The fact that YouTube is popular is well-known. But is Google’s video channel a serious threat for the traditional television? YouTube is getting more and more professional. The quality is increasing and the content is getting more interesting for consumers.
In the Netherlands people watch to YouTube with an average of fifteen minutes each day. People still spend far more time watching TV, but fifteen minutes per person each day is still a lot.
Serious player
The content on YouTube no longer only consists of ‘funny’ videos and home-made movies. The content is getting more professional and even professional television productions appear on the channel. Together with the fact that YouTube is getting more interesting for advertising companies, you could state that the free online video channel is a serious player on the TV market.
Internet-television
And what about internet on your TV-screen? What if it is possible to watch YouTube movies in your living room? In my opinion that could be a big threat for the traditional television companies. In the near future large amounts of people might have the opportunity to surf on the internet from the bench, and have the opportunity to watch all kind of movies without commercials.
Future
The future will tell us if the traditional television market will survive. Yet, with the current developments and the growing opportunities for internet-television, they have enough reasons to worry about.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
The amazing world of augmented reality
It is one of the most interesting developments in the world of technology, augmented reality. Technicians are pulling graphics out of your TV or computer screen and integrate them into real-world environments. It makes the line between what’s real and what’s computer-generated more vague, but also more interesting..
What is augmented reality?
To understand what it is exactly, you should watch the video below. You will be amazed!
Why is it useful?
Augmented reality applications can be used in a very broad and practical way. For finding the nearest subway or to find a new house for example. But also to see were satellites are in the sky and to see where your closest Twitter friends are. And now we are only talking about apps for your telephone! It is expected that the augmented reality apps will increase rapidly. In the Netherlands, there is such an application available already, called Layar. This application helps you finding the nearest supermarket or pizzeria for example. Very easy and useful when you are at an unknown place.
Future
The opportunities seem to look endless. There are already prototypes of a telephone, projected on your own hand! I know, it sounds crazy, but it is. See it yourself..
(If you don’t have time enough, click to minute 4:03)
What is augmented reality?
To understand what it is exactly, you should watch the video below. You will be amazed!
Why is it useful?
Augmented reality applications can be used in a very broad and practical way. For finding the nearest subway or to find a new house for example. But also to see were satellites are in the sky and to see where your closest Twitter friends are. And now we are only talking about apps for your telephone! It is expected that the augmented reality apps will increase rapidly. In the Netherlands, there is such an application available already, called Layar. This application helps you finding the nearest supermarket or pizzeria for example. Very easy and useful when you are at an unknown place.
Future
The opportunities seem to look endless. There are already prototypes of a telephone, projected on your own hand! I know, it sounds crazy, but it is. See it yourself..
(If you don’t have time enough, click to minute 4:03)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The value of analyzing web statistics
Analyzing the statistics of a companies' website is often underestimated. Website owners mostly do know about the amount of people that visit their website and some more information. However, there is a lot of important information they don't know. And that is the information that could increase the companies' profits.
Imagine that you know the following basic things about your visitors:
- Via which webpage they found your website.
- Via which page they left your website.
- What search terms they used to find your website.
- Which content they are mostly interested in.
Watch this video and discover how easy it is to analyze your visitors: (open full screen)
Reviewing and analyzing your website statistics can tell you how to adapt to the needs of your (potential) customers. Companies have to invest some time and money in it, but if they do it right they can recover this money very easily.
The information described above is just a very small part of web statistics. Nowadays, you are able to know almost everything you want to know about your visitors. If you want to...
Imagine that you know the following basic things about your visitors:
- Via which webpage they found your website.
- Via which page they left your website.
- What search terms they used to find your website.
- Which content they are mostly interested in.
Watch this video and discover how easy it is to analyze your visitors: (open full screen)
Reviewing and analyzing your website statistics can tell you how to adapt to the needs of your (potential) customers. Companies have to invest some time and money in it, but if they do it right they can recover this money very easily.
The information described above is just a very small part of web statistics. Nowadays, you are able to know almost everything you want to know about your visitors. If you want to...
Thursday, May 6, 2010
New social media revolution video
This week, the second 'Social Media Revolution' video was posted on YouTube by Socialnomics09. The video is an update for the first video that revealed some striking facts about social media use all over the world.
