Monday, December 22, 2008

Top Marketing to Moms Books

To become more effective in marketing and connecting with moms, previously we listed the top blogs, and now offer the top books on marketing to moms.
The Soccer Mom MythThe Gender Intelligent RetailerDon't Think PinkThe Mom FactorThe Female AdvantageMarketing to WomenPower of the PursePrimeTime WomenLeadership and the SexesThe She SpotMarketing to MomsDickless MarketingJust Ask a WomanWhy Women Mean BusinessEVEolution
Much thanks for the suggestions from Andrea Learned (non-garden variety contributions), Yvonne DiVita, Barbara Jones, Ann Handley, Michele Miller & Tami Anderson.




Thursday, December 18, 2008

Addicts Just Can't Say No to Promotions

Marketing Promotions Ideal for Moms on Social Networks

Mothers addicted to online social networks rate the marketing of “Special Promotions” much more positively than moms who are not on social networks. They are more than twice (123%) as likely to give marketing promotions a positive rating. This is likely because, at times, it gives them something to share with their online network of friends.

It is an important insight for marketers to understand. Fifty-percent of the most active and important (when it comes to spreading word of mouth) mothers on social networks actually love or welcome promotions. Find these moms and communicate a relevant promotional message, and the likelihood for success increases dramatically.

Moms who indicate that they are 'addicted' to online social networks are also more likely to:
1.) Go online for amusement purposes
2.) Publish their own blog
3.) Share their comments on blogs
There is a clear and strong connection for moms between participation on blogs and online social networks.

Survey data was gathered from 457 U.S. women with children of various ages randomly recruited on the internet between August 12 and September 12, 2008. As an incentive, $5 for every 10 people who completed the survey was donated by lucid marketing to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The free report, "Social Media & Moms, ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS Edition" can be downloaded at www.lucidmarketing.com

Monday, December 01, 2008

Motrin, Thank the Mommy Bloggers

It has been interesting to watch the debate and analysis of the Motrin Mommy Blogger event. I was lucky enough to watch from it's formative stages and develop a simple opinion that I have not seen voiced. Whether Motrin deserved the criticism or not, is not the point. Motrin should be thanking the mom bloggers. Yes, 'thank you or paying attention and providing your feedback'.

Motrin had a well-intended concept, but execution was poor and understandably can be found offensive by mothers. Mom-bloggers told them so in no uncertain terms. The difference here, from what has happened to offensive marketing messages in the past, is that the event was public, was collaborated upon, and spread rapidly. Motrin was embarrassed and retreated rapidly.

Back to my point about 'thanking' the mom-bloggers. Motrin responded by pulling the ads and canceling several planned media expenditures which could have potentially offended hundreds of thousands of more mothers! This could have been much worse and in a world without twitter and blogs, they would have never known. A large amount of budget and brand value was saved.

Now Motrin is part of the social media conversation. They weren't before, and now have the opportunity for a do-over. I'll bet it goes much better next time. Surely, they have learned a great deal, as we all have. Thank you mom-bloggers.