Walt Denny Inc. Blog

Increase Your Score, Increase Your Influence

Having a presence on Twitter and Facebook isn't worth anything if you can't influence your audience to take a desired action. However, in order to guide your company to an influential position online, it is imperative to understand what can be done to get there.

Influence is defined as the capacity to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior and opinions of others. In the world of business influence is what drives your audience to take a desired action. The basic concept works the same for online influence, but at a much faster rate. When loyal customers share their experiences online, it can build trust in your company and promote word-of-mouth marketing for your brand.

Online influence is more than just a number. See real results by adjusting the way you interact online to increase your influence.

Get Your Group on with Group Buying

Last year, a large amount of buzz surrounded Google's attempt to purchase the leading group buying website Groupon, which currently has over 60 million subscribers. Although the deal did not go through, Google's interest in the site signified that there is a future to the growing business trend of group buying. Group buying is a new way to provide special deals to your patrons but how does it work and what benefits does it provide?

Websites like Groupon, LivingSocial and Tippr are group buying sites that give consumers the opportunity to get better discounts on products and services by working together. Deals become active once enough people buy into the product or service. For example, Groupon offered 50% off admission to ice skate at Chelsea Piers in New York, but the deal only went into effect once 200 people bought in.

Group buying puts a new spin on the classic coupon, reaching a group of tech savvy consumers who are excited to take part in deals daily.

From Instant Buzz to Enduring Brand Relationships

How Companies Win with Contest Marketing

Marketers win brand value and customer loyalty through contests that engage and inspire their audience which can be the start of a beautiful relationship.

Everyone wants to be a winner. The most effective contest promotions give away great prizes, but they also give entrants real drive and real hope of winning, while giving marketers a bridge to more customers. 

A contest can deliver immediate buzz, but the lasting end result can be brand acceptance with profitable customer relationships. To start, clarify your main goals. Is the company seeking demographic data? Do you want to generate a groundswell of user-generated web content? Is pull-through demand desired?