stedavies.com - communications consultant

…because I couldn’t think of ten.

Moblogging is still a relatively new concept but is bringing together communities across the world. Wikipedia definition: “Moblog is a blend of the words mobile and weblog. A mobile weblog, or moblog, consists of content posted to the Internet from a mobile or portable device, such as a cellular phone or PDA. Moblogs generally involve technology which allows publishing from a mobile device.”

Moblogging is a tool that, in time, will be used in various PR campaigns. Statistics show that in 2005 over 800 million camera equipped phones were sold globally – something that the PR profession cannot ignore and should be attempting to utilise.

The old saying, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words‘ rings true, so imagine if you will, if you had a thousand moblogging publics? That’s a lot of words!

Regional Development Agencies
Your client is a regional development agency that aims to promote the area where it’s based. Set up a branded moblog and ask residents, visitors and tourists to email scenic, fun, party and events photos in order to show people who plan on visiting the area what is has to offer. And remember, the Internet is usually the first thing people use when checking out an area they’re visiting.

Non Governmental Organisations
NGOs are not restricted to only one country with some being truly global organisations. For example, Oxfam works in numerous third world countries helping the unfortunate. Setting up a moblog for volunteers is an effective and easy method to show the world the work they are doing and the plight that some people are in first-hand.

Promotion
This one has already been done here, here and here. And yes, I may have blogged about it before, but I think it’s a great way to create interaction between fans and their idols. Band members are posting ‘life on the road’ as they gig and tour, giving the fans inside information.

Promotional moblogging could also be used for other individuals such as MPs when they’re on a campaign trail or a movie crew to generate hype when filming a movie.

Branding
Okay, you work for a client who wants to increase their branding online. What about running a moblog competition where entrants can email (by camera or phone) the most ‘way-out’ photos of your client’s products with a winner chosen every month? E.g.The Starbucks Photo Challenge or Pepsi Picture Perfect or McDonalds Moblog Madness. (Work with me here!)

The use of these photos could be taken a step further and used as grass roots advertising campaigns.

Internal Communication
Internal communication is an essential part of every organisation and is considered a vital tool for enhancing employee morale, promoting transparency and reducing attrition. Large organisations could benefit from a moblog where staff can post photos of nights out, club events, marriages, births, etc. Not only will this promote staff morale internally, but promote the organisation to outside publics including prospective job applicants as a ‘fun place to work’.

Media Relations and Coverage
You’re organising a press conference, photo shoot or event and most (or possibly all) of the invited media fail to show up. Your client’s peeved as it looks like they’re not going to get the coverage they’re after. What do you do? As a back up (or indeed as an added extra) set up a moblog prior so you have an archived photo diary of the events as they unfold.

Or, what if the media have told you they can’t make it due to time constraints or deadlines? Why not send them a link to the moblog and tell them you will be adding content in real time. Not only will it help you get coverage but you might also be doing the journalists a favour too.

Campaigning
Friends of the Earth are an environmental campaigning group that is sub-grouped into 70 countries. They fight against many issues affecting the world including pollution. Setting up a collective moblog for the public to send in photos to help raise interest and support. A fantastic example of this kind of moblog is the We Are Not Afraid moblog started after the July London Bombings.

Crisis Communication
The scenario is… well, I haven’t thought of a crisis communications scenario where a moblog can help – but surely there must be a situation where having a collective amount of people instantly adding photos to the web that can help quash rumours, suspicions or lies? Anyone?

Just a few ideas to throw up in the air. Can anyone add to that?

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moblog, moblogging, pr, public+relations, stephen+davies