In July 2012 we added gamification into our own online community,  Topliners. Digital Marketing community management customer community gamification online communities social media marketing toplinersby Heather Foeh | Tweet this Gamification is a hot topic these days. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it refers to taking the motivational and reward aspects of video games and adding them to non-game places, such as websites, software, etc. but even I have been surprised by the increase in activity on our site since its launch. Or  my personal favorite. MORE >>

With the proliferation of the Web, brands started pushing contests online. And with the advent of social media, increasingly contests feature Facebook, YouTube or Twitter. If you’re thinking about pursuing a contest of your own, we provide four examples of online contests you can derive inspiration from. If you’re thinking about hosting an online or social media contest, it’s best to make sure you check out the guidelines and best practices first. by Jesse Noyes | Tweet this Contests have always been popular among businesses for obvious reasons. Dockers. MORE >>

As social media, online communities and even in-person events have become a regular part of the modern marketing mix, community managers have been getting hired up. Let’s be clear, social media is part of the job description.But the reality is a community manager (or Director of Community) encompasses several online and offline duties – some of which may surprise you. Social Media community management Marketing Measurement modern marketing online community management social media marketing what is community managementWhat is Community Management? MORE >>

Social Media engagement online branding Twitter video app video for marketing video strategies Vineby Amanda Batista | Tweet this Video is perhaps one of the most challenging marketing channels, because we understand the value of it, want to do more of it, but without the bandwidth or expertise, it often ends up on the never-ending marketer’s wish list. You’ve probably heard of Vine by now. The mobile app lets users create and share short looping videos (only six seconds) that are automatically posted to a Vine social profile. Making videos takes time, money, and execution plans. MORE >>

If you’re charged with developing a brand’s social media strategy, creating Twitter chats can be tempting. Before you put another chat out into the Twitterverse, look into whether the topic is already covered and whether you can attract a social media savvy audience on a regular basis. InfluenceChat Twitter chat on how on online influence and influencer marketing. Evans says she crowdsources new material by poking around in a private online community for journalists she has access to. After all, they are an inexpensive way to drive engagement and build community. MORE >>