Social Media Butterfly

Sometrics Launches Social Web Ad Platform

Posted by Nathania Johnson

Sometrics has launched an ad platform designed specifically for the social web. The platform features, ad hosting, serving and targeting.

Sometrics is including their social analytics tool with the platform as well. The analytics solutions provides tracking of social actions and interests within major networking communities and niche sites.

Corporate speak:

“We’re giving
developers the tools to help them know more about their audiences and
better target their ads to increase revenue,”
said Swanson. “We’ve
combined our analytics with ad serving technology, two solutions
designed specifically for the social web. What developers get is social
intelligence – a deep understanding of who’s
doing what within social networking websites and applications. The
result is precision-targeted, more effective advertising within the
massive playground that is the social web – a
world that’s been frustratingly hard to
quantify and monetize until now.”

Blog Advertising to Reach $746 Million by 2012

Posted by Nathania Johnson

Blog advertising in the US is projected to reach $746 million by 2012, according to a report by eMarketer. Also by 2012, an estimated 145 million people will be reading blogs at least once a month. That’s 67% of the US internet population.

Last year there were 22.6 million bloggers, but by 2012 there will be 34.7 million according to the report. Also last year, blog advertising reached $283 million.

My personal tip for getting a piece of the pie is PERSEVERANCE. It’s easy to start blogs (I’ve started several). It’s difficult to stick with it. But those who do - and I mean for the long haul - are the ones who seem to be the most successful.

via Research and Markets

SocialVibe Launches Disaster Relief Cause

Posted by Nathania Johnson

Recently, I told you about the launch of SocialVibe, which connects brands and social media users. What makes SocialVibe stand out is there focus on charitable giving.

Now, SocialVibe has launched a special Disaster Relief Cause, so that brands and users can work together to provide support and aid during times of emergency.

The development was fueled by the Myanmar cyclone and the earthquake in China. As of this post, SocialVibe has raised $1,008 for Disaster Relief.

It’s this kind of thing that makes me believe SocialVibe could be one of the next hot things. You and I, together, can help make that happen - and make a difference at the same time. Go get your SocialVibe on.

Twennis: Putting Twitter to Great Marketing Use

Posted by Nathania Johnson

Twitter mania continues! Now TennisChannel.com is getting in on the action, but not by the usual means of setting up a Twitter account and posting regularly.

Instead, TennisChannel.com has launched Twennis.com. The simple, one-page site advertises live streaming of the French open on TennisChannel.com. But it also features tweets about tennis. They just scroll along, powered by Twistori.

I love this concept, and I hope to see more companies making use of it - and even taking it to the next level.

But what is the next level? Leave a comment and let us all know!

via @juliaroy

Jimmy Kimmel’s Blatant Yet Oddly Effective Advertising

Posted by Nathania Johnson

Humor me for a moment as we delve into the world of TV advertising on this social media blog.

Lately, I’ve noticed a different type of advertising on Jimmy Kimmel. My husband and I record the show on our DVR every night and then just watch it whenever there’s “nothing on TV.”

So we fast-forward through the commercials. Recently, when we hit the play button again, we’re realizing that we’re not back at the show, but watching an advertisement done by Kimmel and his team.

The acting is atrocious, the product placement is in-your-face. But like a car wreck, we slow down and watch intently.

At first it was annoying, but now I find it hilarious. And good news for the advertisers. I am more likely to remember what was being advertised. Ok, part of that is because we fast-forward through the commercials. But sometimes we forget to FF and the point is - I don’t remember what is advertised on Jimmy Kimmel - but I remember most of these horrible product placement sketches.

They’ve featured the LG Voyager for Verizon Wireless, the Pontiac Vibe, and KFC.

The ads work best when Jimmy and the gang are trying to an awful job. When Guillermo or Uncle Frank sound like they’re reading their lines or they just do horrible - and I mean terrible - acting, it’s great. Yes, you read that right. (Of course, it helps to have a wicked sense of humor.)

Unlike the Ford Focus music videos done by American Idol contestants. Those don’t work well because the show is all about finding a pop star - and the videos are cheesy instead of the charmingly self-depricating ones seen on Kimmel.

So let’s bring it back down to you. When you go to develop your web series or if you’re a marketer looking to place your brand in online video advertising - don’t be afraid to test ads that are against the grain.

I wouldn’t advise copying Kimmel. He’s has earned the right to do what he’s doing, and not every web show have (often dark) comedy like he does. But definitely think outside the box. Product placement is where it’s at - but making that product memorable is the challenge. Simply having the star of an online vid drink from your soda can won’t cut it.

Storybids: Product Placement for Online Video

Posted by Nathania Johnson

I’m so excited to report this story. This is something I was hoping would happen. Product placement is coming to online video.

As an indie content creator, I’ve often pondered how to get the attention of brands. Now Storybids is stepping in to help facilitate introductions and partnerships.

More and more entertainment consumers and internet users become “ad blind,” and product integration will be crucial for both brands and content producers (who need $$ to run their shows!).

Additionally, with the economy the way it is, advertisers will be looking for more affordable means of advertising. Also, not all shows have returned this season post-writer’s strike and those that have will be wrapping up for the summer soon. This is a GREAT time to start those web series!

Go out and get your video on!

More Online Video Advertising News than You Can Shake a Stick At

Posted by Nathania Johnson

• Mixpo introduces online video ads
• SpotMixer Levels the Playing Field for Online Video Advertising for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses
• Adap.tv Launches First Open and Universal Online Video Advertising Platform: Adap.tv OneSource
• ScanShout Partners with Clearspring to Enable Viral Sharing of Video Advertising
• Online Video Calls for Ad Standards
• YuMe Lets Publishers Take Control of Their Video Advertising With New NetworkMe Solution

Social Network Monetization: LinkedIn’s $75 CPM Ads

Posted by Nathania Johnson

Michael Learmoth over at Silicon Valley Insider is reporting that LinkedIn is earning $75 CPM (cost per thousand) on their advertising in the U.S. and $50 CPM in the U.K.

Learmoth says the reason for LinkedIn’s monetization success is the knowledge about their user base. Sure, it’s not on the level of users that Facebook and MySpace see, but the value of the niche is showing itself to be a big one.

With tons of data about where people have worked plus their hobbies, groups and associations - and who they know, it’s easy to see why LinkedIn is a particularly attractive market for advertisers.