One of my favorite companies is REI. Some may have heard of them. I'm big into hiking, climbing, skiing, and other "outdoorsy" activities. REI is one of the world's largest retailers of outdoor gear. When I first saw that we were on our own this week for a topic, I immediately thought of REI. Most of the outdoor industry has yet to catch on to social media marketing. Not REI!!! They have utilized several components of social networking/marketing to engage their customers and spark interest from new ones. I want to talk about three of them:
First, is their blog page. They have a first rate blog page where members can log in and comment on dozens of blogs that are posted by staff members and blog writers. I have used this feature many times to find information on new products and advice for various activities. With just a click of mouse, you can share their blog posts and Expert Advice pages on Facebook, Twitter, Stumbleupon, Myspace, and Digg. Pretty cool, huh?
Secondly, REI has a their own Youtube page that they use to promote new product lines and give tips and how-to advice to customers. This is very different from most companies in their industry.
Finally, they have an engaging Facebook page that has 151,991 fans. This page has regular posts on their wall about all kinds of interesting topics that people can comment on and learn from. I have seen several times where people have made friendly wall posts on REI's wall, and REI makes sure to leave them a comment back. They make it a point to use Facebook not as just another advertising page, but as a way to connect with their fans.
I believe that REI is doing a great job with the use of social media marketing in an industry that is lagging behind on this trend. Keep up the great work!!
Check out this blog on Social Media Answers that discusses the use of blogs in the outdoor industry!!!
I have found it to be very rewarding when my favorite companies join the social media realm. I get the vibe that they are getting on my level and want to know me personally. You like REI, I like Hot Yoga, who is on Facebook and use it regularly to post discounts, contest opportunities, and schedule changes. It's nice to be able to get the information I want immediately from a social media site instead of having to call a business and do all the leg work. With social media, businesses are coming to the consumers, and I don't think consumers will ever want that to change.
ReplyDeleteRob great post! That is great that they have that many fans on their Facebook page. I have never heard of the company, but it is great to follow a company and get information that is relevant to what you do. I also like how they incorporated Facebook as a way to connect fans and fellow hikers. I am a fan of Hot Yoga like Jessica and I loved when they made a Facebook page. I follow "yoga mom" on a weekly basis to see what she has to say!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Rob! I think it's interesting that REI is one of the only ones in their industry who is involved in social media. Borders is having to close a lot of its stores and I think it is partly because they have not improved their technology and social media like Barnes and Noble and other competitors have. I think REI is a cool company and they seem to be focusing on getting business from a younger or more active crowd so I think social media will be a helpful tool for them.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I’m big into recreation also they have some awesome equipment, its true they are in the know when it comes to social medial marketing. They are on all the big pages. I believe that it will catch on in the recreation industry. Businesses will find out that this is the way to do business on down the road.
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