fashionhodgepodge

via Viva Magazine (November 2011)

A lot has changed over the past decade in the marketing world. It really hit me when I saw this article that with all these new networks and tools its really only given us the chance to be more connected with one another and have more conversations with people who share the same beliefs.

via Mario Testino for Vogue  (February 2011)

Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – they’ve all provided us a platform to find people like us and talk about things we love or have in common. Some times I feel like I know some people so well from these platforms and really feel like I know them IRL. Its cool to be a part of community and share your opinions with people who also have the same passions.

via Harpers Bazaar (November 2010)

With this much connection to one another, why aren’t fashion brands really taping in and taking advantage of social media tools to create a community? Yes, there are tons and tons of fashion and retail companies that have a Facebook, and of course Twitter, but most of them don’t truly engage with their community or listen to what their fans really want. Its coupon after coupon, giveaway after giveaway, and all about “me, me, me” when it really should be about getting to know what this group of people want to talk about.

via Mario Testino for Vogue  (February 2011)

Now queue the the inspirational quote…”Strongest communites are structured around shared beliefs, emotions, and goals.”

I couldn’t agree more. I find that I get truly excited about a brand or product when they connect with me emotionally. Play off that memory from my childhood, or the wonders of traveling, or the amazing feeling of confidence – and you’ve got my attention.

via Material Girl Magazine by Lara Jade (May 2011)

Why can’t all marketers get that? Isn’t that what we are meant to do? To me, the ”most enduring communites are ones that recognize the commodoties of their audiences & embrace their passions.”

A-ha! This is what makes brands like DVF and DKNY so successful in social media. They both recognize what their girl wants and are open and honest with them. They lean on their “friends” for feedback. They pick up the phone when they call.

via Numero Magazine #128 (November 2011)

People want to talk. People want to voice their loves, hates, and passions. People want you to listen. People want to know they are being heard and hear you talk back. Brands that recognize all the potential power these communites and conversations have, the more they can prosper.

via Viva Magazine (November 2010)

“Marketers should take the time to step back, look at how many things their consumers have in common, and build social presences around what their customers care about and why they are connecting.” Then we’ll all be so happy together.

Olga Sherer by Liz Collins - February 2012

Marie Claire Italia - March 2011

Lifestyle Mirror Magazine - March 2012

Photo by Sandra Freij - June 2010

Last month some Google dude tweeted “social media is like teen sex“. First, I thought this was one of the most random things to compare a marketing channel to, but then it got me thinking. What is social media like?  To me, social media is really like…. making a new friend. It’s awkward at first, you may not know what to say or are nervous what people will think about you. But if you keep the conversation relevant, interesting, and cool, you’ll make tons of friends fast. It you are misleading, flaky (only one post in a blue moon), you’ll loose friends.

Or, if you constantly bombard your new friend with posts & tweets, they’re going to stop hanging out with you because you’re annoying the beegeez out of them. If you talk about stupid meaningless crap all the time and offer nothing to the friendship – no real conversation, nothing interesting – Why keep hanging out right?

Social Media tools are very similar to the telephone or a writing a letter to a friend. It’s just a new way.  With enough time and attention that you give a relationship, the better that relationship is. When you love something you’re willing to do anything for it, including tweeting after hours or posting after a crazy-long day. Same thing for friends. Sometimes we go all out just to meet them on their side of town, but we do it because we love hanging out with them. Just like social media, we do it because that’s where our friends hang out and we want to keep those friendships going.

There is no real “marketing trick” to doing social media “right”. It’s different for every person, every brand, every profile. But at the heart of it we are all just real people looking to connect with each other. Que no?

xo

Twitter Fashion

Through my recent experience interning at a fashion brand in NYC, I’ve come to realize that many brands know they need to be on Twitter to but don’t necessarily have a strategy laid out to how they can best use it.

I came across a great group on LinkedIn called nonetheless, “Twitter Strategies“and the below article “7 Insanely Useful Ways To Search Twitter for Marketing” which can be applied to any brand.

There are current a few fashion brands that use Twitter well, such as DKNY and DVF, but there are a few (not going to mention names) that hardly engage with their following at all. One key insight I found in the article was competitive eavesdropping. Eavesdropping on what the Twitter-sphere is saying about competitor brands or about your brand, is key to shaping how you interact with the community.

I especially enjoy when I talk about a brand in my tweet, such as DKNY and without even “@” replying them, they searched for the brand name and engaged in a quick DM (Direct Message) with me. That kind of personal touch goes a long way for brand advocacy, and I definitely value it as a consumer.  Skim through the article below and find some ways how Twitter can help your brand whether it be a fashion blog, small boutique, or large brand!