Dialog Web Communications at OSU

We’ve just launched the Powered by Orange Web site, part of our newest campaign. Unlike traditional campaigns where the audience is expected absorb the message and then somehow recall it when it comes time for action, in this campaign, the audience can actually participate, and even wind up running the show.

There are a host of social media elements to this effort, including an interactive Google map that can be tagged with the locations of Beaver-powered buisnesses or sites that proove OSU’s impact on the community. There are also LinkedIn and Facebook groups, a comments-enabled blog, a Twitter feed, Flicker and YouTube content.

Let us know what you think of the campaign. And don’t be afraid to join in.

YouTube Direct

Popularity: 33% [?]

We recently conducted a series of focus groups on our OSU Web presence, specifically the home page. The results were fascinating. And, unfortunately, not all of the results turned out the way I would have wanted.

For example, I would have hoped for a larger number of tweeters, but only 5% of our subjects used Twitter regularly.

Still, Twitter is an important communications platform. It’s the first worldwide application streamlined for cell phone use. We get amazing and immediate feedback. And I expect it’s going to grow exponentially as handheld devices and cell phones try to keep up with the iPhone.

It’s never good to ignore data, but sometimes you have to take risks. I will be willing to bet that the number of Twitter users will grow next year.

Daniel Schorr was recently introduced to Twitter (he now tweets), and he used a wonderful analogy, calling it the modern equivalent of the ancient Greek marketplace known as the Agora, where people would gather to share ideas and hear feedback (okay, it was only open to free-born males with property; the ancient Greeks were enlightened, but not that enlightened).

Daniel’s enlightenment moment is shown below. And after you check that out, why not follow the 92-year-old tweeter. And while you’re at it, follow OSU on Twitter as well.

YouTube DirectLink

Popularity: 46% [?]

According to Google Analytics, every Monday over 20,000 visitors arrive at the OSU Web, stay two minutes and 14 seconds, view one and three-quarters pages, then move on.  The number decreases each day of the week until Saturday, when we’re down to less than 12,000 visitors.  What are those 12,000 people looking for on a Saturday?  It intrigues me!

But what would be even more intriguing would be to watch their movement across the entire OSU site – to have our tracking code on every page.  That would provide us with a clear picture of where we would be wise to invest in further development and also where we can minimize our efforts.  Anyone wanting data for their site should let us know so we can assist you in placing the appropriate tracking information and creating a unique profile for you.  The more sub-sites of OSU that sign-up, the greater detail we will have of how visitors are using our Web resources. Oh, did I mention that it’s free?

Popularity: 10% [?]