SES New York (live from Michigan)
Last week many SEO industry gurus gathered at the Hilton New York for Search Engine Strategies Search Engine Marketing and Optimization Event. We wanted to attend the event, but it was in the cards for a variety of reasons. However, I did listen to a few of the Webmaster Radio’s broadcasts. It seemed like a really informative week with top panelists and speakers, and in judging from some of David Szetela’s tweets, very fun week as well. I must say being in Manhattan at highly regarded event would be great, and we are putting it on our calendar for next year.
In watching the conference from afar, it struck me how I could track and gather information being discussed. I did this primarily through Twitter, with the aforementioned Szetela as well as with the web radio broadcasts that were conducted from event. Now, this event didn’t have any TV coverage, it did get some Wall Street Journal coverage. However, through all of the interactive tools available, Webmasters Radio, blogs, and Twitter, I was able to follow the conference quite well. Not that I was totally glued, there IS client work to care of first and foremost of course - but I was able to hear many experts speak on search engine marketing tips, tactics, and trends.
Now, of course following this conference from afar cannot replace the experience of attending SES NY. The interesting point to think about here is how social media and online communication tactics can enhance the experience of an event. I wonder how this could be applied to events in Lansing. Is there value in using these tactics to build interest and value around the upcoming Greater Lansing Strategic Business Luncheon, or Ignite Lansing. Combine this mentality with Bob Ruggio of Webgio’s Guest Blog Post on my blog on how he used social media for a critical crisis rallying cause.
I attended the Central Michigan PRSA’s guest presentation by Jim Tobin of Ignite Social Media. (not related to aforementioned event) Ignite is a social media agency, not an ad agency or search engine marketing agency, a social media agency. He had some great insights, but the most important one was that it’s still not the technology, its the people driving it. Not a new point when grappling with technology in a business environment, BUT, one that most be remembered and refreshed when a small-medium sized company begins a social media initiative.
Bring this all together: think about how to make this work for a local event, or a product launch, or a tradeshow. There are tremendous opportunities here to build audience beyond a local reach, such as following SES Strategies NY, but as Jim Tobin points out, it can’t just be about starting a Facebook page. You must have the people as the touch point, and making sure content is fresh and relevant. All examples and things to think about as we continue to help companies use the web as a marketing tool.
