Viral marketing + incentives = Increased Holiday Sales

According to Word of Mouth Marketing Association, viral marketing and incentives were the major factors in online retail sales this holiday season. Previous surveys have shown that a staggering number of customers turn to friends, colleagues, etc. for advice about possible purchases. This year incentives offered by retailers, most in the form of free shipping, has played a major role in increased sales, as well. Has the importance of incentives reflected savvy shopping by the customers- getting the best deal for their money, or has it been due to the idea of "getting something for nothing?" The word "free" tends to have great power in today's society.

Whatever the reason, it appears that the optimism of companies about holiday sales, early in the season, has most likely proven true. In fact, to draw customers to their web sites, over 97% of online retailers invested in search engine marketing, 73% in comparison shopping engines, and many in other unconventional online marketing strategies.

The Loss is Still Strong

It is not quite two weeks since I lost my dear pet, Cassie. The grief and sense of loss is still so great at times, that it is almost impossible to do anything that requires thought and concentration - - such as writing this blog.

When it seems that everyone around you is caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and preparations, and that is the least of your concerns at the moment, it is almost too painful to be out among people. And yet, it is just as painful to be at home with the silence and emptiness left from the loss of my furry companion and friend.

So, I will continue to post on this blog as often as I can, but whether there is a new post or not, we’re still here. After the first of the year, there will be some changes coming to the look of the music2work2 web site. There is already some new music there you can check out. I think it is among some of the best!

What a bargain!

It is pretty typical to find sales on many items this time of year, but what has got to be one of the biggest holiday discounts around this season is Peer Impact’s offering its entire catalogue of tracks for as little as a penny and albums for a dime. Digital Music News reports that “Peer Impact is using the steep discounts to motivate buying, attract new consumers, and draw attention to its DigiGift program.”

DigiGifts are digital gifts purchased for someone and delivered to them through an email. The secure P2P network also offers movie files.