Everyone knows that social media provides an excellent channel for marketers to engage with their customers, but many marketers mistake the medium as an opportunity to talk at their customers, not with them. The real value of the channel is that by engaging in conversation, companies can spark quality interactions with consumers - and actually learn something. By taking the time to develop interactive marketing campaigns, you can funnel customer interaction into traditional marketing objectives, such as increases in product trials , and Web site traffic.
SAP got it right when it recently launched a campaign within the SAP® Crystal solutions community of users. The goal was to increase customers' engagement with the brand, drive Web site traffic, and promote downloading of free trials. To do all this, SAP created an online personality quiz aimed at users of SAP Crystal solutions. The eight-question quiz asked the community, "what kind of reporting artist are you?"
A lot of people answered.
Within the first four weeks alone, the quiz had more than 1,615 views and 1,000 completions. The answers divided the audience into four distinct personalities, ranging from fanatic artists to reluctant users.
Which category would you fall into?
The Standouts
You're a true reporting artist. You could ride to work each day in an ostentatiously painted tour bus, and your reports should be dipped in gold and framed on your walls. People should need special credentials around their neck just to get an audience with you. We raise our lighters and sway our arms in admiration. Keep it real with a free trial of SAP Crystal Reports. Use it to build more stunning reports and dashboards. See you at the top of the charts.
The Team Players
You're no slouch on the keyboard. And you're certainly no stranger to applause. Neither are your reports. You're the kind of player who feeds off the energy of your fans and sends them home satisfied. You always manage to stay cool - even under the hot glare of the spotlight. There are lots of acts around town that would give their diamond-studded briefcases to have you in the group. Keep it real with a free trial of SAP Crystal Reports. Use it to build more stunning reports and dashboards.
The Tightropes
Elvis was famous for having left the building. And you put passion in what you do so that you can leave in style too. You think all things should be in balance. Rock and roll. Rhythm and blues. Work and home. We admire your style. Keep it real with a free trial of SAP Crystal Reports Dashboard Design. Use it to build more stunning reports and dashboards. It'll help you make better decisions so fast, you'll get out of work in time to see the opening act.
The Fahgedaboutits:
Like so many talented artists, you are misunderstood. You don't want to be a poser and pretend your job is your life. It's not. We get it. We know you'd rather do other things with your time. That's why we'd like to make a request: Download a free trial of SAP Crystal Reports Dashboard Design. It just might lead to the breakout performance you've always wanted. After all, this solution will help you build more stunning reports and dashboards - and make smarter decisions faster. Like how best to sneak out of the office for a new CD.
Building on the reporting artist theme and the popularity of the quiz, today the team launches a new three-month campaign called "Reportapalooza." Music and dashboard fanatics alike will note the promotion is appropriately named, because like Lollapalooza, the event features an all-star line up of industry icons. Jamie Oswald, David Deitch, Jim Brogden, Brian Durning, and Mico Yuk are reporting artists and influencers with a body of work to rival the Rolling Stones. They will compete in a multichallenge contest that not only tests their mastery of the software, but their ability to solicit participation from their fan base.
Ultimately, the goal of this new interactive microsite is to continue to build quality interaction with the community as well as increase product trials. But without a doubt, another byproduct will be some classic report and dashboard gems.
Here's a sneak peak at the challenge line-up - and here again I am quoting from the site:
Reportapalooza is a festival of reporting and dashboard challenges:
- Dashboards by request: We have challenged our experts to design a practical dashboard. And they want your input.
- Lessons from a reporting maestro: Share your biggest reporting questions for our experts to turn into how-to videos
- Report hero: Has SAP Crystal solutions ever helped you save the day? The number one story gets turned into a collectable poster.
- Mystery challenge: Like the bonus track on a CD, you have to keep your ear out for this one.
- Reporting remix: Our experts race to master an SAP Crystal solutions product they don't know. Follow their progress in tweets and blogs.
I hope you will follow the progress of the campaign as closely as I will. If it's as good as I expect, you'll probably see me write about it again. Check out the site to learn more. You can also follow on Twitter and Facebook.