Below is a recap of June 28th’s @FlyDuo Twitter Chat with special guest panelists: Chris Do @thechrisdo, Marie Denee @mariedenee, Rana Campbell @rainshineluv, James Lopez @imjamesjlopez, and Victoria Jackson @thecapitalv. *Not all tweets have been included. Get to know the panel!
It’s our birthday!! Join us TONIGHT at 9:pm EST with @theChrisDo @MarieDenee @Rainshineluv @imjamesjlopez @thecapitalv #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/yyFLdSSGTH
— FlyMediaProductions (@FlyDuo) June 28, 2017
Q1: What is Target Marketing?
A1a: Your target market, or audience is the specific group of people that your business wants to appeal or market to. ... #FlyDuoChat
— Sherri Johnson (@FlyGirlFMP) June 29, 2017
A1b: Identifying that target market/audience and developing specific marketing campaigns focused at it, is Target Marketing. #FlyDuoChat— Sherri Johnson (@FlyGirlFMP) June 29, 2017
Once defined, we jumped right into whether or not target marketing is an ethical way for brands to reach their audience, and connect with potential customers.
For many of us in marketing and advertising - especially those with socially conscious brands - ethical implications is something we take very seriously, and remain fully conscious of.
Q2: Is Target Marketing ethical? What ethical implications do brands need to consider when planning their marketing strategy?
Not at all. it makes me feel effective. You can’t try to please everyone with your marketing. You shouldn’t! #flyduochat— Rana E. Campbell (@Rainshineluv) June 29, 2017
a2) I want to provide the right service for the right customer. I owe it to them and myself to find the right people from jump #flyduochat— James Lopez (@imjamesjlopez) June 29, 2017
A2. #FlyDuoChat TM is ethical. If you’re steadily missing the mark, you’re essentially wasting time and money by not doing due diligence.— The Unapologetic Pod (@TheUUPodcast) June 29, 2017
Everyone agreed that target marketing isn’t just ethical, it’s smart. However, if brands and marketing companies don’t have the best interest of their customers at heart, that’s where things begin to get unethical.
A2b: Socially responsible target marketing serves the company’s interests, AS WELL AS the interests of the target audience. #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/mfttwOPfTS— Sherri Johnson (@FlyGirlFMP) June 29, 2017
Rana and Victoria then touched on what considering ethical implications might look like…
A2: It’s really important that you aren’t using negative stereotypes and “riding the wave” in order to capitalize on an audience #flyduochat https://t.co/UwYKj3MvxJ— Rana E. Campbell (@Rainshineluv) June 29, 2017
A2: For example, are you simply to appropriate culture or are you truly providing real VALUE and interest? #flyduochat https://t.co/UwYKj3MvxJ— Rana E. Campbell (@Rainshineluv) June 29, 2017
A2: If you’re targeting an already marginalized group, you MUST do your research and immerse yourself into their culture. #FlyDuoChat— Victoria J. (@thecapitalv) June 29, 2017
Then it was time to discuss why target marketing actually is important, and what elements brands and individuals need to focus on in order to get it right!
Q3: Why is it important for brands to engage and connect with their target market/audience?
a3 simple answer, to build trust. With all the noise out there all we really have is trust now & it takes a while to build that #FlyDuoChat https://t.co/XmBkZvtgu2— James Lopez (@imjamesjlopez) June 29, 2017
A3: People need that human touch + to know they matter. No one wants to feel like just a number or a dollar sign. #FlyDuoChat https://t.co/XmPUsQTs2p— Victoria J. (@thecapitalv) June 29, 2017
A3: + People buy from/support whom they trust. A connection must be built before they give you their money, time, energy, etc. #FlyDuoChat https://t.co/XmPUsQTs2p— Victoria J. (@thecapitalv) June 29, 2017
A3: Relationships and experiences are what sell - engaging and connecting with your audience will help you do just that. #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/E0qmtZhhJs— Sherri Johnson (@FlyGirlFMP) June 29, 2017
Q4: What tips do you have for building an engaging community that converts followers into loyal customers, and brand advocates?