Check the video:
Just like the first video, the update gives us interesting facts about social media use by individuals, consumers and companies. Confronted with this information it is almost impossible to avoid its ability to, for example, reach consumers or influence peoples' attitude towards a product or brand.
Check the video:
Just like the first video, the update gives us interesting facts about social media use by individuals, consumers and companies. Confronted with this information it is almost impossible to avoid its ability to, for example, reach consumers or influence peoples' attitude towards a product or brand.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What is the message of Madame TreSesti?
A few weeks ago, Vodafone launched a TV-commercial called ‘Madame TreSesti’. It is a futuristic commercial about a mysterious lady who knows everything about your behaviour on online social networks.
The commercial:
You can visit the website to go trough a social reading from Madame TreSesti. She scans all your activities and tells you what kind of ‘social creature’ you are.
What all this is about is the fact that the message of Madame TreSesti is not clear (too me). If you see the commercial on TV, do you remember what kind of product Vodafone offers? If you do the ‘scan’ on the website, do you know what product Vodafone wants to promote? Yes, it is about Vodafone 360. But what is that?
Some research showed me that it is about an internet service which brings all you’re social media contacts together in one place. That might be a great idea. But the fact is that although the commercial looks great, the message which is meant to communicate does not reach the goal which is meant to achieve.
The commercial:
You can visit the website to go trough a social reading from Madame TreSesti. She scans all your activities and tells you what kind of ‘social creature’ you are.
What all this is about is the fact that the message of Madame TreSesti is not clear (too me). If you see the commercial on TV, do you remember what kind of product Vodafone offers? If you do the ‘scan’ on the website, do you know what product Vodafone wants to promote? Yes, it is about Vodafone 360. But what is that?
Some research showed me that it is about an internet service which brings all you’re social media contacts together in one place. That might be a great idea. But the fact is that although the commercial looks great, the message which is meant to communicate does not reach the goal which is meant to achieve.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Getting a job through social media
Finding new employees via Hyves, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Xing. It is now possible. SocialReferral is the name of a new online employee referral program, which connects companies’ vacancies with the social networks of their own employees. Its the first pro-active job referral platform in the world.
The idea is simple. A company is searching for an employee. They post the vacancy on SocialReferral and connect the social networks of their employees to it. The program connects the vacancy with the profiles and shows the ones that match with the job description. Employees filter the matches that SocialReferral found and invite the best candidates for the job. In fact, employees become recruiters for their own company.
Doubts
The biggest advantage is definitely the saving of money, spent on expensive recruitment companies. However, is doubtful if companies will find employees only within the social networks of their own employees. Because of the fact that not every employee is active on social networks and also because its questionable if people publish information about their working skill on their profiles.
Obviously there will be companies that find a capable candidate. Though, in my opinion most of the companies still need a recruitment company to find the employee they are looking for.
The program
Also the SocialReferral program might have some disadvantages. Based on what information in people’s profiles does it select potential employees? Does it filter out the people who already have a job for example?
Potentially it is a good idea, but is doubtful if it works in practice…
What do you think?
The idea is simple. A company is searching for an employee. They post the vacancy on SocialReferral and connect the social networks of their employees to it. The program connects the vacancy with the profiles and shows the ones that match with the job description. Employees filter the matches that SocialReferral found and invite the best candidates for the job. In fact, employees become recruiters for their own company.
Doubts
The biggest advantage is definitely the saving of money, spent on expensive recruitment companies. However, is doubtful if companies will find employees only within the social networks of their own employees. Because of the fact that not every employee is active on social networks and also because its questionable if people publish information about their working skill on their profiles.
Obviously there will be companies that find a capable candidate. Though, in my opinion most of the companies still need a recruitment company to find the employee they are looking for.
The program
Also the SocialReferral program might have some disadvantages. Based on what information in people’s profiles does it select potential employees? Does it filter out the people who already have a job for example?
Potentially it is a good idea, but is doubtful if it works in practice…
What do you think?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Social media increases sales
Companies’ participation on social media networks is absolutely valuable. That is the conclusion of a study by market research firm Chad Martin Baily and iModerate Research Technologies.
1500 consumers were asked about their shopping habits, related to the brands they are following on Twitter and Facebook. It turned out that 60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since the became a fan or follower. 51% of Facebook fans and 67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy the brands they follow.
