Finally
more companies in Oman are starting to look at social media as a channel to generate
trust and authenticity rather than using it only as a boring advertising
platform. If you recall last year I wrote a post called ‘Power
to the people’ where some brands engaged local
bloggers and Tweeps to connect with their audience on a more personal level. It's seems we're on the right path...
It
is a fact that people are more likely to trust people in their social networks,
even strangers they have never met, than a brand. So whenever you have
something to say let people tell your story, and that’s what Shangri-La's
Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa did yesterday.
It’s
not a huge effort and it pays off; just do a little online research, gather
some well-known people and let them enjoy...they’ll do the rest for you.
For the launch
of ‘A Taste of Thailand’ promotion the Shangri-La smartly brought together several key social
media enthusiasts, all very popular on various platforms, to taste the many
delicious dishes (I can assure you that as I was there too) and spread a real
and genuine message, hopefully positive, about the food and atmosphere.
The
following bloggers wrote about it (just a quick note for you to have an idea about the
exposure; the bloggers’ combined readership is close to 200,000 visits per
month):
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| Andy in Oman (click to read) |
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| Muscat Mutterings (click to read) |
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| Aish Elaqtta (click to read) |
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| FatSu (click to read) |
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| Omani Cuisine (click to read) |
 |
| Andy in Oman 2 (click to read) |
And
here are a few screenshots from other guests using Instagram (thank you to aishelaqtta, rummoya, totemclothing and omanicuisine):
I’m not adding
anything from Facebook or Twitter as I’m sure you got the point of this post.
All of this is genuine content, it showcases the product, it builds
relationships and will probably bring customers in. And it
Isn't all this
better than the usual boring and expensive advert? Well done to the marketing
and F&B teams at the Shangri-La.
Maybe smart on the marketers part but genuine content? Even on Aish Ellaqtta she offers,'Packages vary based on what and how you would like to be featured on the page,' to local advertisers. This creates a bit of a conflict when it comes to genuine as it implies content is for purchase. Best regards.
ReplyDeleteAnon; you're right to some extent however a 'good blogger' should always states his/her opinion.
DeleteI got problems in the past (and I’m sure most bloggers out there too) because I stated my view which someone simply didn't like.
It is in the interest of any blogger to mention when editorial content is purchased as it will avoid readers to doubt about the authenticity of the content.
Lastly; i believe excessive paid editorial content often indicates lack of credibility...and credibility is all it matters to a blogger.
Thanks for passing by :)
Anon,
DeleteThanks for the comment and do let me clarify that the "package" mentioned is nothing excessive in price in comparison to and ad space you would pay for in let’s say a magazine or a newspaper. It’s also inclusive of a blog post, exposure on instagram, twitter, facebook and Google+ in all your exposure is direct to customers unlike other advertising mediums where you’re more than likely to give it a miss.
Recently, I’ve been told "Bloggers write for freebies" and I am glad to say that it’s not the norm anymore. We write and promote based on a personal experience where readers can relate to rather than your mainstream news piece or advertising flyer. Most people believe that they can generate their own social media networks, but they forget the “personal touch” which we provide via blogs.
Let me put it this way…Who would you rather listen to? A person’s experience or advertised hype
OCI
Amen to the post! Its showed how effective social communication and marketing can help toward enhancing a brand, product or organization.
Kudus to Shangrila-la and the like who are utilizing social media platforms via popular individuals