Bid My Cleaning Auction Site

In the last week I’ve come across two new auction sites for professional services.  One from Sears called ServiceLive.com allows you to hire home repair services in an auction format.  The other is Bidmycleaning.com which is an auction site for home maid services.

As the unemployment numbers continue to rise over the next year I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple other of these auction sites pop up.  It’s a great channel for self-employed or newly unemployed to easily find customers.  And for consumers to hire professionals based on an open social vetting process.  These sites allow the consumer of the service rate and review the service.  Another powerful example of how social networking and reviews are driving confidence in the buying decision.

As an Internet Marketer think about how this trend may develop in the future.  They will be marketing opportunities provided through these auction sites.  Whether it is email list, display advertising, or cost per activity.  This will be an interesting trend to follow,

I recently had the opportunity to talk to a couple marketing classes at Lehigh University about several aspects of Internet Marketing. I also took the opportunity to give these seniors some pointers on finding a job. Below if a video of that segment of the class:

Every once in awhile I come across a new online tool and add it to a folder in my bookmarks titled “Web Tools”.  Here are a couple new sites that I have come across that you may want to add to your “Tools”:

Facebook Application Stats:

http://www.allfacebook.com/facebook-application-statistics/

Facebook Fan Page Stats:

http://www.allfacebook.com/statistics/pages/

Search the Blogosphere by Key Words:

http://www.blogscope.net/

Search the entire SocNet universe:

http://www.whostalkin.com/

Data on any Web Site:

http://www.quarkbase.com/

Compare web site stats:

http://www.compete.com/

SEO Tools:

http://www.avangate.com/articles/online-seo-tools_79.htm

This example is not from an online source — it comes to us from last nights SNL where Pepsi blurred the line between Ad and Sketch.  I post it here because it is a great idea starter for innovative online campaigns.  Whenever putting together a creative campaign I recommended to always look for a way to merge the advertising with the editorial.  Yes, the editorial folks always balk — but your engagement will by multiple times higher than going with straight ads.

Dove Micro Site on MSN

Dove is soap.  Or is it?  Dove is an expression of self esteem.  Is it?  Dove would like you to think so.  Have a look at this very well produced micro-site (link here).

Dove has used the Internet to create a brand position in a way no other medium would allow.  Consumers of Dove can delve pretty deep into their concept of beauty and self-esteem.  Forums, expert Blogs, Widgets, and other tools provide Dove’s consumers with a way to interact with the brand that truly connects the consumer with the position.

If you think your products transcend the product benefit/need fulfillment and can connect to the consumer on an emotional level — or if your product is a commodity like soap and you need to create an emotional connection as a differenciator nothing beats the web to offer a robust engagement.  Have a look at the Dove site and get a feel — they are not selling Soap.  They are selling self-esteem and using the web do to is very effectively.