IBM Uses Video, Social Tools for B-to-B†

Ogilvy created 'Mr. Fong,' a lost-in-space software developer seeking a way to get home

Adweek, March 4, 2009 — The buzz around social media is usually reserved for hot consumer brands, yet IBM has seized an opportunity to use such marketing tools to tout a "dry" technology product to IT professionals.

The tech giant recently launched the second phase of a social marketing push to build awareness and sales among software developers. Unlike the recent social media rage around Skittles, IBM needs to reach just a few hundred thousand potential customers and teach them about a complex product that aids developer collaboration.

Viral Video Marketing

KenRadio, October 27, 2008 — The term viral video refers to video clip content that gains widespread popularity through the process of Internet sharing, typically through blogs and other media-sharing websites. Viral video marketing is no longer the new kid on the block. In light of the success of viral videos sponsored by big brand names like Levi's' "Backflip Into Jeans," Gatorade's "Ball Girl,” and Nike's “Kobe Jumps Over Car,” advertisers and agencies are evaluating the value of adding viral video to their online marketing mix. Faced with a tough economic climate, marketers are hurriedly seeking new methods to reach web audiences in the most cost-effective manner. Viral video - which is generally less expensive to produce and market than traditional advertising - is now... continue reading

Google, MediaVest Tap Biometrics for InVideo Ads Play

NeuroFocus specializes in measuring individuals’ brain response—by literally placing sensors on their heads—as well as other factors like pupil dilation and skin response

Mediaweek, October 23, 2008 — Google is so confident that its InVideo Ads product—those semi-transparent/animated overlay ads it launched on YouTube last year—are game changers that the company is turning to brain wave researchers to prove their effectiveness.

The search giant--in conjunction with MediaVest--has partnered with NeuroFocus, a researcher that specializes in biometrics, to gauge both how users respond to InVideo ads and how well those ads complement traditional banner ads. NeuroFocus specializes in measuring individuals’ brain response—by literally placing sensors on their heads—as well as other factors like pupil dilation and skin response.

Lame and Lamer: 10 Dumbest Viral Marketing Campaigns

You can't force anything to 'go viral' on the Internet, but that didn't stop these 10 companies from giving it a big, dumb try. Guess who topped the list.

PC World, August 26, 2008 — Sure, it looks easy enough. Post a video of yourself wiggling your butt on Wii Fit, dancing your way across the globe, or practicing your Jedi Knight moves, and--presto! You're the next Web sensation, swept along by the viral nature of the Internet.

Kiva Launches Facebook Campaign Using New Marketing Tool, Involver

ReadWriteWeb, July 10, 2008 — Kiva.org is the world's first person-to-person lending web site that helps empower entrepreneurs in the developing world by connecting them with others who lend them small amounts of money called "micro-payments." Founded in 2005, the site now connects lenders in 70+ countries with business owners in 43 developing countries and works with 89 microfinance partners. Now Kiva is tapping into the power of Facebook to attract new members to their cause.

J.C. Penney Faults Fake Ad on YouTube†

Recent Branding Effort is Mimicked in Video; Saatchi Cites a Vendor

Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2008 — J.C. Penney Co. officials are upset about a racy, fake advertisement on YouTube in which the retailer appears to be endorsing teen sex, and they are blaming the company's ad agency, Saatchi & Saatchi.

The purported ad, which surfaced on the Internet after winning a prestigious international advertising award at Cannes this past weekend, shows two teenagers in their own bedrooms stripping down to their underwear and then timing themselves as they race to put on their clothes. All this is done in preparation for the boy and girl to hang out in her basement while her mother is upstairs.

Consumers to Watch 25% More Video a Day in Five Years†

Viewing on Computers, Mobile Phones Will Drive Increase

Advertising Age, June 17, 2008 — Consumption of video content is expected to rise 25% to five hours per day by 2013, compared with the four hours now watched in 2008, according to Forrester Research. The firm suggests the increase will be driven by consumers watching programming of all grades via computers, mobile phones, portable media players and even digital photo frames.

Measuring Up: Web Analytics Firm Monitors Engagement

MediaPost Publications, June 16, 2008 — Start-up Web video analytics firm Visible Measures today is expected to announce the availability of a service for advertisers and agencies to measure the "true" viral reach and audience engagement of their video ad campaigns.

Visible Measures' technology, which monitors user engagement throughout the entire video stream, has so far focused on helping publisher customers get a better idea of what parts of their videos work, and what parts don't.

Online Video Ads: Ready to Roll!

Online marketers haven’t been so excited since the introduction of animated gifs.

eMarketer, April 10, 2008 — There is no question that online video advertising is generating plenty of excitement, and also a great deal of confusion.

In-stream, in-banner, in-text, linear, non-linear, pre-roll, post-roll, layovers; when it comes to online video ads the jargon piles up faster than e-mail messages. But what exactly does it all mean?

Online Retailers Try New Approaches†

Study Shows Increasing Acceptance of Social Nets and Video

Advertising Age, April 8, 2008 — For online retailers, search and e-mail marketing continue to be the most popular tactics, though they are becoming increasingly interested in social networks and video, a new study indicates. That shift in tactics could be a risky endeavor, however, caution executives involved with the study.

According to a Shop.org survey of 125 online retailers conducted by Forrester Research, 90% of them participate in paid search and 92% rely on e-mail marketing. By comparison, just 26% use social networks or micro-sites, while only 21% employ online videos. The coming year could see a shift to new advertising tactics.