Customer Reviews

Secrets of Online Persuasion: Captivating the Hearts, Minds and Pocketbooks of Thousands Using Blogs, Podcasts and Other New Media Marketing Tools

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book contains some interesting ideas and insights about how the new Web 2.0 tools can be used to sell a product. However, the book ultimately is trying to persuade you to buy the courses taught by the authors.

The final chapters are supposed to be online, and you have to register your email address to access them. Having done this, I got a page with this content: "The iChapters and multimedia coaching files are currently being edited and prepared for loading. We will notify you using the email address you provided as soon as they are online."

The book warns about poor marketing techniques, because Web 2.0 enables swift communication between customers, and a product is quickly discredited. I have to agree, and recommend everyone to buy some other book instead.

If you're already blogging and looking for some tips on more effective ways to appeal to your target audience, this is the book for you. Because the Micek's do such a nice job of covering the basics of new media marketing tools though, I think this book is perfectly appropriate for the total novice as well.

A key premise of the book is that traditional marketing, or interruption marketing, is dead (or at least dying very quickly). Regarding your target audience, the authors suggest it's wrong to "find ways to circumvent their defenses." Rather, they note how you need "to get them to open the door and invite you in through influence, persuasion, and trust." Think about some of the most successful word-of-mouth brands out there and, of course, that's how they built momentum.

After answering a series of questions that help determine what results you want from your blog, the book goes on to lay out the framework for what the authors refer to as "tribal marketing." I found the chapter on how to "influence the influencers" to be one of the most interesting ones. This is where the authors present four different types of communication styles, or codes. It's important to know your own code as well as the code of the person you're trying to influence. In the few days since I read this part I've tried to keep what I learned in mind as I'm talking to certain people; I think it really can make a difference in how you communicate, especially in tough situations.

This book was recommended for a class on SEO that I am auditing. I was disappointed. There is good basic information in the book, but not much about SEO. I also didn't find it to be terribly current. If you don't know anything about online marketing, this would be a good book for you. If you have any knowledge of online marketing, look elsewhere for more information.

Then get this book immediately.

I kept hearing all the hype about "new media" (YouTube, MySpace, blogging) but the only thing I really understood was that it seemed to be something that kids did -- mine in particular. LOL I completely missed the point.

Something kept telling me that it was important I understood what the power of the new media is and how I could harness it. That's when I found, Secrets of Online Persuasion.

This book did something that made it worth its weight in gold -- it helped me understand the mindset of the new media. It also helped me begin to formulate a plan to implement new media strategies in our business.

This is an extremely well-written book and if you're a business owner, plan on having a few hours available the minute you get it as you won't be able to put it down.

I first heard about Secrets of Online Persuasion 5 months ago and boy do I wish I picked it up back then. This book has been helpful beyond belief. I have learned at least 10 different ways that I can optimize the New Media that I've already got in place. I had no idea that there were so many features that I could utilize right at my finger tips.

There were some features that I had heard about but really never understood them or thought that there was a benefit to them until I read this book.

Secrets of Online Persuasion is a great read. I had a hard time putting it down. The only time that I put it down was to take immediate action on the great tips that were provided in the book, or to call up a friend and tell them a great new way that they could improve their business.

I love the tone with how the book was written. It's not too techy with describing the details. It's very personal and to the point, with some great examples and resources.

I have a deeper understanding now of exactly why it's important that I focus more of my attention on New Media, rather than just experimenting with it.

The great thing is everything the Micek's mention to do is actually a lot of fun. I've already taken action and I'm loving it.

Get this book today! Don't wait 5 months like I did. You'll kick yourself in the butt.

Now I understand. Build the relationships in the new media and create raving fans. Secrets of Online Persuasion shows the why as well as the how. Before you jump into the new media, you must read this book to avoid costly mistakes.

Learning about web 2.0 after studying online marketing for a while, was a refreshing renewal for me.

I learned the most from Chapters 11 - 12, tribal marketing and influencing the influencer's. It gave a whole new insight into how to honor other peoples style while still honoring my own.

Now go get a copy.

René

I have a blog... now what?

Blogs appeared impervious to search engine whims. They soon earned reputation of great marketing tool to drive traffic to your site.

But... you better give people something they like when they arrive at your site

Secrets is an eye opener on what the changes happening in the new media marketplace.

People are tired of the constant in your face sales pitching. (I'm one of the people) Blogs are just the tip of the iceberg on a revolution happening on the internet... dubbed Web 2.0. The average person now can easily connect with others and express their opinion.

Deb & JP Micek goes beyond using the web 2.0 tools to push your sales pitch. In fact, they don't even encourage it. The influence section is the missing key from so many marketing books.

This section helps you understand your communication code first. Once you understand yourself, you can relate to others better... connect with them... communicate better... to build lasting relationships. When you build a business on relationships, your business is impervious to search engine and economic whims.

Best part of this book... learning my communication code helped identify what held me back from achieving my goals.

OK, the topic of the book is important to businesses who are currently online and those who have yet to get there. However, other than "discovering" that Web 2.0 tools are important, that blogging is a keystone, and that frequency, content and tracking are important, their coverage of the topic could easily have been distilled down to 1 page vs. 1 book. Nothing is covered in detail. The book is a front for their other coaching products. Skim it in the bookstore and save your money.

My problem with the book was no doubt personal. I was looking for insight into how blogs work. The book was about how to be a super salesperson online.
I thought the book was poorly written. It had grammatical errors, for example. It had too much "wow!" and not enough insight.
Just my opionion.