investing and Taxes with Diane Kennedy
Twitter: MrsMoodyGermany
says:
I second the #4 tell other you rock point!
It is like a challenge to me, because i am sure i can’t do that
I am by nature humble LOL, i was grown this way, but i am sure if we have a good blog content, at least someone will spread the words, i prefer that way
Thanks for sharing your awesome tips above, Kendall.
Kimi´s recent blog post ..Top WordPress Premium Themes
Somewhat related, I’ve actually been considering hosting a contest somewhat like Famous Bloggers did with Commentluv for guest blog posting. My site has over 100 guest authors already. Any advice on how to find and attract sponsors for this type of contest?
Jarret´s recent blog post ..Canada Declares War on the Double Down
Twitter: jbiehl20
says:
I have had extremely great success with FB. Not only has it launched my business, but it keeps it going strong. I think it’s important to not only talk to others about your business in your status updates, but you need to keep it informal. People want to get to know you so that includes posting your routines, favorite movies, asking questions to your friends, etc. FB has truly been a godsend for business!
jbiehl20´s recent blog post ..Self-Motivation
Kendall, great post and very inspiring. You are 100% right, if you don’t believe in your product and dont have enough self-confidence to present it o the world, then how would you expect other people to buy your product.
I love your tip about facebook and having a representable picture on there. For most of us who have 2 different kinds of lives, I think its best to have 2 facebook account. One for your business and one for your personal life. Thanks for the post.
satrap´s recent blog post ..6 Steps For Making Money With an Online Review Site
I’d just like to share my motto when doing Social Media.. “Share, Share & Share some More” if you find something your target audience would be interested in, share it! Post it to Twitter, Facebook, Stumbleupon, etc. You’re not only providing great content to build up your own audience, you’ll start to get noticed by those whose content you’re sharing.
craigbailey550´s recent blog post ..The Fears of Buying Las Vegas Homes
I think an overlooked tactic is simply asking others to share what you’ve just released. People are usually willing to help others if it’s something of value – but a reminder to RT or share with their friends can go a long way for promoting your material.
faithfinance´s recent blog post ..The Key to Contentment
Twitter: Anklebuster
says:
Kendall, way to go! I just love that you went for it and succeeded. You’ve given us some valuable tips, as well!
I almost always jump on “local” blog contests – meaning, folks that I read regularly. I never even thought to go looking for them!
Cheers,
Mitch
Mitchell Allen´s recent blog post ..Who Do You Know
Twitter: carlosgil83
says:
Step 4 really does ROCK! Better yet, it’s the money maker in disguise. These days people are desperate to figure out how to make money off of social media, speaking from my own experience; you must be willing to invest a lot of sweat equity and many sleepless nights which include entering contests such as The Influence Project to enhance your credibility. Like anything else, you must pay your dues before you can get paid.
Twitter: vingill2
says:
Thanx for the great marketing tips
You rock!
Vincent Gill´s recent blog post ..Healing With Laughter updated Mon Nov 8 2010 7-23 am CST