Participants were also asked about their motivations to follow brands on Twitter or Facebook. They mostly like discounts and new information about products.
Some very interesting facts about Social Media:
It is clear that social media offers a great opportunity for marketers. The costs are relatively low and the profits can be high. Not only in terms of sales but also in terms of customer relations. Consumers are evaluating, criticizing or recommending al kinds of products on social networks. It would be very mindless not doing anything with that information.
A good example is the Dutch bank and insurance group Aegon, which offers its financial knowledge for free during so called Tweetbankets on Twitter. They have two employees with a full time job participating on social networks, just to increase and improve their customer relations. It is very likely that they attract new customers (and sales!) with this policy.
Do you think participating on ‘social media’ is necessary for companies?
1500 consumers were asked about their shopping habits, related to the brands they are following on Twitter and Facebook. It turned out that 60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since the became a fan or follower. 51% of Facebook fans and 67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy the brands they follow.
Participants were also asked about their motivations to follow brands on Twitter or Facebook. They mostly like discounts and new information about products.
Some very interesting facts about Social Media:
It is clear that social media offers a great opportunity for marketers. The costs are relatively low and the profits can be high. Not only in terms of sales but also in terms of customer relations. Consumers are evaluating, criticizing or recommending al kinds of products on social networks. It would be very mindless not doing anything with that information.
A good example is the Dutch bank and insurance group Aegon, which offers its financial knowledge for free during so called Tweetbankets on Twitter. They have two employees with a full time job participating on social networks, just to increase and improve their customer relations. It is very likely that they attract new customers (and sales!) with this policy.
Do you think participating on ‘social media’ is necessary for companies?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Forget the iPad, get the Microsoft Courier!
The world of ICT has been overwhelmed with information about Apple’s new masterpiece, the iPad. Yet, there might be a better multimedia device: the Microsoft Courier. A multiple touch screen with some interesting opportunities. Probably more interesting than the iPad.
Apple’s iPad, a portable touch screen computer, looks like the big brother of the iPod and iPhone. It has the usual functionalities. In fact, it is a small computer and a big iPhone, without the opportunity to call.
The iPad:
The Microsoft Courier is more like a digital multimedia agenda. It consists of two separated screens, which you can close like a paper agenda. A big difference compared with the iPad is the pen dominated interface, in addition to the usual finger touch based interface. With that pencil you can write down notes and copy-paste them in your notebook for example. You can even write down the URL of a website to go visit it.
The Microsoft Courier:
It is said that the Microsoft Courier is in the late prototype state of development. If it works like we have seen in the movie above, it’s a very interesting device. So there might arise an interesting battle between the two masterpieces of Apple and Microsoft. Which one do you prefer…?
Apple’s iPad, a portable touch screen computer, looks like the big brother of the iPod and iPhone. It has the usual functionalities. In fact, it is a small computer and a big iPhone, without the opportunity to call.
The iPad:
The Microsoft Courier is more like a digital multimedia agenda. It consists of two separated screens, which you can close like a paper agenda. A big difference compared with the iPad is the pen dominated interface, in addition to the usual finger touch based interface. With that pencil you can write down notes and copy-paste them in your notebook for example. You can even write down the URL of a website to go visit it.
The Microsoft Courier:
It is said that the Microsoft Courier is in the late prototype state of development. If it works like we have seen in the movie above, it’s a very interesting device. So there might arise an interesting battle between the two masterpieces of Apple and Microsoft. Which one do you prefer…?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Smart advertising during online video’s
Advertisements before or during video’s on the internet are generally experienced as very irritating. People have to wait until the commercial is over before then can see the video they want to watch. It is questionable if this is efficient. People tend to do other things during the commercial and as a result of that, they don’t absorb the message.
There is a more effective and less irritating method to let people absorb your commercial while they are watching a video. In fact you turn the ‘pause button’ into a commercial. When the video is not playing the commercial appears on the screen. If people want to watch (again), they have to click on the advertisement, before the video continues playing.
An example:
Click 'close to play' under the advertisement, and then the pause button at the left bottom corner..
Trough this method the visitor is not forced to watch the commercial before he can see something else. And because the visitor must click on the advertisement, you have the certainty that he has seen it.
