Find out how your Favorite Brands are doing on Social Media - Do you agree with the results?

So do you wanna know how your brands are doing on Social Media? Just use the Digital IQ Index created by NYU Stern Professor Scott Galloway.

Digital IQ is defined as the benchmark for online competence.

The Methodology = Evaluating (Brand site 40% + Digital Marketing 20% + SEO 20% + Social Media 20%)

The Results? Take a look at the Top 5 Below, do you Agree?

1 REI Apparel

2 IKEA Home Furnishings

3 Threadless E-tailer

4 Coach Shoes & Leather goods

5 A|X Armani Exc hange Apparel

Download full report here.

Mobile Marketing Evolution

This graphic and blog post from Melissa Parrish, a mobile marketing expert, is helpful in understanding the various phases of launching a mobile marketing campaign. As I read it, I thought about which companies and products I use that are in each phase and whether or not it makes sense for every organization to reach the "connecting online and offline touchpoints" phase. What do you guys think of this approach?

Barbie & Ken: A Love Affair

It’s a little late for a Valentine’s post, but I thought I’d bring this creative digital marketing campaign to your attention. Mattel has embarked on a mission to bring Ken & Barbie back together via social media. Ken has turned to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare and even Match.com! He also took out some billboard space in New York and Los Angeles in hopes of winning back his true love.

It’s actually pretty cute, very interactive and the messaging seems to be consistent across all platforms. Check out this Mashable article that has links to Ken's various profiles.

Majority of people have abandonned brands on Facebook and Twitter

Not easy for companies to keep in touch with their customers on Facebook or Twitter: just see !

Virtual Shopping Companions

Part of social media is the technology we use to access it. Mobile technology in particular has been pivotal to the social media revolution, and I think it's pretty clear that this trend will continue. One of the new features of the iPhone 4 is FaceTime, which gives users the capability to video-conference with friends over the phone, since the camera is on the same side as the video feed. In a recent blogpost, MS&L (shameless plug for my new employer) points out the implications that this will have for marketers.

Plenty of social media sites already have changed the way we shop, from online stores to Yelp to Amazon.com. But when was the last time you had two items of clothing you couldn't decide between, and you called a friend for advice? With your smartphone, have you ever snapped a photo and sent it to someone for their opinion?

With the new iPhone, there's no more describing details or taking awkward photos of the mirror in the dressing room. Via video conference, you can show the items you're considering while you chat about the pros and cons of purchase on the phone. Your best friend or favorite shopping companion doesn't actually have to be there to offer his or her opinion.

Marketers and retailers need to be ready for this as the remote third party gains more and more influence over individual shopping decisions. I doubt it will be long before mobile applications will pop up to take advantage of this capability.