Key Takeaways from Social Media Day San Diego 2015

San Diego Social Media

By way of social media it always seems as though a revolution in digital marketing is around the corner. Traditional ways of reaching customers, like mailers, email marketing and white papers, can no longer accomplish what they once could. Social Media Day San Diego made it crystal clear: customers are in the driver’s seat in today’s marketplace. We live in a time where customers are incredibly well-informed, so it’s our job as content marketers is to proactively provide them with educational content in an effort to draw their attention. In fact, the average amount of time before a person gets distracted is only eight seconds. This means that by the time a customer truly engages with your brand, they are well over half way through the traditional sales cycle and may have already made their decision.

Because social media is constantly evolving, it is our responsibility to re-work how and when to engage with this new breed of customer to ensure a consistent and powerful message is being delivered across all pertinent channels.

Here are a few key takeaways our team gleaned from this year’s Social Media Day San Diego:

  1. Target your audience’s needs before they even know what their needs are. An excellent waiter will refill your water glass when it’s half empty without you noticing or requesting more. Similarly, brands should utilize social media to anticipate and address their target audience’s needs. Social media is an incredibly efficient vehicle for interacting with your customers and servicing their needs, and when utilized properly it can shine a positive spotlight on your brand. Additionally, take note of how your brand can take social media to the next level because in today’s age it involves far more effort than simply establishing an account.
  2. Your customers are your community members. Daily dialog with your customers is a given, but are you making a lasting memory or impact on that customer? The first and single most important thing you can do to drive engagement on social media is to listen with a goal of understanding the big picture. The next step is making engagement and two-way communication convenient for your customer. People want to connect, but they don’t want to jump through a number of hoops before they can reach someone on the other end. Be available and be responsive.
  3. Video is taking over the Internet. Did you know that video content already makes up 79 percent of Internet traffic and will increase to 84 percent by 2018? Social networks are rapidly adopting native videos, which are videos that are uploaded to, or created on social networks and played in-feed, as opposed to linking to videos hosted on other sites. The objective is to contain the user experience within the channel. This is something brands and content marketers need to be particularly conscious of when posting because the auto-play function provides a great opportunity to catch peoples’ attention, but as a result, those first few seconds are crucial. As a content creator your video should speak to your customer’s needs and be compelling enough for it to be shared.
  4. Facebook has become more about business than pleasure. The flagship social network that many viewed as the primary channel for social engagement has evolved into a powerful tool for businesses to build professional network brand recognition, a dedicated community of followers and utilize closely targeted advertising. This transition started with Facebook “Pages” which were created to help businesses, organizations and brands share their stories and connect with people. Like personal profiles, you can customize “Pages” by publishing stories, adding photos and hosting events. Users that like your page, and potentially their friends, will receive updates in their news feed.

Fast forward to Facebook’s latest features which seem a lot more Amazon-like and a lot less Myspace-like. Targeted product ads and multi-product ads allow brands to upload their entire catalogue of products, and then create separate campaigns for each. Furthermore, businesses can let Facebook’s algorithm target the ads automatically to show the right product to the right audiences. Custom audience tools allow businesses to hone in on very specific user demographics with greater targeting capabilities. With the latest introduction of “buy” buttons and the ability to make payments directly through Facebook Messenger, Facebook has shifted its focus to marketing and ecommerce more than social engagement.

  1. LinkedIn is the most important channel for B2B businesses. With its superior networking capabilities coupled with a relatively new publishing platform, LinkedIn publisher is the tool that everybody needs to be on and no one seems to be employing. Many companies have a presence on LinkedIn (and if you don’t you should establish one now) but fail to utilize the tool’s full potential. Mike Stellzner discussed how to establish yourself as a thought leader while connecting with other experts by strategically using tags and focus keywords within the publishing tool. Don’t stop after you’ve written the blog, promote your work via other social media channels and link back to LinkedIn’s publishing tool. With exposure to a professional network and the ability to drive traffic to original content this tool is the ultimate channel for any B2B business

We came, we saw, we conquered… and we encourage you to put these takeaways into action. Our final lesson of the day was from Pat Flynn, self-proclaimed crash test dummy of online business, on the reasons these marketing and PR strategies may fail. If you take nothing else away from our experience just remember that, as Pat said, the pursuit of perfection and fear of rejection are your worst enemies. Don’t be afraid to try something new and if you find that you need a hand, we’re always here to help.

Work with KCD PR!



PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.