Obviously, it is questionable in what intensity the advertisement will be absorbed. But most important: the watchers’ frustration will be reduced, while your commercial will still be absorbed.
There is a more effective and less irritating method to let people absorb your commercial while they are watching a video. In fact you turn the ‘pause button’ into a commercial. When the video is not playing the commercial appears on the screen. If people want to watch (again), they have to click on the advertisement, before the video continues playing.
An example:
Click 'close to play' under the advertisement, and then the pause button at the left bottom corner..
Trough this method the visitor is not forced to watch the commercial before he can see something else. And because the visitor must click on the advertisement, you have the certainty that he has seen it.
Obviously, it is questionable in what intensity the advertisement will be absorbed. But most important: the watchers’ frustration will be reduced, while your commercial will still be absorbed.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
News reporting with CoveritLive
When there was a bomb alarm at the train station of Den Bosch this week, broadcasting companies had to deal with a big amount of content. It is difficult to keep all the information clarifying for the visitor of a website. And the visitors have lots of questions, which mostly remain unanswered.
When a big news event like the bomb alarm occurs, you need the CoveritLive tool. Omroep Brabant made use of this tool excellently on the day of the alarm. The record amount of people that visited the website of Omroep Brabant underline the power of this tool.
How it works
The main idea of CoveritLive is simple. You can put all kinds of content (text, photo, audio, video and more, for example tweets) in one clarifying box, which you can embed on your webpage. Every time there is new information available, the editor can send a message that appears on the top of the box. Visitors are able to send questions or any other comments to the editor.
See how it works in 5 minutes:
Interaction
Communicating via this tool creates great interaction with your target group. Visitors of your CoveritLive blog are able to send messages with their opinion or questions. The editor (journalist) is able to respond immediately. In general, this causes a great feeling of satisfaction for both parties: The questions of consumers will be answered and the journalist is able to create a complete information service.
Own experience
I have worked with CoveritLive when I was working for Omroep Brabant during the Dakar-rally of this year, and I am rather positive about it. In less than one hour I knew all the basic aspects of the tool. What I like most about it, is the interactive part. Visitors are able to ask questions or give comments about the event you are writing about. This direct communication with your public brings on an extra interactive dimension when you are reporting about an event. People are really satisfied when they get a direct answer on their question, within seconds or minutes!
Great FREE solution
I think the CoveritLive tool is one of the best (free) online tools that is developed the last years. It gives the news consumer exactly what he or she wants: an up-to-date overview of the latest information about an (big) event, and the possibility to participate.
It is a great and very cheap solution for broadcasting companies, which are now able to improve their news reporting on their websites, and attract more and more visitors.
When a big news event like the bomb alarm occurs, you need the CoveritLive tool. Omroep Brabant made use of this tool excellently on the day of the alarm. The record amount of people that visited the website of Omroep Brabant underline the power of this tool.How it works
The main idea of CoveritLive is simple. You can put all kinds of content (text, photo, audio, video and more, for example tweets) in one clarifying box, which you can embed on your webpage. Every time there is new information available, the editor can send a message that appears on the top of the box. Visitors are able to send questions or any other comments to the editor.
See how it works in 5 minutes:
Interaction
Communicating via this tool creates great interaction with your target group. Visitors of your CoveritLive blog are able to send messages with their opinion or questions. The editor (journalist) is able to respond immediately. In general, this causes a great feeling of satisfaction for both parties: The questions of consumers will be answered and the journalist is able to create a complete information service.
Own experience
I have worked with CoveritLive when I was working for Omroep Brabant during the Dakar-rally of this year, and I am rather positive about it. In less than one hour I knew all the basic aspects of the tool. What I like most about it, is the interactive part. Visitors are able to ask questions or give comments about the event you are writing about. This direct communication with your public brings on an extra interactive dimension when you are reporting about an event. People are really satisfied when they get a direct answer on their question, within seconds or minutes!
Great FREE solution
I think the CoveritLive tool is one of the best (free) online tools that is developed the last years. It gives the news consumer exactly what he or she wants: an up-to-date overview of the latest information about an (big) event, and the possibility to participate.
It is a great and very cheap solution for broadcasting companies, which are now able to improve their news reporting on their websites, and attract more and more visitors.
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