360DigitalInfluence

My pick for the most interesting social media trend of 2008 was the growing focus on talking about social media engagement results - not just actions - across a broad spectrum of social media initiatives.

Here are three innovative uses for social media that generated strong quantifiable results (engagement, awareness, or conversion):

- In crowdsourcing, My Starbucks Idea reported receiving over 75,000 suggestions since its inception in early 2008; the company has implemented several of those including complimentary wi-fi at stores

- In microblogging, Dell Outlet reported selling over $500,000 in refurbished items through Twitter promotions

- In applications, Acuvue reported greater brand awareness and an 18% sales lift in the quarter following the introduction of a creative corporate Facebook application: Acuvue Wink

We’re doing some interesting work within the Digital Influence group on improving social media measurement, including comparability to other marketing media.   Stay tuned for more in 2009.