Social Networking Sites don't target Boomers

Came across this yesterday....According to emarketer.com, only 22% of 'Boomers' (aged 40 and over) use Social Networking sites....

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?id=1006359&src=article1_newsltr

Marketers are using Social Networking sites more and more, likely because it's inexpensive, yet what needs to be considered here is who your are targeting and the time spent on developing such campaigns. If you are targeting the 'Boomer' demographic....you are likely better off partnering with a brand that is relevant to your proposition and will get you in front of your target audience, even if it does cost a more to do so. It's not about cost, it's about meeting your marketing objectives.

Microsoft Partners with Online Retailers to offer 'Cash Back'

If you are looking for a new 'cost effective' online partnership to promote your online store....this may be the one. Microsoft Live Search 'Cash Back' now has online retailers listing products in their 'Live Search' at a fixed CPA and paying only for Sales Generated. Interesting program.....

You can read more about it here: http://search.live.com/cashback/cashBackForAdvertisers

Microsoft and Yahoo look to Partner to take on Google

After several recent takeover attempts, Microsoft is now exploring a partnership with Yahoo which will result in having a true 'number 2' to Google in the search engine space. Buy taking a minority stake in the company and buying Yahoo's search business unit, Microsoft would find itself in a better position to compete with the aforementioned search giant. It's all well and nice to think that Microsoft can buy Yahoo's search business and then steal additional share from Google on top of it - yet, I think it's easier said that done. Google is, without question, the search 'destination brand' and through a series of desktop applications, their online partner network and reach through various channels and applications (including wireless), Google will not be easily outdone, even by a giant like Microsoft. I think that what Microsoft would have to gain the most from by any type of partnership with Yahoo, would be the opportunity to benefit from wider reach and access to larger online audiences to promote their software products to. They can try all they want with regard to search, but they will only move the needle a tiny a bit in their direction.

MySpace hooks up with NBC to show off talent

This just in...You no longer need to head to one of the 'audition cities' in the US to get on to NBC's newest season of America's Got Talent. In a partnership with NBC, MySpace will accept video submissions from MySpace users and create a "virtual audition city".

Online Auditions....why not? Tap in to a wider pool of talent...Makes sense.

You can read more about it here....MySpace Will Hold Talent Show Auditions

Office Depot, Carl Edwards Team For NASCAR Small Business Contest

Office Depot and NASCAR driver Carl Edwards yesterday began a contest to select the "Official Small Business of NASCAR." The promotion includes a Web site called "Connect with Carl." The

winning business' company name and logo will appear on Carl Edwards' Sprint Cup No. 99 Office Depot Ford race car during the Kansas 400 at Kansas Speedway on September 28. Small Businesses can enter the contest at www.officedepotracing.com through June 22.

Love how Office Depot is looking to further help their Small Business customers.

McCain teams up with Blockbuster

Now, inside specialty marked packages of McCain Frozen Pizzas, you can receive a PIN which can be used to obtain a coupon for a free Blockbuster Movie Rental once you enter the PIN at the following website:

http://www.mccainpromotions.ca/

With so many Canadians watching the NHL Playoffs, I suppose this is a move by Blockbuster to get customers in to their stores. Seems like a decent promotional partnership, except for those who don't have access to a Blockbuster store....

CIBC Mortgages hooks up with Sears

With the heavy 'moving season' around the corner, CIBC Mortgages has teamed up with Sears in Canada to offer customers who get a new Mortgage a free new home appliance. I like the timeliness of this marketing partnership and how it's bundled. Moving is definitely a life stage or behaviour that triggers the purchasing new appliances...

You can read more about it here:

http://www.cibc.com/ca/focus/spring-lending-2008/index.html