take a virtual drink...
“So, 3 men walk into a blog…”
“A what?”
“A blog”
“Huh?”
“A blog”
“I don’t get it”
Neither do the big ad agencies
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Sometime in the near future “walking into a blog” will make sense. I, for one, spend more time with friends, colleagues, peers, admirers, detractors, acquaintances and strangers discussing, debating, and conversing on blogs than anywhere else. You could say I do a lot of “virtual drinking”.
Of course having spent time in bars, I have come to notice some striking similarities. Walk through the swinging doors into your corner blog and you will encounter some characters. Perhaps you have met a few of these folks too.
The Blogaholic – He’s ubiquitous. Every blog you go to she’s there. He rambles, believing his diatribe invaluable. She shouts it at everyone she sees. The worst is when the Blogaholic owns the Blog.
Mr. Pick Up Line – He hits on everyone, with his spammy comments, hoping the law of averages pays off. One of these times, he figures, his line won’t end up in Askimet.
The Local Gang – Whoa Nellie! These people rule with intimidation. They hang out together. The conversational familiarity, Joint Ventures, work history or what have you point to multiple levels of connection. Lord help you if one hits on your blog with a comment and is rebuffed. The gang is offended. Retaliation ensues, perhaps subtly, perhaps not.
The Politician – He’s the self-styled Mayor of the place. He knows everyone and has a diplomatic manner. He comments on everything but seems to say nothing. You never really know his opinion, because he seems to know just how to side step an argument. His cultivated neutrality however, leaves you wondering.
The Flirt – She’s a wink and a nod kind of girl. Her comments smile at everyone. His stories sound a bit too good to be true. He’s very flash. It’s all window dressing though. They just wanted your attention, a quick hit of traffic. The minute you try to take the conversation to a deeper level, they’re gone.
The Blogtender – He appears on corporate blogs. A paid facilitator, his assures that everyone is drinking the Kool-Aid. He smoothes ruffled feathers, spouts policy, and occasionally tosses out a troublemaker. His number one priority is to make sure you are having a good time, so you will come back.
This is what puts the SOCIAL in Social Media. People are still people after all. And if you are using a blog for marketing then you must understand applied human psychology. It’s the foundation of interaction on the new frontier – the blogosphere.
Recognize your cast of characters. Speak to them. They are your repeat customers, no matter whether they are new to your blog or not. They serve a purpose. Great marketing starts here.
By the way, did I miss anybody you know? Copyright 2009 Leili McKinley
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