Podcasting, Blogging Are Top Marketing Tools

Interesting post. I work at a college and we're exploring ways to promote our programs through podcasting and webinars, and not just for IT programs.

Marketing has certainly changed. Blogs, Podcasts and other social media has changed the landscape of the overall marketing mix. Combine this with SEM and SOA marketing strategies and you find that integrated campaigns take on a whole new meaning. Twelve months ago I would not have even considered using a blog or podcast as a call to action. However, last month I used Podcasts in Print, direct mail, electoronic direct mail and web banners as a key call-to-action. The results were truly impressive.

In addition, we have a major podcast campaign which we launched in May 2006 and we had over 10,000 downloads from the 12-part drama IT security series: Security to the Core. Check it out: www.arbor.net/podcasts

I'm keen to hear your feedback.

Best,
Tina Stewart
VP, Marketing
Arbor Networks

I've always found free trials to be more effective when a prospect is close to the end of the sales cycle, after he/she has been nurtured a bit by other marketing efforts -- perhaps downloaded a white paper, met with us at a trade show, received a letter along with an article reprint. Seems offering a free trial to someone in the very early stages is a bit like asking someone who isn't actively looking to buy a car to take a test drive -- it's better as something to help close the sale. Anyone else?

Even with all of the technology-related offerings being embraced by some, it's interesting to note that free trials are still by far the favorite and most effective marketing tool.

People still prefer free trial runs as their main way of doing business.

It is good to see marketers beginning to understand the power of blogging and its effect upon their customers.

Thought you might be interested in this one.

mc