A Blog Post That Earns a Coupon
Posted by Hendry Lee on 08/30/06 in Blog Promotion, Business Blogging
Markus Merz gives another real example on how blogging — and other social networking activities — could be of great benefits if you have something great to say or show.
Basically he wrote an article about the Joby’s mini-tripod Gorillapod. He also recently created a Flickr group called Gorillapod Love.
When he sent an email as part of announcements to Joby, the manufacturer, he got a great response.
“I have looked through your articles and websites on the Gorillapod. You have a lot of rich content and wonderful photos. I especially enjoyed the Gorillapod Love Flickr group. In honor of this group, we have created a special Coupon Code for you and your online friends called “GorillapodLOVE”. If you enter that code (all one word, no quotes) into the Coupon Code field on the www.Joby.com checkout screen, you and your friends will receive 10% off on all Joby products until the end of this year. Please feel free to advertise this on your sites!”
This is a perfect example of what happened if a company understand the power of social media and viral marketing, especially through blogging.
See, it is not only about blogging but also networking and being able to find and fill the gaps, moving the work forward with promotion and other activities. Don’t forget email. 
I find this kind of blog post refreshing…
Source: Performancing.
Markus Merz | Reply
Thanks for mentioning my post on p.com.
I really believe that understanding this example will help small businesses to find their inexpensive way to do effective marketing esp. for low price level products.
In this special example the manufacturer must be aware of critical comments from his distribution partners as Joby is directing customers to their shop directly.
Hendry Lee | Reply
Markus,
Your post should “earn” some attention from fellow bloggers and readers who are trying to make a living from blogging.
It is a perfect example of how blogging could bring good things to any business. I am talking about any kind of results, not just a 10% discount coupon.
It is about being an influencer with our work, even if we are “nobody”.
Markus Merz | Reply
Oh yes, you are absolutely right. I just wanted to point out that it is esp. useful for the SOHO businesses.
And there is still a difference between a businessman doing corporate blogging and a blogger blogging along
That has to be learned first. I had a very unpleasant experience with such a one-way oriented business blogger yesterday.