Jeremiah Owyang referred to me as a Web Strategist again yesterday, so I’m going to give this a try. Granted I won’t have the huge amount of data that he had! (I’m in training yet.)

Background: We had quite a discussion about Walmart’s Facebook group on his blog. That’s part of the reason I needed to get my own, I want to join these conversations! So here we are.

Yesterday on Twitter, Jeremiah had posted an update about the Walmart group. I provided a link & he said “…you inspired me, I did an Analysis of Wal-Mart vs Target”. This is significant because it’s Jeremiah that’s in charge of inspiring people! He is the most amazing resource. Twitter is quite an amazing place for bouncing ideas around & Jeremiah is a master there (well on his blog too, of course).

So, the discussion has been on Walmart’s sponsored Facebook group. Have you looked at the sponsored groups there? or considered how other are faring?

Here are some facts:

  • about 200 sponsored Facebook groups now
  • most deployed after Feb 07
  • some have memberships of 20,000; Apple Students has 426,643!

The big question in regard to Walmart is – how effective is their presence? I took a step back & considered sponsored groups in general & found examples of some that are doing very well & can be learned from & some that are failing miserably (content for future posts).

Here are some to check out & I’m curious to hear your thoughts? (a Facebook acct is required for these – if you want to add me, my link is under my photo).

  • Facebook Apple Students – very successful, unmoderated
    • 426,643 members – a lot of product info in the threads
  • Dew Uncapped – started in early July
    • openly moderated – excellent example of interaction

  • Jeep o|||||||o – excellent ex of cust’s helping cust’s w/ troubleshooting

I feel that these are ineffective & could harm brand – what do you think?

And this one is Oddly unique

  • PINK Victoria’s Secret since Feb – interesting…

    • it’s keeping people active & it’s not offensive despite the idea that they’re commenting on the image of the previous poster.

I see lots of information here that speaks loudly in terms of lessons in marketing, brand (or damage to), and presence in a social space. Thoughts on that?