A4a: This is where Target Marketing is key ...if your followers aren’t the right followers they will likely never convert. #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/HIDb5MJ9Yg— Sherri Johnson (@FlyGirlFMP) June 29, 2017
A4) a: consistency
b: patience
c: staying true to your brand
top 3 things I focus on the most #FlyDuoChat https://t.co/WAT6dYV2JC— James Lopez (@imjamesjlopez) June 29, 2017
A4: Don’t sell. Be valuable by delivering value– educate or entertain your audience. Reflect you audience’s beliefs/values #FlyDuoChat— Chris Do (@theChrisDo) June 29, 2017
A4: Go where they are. Use chats like these, engage in similar communities, attend + host local events. Get creative. #FlyDuoChat https://t.co/MjwhawZzOw— Victoria J. (@thecapitalv) June 29, 2017
Keep it all the way 100 Authenticity will get you far. People can smell a fake from a mile away. Don’t try to be someone else. #FlyDuoChat https://t.co/tdKlVyEGzW— L’Oreal T. Payton (@LTintheCity) June 29, 2017
Q5: How do brands learn the type of content their target market - no matter how niche - will respond to?
A5: Research! See what the big dogs are doing + how others respond to them. Then find a way to do that in your own unique way. #FlyDuoChat https://t.co/Lh525AljLa— Victoria J. (@thecapitalv) June 29, 2017
Highly targetted is one of reason digital marketing has made such a dent into tradional advertising space: laser focus & metrics #FlyDuoChat— Reuben (@FlyDuoATL) June 29, 2017
A5: Try different things and track responses. Experiment with different formats, such as videos, pictures, blog posts, etc. #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/KGXKUtwL5H— Sherri Johnson (@FlyGirlFMP) June 29, 2017
A3 Each platform has its own personality… once you learn where your audience is, ask, listen, and respond! #FlyDuoChat— TheCurvyFashionista (@MarieDenee) June 29, 2017
A5: Ideate. Validate. Iterate. Practice active social listening. See what your audience engages with & give them more. #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/zMOuTO3yzr— Chris Do (@theChrisDo) June 29, 2017
A5. It’s always smart to ask. And KEEP asking. Tastes, trends, desires all change over time. #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/84ViFarFNt— Tinu Abayomi-Paul (@Tinu) June 29, 2017
Q6: How important is authenticity to today’s brand savvy consumer?
A6: Today’s consumers are sophisticated when it comes to MARKETING. They want you to try to touch their soul, not wallets. #flyduochat https://t.co/fPXmHnWMHc— Rana E. Campbell (@Rainshineluv) June 29, 2017
A6 everything. Folks stay with receipts, have found their voices, and will not hesitate to call you out! Trust is so key #FlyDuoChat— TheCurvyFashionista (@MarieDenee) June 29, 2017
A6: Authenticity is everything. Your audience can spot Fake a mile away. Be true to you. #FlyDuoChat— Chris Do (@theChrisDo) June 29, 2017
A6: Consumers today have an enormous amount of choice. Authenticity/your story/a genuine connection is what will set you apart. #FlyDuoChat— Sherri Johnson (@FlyGirlFMP) June 29, 2017
Trust and authenticity were a common theme through the entire conversation, but we weren’t done yet!
Q7: What are some ways in which brands can create opportunities for genuine/authentic conversations?
A7: 1) Be genuine. 2) Give a shit. 3) Make an effort. 4) Embrace vulnerability. 5) Share ur story, wins, struggles, missteps… #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/h6vlpjZY5i— Sherri Johnson (@FlyGirlFMP) June 29, 2017
A7: Look for pain points/challenges to solve. Invite them into the process. Celebrate their wins. Build community around them. #FlyDuoChat— Chris Do (@theChrisDo) June 29, 2017
A7: Having a safe space for the community to congregate is what successful brands (especially in the online space) are doing #flyduochat https://t.co/Y5AqnzFSqI— Rana E. Campbell (@Rainshineluv) June 29, 2017
Speaking of a safe space to congragate…
NEW: Join us on Facebook to keep up with #FlyDuoChat throughout the month!! https://t.co/b2z1tSoDKa pic.twitter.com/YDWu53RJgz— FlyMediaProductions (@FlyDuo) June 29, 2017
And finally, we wrapped up the night with Mad Props! and showed some love to our favorite brands and individuals taking care to engage with fans and followers in a genuine way. Peep the hashtag, to learn more.
Don’t forget to catch us next time!
Almost forgot! The next chat is 7/26 same time, same place. #FlyDuoChat pic.twitter.com/qgLM7B4ua2— FlyMediaProductions (@FlyDuo) June 29, 2017
