Instagram is the key to instant viral marketing. Starting in October 2010, Facebook owned “Instagram” has reached over 150 million active users from all around the world as of December 14, 2013! It is incredible to see the vast expansion of this simple app which has grown from taking simple “selfies” and “foodie” photos, to being a significant marketing strategy and promotions device.

Here are a few reasons why Instagram is the new trend of social media:

Easy Mobile – Mobile phones are the easiest way to access customers because everyone has one. As well, according to the Global Web Data, PC’s are out of the picture when it comes to accessing social media. Mobile phones are the IN trend now. There are 66% usage of mobile devices verses the 64% of tablet and PC use.

Hashtags – A major part of marketing is being able to connect your product to the customer. Hashtags are a significant way of how users can search up their interests. As well, there is no limit on the character count (compared to Twitter where there is) #YouCanMakeAHashTagsAsLongAsYouWant.

Liking & Commenting – An interesting feature with Instagram is the ability to “like” and “comment” on photos. Companies are able to stay in close reach and communicate on a personal level with users. The characteristics of personalization and transparency is a large bonus as of why Instagram is such a popular medium for marketing.

Geotag posts – Location, location, location! Being able to target the locals in the are using a photo map locater to tag where you are is a competitive advantage. I feel like it is similar to modern day’s style of the radio where people look for information in their area for.

In conclusion, Instagram is the future of marketing. Better go #hashtag that!
This post was inspired by “52 tips of Instagram”

“over 87,000 possible drink combinations at Starbucks” – Woman’s Day

I am a coffee drinker. I’m EXTREMELY picky and particular about the taste and smoothness of my daily pick-me-up. My desire – even need – for coffee is so strong, but I always choose Starbucks. Every time. Even if a random coffee shop were a few steps away, I would walk across the city to reach that Starbucks.

Let me present to you the reasons why Starbucks shines, through a 600 bonus points system.

+100 – Launches new items – Starbucks takes pride innovating and creating new drinks to excite their loyal customers. From special peppermint mochas in the Christmas, to the caramel flan late that just came out in January 2014, Starbucks never fails to promote these items.

For example: Promo video of the New Caramel Flan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efKPgE9rGYE

+100 – Uses the Social Tool – Starbucks stay very connected to their customers through interactive mediums such as face book and twitter. They’ve held several contests through social media as well.

+100 – Location, location, location – Hand it to Starbucks for being in the right place at the right time.

+100 – Lingo – Starbucks has created both a new culture and coffee ordering language. Being able to order that “Iced Tall Soy Easy Ice Americano Misto”, gives customers that sort of “cult feeling” which is very desirable. There is an endless possibility of combinations of drinks that you can order to customize to your liking.

+100 – Great Staff – Fast, skilled, very friendly. Starbucks baristas are well trained, efficient and can churn through 220 customers/hour (At Brooklyn’s busiest Starbucks location, Business Insider).

+100 – YOU CAN PAY WITH YOUR PHONE! – Greatest innovative creation ever.

I was inspired to write this post as I sat inside a Starbucks coffee, and pondered on how I got sucked in, yet again.

The annual day of love will both melt your heart… and your wallet. As Valentine’s Day approaches, you will find people projecting their love by spending anywhere from $50-$150 on Valentine’s Day goods.

Valentine’s Day isn’t even a public holiday. Though, businesses, post offices, public transport and schools are open as usual. Conversely, restaurants, stores and hotels are busy with people flaunting glamorous displays of affection for their loved ones. Valentine’s day has grown into a lucrative holiday for all marketing businesses.

I’ve gathered some points on why people cannot resist the pull of Valentine marketing campaigns.

1. Thinking INSIDE the chocolate/flowers/jewelry box. Let’s face it, merchandise is everywhere, and it can become very overwhelming. When I walked into Superstore, the first thing I noticed was red, pink, chocolate and flowers. According to Statistics Canada, 10.5 million stem of roses were produced in Canada in 2011 for Valentine’s Day.

2. Everyone’s doing it. If you see someone making valentine cards, strutting a red sweater with hearts, or just holding a bouquet of flowers on the 14th, it’s a marketing scheme. We’re all walking billboards if we participate in some type of Valentine’s Day activity.

3. Social media. Today, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram have been mixed into our daily lives. Ads, statuses and photos have a powerful affect on people. People are persistently reminded that February 14th is the day of love! Though, it has the power to either prompt couples to splurge on expensive gifts, or the complete opposite with those resenting Valentine’s Day who will want to throw their laptop across the room.

www.infographicszone.com

My advice for this holiday? Think from your heart, not from your wallet. Treat your loved one to a homemade dinner or sentimental card 🙂

This entry was inspired by viewing some of the most “Wildly Expensive Valentine’s Gifts” on: http://www.cnbc.com/id/29053542