New media, such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Flickr, YouTube, online games, and mobile devices, along with web sites and email, has enabled consumers to have a voice more than ever before and to feel that they have an effect on business and corporate responsibility. In fact, according to the 2009 Cone Consumer New Media Study, an online survey by Opinion Research Corporation, 62% of users polled believe they can influence business decisions by voicing their opinions online.

Consumers are using new media to research products and the corporations that make those products, and are making buying decisions based on what they read. Positive information leads to sales, while negative information leads to consumers switching brands and even boycotting certain brands or products. This is particularly true of issues concerning the environment, health and wellness, safety, ethics, and human rights. It wasn’t that long ago, if you recall, that a large number of consumers were boycotting all products made in China because of the safety issues with several children’s products made there.

New media is giving consumers a voice, and a way to share information in real time.

They want to know what is in products and how they are made. They are interested in the community involvement of corporations, their philanthropy, and even in the way they treat their employees. For the most part, they trust what they are reading through new media channels and feel confident that companies who engage in conversation through new media outlets are being honest and transparent.

Companies can utilize new media to build trust with consumers, to find out what is important to them and to make changes as needed. New media is forcing corporations to be more responsible members of the community at large.

If you haven’t joined in the conversation yet, now is the time to get started. Social media should be a part of your 2010 Marketing Plan. It is expected that 59% of businesses will be adding social media to their marketing mix this year.

Once you’ve started, utilize traditional media on a regular basis to generate interest and lead consumers to the online conversation. Then, keep them engaged.

Labels: blogs, corporate responsibility, flickr, new media, twitter

During this recession, consumers have been holding off on large, expensive remodeling projects in favor of smaller projects that add personal touches to their living spaces. I discussed this trend in a March post, and since then, I have found some very cool blogs where people show off some of their home renovations, share inspirations, and provide how-to's online.

The first post that stopped me in my tracks was a project that I stumbled upon on Designsponge.com. The project was a woman named Lori's painted sun room floor. This was just such a beautiful, fresh take on painting a floor that I had to share it. Most times you see a painted floor, it is done on the outside to bring some color to a boring wooden patio, but this one has made me think twice about the idea of a painted floor.

Some other great sites for great home decorating ideas that I've come across are Remodelista, and http://www.budgetdesigner.blogspot.com/. Remodelista is a website that I have found great inspirations from. The designs are more upscale, but they provide good ideas that can be emulated on a budget. Budgetdesigner.blogspot.com offers very helpful and insightful advice on making decor renovations on a budget.

I found these sites to be very helpful and inspiring. If your business caters to the home improvement sector, you should be sharing ideas like this. Do you have a web site? Do you have a blog? Do you see where you're missing out? Get on the social media band wagon now. You'll be glad you did.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
Visit me on Twitter
845-291-7399
junebisel@bbggadv.com

Labels: blogging, blogs, home design blogs, home improvements, internet, social media, trends in home improvement