social - Internet Marketing News and Blogs

Yesterday saw Google’s entry into the Browser wars. Launched initially for Windows, later releases will include Mac and Linux/Unix-based software.

The SEO industry in particular has been abuzz with the launch, with many taking special time out of their day to test the new tool (Ref: Twitter – you know who you are).

However, what is the big deal?

Online bookmarking service Delicious has relaunched with an improved version of its site, with improvements including an enhanced search facility.

It seems like a hundred years ago when a client first asked me: "What's Usenet and should we be seeding it?"

I don't know who they had been speaking to but whoever it was should be locked away in a room with angry toddlers.

Marketing is part art, part science. In the past, there was probably too much focus on art.

Now with the advent of new technologies like the internet, I'd argue there’s probably too much focus on science. The truth is that good marketing incorporates both.

A recent study has shown that a lot of traditional publishing companies have struggled to implement and make the most of user-generated content (UGC), with costs and efficiency listed as the main reasons.

But those that worry that enough people aren't submitting UGC may be missing out on the much larger numbers who interact with it.

A number of companies now provide white label social networking platforms that enable other websites to build out their own communities.

These services can be either hosted or based on your own server and can be used by blogs and other websites to create a community around the content and brand.

We take a look at ten of these services:

OSOYOU is a social shopping site that displays fashion items from retailers including Marks & Spencer, Warehouse and Dorothy Perkins.

Launched in November 2007, it combines these e-commerce features with a social network that allows users to create their own wishlists, compare them and purchase the items from the site's partners.

We talked to OSOYOU marketing manager Leon Bailey to find out a bit more...

Calling all social media heroes! Are you fed up seeing the same old chestnuts trotted out as examples of great social media campaigns?

P2P lending site Zopa is set to launch in the US this week, where it will compete with firms like Prosper and CircleLending, recently rebranded as Virgin Money USA.

Zopa's US version will differ from its UK site as investors will have their funds 'federally insured', instead of spreading their risk by loaning small amounts to multiple borrowers. 

This guarantee, the firm hopes, will allow it to attract capital quickly as it is not something competing P2P sites currently offer.

Sam Decker, Chief Marketing Officer at Bazaarvoice, sorts the hype from the facts.