Loading ...In the social space, many people have risen to a Web celebrity status. While there are obvious advantages to this, there are also some challenges. One such challenge is finding the profit to match the Web celebrity.
As Relationship Marketing Specialist Mari Smith explains, many of these Web icons, if you will, make a name for themselves by being very personable and by giving away free information. In order to make a profit, she suggests that these personalities turn their knowledge into the product.
“The monetization part comes from whatever you have given out for free,” says Smith.
In other words, people need to take the content they have built and expand it beyond free information by creating products both virtually and physically. Smith believes that people should do this gradually.
For example, start with a free webinar on a topic showcasing your expertise that proves your value, and also include an offer at the end. Based on the response of this offer, people then have the opportunity to develop a customized product, event, or even a series of programs to further intrigue their audience.
What challenges have you faced while establishing yourself as a brand?
Sorry, I gotta disagree, this is so 5 years ago.
You a web celeb trying to cash in on your massive social network?
You need to get companies to pay you for talking about or “conviently” using a product in your VLOG, that’s the best way, you get repeat business from the companies (and hopefully bidding wars) without making your social network feel like they’ve been had or used. It’s not just about selling ad space anymore.
Basically don’t change a thing on the Social side… whatever you have been doing works, don’t @#$!% it up!
Hey Damon – everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course. In my experience, the very reason people are able to build up a significant following in the first place is because of the valuable information and knowledge they share with their network — along with generally being a likable person! Being paid for product reviews is one possible choice out of an abundance of ways to monetize your online efforts; it’s not one that I choose.
1. I’m not going to be as nice as Mari.
2. Who are you to tell her how to support her efforts?
3. You said,
“…you get repeat business from the companies (and hopefully bidding wars) without making your social network feel like they’ve been had or used.”
But, yet, you attempt to use (spam) HER social (capital) network to promote YOUR blog! I see this as hypocritical!
Mari, thank you from all of us whom you have religiously helped with your efforts. We do appreciate it. And when the time is right for us, we will buy your products – over and over again!
Many thanks for the opportunity to chat about this important topic while we were at BlogWorld! Always a pleasure to connect with Abby – she’s such a pro at interviews!
Btw, if peeps want to view the slides that go with this presentation I gave, here’s the direct link: http://slidesha.re/dLGM2n
WebProNews rocks!!
Thanks for the kind words, Mari. You’re always a pleasure to interview!!